The City of Miami Commission has approved a resolution to begin negotiations on transferring management of the historic Tower Theater back to Miami Dade College (MDC), following a vote at its January 8 commission meeting.
The item was sponsored by Mayor Eileen Higgins and District 3 Commissioner Rolando Escalona, whose district includes the Little Havana landmark.
“The Tower Theater holds a special place in the heart of our city as a cultural and educational landmark,” Mayor Higgins said. “Under Miami Dade College’s stewardship, this iconic space will continue to uplift Little Havana’s vibrant arts scene and small business community. I look forward to spending many evenings in this beautiful theater as we celebrate 100 years of stories, creativity, and community.”
Commissioner Escalona underscored the theater’s cultural significance and the importance of long-term protections as management discussions move forward.
“The Tower Theater is more than a building—it’s a symbol of Little Havana’s cultural identity,” Escalona said. “Partnering with Miami Dade College allows us to protect its historic legacy while activating it with programming that reflects our community, supports the arts, and keeps this iconic space alive and accessible.”
He added that the agreement would include “explicit safeguards and enforceable protections to preserve the City’s assets and ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship,” calling the move “a responsible and forward-thinking step” toward ensuring the venue’s financial sustainability for future generations.
Miami Dade College welcomed the commission’s decision, citing its long-standing relationship with the theater.
“Miami Dade College has a long-standing commitment to the arts, film, and community engagement,” said Maryam Laguna Borrego, MDC’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. “We look forward to working collaboratively with the City of Miami, community leaders, local organizations, artists and residents to ensure the theater remains an active, inclusive, and welcoming cultural space.”
MDC operated the Tower Theater for more than 20 years before the City of Miami declined to renew the college’s management contract in 2022. The decision sparked protests from Miami’s arts and film communities. In 2023, the city commission voted to place the theater’s operations under District 3, then represented by former Commissioner Joe Carollo.
The newly approved resolution initiates negotiations and does not immediately finalize the transfer, but it marks a significant step toward returning management of the landmark venue to the college that oversaw it for more than two decades.
