MDC Inches Closer To Once Again Overseeing The Tower Theater

Since its inauguration in 1926, the Tower Theater has served as a cultural gem in the heart of Little Havana. 

From 2002 through 2023, Miami Dade College was entrusted with managing the artistic mecca.    

However, the lights of the iconic art-deco cinema started to dim following the city of Miami’s decision to terminate the theater’s lease contract with MDC, effective Jan. 2, 2023. Former city Commissioner Joe Carrollo—who championed this decision—argued the facility was not being fully utilized. 

That ruling sparked community outrage, prompting many residents to gather at the gates of the theater in protest. But the result stood. 

Three years later, MDC is inching closer to returning to Calle Ocho. On Jan. 8, the city Of Miami Commission advanced a resolution to return the management of the historic Tower Theater to the College.

The proposal, sponsored by newly elected mayor Eileen Higgins and District 3 commissioner Rolando Escalona, outlines a 20-year agreement that automatically renews every five years.

It was passed during their first monthly meeting of the year.

“I’m excited about it. Miami Dade [College] has been a wonderful steward of that property,” said Paul George, resident historian at HistoryMiami Museum, who grew up going to the Tower Theater in the 1950s and now guides historical tours in the area every month. 

George is one of thousands of Miami residents whose life was impacted by the theater’s presence. 

“It just became a centerpiece of that neighborhood. You’d have gatherings there, sort of like little Christmas party for the kids in the neighborhood,” the historian said. “Jerry Parr got his first taste of the secret service at the Tower Theater.”

In 1939, a young Parr visited the Tower Theater with his father to watch Code of the Secret Service starring Ronald Reagan. 

After seeing the film, the then nine-year-old was smitten by the idea of the government agency and it altered the course of his life. 

By 1981, Parr was serving in the secret service, directly charged with protecting Reagan, who by then had become president of the United States. 

In March of that year, Parr is credited with saving Reagan’s life after he pushed him into the presidential limousine after an assasination attempt at the Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C.

History has always been tied to the vintage theater. In the 60s, the cinema became one of the first in Florida to offer Spanish subtitles to American movies. It quickly became a gathering spot for Cuban exiles.

 When MDC began overseeing the theater—which turns 100 this year—it made significant investments to preserve it while transforming the venue into the epicenter of the Miami Film Festival and its GEMS program, welcoming more than 1.2 million visitors.

“The Tower Theater was a beacon for cinema, and my favorite venue for the festival. For filmmakers, local filmmakers, student filmmakers, who are able to present their work there, it’s an honor,” said filmmaker Jonathan Cuartas, who premiered his debut feature, My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To, in 2020 at the theater.                 

Since the city started overseeing the theater three years ago, its programming has shifted to more theater-centered productions. 

According to the Miami New Times, some local actors are against the decision to return the facility to MDC for fear that their productions will be canceled. 

However, in an interview with The Reporter, James Woolley, executive director of the Miami Film Festival, emphasized  that “[The Tower Theater] will remain a mixed use space. Their productions will still be able to be held in the space.”

He later added, “Miami Dade College is grateful to the City of Miami for considering the College once again as a potential steward and manager of the historic Tower Theater.”          

College officials are currently discussing the terms of the agreement with the city manager. A resolution is expected to be announced within the next two months, according to Woolley. 

Click here to subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter, The Hammerhead. For news tips, contact us at mdc.thereporter@gmail.com.