MIAMI – Tucked between Miami’s Design District and Little Haiti is eight square blocks that have embraced the style of Miami’s past by growing a soulful core of unique residents.
Artists, writers, lovers of architecture, and pioneers who saw potential in what was once the most affluent neighborhood in Miami have worked to rebuild this potential into a budding colony.
The First Annual Buena Vista East Historic Home Tour and Pineapple Festival, December 7th and 8th.
Attendees to the Buena Vista East Artist/Home Showcase and Pineapple Festival can stroll through the neighborhood at the free street festival or explore private residences and gardens as each is paired with work from local artists and designers in celebration of Art Basel.
The free street festival will take place on Saturday, December 8th from 4-11 P.M. between 41st and 43rd Streets on NE 1st Ave; the home tour will take place on December 7th and 8th and is available through pre-registration by calling 305-801-8994.
Now home to popular galleries and restaurants, the area thrives through a harmonious blend of art, cuisine, style, and small-town grace. In the early Twentieth Century, Theodore Moore came to today’s Design District from North Carolina and created a large pineapple plantation. He built himself a sprawling home on the plantation, opened Moore’s Furniture Company in the area, and then subdivided much of the plantation now called the Buena Vista East Historic District.
By the late Thirties, instead of pineapple, Moore was rapidly growing a healthy neighborhood of affluent residents.
Manoucheka Thermitus, event co-organizer explains that “the Pineapple Festival and Art Showcase will allow visibility to local artist by giving them a venue to display their work which is reflective of the real South Florida, rich in color, texture, and flavor.”
Festival founder and organizer Jerome Schiller 29 began his love affair with the community five years ago. Upon graduating from Nova Southeastern University with his Masters in Business Administration Jerome’s heart was set on living in the heart of the city, where his background in business and education would be needed most.
After years of sweat equity and neighborhood activism he says “It is so gratifying to take part in the transformation of a neighborhood that was once known for drugs, prostitution, and aggravated felonies and is now known for art and vibrancy and is home to young families.”
Buena Vista East Neighborhood Association President, Pradel Denis, commented, “With this festival and tour, we can involve the community first-hand in Miami’s historic experience.
The architectural diverse and walk-able neighborhood is a well kept secret and we enjoy having the opportunity to show it off. An estimated 500 visitors will see Buena Vista East from a different perspective as we open the doors to our past, present, and future.”
The tour starts at the corner of 41st and NE 1st Ave Friday, December 7th at 5 P.M. and also 5P.M. on Saturday, December 8. Here attendees can pick up tour booklets and maps.
Homes will be serving complimentary wine and refreshments during the tour and registered attendees are also invited into the hospitality tent at the street festival to enjoy complimentary food tasting from local restaurants. Attendees can set their own pace and visit the stops in any order through the close of the tour at 10 P.M- but the fun will carry on at the street festival through 11P.M.
