Category Archives: History
Under Utilization in the CBD: Part III (Un-designated Historic)
Continued from Part II of Under Utilization in the CBD
Historic but not Designated
In the last Under-Utilization post I discussed buildings that are designated as historic by the HEPB and the set of eight criteria used to officially distinguish them. It was noted that there are a few examples of impressive and well-known antiquated buildings that are not officially designated historic. In considering these un-designated but old structures, I will only refer to those that either are being well utilized or demonstrate favorable utilization/restoration conditions. Let’s consider some of them. Continue reading
Under Utilization in the CBD: Part II (Historic Designations)
Image: The Related Group’s Loft II (left) and the historic Congress Building (right)
Historic Designations
Since the CBD is filled with antiquated structures, there are many that stand no hope of restoration and rehabilitation, but there are some examples of historic buildings with potential for adaptive reuse. I’ll defer to Chapter 23 of the City Code, which sets forth a set of 8 criteria for the designation of a historic structure/site worthy of preservation:
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Parallel Histories: Miami and the Great U.S. Cities (Part II – Chicago & NYC)
At a time when Miami has exceeded NYC in construction, analyzing the Magic City’s evolution in comparison to other great U.S. cities becomes rather important. This series aims at following Miami’s emergence from obscurity into what has arguably become the Gateway to the Americas. Miami’s emergence is tracked parallel to other U.S. cities in order to see a unique picture of Miami’s historic evolution and its special role in 21st Century urban America. Continued from Part One Continue reading
Parallel Histories: Miami and the Great U.S. Cities (Part I)
Images: Mouth of the Miami River in 1896 (above) and 2007 (below) Getting Started At a time when Miami has exceeded NYC in construction, analyzing the Magic City’s evolution in comparison to other great U.S. cities becomes rather interesting. This … Continue reading
Filed under BoB Articles, History, The Big Picture
MIMO Money
Mimo (My-Moe), short for Miami Modern architecture, is becoming quite the alluring architectural style for new construction. In fact, when looking at Miami Beach’s most well known Mimo buildings, one easily realizes that almost all of them are undergoing impressive and expensive transformations. Continue reading
Filed under Bal Harbour, BoB Articles, History, MiMo District, Sunny Isles, Surfside
Miami: a Modern History
This is an incredibly concise and comprehensive view of the modern history of Miami. It comes from an unlikely source, the ASJE Organization (Alliance for Sustainable Jobs and the Environment). It is well written, impeccably researched, and has a great … Continue reading
Looking Back: The FTAA Protests
This was clearly edited by an activist. Still, it is historic footage.
Filed under History
West Miami was Founded by Defiant Gamblers and Bar Owners
After confirming that Sweetwater was founded by Russian circus midgets, I thought it advisable to look into other incorporation stories. As it turns out, some are quite interesting. The City of West Miami defiantly came into existence as a reaction … Continue reading
Filed under History
The City of Sweetwater was Founded by Russian Circus Midgets!!!!
At least I had heard this a while back in a Miami Politics course while in college. I wasn’t sure I believed Professor Moreno but felt that he had no reason to lie. Still, I was skeptical. Until I looked … Continue reading
Filed under History
I Don’t Want Cupcakes, but leave the Boulevard’s Royal Palms Alone!
Several people were handing out cupcakes to drivers and pedestrians in Downtown Miami to protest the city’s plan to replace Biscayne Boulevard’s numerous Royal Palms with Live Oak trees. This has to be the most absurd piece of news I’ve heard in a long while. Continue reading
Filed under BoB Articles, CBD: Financial District, History, News
