WRE News: Miami Beach Contemplates Fate of Fillmore Theater

Miami Beach, FL – March 28, 2024 – Miami Beach is pondering the fate of its iconic Fillmore theater: to rehab or to demolish? Originally the Miami Beach Auditorium and later named after Jackie Gleason, the venue has a rich history hosting everything from Broadway shows to Madonna residencies. While previously earmarked for a $29 million renovation, recent discussions among city commissioners lean toward demolishing and building anew due to flooding, aging technology, and structural challenges. At a recent meeting, Live Nation, the venue operator, discussed potential options. Some commissioners, once hesitant about major changes, now lean towards building a new, state-of-the-art theater, citing examples like London’s The Bridge Theatre as inspiration. Concerns about investing in a temporary fix versus a long-term solution have led to a shift in perspectives, with stakeholders eager to explore innovative possibilities that could redefine Miami Beach’s cultural landscape.