Miami clears way for luxury tower behind historic Brickell church

Miami's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board voted 6-1 to remove historic protections from land behind the city's first Presbyterian church on Brickell Avenue, according to CBS News Miami. The church, built in 1949, will keep its sanctuary, but an annex building connected to its rear is set for demolition to make way for a luxury high-rise development.

The decision enables a developer to purchase the land for about $240 million, as reported by the Miami Herald. The project includes removing nine trees—eight palms and one canopy tree—and relocating seven city-planted canopy trees, with commitments to maintain the tree canopy in the area.

Local residents expressed concern over losing open space and the neighborhood's historic character. One resident noted the loss of open space despite the site's historic designation. Another worried the project could increase traffic congestion and set a precedent for other historic sites in Miami.

In response, the church and developer issued a joint statement appreciating the board's decision to preserve the sanctuary and support the project's design, emphasizing plans to serve future generations and maintain landscaping.

The board's vote marks a significant step forward for the development, balancing preservation of the historic sanctuary with new construction behind it.