A state-backed revitalization program has launched along Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove's historically Black West Grove neighborhood, aiming to attract businesses, preserve Bahamian heritage and give residents a greater role in shaping the corridor's future.

The initiative, known locally as "Little Bahamas Grand Avenue Main Street," launched in September and makes Coconut Grove one of 58 designated Main Street communities across Florida, the Coconut Grove Spotlight reported Oct. 8.

The Florida Main Street program, administered by the state's Division of Historical Resources, supports economic development and historic preservation. Allapattah and Overtown are among the other Miami communities participating.

The new district stretches along Grand Avenue from Margaret Street to Brooker Street, encompassing a historic commercial corridor that once served as a center of Black-owned businesses in Coconut Grove.

College helps launch community-led effort

Miami Dade College is serving as the initiative's anchor institution, providing meeting space and administrative support as organizers establish a community nonprofit to oversee the program.

Gener Romeo, director of the college's Gibson Center on Grand Avenue, helped secure the designation and has hosted two community meetings to recruit residents for a governing board, advisory council and committees.

The goal is to create a locally directed plan for strengthening existing businesses, attracting new merchants and preserving the neighborhood's cultural identity.

Once the nonprofit is established, organizers will develop a work plan identifying priorities for the corridor. Katherine Beck, Florida Main Street's coordinator, said the plan should be completed by fall 2027.

The designation also gives the organization access to grant opportunities, including a potential $50,000 startup grant. The funding has not been confirmed as awarded.

"In three to five years, you'll see a big difference in that corridor," Beck told the Spotlight.

One proposal discussed at early meetings would help local entrepreneurs prepare to open businesses in vacant Grand Avenue storefronts. Miami Dade College could provide training, while grant funding could support a business incubator.

Residents raise concerns as development continues

The revitalization effort comes as new development reshapes portions of the West Grove.

Developer Silver Bluff has proposed or begun work on projects between Margaret and Elizabeth streets, including a five-story apartment building with 27 units and an 80,000-square-foot office building.

Some residents have questioned whether the Main Street planning process has been sufficiently transparent and inclusive.

During a recent meeting of the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association, residents raised concerns after Romeo presented an update on the initiative.

The concerns underscore a challenge facing organizers: attracting investment while ensuring longtime residents and businesses have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting the neighborhood.

Vacant storefronts also remain an obstacle, although businesses including Dogtown, Fookem's Fabulous bakery and ARRAE art gallery are operating along the corridor.

Historic Ace Theater could anchor revitalization

Grand Avenue's history dates to an era when segregation shaped where Black residents could shop, work and gather.

The corridor once supported restaurants, retail businesses and entertainment venues, including the Ace Theater, which opened in 1930.

Denise Wallace, a third-generation Coconut Grove resident and co-owner of the theater, sees the landmark as a potential anchor for the Main Street initiative.

Wallace said the theater is the only property in that section of Grand Avenue listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building is undergoing a $2.5 million restoration, with approximately half the funding secured.

Preserving landmarks such as the Ace Theater is among the opportunities presented by the new designation, although the Main Street program itself does not guarantee restoration funding.

Organizers have not announced a date for the next community meeting.