Because of Friends City Gives Miami Marine Stadium Second Chance
Last modified on 2012-05-04 19:30:47 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
The Miami Marlins Park and The Miami Marine Stadium, two different venues with the same purpose, two different histories, and a second chance to do things better. Debates regarding the funding and management of both stadiums have been controversial. It is an age-old adage though, “to learn from your mistakes,” and right around the corner lays an opportunity to do so.
Stadiums have been a central urban focus dating back far into the recesses of history. Their presence in cities implies a union among citizens. They have been, and still are, a stage for competitions and entertainment that congregate a community and build its character. A stadium is a structure that will identify the architecture of the city and become a landmark.
The Miami Marlins Park is all the above. It is a piece of art that can be seen from every corner of the city, a magnificent monster that gathers thousands of people around a team, an artist, or show.
With two, tall fish tanks behind home plate, a pool with the perfect position to watch a game while swimming in its waters, and an expansive view, the stadium is the quintessential setting for a fun time.
In fact, one can argue it is quintessential of a fun time in Miami. Just in Miami can there be a pool overlooking a baseball diamond, just in Miami would there be two, gorgeous aquariums facing the pitcher, and only in Miami can fans eat picadillo with rice and beans after drinking beer the whole day. That is why Miami is unique, because risks are taken here, because this city is unafraid of melting all the cultures to create its own, and because every visitor wants to come back for more, and they do.
While the Marlins Stadium is beautiful, tax payers were up in arms over whether or not the expensive structure was needed. The Miami Marine Stadium can be the opportunity to create a city landmark, while engaging the community in the steps of its restoration. The two stadiums are part of the city, one represents the expectations of the future, and the other symbolizes the rich history of Miami.
The Marine Stadium was the platform for water sports, community events, concerts, boxing, water shows, and many more in past decades. Built in 1963 by Cuban architect Hilario Candela, the land was first owned by the county. For the purpose of building the stadium though, the land was deeded to the city with the understanding that if the Marine Stadium became a nonfunctioning site, the land would be returned to the county.
After decades of active use, the stadium met the unfortunate demise of being forgotten.
Since 1992, and in particular, post Hurricane Andrew, the City has tried to demolish the facility on different occasions with the explanation that time and Andrew had caused irreparable damages. One million dollars was requested to FEMA for that purpose, and was met. Except the money was not used, the insurance company and engineers made an evaluation that concluded alternative reasons for the stadium’s state. The results showed that the structure suffered little damage from Andrew; instead its crippled state is the result of a lack of investment into the property by the City. The team of engineers and insurance company quoted the stadium required two to three million dollars for repairs, and FEMA appropriated the one million dollars given for the deconstruction.
A decade later, the City of Miami unveiled its first draft for the Master Plan for Virginia Key in 2007, and the Marine Stadium was not included. Attendees of the community met to reach a unanimous vote to save the stadium, and asked the City to include it in their plans.
In 2008, the City of Miami announced an estimate of $15 million necessary for the structure’s restoration, however a second estimate done by an alternative group of individuals in 2010 estimated $5.5 to $8.5 million.
There is one explanation for the upright stadium structure: a nonprofit organization called Friends of the Miami Marine Stadium.
Since the formation of Friends of the Miami Marine Stadium in 2008, the stadium has been included in the list by National Trust of Historic Preservation’s “11 Most Endangered Historic Places”. In 2010, the Marine Stadium was included on the watch list of The World Monuments Fund. This worldwide organization is devoted to the preservation of architectural sites such as: Macchu Picchu, the historic center of Buenos Aires, the City of old Jerusalem, and Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Hilario Candela, the architect of the stadium and co-founder of the organization will be in charge of the restoration, adding importance and relevance to this project. It will be unique in history that such a structure will be repaired by its original designer, and another opportunity for Miami to make history.
Friends of the Miami Marine Stadium have opened the door to revive the facility. The organization has been granted two years to develop a recovery plan. If successful in their plan and also acquiring funds, a long term lease for the property will be approved. This would be the first time in history a nonprofit organization manages a stadium.
As part of their business strategy, Friends are in conversation with The Heat Group, the management company for the American Airlines Arena, to manage the operations for the Miami Marine Stadium. Donald Worth explains how they would be a great fit, “They are one of our best options because they have the structure to manage and promote the stadium.” Their responsibility would be to make the stadium a well-known venue for a variety of events, and give life back to the water arena.
The City of Miami made choices that indicate their impartiality to recovering the stadium, yet the efforts of citizens motivated by memories, art, architecture, and the heart of its architect, has delivered new meaning to this mission. For a city surrounded by water, this fight to restore the Miami Marine Stadium implies the necessity to take advantage of Miami’s unique geographical positioning, for it has, and will continue, to influence its culture. The preservation of the Marine Stadium would create more tourist attractions, entertainment options and employment.
The Miami Marlins and Miami Marine stadiums have specific cultural attributes made to create communal unity. The Miami Marlins Stadium provides modernity capable of delivering groundbreaking entertainment, and the Miami Marine Stadium is a chance to restore a groundbreaking arena for the people, by the people.
Changing the Name is a Game Changer
Last modified on 2012-05-18 14:34:51 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
by Emma Alois
Brickell Fashion Week is reborn as the Miami Metropolitan International Fashion Week
“The main goal of Miami Metropolitan International Fashion Week is to enhance our city, and create opportunity.” Liza Santana, Creativas Group PR
Liza Santana President and Founder of Creativas Group, is a guiding force behind Miami Metropolitan International Fashion Week, formally known as Brickell Fashion Week. She explained that Brickell used to be a quiet neighborhood that shied away from the hip, trendy party scene of Miami Beach, and then it began to grow. Young adults and families from around the world began filling apartments, street cafes and bars opened, and then Mary Brickell Village was built. Traffic in and around Brickell began to spill over the neighborhood’s boundaries, pressing into Downtown and other neighboring communities. To name an event that was intended to represent Miami after just one neighborhood was in her eyes too limiting, and so Liza encouraged the name change because she saw the image of the city change. The MMIFW is representative of, “All that is Miami,” says Liza, “It is more than narcissism, and plastic surgery, and South Beach. We wanted this show to celebrate what people here know it as, and make it tasteful.”
