Miami's Historic Preservation Board voted 4-1 in favor of new plans that would demolish the auditorium of the Coconut Grove Playhouse, but restore the front façade of the building to its original 1927 design by architect firm Kiehnel and Elliot.

The new plans would tear down the existing theater with 1100 seats and replace it with a new modern 300 seat theater with an open courtyard separating it from the front V shaped building. Also included in the plans would be a new parking garage, 35 residential units and retail on the ground floor of front structure.

Preservation architect Richard Heisenbottle - who is also involved in the restoration of the Miami Marine Stadium - argued that the whole structure can be saved, including the original pieces covered over by a 1950's renovation by Alfred Browning Parker.

Miami-Dade County has budgeted $20 million for the work.