Amid public outcry over its graffiti-laden façade, the former VITAS Healthcare building in Miami’s bustling downtown corridor is finally meeting its end. NBC Miami reported that the long-abandoned structure is currently undergoing demolition, an action spurred by a lawsuit filed by the city against Northwestern Capital Corporation, the developer responsible for the site.
The building, once a vital 19-story commercial space on SE 2nd Street, had become a canvas for spontaneous urban art, providing a stark contrast to the sleek Miami skyline. However, the impending teardown has not dissuaded the city’s plans to obscure the striking imagery for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations, a decision led by Commissioner Joe Carollo, who told reporters, “it’s not an image he wants for Miami as thousands of locals and tourists plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve across the street at Bayfront Park.” The visuals, while celebrated by a slice of the community, are scheduled to be shielded by mesh screens, a temporary measure as reported by WLRN.
Commissioner Damian Pardo informed NBC6 that the demolition is anticipated to be completed by mid-to-late January. Despite the slow-moving progress of deconstruction, the commitment remains steadfast. In a statement obtained by NBC6, Pardo said, “Our office has been actively working with the developers and city staff while navigating a highly complex process and identifying the most efficient path toward a speedy resolution.”
Last year’s Art Basel event saw the high rise transform overnight into a massive, informal gallery as artists from around the globe participated in what was referred to as “graffiti bombing,” as mentioned on WLRN.
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