Miami’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board voted 6-1 last week to remove historic protections from land behind the Presbyterian church on Brickell Avenue, a move that clears the way for a developer to buy the property for about $240 million and build a luxury high-rise. The church has stood on the site since 1949. According to the Miami Herald, the developer plans to demolish an annex connected to the back of the sanctuary.
Residents who spoke against the plan worry about losing open space near Mary Brickell Park and the neighborhood’s historic character. Resident George Simon, who walks through the park every morning, said he expected the historic designation to keep the land open. Another opponent, Elena Kasparis, said the tower would add traffic and asked whether roads and utilities can handle the added density.
In a joint statement, the church and developer praised the board’s decision to preserve the sanctuary and its support for the project’s scale. The plans call for removing nine trees, eight palms and one canopy tree, and relocating seven city-planted canopy trees. Construction could start as early as May, according to the developer’s website.
Miami City Commissioner Damien Prado said he respects the board’s decision but recognizes residents’ concerns, and his office remains open to meeting with them. The board’s decision can be appealed within 60 days.
