Resolution 2021-31921RESOLUTION NO. 2021-31921
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING UP TO $400,000 FROM THE CITY'S
FY 2022 BUDGET, TO BE USED BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
DEVELOP CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OPTIONS FOR THE BYRON CARLYLE
THEATER RENOVATION, WHICH WILL BE INFORMED BY COMMUNITY
OUTREACH, SURVEY REMITS, AND INPUT OF INDUSTRY
PROFESSIONALS, WITH THE FINAL APPROACH AND CONCEPT TO BE
SUBSEQUENTLY PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, the Byron Carlyle Theater, located at 500 71St Street between Byron Avenue
and Carlyle Avenue ("Byron Carlyle"), originally opened in 1968 as twin cinemas hosting first -run
movies in the heart of North Beach; and
WHEREAS, the Byron Carlyle continued to operate until being purchased by the City in
2001, and was leased to O -Cinema, a non-profit, independent cinema until approximately 2018;
and
WHEREAS, being uninhabited since 2018, the Byron Carlyle's western portion is in poor
condition due to flooding, deferred interior maintenance, poor air circulation, mold, and a series
of electrical deficiencies; and
WHEREAS, the Byron Carlyle's eastern portion of the building, which is in similar disrepair
as its western portion, consists of vacant office spaces that would require significant
improvements and repairs to be suitable for occupancy; and
WHEREAS, due to its uninhabitable condition, the property is at risk of being demolished
in accordance with Chapter 8-5 of the Miami -Dade County Code; and
WHEREAS, various discussions over Byron Carlyle's poor condition have been held at
multiple City Committees, including the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee, Finance
and Economic Resiliency Committee, the North Beach CRA Advisory Committee, and at City
Commission meetings; and
WHEREAS, on January 18, 2019, the City issued Request for Proposals No. 2019- 100 -
KB for development of a mixed-use project with a cultural component at the Byron Carlyle Theater
site ("RFP"); and
WHEREAS, on October 19, 2019, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2019-
30149 and authorized negotiations with the two entities that provided responses to the RFP, then
on February 24, 2021, the City Administration recommended the City 1 Commission approve a
proposed Term Sheet and authorize the Administration to negotiate final agreements with Menin
Hospitality/KGTC, LLC ("Developer"); and
WHEREAS, on February 24, 2021, the City Commission rejected the RFP proposal and
terminated negotiations; and
WHEREAS, with no obvious "Plan B" in existence and no funding being dedicated towards
reactivating Byron Carlyle, the City Administration lacks direction; and
WHEREAS, the Administration engaged a third -party firm to conduct a facility assessment
of the Byron Carlyle, and the assessment report indicates that the repairs of the existing conditions
alone would cost an estimated $15-1.9 million; and
WHEREAS, the Byron Carlyle's activation was approved as part of North Beach's Master
Plan on October 19, 2016 because it presented a unique opportunity for the City to create a
catalyst project to help facilitate the vision for the Town Center with a mixed-use, multi -story
development; and
WHEREAS, the Byron Carlyle development will encourage further development along
71 st Street and spur entrepreneurship in the area; and
WHEREAS, activation of the Byron Carlyle as a full Cultural Center is not only supported
by City residents, but as the building also located within the City's North Beach CRA, tax increment
funding opportunities exist for its renovation and future development as part of the North Beach
CRA Redevelopment Plan; and
WHEREAS, in view of the need for a vision for the Byron Carlyle and the strong desire or
a Byron Carlyle cultural center to serve as the impetus for the revitalization of North. Beach, the
Mayor and City Commission wish to allocate up to $400,000 from the City's budget reserves, to
be used by the City Administration to develop conceptual design options for the Byron Carlyle
Theater renovation, which will be informed by community outreach, survey remits, and input of
industry professionals, with the goal of attracting more anchor cultural groups; and
WHEREAS, this Resolution is limited to the allocation of a not -to -exceed funding amount
only, as any engagement of architectural professionals shall be subject to competitive
negotiations in accordance with Section 287.055 of the Florida Statutes, and the final proposed
Conceptual Design shall be subject to the prior approval of the Mayor and City Commission.
