Hidden deterioration sets Coconut Grove Playhouse back a year

Despite the discovery of structural issues that could extend the first phase of construction by a year, county officials say they are pursuing strategies to advance other work in parallel on the restoration of the Coconut Grove Playhouse.

In March, a construction contract was awarded to John Bell Construction for Phase I, which includes asbestos abatement, careful removal and storage of historic architectural elements, stabilization of the front building and selective demolition. In the process of stripping drywall and stucco, advanced deterioration was discovered, including concrete spalling, missing or corroded rebar and areas of unreinforced masonry.

“This work will require additional bracing and shoring potentially extending the Phase I timeline from one year to approximately two years,” the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs said in a statement to Miami Today on Sept. 9 regarding the project update. “While this represents a new challenge, the county and project team are developing strategies to mitigate impacts by advancing other work in parallel.”

The county is continuing to collaborate with project partners, including Florida International University, the State of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, the City of Miami Planning Department and building officials, to advance the project to revive the 1927 historic landmark.

Plans include reducing theater seating from its original 1,500 seats to a new, state-of-the-art 300-seat theater, while maintaining the original façade and preserving signature architectural elements such as the double proscenium arch and Solomonic columns.

Commissioner Raquel Regalado announced on Aug. 20 that the proscenium arch had been removed and preserved. She added that the historic element will be making a comeback when the Playhouse reopens in spring 2027, with the project remaining on track for reopening in time for the Playhouse’s 100th anniversary that year.

The project’s structural engineer is preparing a comprehensive repair plan to rebuild the façade walls from within while protecting the building’s ornate exterior. Despite the potential setback on Phase I, county officials say they are pursuing strategies to advance other work in parallel with preparations for Phase II also progressing.

Construction documents are being updated and finalized for permitting, covering the full rehabilitation of the front building, construction of the new theater and parking garage, and site improvements including plazas, paseo and park space.

Completion of permitting is expected to take about nine months, followed by an anticipated 18 months of construction. The Department of Cultural Affairs will solicit Phase II construction bids to align with permit approvals, targeting a timely transition from Phase I to Phase II.

“The Coconut Grove Playhouse represents a project of exceptional complexity – balancing regulatory requirements, technical challenges, community expectations and financial considerations,” the department said. “Through it all, Miami-Dade County remains unwavering in its commitment to honoring this historic landmark and returning live theater to the heart of Coconut Grove.”

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