The Art Deco district of Miami created an excellent example of Historic Preservation movements within the United States. Aside from the usual discussion of how buildings slowly became restored, Stofik and her work Saving South Beach created and excellent fleshing out of the situation in which the Art Deco District remained.
Within her piece, Stofik heavily focused upon the poor situation within South Beach at this time. Her heavy discussion of the problems disabled retirees faced as well as the heavy influx of Cuban refugees created a darker image within this world of pastel colors and unique architecture. With these groups creating large problems for the city, plus economic issues creating a stagnant housing market, the city developed in slower pace and gave people like Captiman the time needed to preserve such a unique district.
Another interesting note while reading, Stofik approached the subject more upon who and what saved the Art Deco District, than why. This subject is touched upon and displayed how the piece developed more into how groups go about the act of preserving rather then why. If one does not know about the Art Deco District and the Art Deco movement, then the book skims the subject, and what could be assumed to spark interest in the material. Through her work, Stofik created and excellent view into the world surrounding the preservation movement and even Miami itself.
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I agree that it is a story of the people without their motivations. To a complete outsider, it is a strange series of events, this saving of South Beach. Could they have saved South Beach without the delays of economic downturn? I wonder if anyone secretly knew that the battle for preservation would bring it back to life. As a novel for people who want to influence their communities, it is a great example, but for those who want to understand why a certain neighborhood should be kept, it falls short.
ReplyDeleteYour point about the book focusing on people rather than motivations is a good one. I suspect (as others have pointed out) that that is due to her journalistic approach. Personally, I liked the narrative approach, although, as you and Jarrod point out, the author largely fails to examine the initial impulse to preserve buildings.
ReplyDeleteI also find your point about economic stagnation providing Capitman extra time interesting. Preservation is portrayed as a stimulating factor, but would it have ever gotten a chance progress continually erased and rebuilt the district?
Cody, I think you bring up a great point about the power these structures have. It is also interesting to look at the power those individuals that are involved with either the creation or installation of the piece gain from their involvement. It makes me think, how much of it is about an individual's political agenda and how much of it is about commemoration?
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