NOW; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission hereby allocate
up to $400,000 from the City's FY 2022 budget, to be used by the City Administration to develop
conceptual design options for the Byron Carlyle Theater renovation, which will be informed by
community outreach, survey remits, and input of industry professionals, with the final approach
and concept to be subsequently presented for approval by the Mayor and City Commission.
PASSED and ADOPTED this day of s�Pti?�B✓ , 2021.
ATTEST:
INCORP ORATED:
E. G/anado, City
Dan Gelber, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
ij-3- ZI
_P�c City Attomey,,.,/ Date
Resolutions - R7 F
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Rafael A. Paz, Acting City Attorney
DATE: September 30, 2021
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A FUNDING ALLOCATION OF
UP TO $400,000 AS PART OF THE FY 2022 CAPITAL BUDGET, FOR ALL
WORK, INCLUDING CHARRETTES AND PREPARATION OF
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OPTIONS FOR THE BYRON CARLYLE THEATER
RENOVATION WITH A GROUND FLOOR CULTURAL CENTER
COMPONENT, WITH THE FINAL COST OF ALL WORK TO BE
COMPETITIVELY NEGOTIATED, AND WITH THE FINAL PROPOSED
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN TO BE SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF
THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMI SSI ON.
ANALYSIS
Pursuant to the request of Commissioner Mark Samuelian, the attached Resolution is submitted
for consideration by the Mayor and City Commission at the September 30, 2021 Commission
meeting.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
N/A
Is this a "Residents Right
to Know" item, pursuant to
City Code Section 2-14?
Yes
Legislative Tracking
Office of the CityAttomey
Sponsor
Commissioner Mark Samuelian
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Does this item utilize G.O.
Bond Funds?
No
Page 387 of 545
Resolution
Exhibit "A"
Page 388 of 545
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A FUNDING
ALLOCATION OF UP TO $400,000 AS PART OF THE FY 2022 CAPITAL
BUDGET, FOR ALL WORK, INCLUDING CHARRETTES AND
PREPARATION OF CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OPTIONS FOR THE
BYRON CARLYLE THEATER RENOVATION WITH A GROUND FLOOR
CULTURAL CENTER COMPONENT, WITH THE FINAL COST OF ALL
WORK TO BE COMPETITIVELY NEGOTIATED, AND WITH THE FINAL
PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL DESIGN TO BE SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR
APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, the Byron Carlyle Theater, located at 500 715t Street between Byron,
Avenue. and Carlyle Avenue ("Byron Carlyle"), originally opened in 1968 as twin cinemas
hosting first -run movies in the heart of North Beach; and -
WHEREAS, the Byron Carlyle continued to operate until being purchased by the
City in 2001, and was leased to O -Cinema, a non-profit, independent cinema until
approximately 2018; and
WHEREAS, being uninhabited since 2018, the Byron Carlyle's western portion is
in poor condition due to flooding,, deferred interior maintenance, poor air circulation, mold,
and a series of electrical deficiencies; and
WHEREAS, the Byron Carlyle's eastern portion of the building, which is in similar
disrepair as its western portion, consists of vacant office spaces that would require
significant improvements and repairs to be suitable for occupancy; and
WHEREAS, due to its uninhabitable condition, the property is at risk of being
demolished in accordance with Chapter 8-5 of the Miami -Dade County Code; and
WHEREAS, various discussions over Byron Carlyle's poor condition have been
held at multiple City Committees, including the Neighborhood and Quality of Life
Committee, Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee, the North Beach CRA
Advisory Committee, and at City Commission meetings; and
WHEREAS, on January 18, 2019, the City issued Request for Proposals No. 2019-
100 -KB for development of a mixed-use project with a cultural component at the Byron
Carlyle Theater site ("RFP"); and
WHEREAS, on October 19, 2019, the City Commission adopted Resolution No.
