Miami Dade College’s role pivotal in Olympia Theater sale

The planned sale of the historic Olympia Theater in downtown to a charter school is contingent on Miami Dade College’s (MDC) role in the institution being ironed out before the deal comes back for final approval in September, City Manager Art Noriega told commissioners last month.

“That’s a condition precedent to executing the agreement,” Mr. Noriega said during the commission’s last meeting before summer recess on July 24. “The agreement doesn’t get executed, nor does the property transfer, until the city is satisfied that an agreement has been reached between Miami Dade College and SLAM Academica.” He added that the deal was about 80% complete, with MDC’s role among the final components to be worked out before the commission revisits the agreement next month.

Commissioners granted preliminary approval that day for a purchase and sale agreement that would transfer the 99-year-old downtown landmark to SLAM, Sports Leadership and Management, a public charter school network. SLAM seeks to acquire the Olympia Theater site at 174 E Flagler St. and transform it into a center for arts and technology education, pledging $40 million to $50 million to restore the deteriorating property.

For years, city officials have sought a long-term operator to renovate and reactivate the theater. In 2022, a city request for proposals (RFP) allowing potential developers to propose uses such as a boutique hotel or restaurant drew no responses.

Earlier that same year, MDC issued its own RFP to establish an innovation-focused school downtown and ultimately partnered with Mater Academy to open the “Miami Tech at Mater Innovation Academy.” The proposed partnership would expand that effort, with SLAM and its partners planning to incorporate arts and technology into the curriculum at the historic venue.

According to the preliminary deal approved July 24, MDC is expected to serve as a higher education partner by providing dual enrollment programs enabling high school students to earn college credit and by developing academic pathways from high school arts programs to associate and bachelor’s degree programs.

SLAM is also anticipated to serve as a venue partner for MDC’s arts and culture programming, including academic ceremonies, performances, exhibitions and events such as the Miami Film Festival and Miami Book Fair. Dedicated studio space for MDC art and fashion students might also be included to support creative work, exhibits and hands-on learning.

City commission Chairwoman Christine King stressed at the meeting that the college’s name should not be used to bolster public support without a signed agreement. She also emphasized the need for written assurances that students from across the city’s districts would be able to attend the school and benefit from its programs.

Under the proposed deal, SLAM must complete the restoration of the Olympia Theater to recertification and historic preservation standards within five years or risk the city reclaiming the site.

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