Dade Heritage Trust has just received a Miami-Dade County funding allocation of $700,000 to establish a Preservation Revolving Fund to save threatened historic properties throughout our community. With these resources, DHT will now have the financial clout (which we did not have when Dr. Jackson's House was demolished in June!) to step in to protect endangered historic sites with options, leases, acquisitions, feasibility studies, conservation easements, emergency repairs, legal action, or, as a last resort, relocation. Importantly, DHT will be able to use these funds to leverage grants and other funding sources for preservation projects. Our thanks to our Board members who called and wrote Commissioners about this budget request and a hug to Enid Pinkney, Becky Matkov and Luis Penelas who spent all day and night-until 3 a.m.!-at the County Commission Budget meeting. Most of all, though, we applaud County Commissioner KATY SORENSON, for proposing the allocation and for once again championing the cause of historic preservation.

Million Dollar Drive Launched to Save
Old Miami High

Dade Heritage Trust is spearheading a drive to save from demolition the first Miami High School building. The bungalow-style structure was originally built in 1904-05 at 301 N. Miami Avenue. It housed Miami High until 1911, when it was moved by barge and served as Southside Grammar School until 1914.

Now located near Brickell Avenue and Coral Way, at 79 SW 12th Street, the building has been a home and boarding house for decades. A high-rise development is planned for the site, and this 97-year-old structure will be demolished if it is not moved in the next few months. Arva Parks, Pat Quintana, Rich Heisenbottle, Becky Matkov, Jean Whipple, and Miami High Alums have been meeting with Developer Kevin Reilly and Miami City Manager Carlos Gimenez, Parks Director Al Ruder, and other city officials to save this important link to Miami's past.

The million-dollar plan that has emerged is to move this historic wooden structure to Southside Park and restore it for use as a community education center, with a room exhibiting the history of Miami High. Please call DHT (305-358-9572) to help. Tax deductible contributions may be made to Dade Heritage Trust, designating your contribution as being for the "Save Old Miami High" fund.

 

Are you a Parent or School Teacher?

If so, you and your children are invited to Dr. James Jackson's Historic Office and Surgery, also the Headquarters of Dade Heritage Trust. Located at 190 SE 12th Terrace, Miami 33131. Please call ahead to arrange for an informal discussion and a tour of the building, (305) 358-9572.