Arts

Historic designation status of Ace Theatre could spark $2.3 million redevelopment plan.

Dorothy Wallace has spent 30 years trying to restore the Ace Theatre on Grand Avenue.

With the help of her daughter Denise Wallace, she is now trying to get historic designation status from the City of Miami’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board – a move that would likely draw in part of the funds needed to reopen the theatre, a popular Saturday night hangout for blacks well into the 1950s.

Built in 1925, the theatre was bought by Denise Wallace’s father, Harvey Wallace, from Wometco Enterprises in 1979. Harvey had plans to build a five-story Bahamian Market Place, but died a year later. Denise hopes that with historic designation the theatre will receive grants to fund a $2.3 million project designed by Victor Morales, an architect with Cityscapes Group.

The plans, which could change, would allow for the creation of a new theatre and would include a small catering kitchen, a lobby bar and courtyard area; a second story with a VIP room and an area for community groups to meet as well as a bar and stage on the roof.

The family believes the design will preserve memories while serving the community as a successful business.

“It’s a silent relic. And I would love for it to give voice again,” said Denise Wallace, who remembers watching Tom and Jerry cartoons in the now gutted theatre.

Archival footage courtesy of: Beverly Counts Rodrigues

Posted in Arts, Homepage | Comments

Grove residents offered discount for upcoming Coconut Grove Arts Festival

When the Coconut Grove Arts Festival gets under way Feb.13-15, Coconut Grove residents can attend for half price.

A discounted entrance rate of $5, with proof of a 33133 ZIP code, will be offered to help make the weekend more accessible and to “thank” the residents who support the project throughout the year, said the festival’s Chief Operating Officer Katherine Phillips.

More than 150,000 people are expected to crowd the streets of the Grove for the 47^th annual festival. Sponsored by Blue Shield of Florida, the festival invites art lovers from all over to come out and survey thousands of pieces of artwork, sample food and enjoy live music and entertainment.
Read the rest of this story »

Posted in Arts | Comments

Ballroom Dance w/ Lessons every Monday

Victor Trivett hosts ballroom dance sessions w/ lessons – December 28th from 7:00-9:30 p.m. (lessons from 7:30-8:00) St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church, 7410 SW 72 Street (Sunset). Line dances, mixers, swing, disco, tango, waltz, cha-cha, merengue, rumba, fox-trot, mambo, polka (LOTS OF FUN)… Cost = $2.00 donation. For more details call: (305) 667-7715

Posted in Arts | Comments