VILLAGE PLANNING COMMITTEE: MAKING AN IMPACT
In late 2022 Vizcaya established the Village Planning Committee to steer the restoration project to the finish line. The Committee—co-chaired by Vizcaya Board Directors Lynn Atkinson and Ann Walters-Pope—plays a pivotal role in advancing the Vizcaya Village rejuvenation. The Committee members are working closely with staff and architects Beyer Blinder Belle to bring the vision for the Village to life. WORDS FROM THE VILLAGE PLANNING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS “Co-chairing the Vizcaya Village Planning Committee is in keeping with my passion for architecture. The Village holds immense historical value, offering tremendous insights into the past. The Village, Main House and gardens will collectively continue serving as a living record of history, offering windows into the community’s evolution and the foundations of its identity. Our dedication to preserving and understanding these sites is crucial, as it not only connects the community with part of its cultural heritage but also helps us gain a deeper understanding of our own roots and identity. Exploration and preservation enrich our knowledge and appreciation of history.” — Ann Walters-Pope, Village Planning Committee Co-chair
REVITALIZING THE VIZCAYA VILLAGE: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
Just across South Miami Avenue is a lesser known but equally impressive part of our community’s history waiting to be discovered—the Vizcaya Village. In the summer of 2022, we began construction on the next phases of the project to restore the Village and give it new life and purpose for all of Miami-Dade County to enjoy. This 12-acre space, nestled under grand banyan trees, was originally designed in 1916 to make Vizcaya self-sufficient. It features significant architecture and, after restoration, it will become a vibrant cultural hub, offering year-round programming and green spaces for the community. We also see it as a place for all ages to learn and explore. From gardening to arts and crafts, we will offer workshops to help you connect with the history of the estate, the people who worked here and Miami at large. Our restoration efforts are unfolding in multiple phases. In Phase 1 , which will be completed in 2024, we have already
made significant progress, with the demolition of non-historical buildings, essential updates to site infrastructure, and the ongoing renovation of the Paint Shop and Superintendent’s House. During Phase 2 , slated for 2025, we will focus on rehabilitating the Staff Residence and four Farm Quadrangle buildings, breathing new life into these historical structures. Phase 3 , planned for 2026, marks an exciting milestone as we welcome visitors to the Village, allowing them to explore its rich history. Phase 4 adds new community-centered buildings that will further enhance the cultural and creative hub that Vizcaya Village aspires to become. Each phase is a step forward in our journey to create a vibrant, engaging and inclusive space for all to enjoy. Whether you’re a visitor, a supporter or someone who’s just curious, we invite you to be part of this journey and help us create a promising future for the Vizcaya Village.
“I am thrilled to be involved in shaping the future of the Vizcaya Village. I know I speak for the entire Village Planning Committee when I say that we are committed to making the Village a beacon of community outreach. This property has amazing historical buildings, including the charming Farm Quadrangle, the Paint Shop, the Superintendent’s House and the Garage. This historical area is being beautifully restored and will function perfectly as a welcome center for visitors and an ideal venue for community-based and staff activities. The remainder of the property will be used for greenhouses, urban farming, the Farmer’s Market and other community-based activities. It’s a thrill to walk through the property and envision all the possibilities for this spectacular space. I hope that the legacy of our work will be that the Vizcaya Village is a great enhancement to the Vizcaya community for generations to come.” — Lynn Atkinson, Village Planning Committee Co-chair
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