The future of a proposed parking garage and commercial district at the long-shuttered Coconut Grove Playhouse goes before the Miami City Commission on Thursday at 9 a.m.

If commissioners approve the zoning exceptions needed for Phase 2 of the Playhouse restoration at 3500 Main Highway, the project would replace the deteriorating surface lot next to the theater with a modern parking garage, shops, restaurants and landscaped public space. The city's Planning Department has already recommended approval.

"This major project will breathe life into the southern gateway of our village," said Mark Burns, executive director of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District. "A long-awaited parking garage, attractive landscaping and vibrant commercial space will transform what has been an eyesore for far too long."

Burns and Grove business owners are urging residents to attend the public hearing and speak in support.

Zoning board's split vote sends project to city commission

The project needs several special zoning permissions, including waivers to restore and expand the theater, add office and commercial uses, reconfigure the site layout and build the garage. In May, the city's Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board voted 5-4 in favor, but the vote fell short of the supermajority required for approval. Miami-Dade County is appealing directly to the commission, which has the final say.

At a June 22 community meeting at Miami City Hall hosted by City Commissioner Joe Pardo, and attended by County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, the county's Department of Cultural Affairs presented architectural plans and outlined the steps needed to launch Phase 2. The Miami Parking Authority also took part.

Restoration plan includes new 300-seat theater, GableStage partnership

The broader Playhouse plan calls for restoring the historic 1927 front building, designed by architect Richard Kiehnel, and replacing the demolished auditorium with a new 300-seat theater. GableStage, in partnership with Florida International University, would operate the venue. The site would also include shops and restaurants.

Miami-Dade County has estimated the total cost of the project at more than $60 million, according to WLRN. The county has approved $23.6 million so far, including $15 million from the Building Better Communities bond program voters authorized in November 2004. The state of Florida owns the Playhouse and leases it to the county.

As of the county's June 22 presentation, officials said the project won't be fully complete until 2028, though partial completion is expected in time for the Playhouse's 100th anniversary in 2027.

Preservation group's lawsuit challenges use of bond money for new theater

Not everyone supports the plan. The design by architecture firm Arquitectonica scales the theater down from its original 1,150 seats to 300, with more than 60% of the former performance space becoming leased commercial space. A group called Save the Coconut Grove Playhouse has been in litigation seeking to block the county from using voter-approved bond funds for the new theater.

Attorney David Winker, who represents the group, has argued the bond money was meant for restoration, not demolition. A court hearing was scheduled for May 21. As of publication, no ruling had been made public.

Public hearing set for Thursday morning at Miami City Hall

The public hearing begins at 9 a.m. Thursday at Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive. Residents and business owners can attend in person and sign up to speak during the public comment period.