2019-30149 and authorized negotiations with the two entities that provided responses to
the RFP,. then on February 24, 2021, the City Administration recommended the City
Page 389 of 545
Commission approve a proposed Term Sheet and authorize the Administration to
negotiate final agreements with Menin Hospitality/KGTC, LLC ("Developer"); and
WHEREAS, on February 24, 2021, the City Commission rejected the RFP
proposal and terminated negotiations, and
WHEREAS, with no obvious "Plan B° in existence and no funding being dedicated
towards reactivating Byron Carlyle, the City Administration lacks direction; and
WHEREAS, the Administration engaged a third -party firm to conduct a facility
assessment of the Byron Carlyle, and the assessment report indicates that the repairs of
the existing conditions alone would cost an estimated $15-19 million; and
WHEREAS, the Byron Carlyle's activation was approved as part of North Beach's
Master Plan on October 19, 2016 because it presented a unique opportunity for the City
to create a catalyst project to help facilitate the vision for the Town Center with a mixed-
use, multi -story development; and
WHEREAS, the Byron Carlyle development will encourage further development
along 71st Street and spur entrepreneurship in the area; and
WHEREAS, activation of the Byron Carlyle as a full Cultural Center is not only
supported by City residents, but as the building also located within the City's North Beach
CRA, tax increment funding opportunities exist for its renovation and future development
as part of the North Beach CRA Redevelopment Plan; and
WHEREAS, in view of the need for a vision for the Byron Carlyle and the strong
desire,, or a Byron Carlyle cultural center to serve as the impetus for the revitalization of
North Beach, the Mayor and City Commission desire to allocate funding for the purpose
of developing conceptual design options for the Byron Carlyle cultural center project
("Conceptual Design"); and
WHEREAS, the cost estimates for this Conceptual Design recommendation was
created in close consultation with the City Administration; and
WHEREAS, in order to effectuate resident input and the desire for activation and
cultural programming at the Byron Carlyle, the Conceptual Design options would
incorporate the input provided at community charettes as well as an on-going community
survey that is currently being undertaken, with the intent that survey results and other
outreach efforts will assist in informing future actions with respect to the Conceptual
Design; and
WHEREAS, residents have crafted a preliminary vision for the Byron Carlyle, a
K
Page 390 of 545
copy of which is attached as Exhibit "A" to this Resolution, and which should be given the
fullest consideration as part of the Conceptual Design; and
WHEREAS, at the September 15, 2021 meeting of the North Beach CRA Advisory
Committee ("Committee"), the Committee unanimously recommended that the City
Commission allocate funding for the Conceptual Design for the Byron Carlyle cultural
center; and
WHEREAS, this Resolution, sponsored by Commissioner Mark Samuelian, will
ensure that dedicated funding is available to generate and evaluate alternative plans for
the development of the Byron Carlyle with a state-of-the-art cultural center, so as to not
delay the City Commission's consideration of this important project for North Beach; and
WHEREAS, this Resolution is limited to the allocation of a not -to -exceed funding
amount only, as any engagement of architectural professionals shall be subject to
competitive negotiations in accordance with Section 287.055 of the Florida Statutes, and
the final proposed Conceptual Design shall be -subject to the prior approval of the Mayor
and City Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby approve a funding allocation of $400,000 as part of the FY 2022
Capital Budget, for all work, including charrettes and preparation of conceptual design
options for the Byron Carlyle Theater renovation with a ground floor Cultural Center
component, with the final cost of all work to be competitively negotiated, and with the final
proposed conceptual design to be subject to the prior approval of the Mayor and City
commission.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of September 2021.
ATTEST:
Dan Gelber, Mayor
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
Sponsored by Commissioner Mark Samuelian
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
3 City Attomey PA -Z.- Date
Page 391 of 545
Exhibit "A"
Proposal for a New Byron Carlyle Theater
Committee to Preserve Byron Carlyle Theater
The Committee to Preserve Byron Carlyle Theater is a group of Miami Beach residents,
neighborhood associations, civic leaders and members of the arts and culture community.
We propose that the publicly owned, iconic Byron Carlyle Theater be saved and
enhanced to become the anchor of North Beach's planned Town Center. The Byron
Carlyle can become a North Beach engine for economic growth and activity and put North
Beach on the map as Miami Beach's newest destination. It can connect North Beach to
its preeminent past and provide a walkable destination for tourists, residents, and families.
We urge the Miami Beach Commission to work with residents to create a new Byron
Carlyle Theater that will be a catalyst for a more vibrant and prosperous community.
