Project Vision & Goals
Revitalizing Miami's Historic Heart Through Arts & Education
SLAM will lead a consortium of non-profit, public charter schools to restore the historic Olympia Theater facility into an arts, culture, education, and community activation hub.
Collaboration of local non-profits include Mater Innovation Academy (MIA) in partnership with Miami Dade College (MDC), Mater Brickell Academy (MBA), Somerset Academy. Additionally, we are also working with local community groups and seeking more partnerships that align with this mission of preserving the theater.
Preserving Olympia Presentation SlidesOur Partners
SLAM (Sports Leadership, Arts & Management)is a non-profit educational organization operating public charter schools in the City of Miami for since 2012
“A” high school designated a High-Performing Charter School by the Florida Department of Education
SLAM operates the only student-managed Sirius XM radio station in the country out of Little Havana.
Mater Academy currently operates Mater Innovation Academy, a public charter school developed in collaboration between the City of Miami, Miami-Dade College, and Mater Academy, Inc.
Miami Tech at Mater Innovation Academy will provide students with classrooms at the building for the Technology & the Arts programming.
MDC will serve as a higher-education partner, providing dual-enrollment opportunities that allow eligible high school students to earn college credit at MDC.
The Theater will be available as a venue for MDC's arts-and-culture programming, including academic ceremonies, performances, exhibitions, and signature events.
Historic Legacy
Educational Learning
Hub
The school component is at the heart of Olympia's transformation, bringing a daily pulse of energy and creativity to downtown. Students from SLAM, Mater Academy, and Somerset will be immersed in a unique learning environment in theater's adjoining building. There, their studies come to life through engagement with the theater's performances, live productions, and technical operations.
Classroom Integration
Students learn through hands-on engagement with theater operations, integrating arts education with academic curriculum.
Workshops & Field Trips
Interactive learning experiences connect students directly with professional artists and technical specialists.
Student Participation
Students actively participate in productions, gaining real-world experience in performance and technical arts.
Internships & Mentorships
Professional mentorship programs connect students with industry leaders, opening pathways to future careers.
The Miami Community
We are actively reaching out to local community partners to join in on our mission to preserve Olympia and add to its cultural and community programming.
Please reach out to us!
Faqs
We are a consortium of leading nonprofit, public charter school networks consisting of — SLAM! Mater Academy, and Somerset Academy. With over 28 years of experience and success in serving the residents of Miami. oOur collective efforts have transformed urban education and arts programming, and we are committed to the public good.
The Olympia Theater Project is an unprecedented public benefit initiative to restore and revitalize the historic Olympia Theater and its adjoining 10-story tower at 174 East Flagler Street in downtown Miami. For the first time in its history, the entire facility will operate synergistically as an integrated arts, education, culture, and community hub— preserving its legacy while contributing to the educational needs of Miami’s urban core
Theater: The historic 1,500-seat Olympia Theater will be fully restored and remain a public venue for cinema, film festivals, public concerts, civic and cultural events, and live performances as it has for nearly a century.
Adjoining Tower: The ten-story adjacent building, previously underutilized, will be transformed into a vertical, urban secondary school campus hosting classrooms, labs, studios, and innovative programs in technology, media, arts, and entrepreneurship. The building will follow successful models in place at SLAM! Miami and Mater Arts & Innovation Academy.
We will invest approximately $50 million in restoration and repairs to the facility in alignment with historic preservation standards.
Restoration will include comprehensive interior and exterior work: reconstructing dressing rooms and crew rooms; repairing decorative paint and plaster; electrical, fire safety, and mechanical overhauls; roof and window replacement; marquee and ticket booth restoration; and preservation of all ornamental features.
All repairs and restoration work will be completed within five (5) years of the issuance of building permits by the City of Miami with provisions for the City to extend if necessary.
Yes. Historic preservation is the core commitment.
We will work with experienced architects and historic preservation professionals to protect and honor the building’s unique architectural and cultural elements while . meeting Historic Preservation standards. Our goal is both preservation and purposeful activation—honoring the past while preparing the facility to serve future generations.
Yes.
- The restoration and retrofitting process will be managed in full compliance with local, state, and federal historic preservation requirements.
- All architectural and preservation work will be planned and managed by professionals specializing in historic properties. Compliance with National Register of Historic Places standards (the Olympia Theater has been on the Register since 1984) is a minimum requirement.
The new “Miami Innovation & Arts Academy at the Olympia Facility” will offer award- winning academic and career pathways in arts, media, technology, and entrepreneurship. Dual enrollment courses with Miami Dade College (MDC) will allow students to earn college credit during high school.
Community & Cultural Events: The Olympia will continue to host community and cultural events such as the Miami Film Festival, Miami Book Fair, regular music/dance performances, comedy shows, movie screenings and more. The programming will also offer internship and training opportunities for students assisting with live productions.
Community Engagement: Events, festivals, and activities will ensure that the space is a vital, accessible hub for all Miamians.
Yes.
- The project partners have hosted **multiple community meetings** with local stakeholders to gather feedback, answer questions, and incorporate community priorities.
- **Public access is a requirement** of the project: The theater will be programmed for community/civic events at least 180 days each calendar year. The City of Miami will retain certain management rights over previously scheduled events.
We have a deep track record of serving and uplifting Miami's diverse neighborhoods. Community input will remain central to both programming and facility operations.
The legal agreement with the City of Miami contains:
- Use Restrictions: The property may be used exclusively for public education and civic/cultural uses.
- Reverter Clause: If these uses are not maintained or if restoration is not completed as required, the property automatically reverts to the City.
- Ongoing Oversight: Community programming and access are guaranteed through binding institutional agreements, public oversight, and an ongoing partnership with the City, Miami Dade College, and other public institutions.
The Olympia Theater Project is a transformational public partnership to restore, preserve, and revitalize an iconic Miami landmark, combining visionary education, vibrant arts and culture, and continuous community benefit, all while ensuring the building’s legacy for the next century.
