The Olympia Theater, a downtown Miami landmark that has hosted major shows and events for nearly a century, is set for a new chapter. On Thursday, the Miami City Commission voted 5-0 to approve the sale of the historic venue and an adjacent building to SLAM — Sports Leadership Arts Management — a public charter school founded by international rap star and Miami native Pitbull.
“As much as I don’t like to part with the city property, this is one of those cases that the deal on the table is good for the city,” said Commissioner Joe Carollo, who noted the need for more schools in the rapidly growing downtown area. Commissioner Rafael Rosado added that the school will “activate the building during the day,” bringing life to a venue that often sat empty during weekdays.
Under the deal, SLAM will invest millions of dollars into the property for education, arts, and entertainment. City leaders emphasized that the theater will remain a community space after school hours, ensuring residents can continue to enjoy its cultural offerings. “It’s responsible, corporate people that are going to run this,” said Commissioner Miguel Gabela. “I think it’s a win-win.”
Designed in 1926 by architect John Eberson in his signature atmospheric style, the Olympia Theater has served as a movie house, concert hall, and performing arts center. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The city assumed control of the property more than a decade ago but struggled to maintain the aging venue, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered operations and left the theater in need of major repairs.
Before Thursday’s vote, it stood alongside the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville and the Tampa Theatre as the only surviving examples of this ornate architectural style in the state.
While significant restoration lies ahead, the sale promises a future where the Olympia continues to honor its rich history while meeting the educational needs of a growing downtown Miami community.
