Dade Heritage Trust is proud to recognize the City of Opa-locka for the outstanding restoration of the Opa-locka Company Administration Building, better known as the Historic Opa-locka City Hall. Completed in 1926, this Moorish Revival masterpiece—with its distinctive minarets, domes, and design inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights—has long served as a symbol of the city’s unique heritage. Originally the city’s administrative hub, the building has also housed numerous civic and cultural functions, cementing its importance to the community.
By 2024, decades of wear had taken their toll, with significant structural deterioration, outdated systems, and the need to meet modern safety and accessibility standards. In response, the city undertook a $2.3 million restoration project, funded through City resources, Community Development Block Grants, and Historical Resources Grants. The ambitious effort balanced the preservation of original architectural elements with essential upgrades, including exterior façade repairs, electrical and plumbing system overhauls, roofing restoration, and interior renovations.
Completed in the fall of 2024, the restored City Hall now stands ready once again to host community events, celebrations, and public gatherings, ensuring that it remains a vibrant center of civic life. This milestone project reflects Opa-locka’s commitment to honoring its past while embracing its future.
Accepting the award on behalf of the city were Vice Mayor Joseph L. Kelley, Sha’mecca Lawson, Interim City Manager, Adelina Gross, CIP Manager, and Gregory Gay, Planning & Community Development Director.