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Coral Gables sees red and asks Miami Dade Public School to respect the city’s cultural integrity and heritage
The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables stands behind Coral Gables City Attorney Craig Leen.
Local preservationists were stunned by actions of the school district when Miami Dade Public Schools (MDPS) dissed the local historic preservation ordinance and disregarded the historical integrity of a structure commissioned by George Merrick in 1923.
In defiance of past protocol, MDPS proceeded to remove historic green, double-hung wood-frame windows and replace them with white-aluminum-frame windows that are in violation of the city’s local historic preservation code. A red tag order holding off project has been issued by the City of Coral Gables.
The City of Coral Gables has eleven landmarks which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, one of which is Coral Gables Elementary. Designed by Kiehnel and Elliott, this Mediterranean Revival style elementary school has classrooms with wide doors rimmed by arcaded loggias and two impressive central courtyards. In 1982, Coral Gables Elementary was designated historic by Coral Gables and in 1983, George Merrick’s wife, Eunice P. Merrick, was on hand to participate in the dedication of a courtyard to commemorate her role in establishing the school.
Mr. Leen’s statements noting that school officials snubbed the historic preservation ordinance are on point. “We’re really stunned they did not notify us in advance, even simply in terms of comity… our law clearly applies. We want the school board to recognize our authority and respect the historical integrity of Coral Gables Elementary.”
In 1981, following a statewide mandate, Miami-Dade County created its preservation ordinance and allowed cities who wished to create their own ordinance, procedures and board. Coral Gables was one of the pioneers in historic preservation and today, the city has a significant local historic designation process that strengthens the economy of the city by enhancing property values because of the beauty and stability that result from caring for the heritage of a place.
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