Board delays historic site ruling on church

City of Miami's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board considers granting St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church designation as historical site

MIAMI – The City of Miami's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board delayed its ruling about granting a Catholic church in Brickell designation as a historical site.

St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church is being considered for the designation.

"I personally think it's one of the most beautiful churches in Miami, and it would be a shame not to designate it as a historic site," said Lourdes Wolfe-Marenus. "I mean if there's any chance the church could be destroyed or fall apart because of lack of care, it would be a real shame."

The church was built in 1946. Several people spoke in support of designating it a historic site.

But an attorney representing the church said its property rights are more important than having a historical designation. There are currently no plans to sell or demolish the church.

Some parishioners fear a developer may buy the property and demolish it.

"There's so much history there and it would be a shame not to do the right thing," said Wolfe-Marenus.

A decision was expected sometime Tuesday, but after two and a half hours of discussion, the board decided not to make a final decision on the matter. Instead, they requested more information in order to make a more informed ruling.

Parishioners found the delay encouraging because the board did not rule against the preservation effort.


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