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Board backs proposal to seek state historic marker for Desi Arnaz; recommends Liberty pedestrian plaza as preferred site
Summary
The Historic Preservation Board discussed a proposed Florida historical marker honoring entertainer Desi Arnaz and recommended placing the marker at the Liberty Avenue pedestrian plaza (Collins Park Plaza) or, if not approved by the state, at the Bass Museum corner; the board also urged the commission consider formally naming the plaza.
The Historic Preservation Board on Feb. 14 discussed a proposal to install a State of Florida historic marker commemorating entertainer Desi Arnaz and recommended the Liberty Avenue pedestrian plaza in Collins Park as the preferred location, with the corner at Park Avenue and 20th Street (near the Bass Museum) as an alternate if the state requires a different placement.
Staff told the board the proposed marker text was reviewed and amended with state guidance after staff research showed the historical performance location commonly associated with Arnaz (the Park Central Hotel) actually referred to the Park Avenue Restaurant site where the Miami City Ballet sits today. Because sidewalks at the exact historic spot are narrow, staff recommended the nearby pedestrian plaza for better visibility and pedestrian safety.
The board supported the marker and suggested the commission also consider formally naming the plaza (members commonly referred to it as Liberty Plaza or Collins Park Plaza). Board members and public commenters urged the city to coordinate placement with Miami City Ballet and the Bass Museum and suggested using QR codes or supplementary interpretation to provide expanded multi‑language content.
Board members also suggested exploring public‑art collaborations and Art in Public Places funding as ways to commemorate local musicians more broadly and to improve interpretive opportunities. The board asked staff to transmit its recommendation for the plaza and to request the commission consider a formal name for the site.
No formal vote on placement was required at the board level; the commission will take up the formal approval and any funding or naming steps at a later date.
