Matti Herrera Bower Opposed to Demolition of Miami Beach Coral Rock House

Preservationist mayor candidate wants historic house to remain.

Miami Beach, Fla. (PRWEB) July 18, 2007 -- After one of Miami Beach's oldest standing structures, a coral rock house dating back to 1915, was partially demolished last week. News reports suggest only an add-on to the structure was destroyed and that the historic portion of the building remains intact.

The home is co-owned by Michael Stern and Ivor Rose. The coral rock house, located at 900 Collins Ave, served as the home of Avery Smith, who operated the first ferry service between Miami and Miami Beach. Stern and Rose purchased the property in 2004.

One of those opposed to the destruction of the coral rock house is Miami Beach mayoral candidate, Matti Herrera Bower.

"We need to preserve the Coral Rock House," Herrera Bower says. "It is the oldest coral rock house in Miami Beach dating from 1916. It's our history and we need to protect it."

Herrera Bower was instrumental in saving another Miami Beach coral rock house from being destroyed several years back. That structure was relocated to Normandy Drive from its previous location between 77th and 78th Street on Collins Avenue. It now houses the Miami Beach Hispanic Community Center.

No one was saying last week whether the rest of the 1915 will be razed. Herrera Bower was optimistic that the house would not be torn down, however.

For more on Matti Herrera Bower and her campaign to become the next Miami Beach Mayor, visit www.mattibowerformayor.com

About Matti Bower
During Matti Bower's eight years on the City of Miami Beach Commission, the City has enjoyed an increased quality of life and enhanced economic well-being. Born in Cuba, Commissioner Bower is a retired dental assistant who has resided with her husband Richard Bower in Miami Beach for more than 30 years. Committed to historic preservation, Commissioner Bower has chaired the Art Deco Weekend festival, and is a past member of the Miami Design Preservation Board of Directors. In addition, she has worked tirelessly to help register the Art Deco District on the National Register for Historic Places.

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