Background
The eastern commercial corridor of North Beach has many similarities to South Beach
and could be revitalized with similar success, assuming the same sensitivity to
preservation of historic architecture. In South Beach, potential residents, visitors, and
investors were attracted to the unique, low-rise collection of Art Deco buildings that
evoked 1930's and 1940's history. North Beach provides the same charm and
uniqueness with its collection of low-rise MiMo buildings that evoke the late
1940's, 1 950's and 1960's, similarly within a pedestrian -friendly setting.
2. The Byron Carlyle Theater, although sadly in a state of disrepair, is one of the most
recognizable cultural landmarks in North Beach, along with the North Beach Bandshell
and Normandy Fountain. The Byron Carlyle is an icon that references an era in Miami
Beach history when the city was on the map due to the presence of the Beatles, Ed
Sullivan, Jackie Gleason and Muhammad Ali. The theater also invokes memories of
residents and visitors who considered the theater their favorite location to see movies.
The Byron Carlyle is a historic icon as well. It was opened in 1968 as the Wometco
Byron Carlyle Twin Theaters and was the largest theater in South Florida at that time.
Wometco Enterprises is historically important to Miami for operating the largest chain
of movie theaters in Florida and founding Miami's first television station. Jackie
Gleason attended the theater's opening which featured the world premiere of his
movie Skidoo.
4. A renovation of the Byron Carlyle Theater that preserves elements from its former
state of glory could showcase North Beach to the country's arts and tourist
communities in the same way that Friedman's Bakery publicized South Beach to the
art and architecture communities. The restoration/re=creation of the fagade with its
collage of Miami Beach islands; the smaller theater's lipstick red walls, alternating red
and black upholstered seats and silver lame curtain; and the larger theater's deep
moss green walls and upholstered seats would provide a historic, one -of -a -kind
attraction worth publicizing.
Page 392 of 545
5. The Byron Carlyle's central location in North Beach's planned Town Center makes the
site uniquely positioned to jumpstart economic growth and activity. It .is well
established that cultural centers increase local pedestrian and mobile traffic,
revitalizing local businesses and generating income, jobs and growth. A functioning
arts community can make North Beach a tourist destination. The Colony Theater on
Lincoln Road is estimated to have an economic impact of $10 million per year on the
surrounding area, illustrating the ripple effect a successful cultural center can
generate. Such income can offset the economic costs of saving and repurposing the
Byron Carlyle and continue providing revenue for years to come.
6. A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) fund was recently approved for North
Beach's Town Center, including the Byron Carlyle. One important role for a CRA is
funding development and activities that revitalize a community and spur growth and
development. CRA funding was used in downtown Hollywood to create Cinema
Paradiso with great success. It could be used in North Beach to offset the operational
costs of the Byron Carlyle.
7. Residents of North Beach have exhibited overwhelming support for saving the Byron
Carlyle. An online petition calling for preservation of the theater has over 1,100
signatures thus far. Residents object to their landmark theater, icon and link to the
past meeting a wrecking ball. The North Beach Master Plan, passed by voters in
2016, states that "there should be no net loss of publicly owned land, " it promises to
"Better Utilize Public Lands" and contemplates a "...development project that could
enhance the vision of the Town Center." The Byron Carlyle is uniquely positioned to
play that role.
A New Byron Carlyle Arts Center
We request that the City of Miami Beach allocate funds and staffing to develop a plan for
the new Byron Carlyle, with consideration of the type of programming that would be most
successful and the cultural organizations and commercial partners that would help make
the project a success. Our committee has contacted some of the most successful,
acclaimed cultural organizations in South Florida and identified cultural partners
interested in having a home at the Byron Carlyle. We have also communicated with retail
businesses and restaurants that are extremely enthusiastic about working with the Byron
Carlyle. We have been in contact with architects and construction professionals to review
the current conditions of the Byron Carlyle, to help provide the best options to keep the
location as a theater and arts center. Based on the responses we received, we propose
the following facilities and restorations:
1. Byron Carlyle Facilities:
a. A cinema multiplex consisting of multiple theaters capable of showing more than
one title at a time, including independent/foreign films.
b. One or more indoor/outdoor cafes.
c. A bookstore and/or gift shop.
d. A venue for live performances and lectures.
e. Classrooms and workshops for afterschool programs and adult classes in art,
theater, dance, music;'and film
f. Artist studios
Page 393 of 545
g. Art galleries.