How did Brickell Fashion Week begin?
The founders who live in the area saw how vibrant Downtown Miami and the Brickell corridor really are. They felt that with all the fashion events that have taken place, there wasn’t one that was represented this area which is so diverse. They wanted to bring attention to the area in order to shift the mindset that outsiders (people who don’t live here) have. When you hear people refer to Miami and events here it’s always Miami = South Beach. We have so much more to offer that Sobe. We are a city filled with life, talent, culture- not just nightlife, although it’s one of our attributes as a destination.
Why did the name change to Miami Metropolitan International Fashion Week?
We had so many people, brands, and entities outside of the Brickell area come on board and want to participate. We realized this could be much bigger if we provided a platform for our Downtown area to really shine in front of the tourists, media, fashion industry folks and designers from all over the world. We have some local celebrities for example who are participating say like Karent Sierra, the Dentist to the stars (also a TV spokesperson) who will hit the runway during one of our shows. We have several famous faces that are now part of this effort (since the name change) that we feel will be a great representation of the hip, fashion forward segment in Miami.
What changes to the identity will be made?
A new look and feel that is more broad- more welcoming to the fashionista and [fashion] industry person, not just focusing on an area in Miami but more reflective of our city as a whole.
How are designers chosen?
They fill out an application and send it in complete with any material that represents them. We cannot allow everyone to show due to time constraints. But we will have, aside from this effort, shows almost on a weekly basis (partnering with other entities in the City) to give them a platform to show their collections.
What other entities are involved with the organization of the show?
We have a committee of professionals that we have consulted to include: Paul Mitchell Hi Tech (school). Gabriel Noda (famed makeup artists and make up instructor), Make up by Isabel Amezaga (Glam Factor Miami), Creativas Group PR, Joaquin Chamizo and Carlos Galan owner of Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita and Crazy About You restaurants, they were two of the main business owners in the Brickell area that were asked to join the panel of consultants for the event. Several others who’ve been part of the structure of the event along with Maxine Viktor and Phillip Stientra the event founders. Maxine has a background in TV production. Modeling and Makeup.
How is this different from Miami Fashion Week earlier in the year?
We aren’t here to take away anything from the other Fashion events that have done so much for the city and industry. We created this event to enhance. Our event will be smaller in scale but a more niche event.
Is there any emphasis on Latin designers?
Yes, we know where we live! South Florida is all about Latin flare and being such a gateway to the rest of the world, it’s a no-brainer to feature and support Latin Talent.
And anything else that you feel is pertinent for the readers to know:
This event will feature nationally/internationally known designers but also feature some local. A lot of events held here focus solely on the outside folks. We want to help our own. We want to become an outlet not only for those talented designers that have traveled here, but for those who help shape our city. We hope through our year-round efforts to be able to showcase their work, their beautiful collections to local buyers who can carry their pieces. Miami has such a great boutique community as well. We want to collaborate with them year round. Think of how many people come to Miami just to SHOP! We are always one of the featured cities for Entertainment, Nightlife, Music, and FASHION. We want to be a platform, a partner for those trying to make it, for those trying to reach influencers. We’re making a commitment to not only fashion but more so, our City. We are Miami. That’s one of the reasons we chose to work with local experts who have been here doing their thing for years. Our PR firm has been here for 10!
“ Miami has been known for years as a Mecca for all things entertainment, nightlife, music, and many categories as it relates to business . Our city is so vibrant, and has so much to show the rest of the world. We hope that this event is one of those great additions to the roster of annual functions that will draw visitors from outside South Florida.” – Maxine Viktor (Miami Metropolitan Fashion Show Organizer)
“Any good event that draws [new] people to the area is a plus for us as business owners in the Brickell/Downtown area. We want these kinds of events.” – Joaquin Chamizo (Part owner of restaurants Dolores But Call Me Lolita and Crazy About You)
The line up:
Thursday May 24th, 2012: Day Wear
Doors open at 7pm. Live entertainment, Food, and Drinks.*
07:15pm AIU Students Weston Florida Campus
08:00pm Candy Woolley Accessories
08:45pm Yera Brand by Kinsey London
09:30pm Abeyo Marqz
10:15pm Sacred Heart Collection by Brandi Russel
11:00pm Claudine Stark
Friday May 25th, 2012: Evening Wear
Doors open at 7pm. Live entertainment, Food, and Drinks.*
08:00pm Charlyn Castro-Rojas
08:45pm Chrissiefizz
09:30pm Laila Wazna
10:15pm TBA
11:00pm Biljana Karan
Saturday May 26th, 2012: Swimwear
Doors open at 7pm. Live entertainment, Food, and Drinks.*
08:00pm Maya Swimwear by Carolina Dinardi
08:45pm Kariza Swimwear
09:30pm SweetCheeks by Stephanie Belknap
10:15pm Liliana Montoya
11:00pm Lila Nikole
*Food and Drink available for purchase.
www.MMIFW.com
Tickets can be purchased online at:
http://www.mmifw.com/shopping-cart/
Miami Metropolitan International Week is a registered trademark of PASA Event Productions LLC.
All rights are reserved.
Venue: LMNT
LMNT (elementi) Contemporary Art Space
55 NW 36TH ST.
MIAMI, FL 33127