The Miami Herald's building remembered

Building sold to Genting Group in 2011; Newspaper moves to Doral in May

MIAMI ā€“ Former and current employees at The Miami Herald gathered Wednesday to remember the iconic building's heyday.

Hundreds said goodbye to the building, which was sold to the Genting Group for $236 million in 2011.

"I worked in classified advertising for 30 years," said Valerie Person-Baker. "I'm sad, I'm really sad, because this building holds so many memories."

"There is nothing really more exhilarating than I can imagine that's not dangerous as a job than doing daily newspaper journalism," said Arnold Markowitz, a former reporter.

"My main memories is I look around -- first of all, fantastic people, the love for what we used to do, the mission purpose of this organization," said Alberto Ibarguen, a former publisher. "It's just a wonderful, wonderful history, and it's all about building Miami."

"Everything has gone through the doors here," said current photographer Chuck Fadely. "From hurricanes to presidential elections to recounts, we're always the front-page news."

The Genting Groups wants to build a bayfront project focused on a luxury hotel and two condominiums.

The newspaper is moving to Doral in May.