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The 80 year old Miami City Hall Building is an architectural landmark that represents the diverse history of Miami, FL. The Mediterranean Revival structure, built in the year 1927, was, at that time, the tallest standing structure in the city of Miami. Advancements in the construction industry have facilitated redefining skylines to cater to the needs of the changing times. However, as imperative as it is to continue to progress, it is equally important to preserve landmarks that are meaningful to our history.
The proximity of the structure to the ocean, coupled with some poor initial construction and lack of adequate maintenance, resulted in a very deteriorated structure. Several repair projects were initiated to address obvious defects over the years but none addressed the root cause of the problems. It was not until 2002 that this structure was thoroughly investigated. The project continued to reveal its deficiencies during the course of the repair, but this time, no short term solutions accepted. Every single detail, whether structural, aesthetic, or an effort toward historical preservation, was addressed in accordance with the guidelines of the repair industry.
The demands and needs of tomorrow will challenge the construction industry to further modify the skylines of the cities of future generations, but as members of the repair industry, it is reassuring to know that today we have the tools and the knowledge to enhance the service life of structures that speak of our history. |
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Owner
City of Miama Beach
Miami Beach, Florida
Project Engineer/ Designer
BEA International
Coral Gables, Florida
Repair Contractor
National Concrete Preservation
Miami, Florida
Material Suppliers/
Manufacturers
Sika Corporation
Lyndhurst, New Jersey |