Last Thursday, the Miami City Commission voted on a resolution to lease Miami’s first high school, a historically designated building. If approved, this resolution will authorize a lease agreement with 191 SW 12 Owner LLC, the developer of One Southside Park. The private developer plans to restore and repurpose the historic building for public use with additional amenities, including restaurants and retail space. Miami is known for its vibrant culture and nightlife, making this development an attractive addition to the restaurant and retail scene.
The History of Miami’s First High School
According to the City of Miami Planning Department, 140 SW 11th Street was Miami’s first established high school. The city’s first high school classes met at the grammar school at NE 1st Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets. However, overcrowding pressured city officials to search for a new building to accommodate older students.
In 1905, the Miami School Board authorized the construction of the building at 140 SW 11th Street for high school students. It was constructed beneath the original grammar school as a two-room, frame bungalow. These school buildings were replaced in 1911 when a new school opened. The bungalow was relocated down Biscayne Bay and became Southside Elementary School.
In 1914, the historic high school building was converted into a residence. Although the building’s structure had survived the ravages of time, its condition had it marked for demolition. A campaign held by the City of Miami, Miami High School alumni, and Dade Heritage Trust successfully petitioned the building to be spared and moved to Southside Park in 2003.
140 SW 11th Street was designated a historic building in 2004 by the City of Miami. This designation qualifies it for public assistance to the owners through an Ad Valorem Tax Exemption program and a Transfer of Development Rights program.
Future Plans for the Historic Building
Since its relocation in 2003, the city’s first high school has awaited renovation. As reported by Miami Today, on December 12th, 2024, the Miami City Commission voted on the resolution to pass authorization to 191 SW 12 Owner LLC, an affiliate of JDS Development Group.
If the renovation is approved, 191 SW 12 Owner LLC will repurpose the historic building for public use, housing mixed businesses and amenities. These plans maintain the old school house’s historic charm while allowing broader public access and enjoyment.
Renovation plans for Miami’s first high school emphasize commercial and retail spaces, with the introduction of new restaurants and cafe sites. The plans include interior and exterior renovations to repurpose and preserve the building’s historic structural features. Once the city commissioners approve these plans, the city manager will sign the lease, and renovations will proceed.
Larger Designs for Private-led City Developments
According to Miami Today, the proposed leasing agreement with 191 SW 12 Owner LLC is part of a broader 2020 agreement that allowed the developer to construct One Southside Park. This project featured a 64-story mixed-use tower located in Brickell.
JDS Development Group, the parent company of 191 SW 12 Owner LLC, has committed to several more large-scale city developments. As part of a $23 million purchase of city-owned property along Southwest Second Avenue, JDS agreed to fund $8 million for constructing a new Fire Station No. 4 with updated facilities. $2.2 million will be applied to ordering new fire trucks, including other features for Southside Park and additional public benefits.
With the addition of the 140 SW 11th Street renovations, JDS and its affiliate, 191 SW 12 Owner LLC, will continue to play a significant role in shaping Miami’s development.
