R9AJ - Consider Mdpl Management Agreement for Auditorium

Discussion Items - R9 AJ

R9 AJ DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION TO CONSIDER A NEW MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH AND THE MIAMI DESIGN PRESERVATION LEAGUE, INC. (“MDPL”), FOR THE USE OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1001 OCEAN DRIVE (THE “PREMISES”) FOR A TERM OF THREE (3) YEARS, WITH ONE MUTUAL RENEWAL OPTION OF THREE (3) YEARS AND DIRECT STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A NEW MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH MDPL FOR CONTINUED PROGRAMMING AND OPERATIONS OF THE MIAMI BEACH OCEAN FRONT AUDITORIUM; WAIVING, BY A 5/7THS VOTE, THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 82-39 OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE; OR, IF IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY, FOLLOW THE CITY’S PROCUREMENT PROCESS TO ISSUE A FORMAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (“RFP”). Applicable Area:

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission 1) direct Staff to negotiate a new Management Agreement with Miami Design Preservation League, Inc. for continued programming and operation of the Miami Beach Ocean Front Auditorium, or 2) if it is in the best interest of the City, issue a formal Request for Proposals (“RFP”) and consider all viable options for this City site.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

The Miami Beach Ocean Front Auditorium (also known as the 10th Street Auditorium), located at 1001 Ocean Drive, is a City-owned historic facility and serves as a cultural and educational hub in the heart of the Art Deco Historic District. Since 1993, the Miami Design Preservation League, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit organization, has been responsible for operating and programming the facility and has done so under a Management Agreement with the City since 2010. Given its longstanding role, MDPL has expressed its desire to continue overseeing the management of the facility under a renewed management agreement.

The current agreement between the City and MDPL originated with a formal Management Agreement executed on January 1, 2010, which provided an initial five-year term ending December 31, 2014, along with two optional five-year renewal periods (the “Agreement”). The first renewal was exercised in 2014, extending the term through December 31, 2019. To allow time for continued evaluation, the City authorized a month-to-month extension via Amendment No. 1 through June 30, 2020, followed by Amendment No. 2, which extended the term through August 31, 2020. The Agreement was ultimately extended through December 31, 2025, via Amendment No. 3, which activated the second and final renewal term.

In anticipation of the Agreement’s expiration, on September 26, 2025, the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (“FERC” or the “Committee”) discussed this item. The Committee recommended in favor of approving a six (6) month extension to the existing Agreement as an interim measure to ensure continuity of operations while the City evaluates stewardship options for this property. The Committee further requested to return to the October 15, 2025 FERC meeting for further discussion. The recommended extension is a companion item on this Agenda.

ANALYSIS

Over the years, MDPL has delivered a broad range of cultural and educational programming that supports the City’s values of historic preservation and civic enrichment. These efforts include the Art Deco Museum, Visitor Center, public lectures, archives, guided tours, and a gift shop, all of which enhance the area’s cultural vitality and tourism appeal.

MDPL has been a longstanding partner. Despite several leadership transitions, it has consistently aligned its activities with the City’s priorities in historic preservation, cultural tourism, and community engagement. On October 15, 2025, the FERC discussed this item and made a motion to bring this item before the City Commission to discuss and take action on the future management of the City-owned historic property located at 1001 Ocean Drive. Approving the six- month extension and directing negotiations for a new agreement would promote continuity and operational stability at the Miami Beach Ocean Front Auditorium. The Commission should discuss and determine if it’s in the City’s best interest to negotiate a new agreement with the existing operator, or proceed with a competitive solicitation process.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONCLUSION

The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission 1) direct Staff to negotiate a new Management Agreement with Miami Design Preservation League, Inc. for continued programming and operation of the Miami Beach Ocean Front Auditorium, or 2) if it is in the best interest of the City, issue a formal Request for Proposals (“RFP”) and consider all viable options for this City site.

Applicable Area

South Beach

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

Facilities and Fleet Management

Sponsor(s)

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Discuss/Action, New Management Agmt w/ MDPL or City's Procurement Process. FF