To the Editor:
As Chairman of the Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council, I’m writing to correct Richard Fendelman’s August 21st claim that the new Coconut Grove Playhouse theater will have fewer seats than the 300-seat theater detailed in the County’s proposed plans.
The plans for the new theater include a total of 306 seats. The ground floor plan does not show all the seats because the floor is raked, and the upper rows of seating can be found on the second (mezzanine level) of the design plans.
The plan for the new theater at the Playhouse has not changed and continues to meet the commitment to provide a 300+ seat venue.
After lying dormant for the past 16 years, the new facility will preserve the important historical elements of the Coconut Grove Playhouse and restore its role as a vibrant cultural space for our community. It is about time the Playhouse again takes its rightful place as an artistic jewel in the heart of Coconut Grove.
Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight.
Brian May, Chairman
Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council
Mr. May, the side view of the Arquitectonica latest plans on your website clearly shows a three or four foot space behind the back row, a probable wall and Mezzanne Lobby and what looks like an elevator door. Is the Mezzanne for standing room or folding chairs? It’s hard for me to imagine another 100+ seats in that small space. The flat floor would have terrible site lines. Please explain further or show us any updated plans. These current plans can be seen by anyone at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oQD00XUNhTJCrzMH9YyXT4jnJIU_5cTH/view
All want theater to return to the Grove, but the County’s plan – unfortunately, for this publicly-owned, civic zoned property – is to build a 300-seat theater, surrounded by approx. 25,000 sq/ft of commercial development (including restaurants, retail, stores and offices).
The plan is, quite literally, for a tiny theater surrounded by a glass-and-concrete shopping mall.
Worse, the County’s plan shows this commercial development flowing down onto Charles, Williams, and Thomas Avenue — three of the oldest streets in one of Miami’s oldest communities of African descent.
Our City, and County, should listen to the concerns of the community, and do better.
People want their elected officials to stand up for healthy, livable neighborhoods – not simply rubber-stamp commercial development paving over our communities.