Latest news with #CoconutGrovePlayhouse
CBS News
26-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Crews work through holiday to stabilize Coconut Grove Playhouse after partial collapse
Construction crews spent Memorial Day working to secure the Coconut Grove Playhouse after a partial collapse last week caused by a contractor's mistake, according to Miami-Dade County officials. Beams were installed along the outer walls in an effort to stabilize the historic structure, which is now at risk just two years ahead of its planned 100th anniversary reopening. Former employee reflects on sudden closure Brooke White knows the playhouse well. She shared memorabilia from her time as the Playhouse's "house manager." White says she worked there for about a year and a half and was given about a week's notice when the playhouse closed in 2006. "They pretty much locked it up and wouldn't let anyone else in," White said. "It was very abrupt." "That was where the offices were. Where the apartments were that actors stayed while they were doing their performances," White said. White was startled by what she saw happen to her old workplace. "It looks like the whole third floor just kinda caved in there," White said. Collapse raises concerns about preservation Last month, Miami-Dade County announced it had approved renovations for a reopening. But last Wednesday, the county says the permitted contractor accidentally removed a load-bearing wall on the second floor, causing part of the third floor to collapse. A county spokesperson says no historic architectural elements were damaged. We reached out to the contractor, but did not hear back. The county says the incident will be addressed with the contractor. White says she is glad that the playhouse is coming back but isn't sure if she will recognize it after this partial collapse. "Seeing them put up these beams. I'm very worried that they're not gonna be able to preserve the historic facade. Which was what they were originally going to save," White said. CBS News Miami brought her concerns to the county, but did not hear back. In the meantime, Main Highway will remain closed off as officials stabilize the building. A City of Miami official tells CBS News Miami Main Highway is expected to open up June 5.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Partial collapse of historic Coconut Grove Playhouse prompts road closures, safety concerns
A partial collapse at the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse has led to road closures and safety concerns just ahead of the busy holiday weekend, after a structural mishap caused the third floor to give way earlier this week. According to a city official, the collapse occurred on Wednesday when a wall on the second floor was mistakenly removed, triggering a partial failure of the third floor. Engineers determined that other parts of the structure could also be at risk, prompting the closure of Main Highway as a precaution. The city expects the building to be stabilized within eight days. The Coconut Grove Playhouse, built in 1927, has been closed for nearly 20 years. Just last month, Miami-Dade County announced it had awarded a renovation permit to a contractor for a planned reopening. CBS News Miami reached out to the contractor for comment on the collapse but did not receive a response. Community impact and frustration Local residents, including Rafael Palacios and his wife Rose, said they were warned about traffic delays the night before their grandson's graduation at nearby Ransom Everglades School. "The reason why is because the Coconut Grove Playhouse partially collapsed down the street," they said. They decided to take an Uber instead of driving. "We know better. When you see that? Where are you gonna park?" Rose said. Rafael expressed frustration about the state of the building. "It's an embarrassment that it is like that. They should have knocked it down or rebuilt it or do something with it. Not just have that old building standing there," he said. Preservationists and locals react Many in the community are saddened to see further deterioration of the beloved landmark. "It's fabulous. Fabulous place. Big part of Grove history. So it's a shame to see it in the shape that it's in," said Andy Griffith of Coconut Grove. Miami-Dade County has stated that the playhouse is expected to reopen in 2027, its 100th anniversary. CBS News Miami reached out to the county to ask whether the recent collapse could delay those plans, but has not yet received a response.
