Built in 1926, located at the corner of Main Highway and Charles St, the Coconut Grove Playhouse opened 95 years ago on January 1, 1927. It was built by Miami locals Irving J. Thomas and Fin L. Pierce as a movie theater for the Paramount Enterprises Chain. The theater was designed by architect Richard Kiehnal and Elliot to resemble a Spanish Rococo Palace.
The building has been bought and sold, left vacant, in addition to being a cultural hub over its almost 100 years of existence. Most recently, the playhouse closed in 2006. Residents of the neighborhood are fighting for funding to restore the theater as a 300-seat state-of-the-art theater that incorporates the remaining historic elements.
As a former Coconut Grove resident, who had attended several shows before the building closed, I would love to see this gem in the heart of my hometown restored.
Sources:
Miami Today
Golden Dusk Photography
Restoration Plan Drawing
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