Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Miami weighs preserving iconic Bacardi buildings

Full AP story here.

The two headquarters buildings of Bacardi USA are among Miami's most iconic landmarks: one an eight-story tower graced by blue and white Spanish tiles, the other a perfect square covered in an abstract modern glass mural.

Tuesday, city leaders will discuss and vote on a proposal to designate them as historic structures that must be preserved, even though they are years short of the 50-year threshold typically required for designation. Supporters say the buildings are perfect examples of mid-century architecture with Latin flare that underscore Miami's identity. . . .

The city action comes as the rum and spirits company, owned by Bermuda-based Bacardi & Company Ltd., prepares to move to a new headquarters in suburban Coral Gables. Bacardi hasn't said what it plans to do with the buildings, located in Miami's urban core, but says it cares about them. . . .

"Even though Miami is well-known for its colorful modernist architecture, Miami doesn't have a lot of high-style modernist architecture," said Randall Robinson, the author of "MiMo: Miami Modern Revealed." "The Bacardi buildings are Miami's version of the Lever House in New York City." . . .

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