Miami Lakes committee agrees to collaborate on plaque honoring architect Hilario Candela

The Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs Committee agreed to collaborate with the owner of a locally notable building to design a commemorative plaque honoring architect Hilario Candela.

Councilmember J.C. Fernandez told the committee that the Bank of America building at 60 Seventh Avenue and Monument Lake Drive was designed by Hilario Candela, the architect of the Miami Marine Stadium, and that the building owner — listed in the meeting record as the law group owning the site — has offered to pay for the plaque. "They're actually willing to pay for the plaque, which is the best part," Fernandez said.

Fernandez said the family of Hilario Candela would be invited to an unveiling; the architect’s son, who practices architecture, and other family members indicated interest in attending. The councilmember said he sought the committee's help to finalize wording, design and placement and asked the committee to work with the property owner on a tasteful plaque and unveiling.

The committee voted to collaborate on plaque wording and design and to coordinate a public unveiling; the town will not be responsible for the plaque’s cost, the committee chair said.

Committee members discussed design considerations — language, dates and placement on the façade — and suggested an architectural approach to the plaque to fit the building’s style. Staff will forward the owner's contact details and any sample wording to the committee for approval and to coordinate the unveiling.