Miami Design Preservation League

A Creative Preservationist: Isabella Mojares

AmandaB — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:33:08 +0000

Isabella Mojares is an eighth grader at Frank C. Martin International K-8 Center in Miami, an International Baccalaureate magnet school that emphasizes turning its students into well-balanced world citizens.

This spring, Isabella will complete the “Middle-Years Programme”, or MYP. Each graduate must complete what is called a Global Service Learning project – an individual project that showcases their skills gained during the MYP years while also making a difference in our community.

In considering what type of project interested her, Isabella remembered a book she had read about a Frank Lloyd Wright building that had been in danger of being demolished. That story made an impression and it led her to create a project that would help support the preservation of architectural sites. Searching for ways to help, Isabella came up with the idea of creating note cards with photographs of Art Deco buildings. She figured selling the note cards would be a great way to raise money for preservation.

In January, Isabella contacted MDPL and explained her project idea. We arranged for Isabella and her father to go on an Art Deco walking tour at no charge. On the tour, Isabella captured the many Art Deco gems featured on the tour with her camera. In the end, she created 9 different cards that she sold to friends and family for $2 each. To further add to the fun (and funds), she came to the Art Deco Welcome Center to sell cards herself to the public.

So far, Isabella has raised $100 and has donated it all to MDPL for use on our Miami Beach Visual Memoirs project. As if that wasn’t enough, Isabelle came to the MDPL office to offer her time to help on office projects. And, she even wrote a Building of the Month article for an MDPL newsletter.

And now, because of her commitment to MDPL, we are happy to make Isabelle an official MDPL member.

Isabella is a thoughtful and determined young lady who developed a successful preservation project on her own time. Its volunteers like Isabella – young and old – who make MDPL and historic preservation everywhere work.

Thank you Isabella Mojares!

MDPL Chair Named To Planning Board

AmandaB — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:01:31 +0000

Miami Design Preservation League

MDPL Chairman Charles Urstadt was appointed to the City of Miami Beach Planning Board. He begun his work at his first meeting last week.

Urstadt has been Chairman of MDPL for the last three years and an active member of the Miami community. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Belle Isle Residents Association and the Friends of the Miami Marine Stadium. He also works as a volunteer for SAVE Dade and the American Red Cross.

His professional life includes many years spent in the real estate business in the New York metropolitan area. He is currently managing director of Urstadt Real Estate and a director of Urstadt Biddle Properties, a real estate investment trust traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Search For New MDPL Executive Director Underway

AmandaB — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:50:59 +0000

Miami Design Preservation League

Imagine leading one of the nation’s most respected historic preservation organizations…a group founded to preserve one of America’s greatest 20th Century historic districts and thriving in its mission to preserve, protect and promote one of the country’s most fabulous cities.

A nation-wide search has begun for a new Executive Director of MDPL. It’s an opportunity for the right person who has a combination of executive experience, a background in historic preservation and the know-how to run a high profile non-profit organization. The future of MDPL is filled with many exciting projects including a new museum on Ocean Drive, cutting-edge educational projects and important public policy initiatives.

If you or someone you know might fit the bill, a resume and salary requirements should be sent to HR@mdpl.org

MDPL’s Letter to the Miami Herald

AmandaB — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:26:58 +0000

Miami Design Preservation League

Read All About It: Letter to the Miami Herald

In response to an article that appeared in the Miami Herald, MDPL chair Charles Urstadt wrote a letter that was published on December 27th.

To the Editor:

The Dec. 26 story ”Future, Past collide over Miami Beach Apple store’s next move”

refers to the process of how appointments are made to Miami Beach’s Historic Preservation Board. A more detailed explanation might be helpful.

The city reserves two of the seven board seats for candidates to be selected by the City Commission from a pool of applicants recommended by the Miami DesignPreservation League and Dade Heritage Trust. Both groups are nonprofit, member-supported organizations dedicated to historic preservation. As such, we are a resource that the city calls on to provide candidates who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about preservation standards and laws. However, the City Commission has final say over every board appointment.

This system has worked well for many years, and there is no reason to change it. The Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board has been nationally recognized for its record of balancing the rights and needs of property owners with the high preservation standards of the community.

The results speak for themselves: Thriving historic districts that are economic engines of Miami Beach draw visitors from around the world and provide a special quality of life for residents.

Charles Urstadt

Chairman

Miami Design Preservation League

Miami Beach

The letter can be found on-line here: “Preservation Process.”

Happy Holidays from MDPL

AmandaB — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:57:42 +0000

Miami Design Preservation League

Here is a great idea to put you in the spirit of the holiday season, join the Miami Beach Police Department and the Miami Beach community for the Annual Children’s Holiday Toy Giveaway.

Since 1982, the community and the Miami Beach Police Department have worked together to provide holiday gifts for the needy children of our City. This year, on Saturday, December 17, 2011, between 9 am and noon, approximately 500 children will receive holiday presents that they otherwise would not have received. A toy or monetary donation will assist in making this day a special one for some deserving children in our area.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, please make your check payable to the Miami Beach Children’s Relief Fund. You may mail your donation to the Miami Beach Police Department located at: 1100 Washington Ave, Miami Beach Fl 33139 C/O Major Brian Sliman.

If you wish to donate a new unwrapped toy, you may do so by delivering the toy to the front desk of the Police Station. To donate a new unwrapped toy, bring it to the Front Desk of the Police Station.

The Board and Staff of MDPL wishes you the Happiest of Holidays and a wonderful 2012!