Inside The Abandoned Chart House Restaurant Coconut Grove

October 24, 2017 in Abandoned, Coconut Grove, Golden Dusk Photography, Grove Bay Hospitality, Miami, Regatta Harbour

As demolition begins at The Chart House in Coconut Grove to make way for a new mixed used development called The Harbour. The building sat empty for almost two years since closing in November 2015, which was delayed because of litigation.

Built in 1982 by architect Joe Lancor of Hawaii, The Chart House had a unique design that featured wood panelling on the ceiling with large glass windows overlooking Biscayne Bay. There were three large sunlight windows on the roof of the building - one in the middle and two long windows on the West and East side of the restaurant. The interior had a distinct green carpet throughout the dining area.

Demolition Begins At The Chart House Coconut Grove

October 23, 2017 in Coconut Grove, Demolition, Golden Dusk Photography, Grove Bay Investment Grou, Miami, Regatta Harbour

The Chart House in Coconut Grove is now being demolished after the initial demolition date of September 11th was d elayed because of Hurricane Irma.

Built in 1982, with 10,515 square feet, The Chart House was designed by architect Joe Lancor of Hawaii who also designed many other Chart Houses across the country.

The Chart House closed in November 2015 after 33 years to make way for a mixed use development called The Harbour that will have two restaurants, entertainment event space, marina with 400 boat slips, a public baywalk and converting the seaplane hangars into retail space. It will be developed by The Grove Bay Hospitality Group who received the contract by Miami City Commissioners in 2013. The Harbour was approved by voters in a 2013 referendum.

The Harbour is expected to be open early 2019 and cost $80 million.

Demolition Video

New Renderings Of The $20M Coconut Grove Playhouse Plans

October 18, 2017 in Arquitectonica, Coconut Grove, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Miami

New plans have been revealed of the $20 million renovation of the long shutterred and abandoned Coconut Grove Playhouse.

Plans a pproved by the Historic Preservation Board in April included tearing down the existing 1,100 theater, but preserving the front v shaped building along Main Highway. The front building and new modern theater would be separated by an open courtyard. The front building would include ground level retail as the original plans in 1926 by Richard Kiehnel.

Also included in the plans are a five story parking garage to be run by Miami Parking Authority and 32 loft apartments.

An appeal against the plans will be heard before Miami Commissioners on October 26th.

A look inside the abandoned Coconut Grove Playhouse can be viewed here.

Office In The Grove Denied Historic Designation

September 26, 2017 in Coconut Grove, Miami, Office in the Grove, Office Building, Mast Capital

On September 5th, Miami's Historic Preservation Board denied to make the Office In The Grove a historic landmark in a 7-2 vote.

Built in 1972 and designed by Kenneth Treister, the Office In The Grove was less than 50 years old and not of exceptional significance to be considered.

The building will most likely be demolished in the near future for a new tower.

Hurricane Irma Aerial Aftermath Photos & Video In Miami - Part 2

September 15, 2017 in Coconut Grove, Golden Dusk Photography, Hurricane Irma, Miami

Yesterday, in Part 1, we showed photos of the damage done to Miami after Hurricane Irma.

Today we have aerial photos and a video of an area that was hit hardest by the storm - Coconut Grove.

At Bayshore Landing Marina many boats and yachts were sunk or overturned by the Hurricane. A lot of damage occurred at Scotty's Landing and The Chart House with the dock being torn apart. The railing was ripped apart at the shoreline around The Chart House.

Sailboats were pushed into Peacock Park from the storm and a dead body was found at The Mutiny along South Bayshore Drive.

Miami is slowly starting to recover from Hurricane Irma.

Aerial Photos

Hurricane Irma Aftermath Video

Hurricane Irma Aftermath Photos In Miami - Part 1

September 14, 2017 in Brickell, Brickell Avenue, Coconut Grove, Golden Dusk Photography, Hurricane Irma, Miami

As Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida on September 10th as a category 3 hurricane, winds over 100 mph caused damage throughout Miami and Coconut Grove.

Brickell Avenue and Brickell Bay Drive turned into a river and Coconut Grove experienced storm surges past South Bayshore Drive.

The next day the water had subsided leaving behind many uprooted trees and sunken boats.

Coconut Grove Playhouse Still Intact After Hurricane Irma - Photos & Video

September 13, 2017 in Abandoned, Coconut Grove, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Golden Dusk Photography, Miami, Hurricane Irma

Coconut Grove Playhouse After Hurricane Irma

As Hurricane Irma was approaching Miami as a Category 5 Hurricane, the question was whether Miami-Dade County would protect the Coconut Grove Playhouse in some way before the storm. The answer was no.

Although the eye of Hurricane Irma did not pass through Miami, Coconut Grove still had over 100 mph winds and gust. Severe damage was done to a lot of trees in the area including a storm surge in Peacock Park and along Bayshore Drive.

Built in 1926, the Coconut Grove Playhouse sustained minor visible damage to the exterior of the building. The tree on Charles Avenue next to the Playhouse was knocked down, the blue scaffolding on the side of the building was blown over, and the awning covering was ripped and a few windows knocked out, but overall the building managed to survive the Hurricane.

Most of the Coconut Grove Playhouse was approved to be demolished in April with a new 300 seat theater, but only preserving the front "v shaped" structure. An appeal hearing is set for October 26 before Miami's City Commissioners.

Abandoned since 2006, photos and video of the inside of the Coconut Grove Playhouse can be viewed here.