Preserving Olympia

Revitalizing Miami's Historic Theater

A historic opportunity to revitalize the Olympia Theater and its tower through cultural vibrancy, community activation and public educational uses. It ensures preservation with purpose — restoring the past while creating a hub for Miami’s creative future!

1,700 Historic Seats

$50M Investment

$0 Tax Payer Dollars

1926 Originally Built

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 Slides

3 Atmospheric Theaters Left in FL

100 Years of History

10 Story Building

Our 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

1924/1970

Publix Theater Corporation Era

Opened doors in 1926 as a silent movie theater believed to be first air-conditioned theater in the South.

Drew vaudeville performances (combination of singing, dancing, comedy and acrobatics common in 1880s-1930s)

Elvis performs in August 1956

50s/60s - notable performances by Etta James, Della Reese, B.B. King, The Marx Brothers, and Gypsy Rose Lee

1970/1972

Maurice Gusman Era

Purchased by Maurice Gusman in 1970, after learning it might be torn down

Renovated by Morris Lapidus of Miami Beach at an estimated cost of $5 million

Reopened in Oct. 1972

1972/1975

Philharmonic Orchestra Era

Gusman donated it to the Greater Miami Philharmonic Orchestra in 1972

Not able to maintain the building, it was returned to Gusman in 1975

1975/2025

City of Miami Era

Deeded to the City of Miami for administration by the Miami Parking Authority (then known as Department of Off-Street Parking) on July 24, 1975

Designated historic by the City of Miami in 1983

Added to National Register of Historic Places in 1984

One of 3 “atmospheric theaters” remaining in Florida

2011

City Commission transferred administration to non-profit run by Herman Echevaria but ultimately returned to City

2017

Related Urban Development Group LLC submitted a proposal for a public-private partnership for the remodeling of 73 apartment units and capital improvements to the theater

2018

City Commission discussed a partnership with MDC but restoration costs of an estimated $26 million (at the time) caused the deal to fall apart

Aug. 2018 repair or demolish order issued by City's Code Enforcement

2019

New Urban International submitted a proposal to redevelop the units into a hotel and make improvements to the theater but did not come to fruition

2023

Hotel/jazz club idea failed to no financial backing or conveyance authority

“I believe that in a great city, or even in a small city or a village,

a great theatre is the outward and visible sign of an inward and probable culture.” ~ Laurence Olivier

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.

Learn More

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.

info@preservingolympia.org

Please reach out to us!

Restoring Olympia Theater and Revitalizing Downtown Flagler