Island’s MiMo architecture declared ‘endangered’

MIAMI (AP) — A Miami-Dade County island has been designated one of the country’s “most endangered historic places.”

The National Trust for Historic Preservation says Bay Harbor’s East Island is at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. County officials say the island is one of the largest concentrations of mid-century Miami Modern-style architecture in the country.

The “MiMo” movement featured concrete screens with geometric patterns to shield residents from the sun, cantilevered roofs with holes for palm trees and decorations that evoked South Florida’s tropical environment.

Officials say Bay Harbor’s East Island is threatened by redevelopment that calls for the demolition of several mid-century structures. Trust president Stephanie Meeks says residents and officials must urge developers to find ways to reuse these buildings instead of destroying them.

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Online:

http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/11-most-endangered

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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