2. Byron Carlyle Restoration:
a. Retention/restoration of the existing structure shell.
b. Restoration/re-creation of the facade including the collage depicting the islands of
Miami Beach.
c. Restoration/re-creation of lobby and stadium fixtures, furnishings, and decorations
such as carpet, wallpaper, curtains, ticket booths, concession stands and historic
posters, with the addition of decorations that reference Wometco Enterprises and
Miami history.
d. Retention of existing stadium chairs.
e. Redesign of the interior to accommodate the uses listed above.
(Addenda Attached)
Page 394 of 545
ADDENDUM 1
External Links to Information on the Byron Carlyle Theatre
1) Link to the MDPL blog post showing archival photographs of the Byron Carlyle:
https://mdpl.org/blog/2020/10/boron-carlvle-theatre/
2) Link to the 'Save the Byron Carlyle Theater from Demolition' petition showing over
1100 signatures as of 11/12/20:
https://www.thepetitionsite.com/579/358/791 /save -the-boron-carlvle-theater-from-
demolition/
3) Link to the YouTube Video of the MDPL 'Saving the Byron Carlyle Forum' on
October 20, 2020: https://mdpl.org/blog/2020/10/video-saving-the-boron-carlvle-forum/
4) Link to YouTube Video on O Cinema celebrating Byron Carlyle's 50th anniversary in
July, 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwuvvBTZF w
Page 395 of 545
ADDENDUM 2
Survey of Miami Area Buildings by A. Herbert Mathes,
Architect of Byron Carlyle Theater
HOTELS
BUILT
LOCATION
STATUS
Allison Hotel
1951
6261 Collins Avenue
Open as Hilton Cabana Miami
Miami Beach, FL 33140
Beach
Continental Hotel
1948
4000 Collins Avenue
Open as Hampton Inn Miami Beach
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Geneva Hotel
1952
1520 Collins Avenue
Open
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Island House
1949
1428 Collins Avenue
Open
Miami Beach, FL 33139
_
Parisian Hotel
1953
1510 Collins Avenue
Open
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Revere Hotel
1950
Ocean Drive at 11th Street
Demolished 1993
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Versailles Tower,
1958
4441 Collins Avenue
Open
Fontainebleau Hotel
Miami Beach, FL 33140
WOMETCO THEATERS
163rd Street Theatre/
1963
1245 NE 163rd Street
Closed 1994, Demolished
Patio Theatre
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Byron Carlyle Theatre
1968
500 71 st Street
Closed 2019
Miami Beach, FL 33140
Coral Way Auto Theater/ Coral Way
1949
SW 241 Street and 70th
Closed
Drive In
Avenue, Miami, FL
Crossroads 2 Theatre
1965
2070 Tyrone Boulevard, St.
Closed 1988
Petersbur , FL 33170
Dadeland Triplex
1967
7440 SW 881 Street,
Closed
Miami, FL 33156
Davie Boulevard Drive -In
1955
3200 W. Davie Boulevard
Closed 1975
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Kendal Lakes Triple
1977
13975 SW 881 Street
Closed 1990
Miami, FL 33186
North Andrews Drive -In
1953
4200 N. Andrews Avenue
Closed
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
North Dade Drive -In
1956
17175 NW 271 Avenue
Closed 1986
Miami, FL 33056
Palm Springs Twin One and Two
1962
419 West 49th Street
Closed
Hialeah, FL 33012
Park 11 Theatre
1965
501 North Orlando Avenue
Closed
Winter Park, FL 32789
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Flagler Dog Track
1959
450 NW 371 Avenue
Repurposed as Magic City Jai -Alai
Miami, FL 33125
Miami Beach Public Library
1962
2110 Collins Avenue
Partially demolished; drum retained
bas relief by Albert Vrana
Miami Beach, FL 33139
RESIDENCES
Lois Ann 1
1945
815 Alton Road
807 Alton Road now includes 3
Miami Beach, FL 33139
1945/1947 buildings
Mark Leo
1947
801 Alton Road
807 Alton Road now includes 3
Miami Beach, FL 33139
1945/1947 buildings
Kimberley
1947
807 Alton Road
807 Alton Road now includes 3
Miami Beach, FL 33139
1945/1947 buildings
Page 396 of 545