Track 3: Conservation of modern and post-modern heritage

CS3.1 Miami Marine Stadium: Preserving a Modern Concrete Icon

Presenter(s)

• 

  Hilario Candela, FAIA

  Candela + Partners, LLC
• 

  Paul Gaudette, FAPT, FACI

  Principal
  Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
• 

  Richard Heisenbottle, FAIA

  R. J. Heisenbottle Architects , PA
• 

  Deborah Slaton, FAPT

  Principal
  Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Session Chair(s)

• 

  Rosa Lowinger

  Principal and Chief Conservator
  RLA Conservation Inc.

Located on the shore of Biscayne Bay just south of downtown, the Miami Marine Stadium is recognized as an architectural icon for its striking modernist design that includes a cantilevered roof of lightweight, cast-in-place reinforced concrete. Designed by Cuban-born architect Hilario Candela of Pancoast, Ferendino, Grafton, Skeels & Burnham Consulting Architects (PFGSB), with structural engineers Dignum Associates Consulting Engineers (DACE), and constructed in 1963, the stadium was the world’s first powerboat racing venue and also a popular site for concerts. In 1992, the stadium was closed after Hurricane Andrew struck the region. It has remained unoccupied since then, becoming a haven for graffiti artists. In 2004 the City of Miami secured funding through municipal bonds to save the facility, and in 2014 the building was awarded a Getty Foundation Keeping it Modern grant to begin exploring the technical methodologies for conservation. Members of the project team for the current rehabilitation project, begun in 2015, will discuss the design, history, technology, and the planned rehabilitation and conservation of this unique modern structure. The session will begin with an introduction to the stadium and efforts to save it, following by an interview with original designer Hilario Candela by conservator and session moderator Rosa Lowinger. Richard J. Heisenbottle will present the program and design for the rehabilitation of the stadium, followed by presentations by Deborah Slaton and Paul Gaudette on preservation considerations and technical issues involved in the investigation and repair/conservation of the stadium’s concrete. The session will conclude with a moderated panel discussion and questions and answers with audience members.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the design concept and construction of the poured-in-place concrete stadium.
• Review the grass-roots efforts that led to saving this unique historic structure, and the goals and concepts for the planned rehabilitation.
• Understand the characteristics of the stadium’s concrete and the threats posed by the saltwater environment.
• Review the technical solutions being considered for its repair and protection.

Presentations:

• 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

  Miami Marine Stadium: Preserving a Modern Architectural Icon
  Hilario Candela, FAIA – Candela + Partners, LLC; Paul Gaudette, FAPT, FACI – Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Richard Heisenbottle, FAIA – R. J. Heisenbottle Architects , PA; Deborah Slaton, FAPT – Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.