In Memoriam:
​The Coconut Grove Playhouse (1927–2025)

As of August 2025, demolition of the historic auditorium is now complete.
A place that housed stories for nearly a century has fallen silent.
​We honor its spirit, its artists, and the generations it brought together.

View the Compelling Video Memories:   
​Piano Music Composed and Performed By Michael Rosenberg  
Click Here to View

The Facade of the Coconut Grove Playhouse Remains 

Our Vision

We envisioned a Coconut Grove Playhouse restored in accordance with the
State and Secretary of Interior Guidelines, as approved and funded by voters,
that serves as a gateway to the historic Evangelist Street/Charles Avenue district.
We envisioned a Coconut Grove Playhouse that reclaims its legacy as
an important regional theater and the cultural centerpiece of Coconut Grove.

Learn About the Key Issues:

​See other historic properties that have undergone restoration in this
​Historic_​Precedent Study

This video explores the efforts to stop the demolition of the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse, addressing topics like historic preservation,
community activism, ​sustainability, and local development challenges.

​GoFundMe Page

SIGN OUR PETITION

Miami Dade County and Florida International University (FIU) are under a 99 year lease with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

For ten years, the County has fought to overturn historic preservation laws and has engaged in "Demolition by Neglect" tactics by allowing the Playhouse structure to deteriorate. 
A Stabilization Plan must be implemented immediately to save this historic structure.

This Historic Treasure

City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez vetoed the City's Commission vote to approve the County's plan. The County made an appeal to the County's Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court to overturn the veto. The Court ruled on July 22, 2020 that it has no jurisdiction to address the merits of County’s appeal. ​ Learn more...

This Place Matters

Our grassroots movement includes our local community and the national theater community. Share your memories of the Coconut Grove Playhouse and how this place matters to you.  
​Join Us!

The Heisenbottle Plan for Full Restoration:
What Could Have Been

View Heisenbottle Plan

On-Site Lecture - History, Survey, Conficts and Future
​Richard Heisenbottle, FAIA
​January 2021

Help us Save The Coconut Grove Playhouse

A Significant Historic Property

The entire Coconut Grove Playhouse building is designated as
Historic by City of Miami Historic Preservation Board and it is on the
National Register of Historic Places designated by the US Department of the Interior.
Miami-Dade County plans to go forward WITHOUT an approval from the City of Miami Historic, Environmental & Preservation Board and WITHOUT a 267 Review which is
​MANDATED on historic properties in Florida.

An Important Historic District

Evangelist Street was the first street built by the early Bahamian settlers. 
The street became the cultural and commercial center for the Bahamian community,
extending from the Playhouse at Main Highway to Douglas Road. 
In the early 1900s the street's name was changed to Charles Avenue
after early settler Joseph Frow's son, Charles.  
Evangelist Street/Charles Avenue symbolizes the thriving Bahamian community in the area.
View Designation Report 

Join our Grassroots Team to
Save The Coconut Grove Playhouse!