LTC 149-2002 CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. ,/?"') -
To:
From:
Subject:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
GARDEN CENTER-CONSERVATORY DEMOLITION
Date: June 24, 2002
Among the projects in City Center scheduled for funding under the G.O. Bond program, is
the renovation of the Garden Center. A total of $1.5 Million was budgeted from G.O. Bond
funds for the renovation of the facility as well as the demolition of the conservatory
(greenhouse) structure and its replacement with a yet-to-be defined exhibit space.
Additional grant funds were awarded by the State of Florida, however, the City was unable
to comply with expenditure timelines and the funds were declined. The Garden Center
Project was put on hold for approximately a year due to the 17th Street master planning
initiative by Zyscovich, Incl, which recommended relocating the Garden Center to another
location. On June 19, 2002, the City Commission adopted a resolution to amend the City
Center Master Plan, to incorporate by reference, the Preliminary Proposed Master Plan for
the 17th Street Surface Lots. The City Commission also determined to leave the Botanical
Garden in its existing location, allowing the Administration to proceed in developing a
scope of work for the renovation of the facility.
In the meantime however, there is an urgency to demolish the greenhouse, as the structure
was condemned last year by the Building Department due to certain life-safety concerns,
including but not limited to, falling panes of glass. The Administration is therefore
proceeding with the demolition with the full support of the Conservancy. The demolition
has been scheduled for June 26, 2002. It should be noted that since the greenhouse is not
historic, a certificate of appropriateness is not required in order to proceed. Prior to the
demolition, the City will coordinate with the Conservancy, to remove a number of valuable
trees from inside the greenhouse. To this end, Fairchild Tropical Garden is offering to
assist and provide temporary storage and care for the trees.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
J MG\C~'~KOB
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c: Christina M. Cuervo, Assistant City Manager
Kent Bonde, Redevelopment COordinator