Preservation Milestones
Since the late 1980s, four major restoration projects and several preservation initiatives have helped protect and revitalize Opa-locka’s remarkable but limited cultural resources.
Now, with renewed public interest and the approaching 100th anniversary of the city’s founding in 2026, Opa-locka stands poised to build on this momentum—adding new victories to its ongoing campaign to preserve and celebrate its historic legacy.
The Hurt Building
Built Summer 1926, restored by 1991
Seaboard Air line Opa-locka Railroad Station
Built April 1927, restored by 2003
The Dove House
Built in 1927, full restoration anticipated 2025
Mid-1980s
Establishment of the Opa-locka Historic Preservation Board
Created by ordinance and approved by the City Commission, the Opa-locka Historic Preservation Board was formed to safeguard the city’s unique architectural and cultural heritage.
1986–1987
Restoration of the Opa-locka Administration Building and Fire Station
Commissioned by the Opa-locka Historic Preservation Board, this $1,143,500 restoration project revived one of the city’s landmark structures. Skilled artisans William Coulthard and Karen Schoepflin meticulously restored the ceilings and walls using ornate stencil techniques. Michael Maxwell and Associates, with consultant Emily Perry, oversaw the project, which also included the documentation of all historic properties within city boundaries.
1987–1991
Restoration of the Hurt Building
Work on the Hurt Building began in 1987 but paused the following year after the developer’s bankruptcy. Initial costs totaled $600,000, with additional funding— a $240,416 loan and a $140,000 state appropriation—helping complete the restoration. The project’s success was made possible through the efforts of Representative Willie Logan, the Opa-locka Community Development Corporation, the City of Opa-locka, and Miami-Dade County.
1991–2003
Restoration of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad Station
Undertaken through a partnership among Dade Heritage Trust, the Opa-locka Community Development Corporation, and the City of Opa-locka, this extensive restoration brought new life to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Supervised by John Gaither, the project included intricate tile restoration by muralist Patricia Obringer, and was completed in June 2003.
2022–2023
Restoration of The Dove House
Located on Jann Avenue, The Dove House became the first private residence in Opa-locka to be faithfully restored to its 1927 appearance. Work included:
– Replacement of flooring and recreation of the original porch room
– Restoration of the fireplace with period-appropriate tile and a reclaimed pecky cypress mantle
– Recreation of porch railing and custom Rose-Beige exterior color matching the original 1927 layer
– Refinishing of original interior doors, hardware, and surviving exterior window
– Installation of period-style spear-tip awnings and batten-style front door
2023
New Restoration Initiatives Begin
Restoration work commenced on the Opa-locka Administration Building and Fire Station, while the Opa-locka Bank entered restoration under the leadership of the Opa-locka Community Redevelopment Agency (OLCRA).
2024
Unveiling of the Opa-locka Heritage Trail and the Opa-locka Museum of Art & History
Two major cultural initiatives debut, connecting Opa-locka’s historic sites with a renewed vision for public engagement, education, and preservation.
January 2025
Grand Reopening of the Opa-locka Administration Building
A cornerstone of Opa-locka’s historic district reopens to the public, marking a new chapter in the city’s preservation and cultural revitalization story.
Timeline of Preservation Activities
Historic Environmental Preservation Board
Meeting on an as-needed basis and no less than six times per year, the Historic Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB) convenes to discuss and vote on building permits of locally-registered historic sites, as well as other related preservation/restoration initiatives.
For more information and to learn about past and future meetings, please visit the city’s website below where you will find agendas, packets, and meeting location dates/times.
https://opalockafl.gov/304/Agendas-Minutes
Interested in making your Opa-locka home a historic landmark? Reach out to the city’s Planning & Community Development department to learn more and get the process started.
Founded in 1972, Dade Heritage Trust is Miami-Dade County’s largest preservation organization.
Their mission is to preserve Miami-Dade County’s architectural, environmental, and cultural heritage through preservation, education and advocacy efforts.
To learn more, visit: https://dadeheritagetrust.org/.
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation is the state’s nonprofit dedicated to protecting Florida’s extraordinary heritage and history. Founded in 1978, the Florida Trust has collaborated to save irreplaceable Florida treasures like the Historic Florida Capitol, serves as a steward for historic properties throughout the state and is a statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
To learn more, visit: https://www.floridatrust.org/mission
The Miami Design Preservation League is a not-for-profit preservation and arts organization that preserves, protects, and promotes the architectural, cultural, social, and environmental integrity of Miami Beach and the surrounding areas.
For more information, visit: https://mdpl.org/
Chartered in 1966 and Miami-Dade’s oldest preservation organization, The Villagers is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historic sites in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
To learn more, visit: https://thevillagersinc.org/about-new/
For more than 70 years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has led the movement to save America’s historic places. A privately funded nonprofit organization, theywork to save America's historic sites; tell the full American story; build stronger communities; and invest in preservation's future.
For more information, visit: https://savingplaces.org/we-are-saving-places
Under Miami-Dade County’s Regulatory and Economic Resources division, the Historic Preservation department provides resources to municipalities and communities countywide, as well as oversees a nine-member board appointed to review permits for historic-registered properties in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. The department also provides studies, reports, and guidelines for historic preservation.
For more information, visit: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/economy/historic-preservation/home.page