Galbut’s Crescent Heights is developing the area with a 519-foot, 44-story tower on the 500 block along with retail and a public park in the 600 block of Alton. Residents asked for demolition of the shell which they have called an eyesore as quickly as possible. Galbut offered faster demolition in exchange for the right to rebuild 2.25 times the existing footprint of the old hospital in the event the proposed project is not developed. Miami Beach City Code changed since the hospital was originally built and once torn down, a new building would have to comply with the new Code, meaning it would be smaller. The shell has remained until Galbut could receive final permits for any new development but with the assurance that he could built at 2.25 times if the proposed project is not approved, he was willing to demolish the building now before receiving all permits.
“We’re pretty excited about moving on on this property and the implosion coming very soon so it’s an extremely exciting opportunity to see this project become reality,” Galbut told RE:MiamiBeach. “I think the neighbors are overjoyed and it’s really to the neighbors’ credit.”
The initial application for an implosion permit was denied by the City of Miami Beach Building Official “based on the need for consistency, past practice, and interpretation of the Building Code for safety reasons,” according to a letter to Miami Beach Commissioners. That decision was reversed by the Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals. According to the letter, “The applicant will pursue demolition by implosion and follow all applicable Florida Building codes and safety regulations.”
Galbut is working toward an 8:00 am, Sunday morning, April 14th implosion. “If we don’t hit that date it will be have to be after Passover and Easter.” Plans are being coordinated with the City to finalize the date.
In preparation for the implosion, Galbut said, all traffic will be turned away from the immediate area around the building for about 20 minutes starting at around 7:50 am and reopen at about 8:10.
