Inside The Abandoned El Eden Motel In Brickell

December 05, 2017 in Arquitectonica, Brickell, Golden Dusk Photography, Abandoned, Miami, West Brickell, Urban Exploration

After being purchased for $18.4 million in January 2017, demolition has now started on the two story El Eden Motel in Brickell.

The El Eden Motel was originally built in 1976 and then expanded in 1990 with the purchase of the North end of the lot for $390,000.

With 53 rooms, all of the rooms had large mirrors over and in front of the beds. Some rooms even had all the walls and ceilings covered in mirrors.

Once the motel is completely demolished, a 24 story hotel with 263 rooms will rise, with construction expected to start first quarter 2018. The project will be developed by Tony Cho of Metro 1 and Robert Finvarb of Finvarb Companies.

The Starlite Motel next door, which sold for $25 million in December 2014 remains open.

Inside The Abandoned Chart House Restaurant Coconut Grove

October 24, 2017 in Abandoned, Coconut Grove, Golden Dusk Photography, Grove Bay Hospitality, Miami, Regatta Harbour

As demolition begins at The Chart House in Coconut Grove to make way for a new mixed used development called The Harbour. The building sat empty for almost two years since closing in November 2015, which was delayed because of litigation.

Built in 1982 by architect Joe Lancor of Hawaii, The Chart House had a unique design that featured wood panelling on the ceiling with large glass windows overlooking Biscayne Bay. There were three large sunlight windows on the roof of the building - one in the middle and two long windows on the West and East side of the restaurant. The interior had a distinct green carpet throughout the dining area.

Coconut Grove Playhouse Still Intact After Hurricane Irma - Photos & Video

September 13, 2017 in Abandoned, Coconut Grove, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Golden Dusk Photography, Miami, Hurricane Irma

Coconut Grove Playhouse After Hurricane Irma

As Hurricane Irma was approaching Miami as a Category 5 Hurricane, the question was whether Miami-Dade County would protect the Coconut Grove Playhouse in some way before the storm. The answer was no.

Although the eye of Hurricane Irma did not pass through Miami, Coconut Grove still had over 100 mph winds and gust. Severe damage was done to a lot of trees in the area including a storm surge in Peacock Park and along Bayshore Drive.

Built in 1926, the Coconut Grove Playhouse sustained minor visible damage to the exterior of the building. The tree on Charles Avenue next to the Playhouse was knocked down, the blue scaffolding on the side of the building was blown over, and the awning covering was ripped and a few windows knocked out, but overall the building managed to survive the Hurricane.

Most of the Coconut Grove Playhouse was approved to be demolished in April with a new 300 seat theater, but only preserving the front "v shaped" structure. An appeal hearing is set for October 26 before Miami's City Commissioners.

Abandoned since 2006, photos and video of the inside of the Coconut Grove Playhouse can be viewed here.

Exterior Photos

Video

Phase 1 Of Miami Marine Stadium Report Completed

August 04, 2017 in Abandoned, Miami, Miami Marine Stadium, Virginia Key

Phase 1 of a 4 part report of the Miami Marine Stadium conducted by R.J. Heisenbottle Architects stated that the stadium is intact and can be restored to its former glory.

The abandoned stadium, which has been closed since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 could be used for over 50 events including power boat races, sailing regattas, hydroplane races, art festivals, concerts, TV shows, and aquatic shows choreographed with music and lights.

The probable cost of construction is $40,323,361, which is within the $45 million special obligation bonds.

Inside The Abandoned Coconut Grove Playhouse - Photos & Video

May 01, 2017 in Coconut Grove Playhouse, Abandoned, Coconut Grove, Golden Dusk Photography, Miami, Video

Built in 1926, and located at the corner of Main Highway and Charles Street, The Coconut Grove Playhouse opened 90 years ago on January 1, 1927, with a D.W. Griffith production of Satan of Sorrows that was attended by over 1,500 people. The building was originally named the Coconut Grove Theatre.

The Coconut Grove Theatre was built by Miami locals Irving J. Thomas and Fin L. Pierce as movie theater for the Paramount Enterprises Chain and the largest in Miami. The theater was designed by architect Richard Kiehnel of Kiehnel and Elliot to resemble a Spanish Rococo Palace in the style of Mediterranean Revival. The building originally had seven stores on the ground level, ten offices on the second floor and the third floor were apartments. It had the latest Wurlitzer pipe organ and had a very modern amenity at the time - air conditioning.

Before the theater opened, Irving J. Thomas and Fin L. Pierce sold the building to Paramount Enterprises and the theater thrived until the Great Depression of the 1930s hit and attendance dropped significantly. The Coconut Grove Theatre eventually closed in the mid-1930s until it was used to train Air Force Navigators during World War II.

Historic Preservation Board Approves Coconut Grove Playhouse Plans

April 05, 2017 in Arquitectonica, Coconut Grove, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Abandoned, Miami

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.

New Preliminary Architectural Plans For Coconut Grove Playhouse Revealed

December 07, 2016 in Abandoned, Arquitectonica, Coconut Grove, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Historical, Miami

Plans have been revealed by The Miami Herald that would restore the long abandoned Coconut Grove Playhouse and add a new modern theater.

The new designs were created by the Coconut Grove based firm Arquitectonica and would involve restoring the original V shaped building in the front, but demolishing the theater in the back and replacing it with a new modern 300 seat theater. Also included in the plans are a new parking garage that would hold 500 parking spaces and would be built on the current surface parking lot on Main Highway. 35 residential units are also included in the plan with 26 1 bed/1 bath and 9 2 bed/2 baths.

Miami-Dade County has budgeted $20 million for the restoration and construction of the building that will not start at least for another two years while full architectural designs are created.

A historical assessment of the Coconut Grove Playhouse can be viewed here and preliminary plans can be viewed here.