Art Cinema in Coral Gables moves building-permit step; city staff says asbestos inspection clear, board meeting set Oct. 8

The Coral Gables Art Cinema reported progress Sept. 25 on its planned expansion, telling the City Commission that it has applied for building permits and is working with the city’s Development Services Department to clear permit corrections.

Why it matters: The cinema is a downtown cultural anchor. Commissioners said the expansion could increase downtown activity, benefit restaurants and retail, and support arts programming for schools and residents.

What staff and cinema leaders said: Asset Manager Paige Perez said the cinema has applied for a building permit and is responding to development-services corrections; the cinema provided a current bank statement and a commitment letter to be reviewed by its board at an Oct. 8 meeting. Perez also reported that an environmental inspection for asbestos was completed at the current rear patio space. Brenda Moe, the cinema's programming director, updated commissioners that membership continues to grow (about 2,550 members), attendance is strong and that the cinema is working with the city on permitting and fundraising.

Next steps: The cinema is coordinating with city staff on any outstanding permit questions and will return with finalized permit documents. Commissioners asked city staff to keep the commission updated on any remaining roadblocks and financing commitments; no formal commission action was required at the meeting.

Ending: Commissioners described the project as a cultural and economic asset and urged rapid resolution of the remaining permitting and fundraising items so construction can proceed.