The dramatically cantilevered building was designed in 1963 by then 27-year-old Cuban-American architect Hilario Candela, and has been owned and operated by the city since its opening. Effectively abandoned since it was damaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, neglect and vandalism have threatened the life of the Miami icon.
Following a 2007 master plan that proposed demolishing the structure, Friends of Miami Marine Stadium (FMMS) has been working diligently to revive the building. A recent agreement with the Heat Group, who operate the American Airlines Arena, to run the facility after its rehabilitation, is seen as key to securing the city's approval.
"Thanks to a county grant and tax credits for historic buildings, FMMS has already raised $12 million for the approximately $30 million project."
