As Miami’s Freedom Tower approaches its 100th birthday, it stands as a monument not only to the city’s evolution but also to the resilience of many who passed through its doors.
Originally opened in 1925, the Freedom Tower was Miami’s tallest building, boasting Spanish and Mediterranean architectural influences. It served as the home of The Miami Daily News and Metropolis, a newspaper led by politician James Middleton Cox.
However, after the newspaper’s departure three decades later, the building’s purpose became uncertain.
The defining shift for the Freedom Tower came in the 1960s when it was repurposed as a processing center for Cuban refugees fleeing the oppressive regime of Fidel Castro.
Between 1962 and 1974, hundreds of thousands of Cubans arrived in Miami, many of whom referred to the Freedom Tower as El Refugio, reflecting its role as a sanctuary.
Paul George, a resident Historian at History Miami Museum, poignantly noted, “So many people came through the Freedom Tower after giving up everything. Coming over here penniless, they would get on their feet working hard, learning the language and would succeed in life. It’s the quintessential success story for humanity.”
Luis Serrano, who arrived as a teenager in 1967, recalled his experience after coming through the Freedom Tower via the Freedom Flights, which facilitated Cuban refugees’ entry into the U.S.
“To me, it’s like the Statue of Liberty,” Serrano stated. “It should be there, as a symbol of freedom, as a symbol of American hospitality and concern for refugees.”
Serrano eventually became a successful musician, earning degrees from Miami Dade College and Florida International University, and co-founding Los Miami Latin Boys, which transitioned into the Miami Sound Machine.
In recognition of the Freedom Tower’s rich history, Miami Dade College, which acquired the building in 2005, is planning a series of centennial exhibits set to open in September.
Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega expressed her pride in sharing the tower’s narrative. “We’re going to be incredibly proud to be able to really tell the story of the Freedom Tower and its 100 years,” she said.
The upcoming exhibits will include:
– Libertad (‘Liberty’), showcasing a replica of the building’s past as a refugee center along with personal stories from Cuban exiles.
– A dedication to victims of communism.
– Features on individuals associated with Operation Pedro Pan, which significantly impacted a generation of Cuban-Americans.
– La Pared de la Suerte (‘The Wall of Luck’), a recreation of the information board where newcomers found job opportunities.
– A new research and archive center for community sharing of documents and personal narratives.
– North America’s inaugural FIFA exhibit.
– The Knight Skylight Gallery, featuring art exhibits and multimedia presentations reflecting Miami’s history and culture.
“It makes perfect sense that the community’s college is also the college that’s in charge of the Freedom Tower, of making sure that we shepherd the next 100 years of the Freedom Tower, and that we tell the story of the Freedom Tower, that we preserve the legacy for what it stands for, and the people who’ve made it the Freedom Tower,” Pumariega emphasized.
Pumariega has personal ties to the tower, as her parents also passed through it seeking refuge.
“Coming into the Freedom Tower was this place where America opened its doors and provided refuge for them,” she recounted, highlighting how even basic provisions like cheese, spam, and coats were significant in welcoming newcomers.
The Freedom Tower’s journey has not been without challenges. Following years of neglect after the disbandment of the Cuban Refugee Assistance Program, the building was rescued by community leaders who played a pivotal role in its donation to Miami Dade College.
Today, the tower serves as a cultural hub, housing the Museum of Art and Design and various special collections, including the Cuban Legacy Gallery and Exile Experience, which honors diverse immigrant communities across the Americas.
In 2008, the Freedom Tower was designated as a National Historic Landmark, solidifying its importance in U.S. history.
Over the years, the building has hosted numerous community events, such as the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, and Live Arts Miami.
Significant renovations have been underway for the past three years to preserve the structure and ensure its longevity. These upgrades include improvements to water and sewer systems and expanded accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This project has been financially supported by $25 million from state funds, another $25 million from Miami Dade College, and private donations. The Knight Foundation also contributed $5 million in June, with Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, its president and CEO, stating, “With this gift, we are not only helping to preserve a landmark of profound historical significance but also ensuring that every Miamian can see themselves reflected in its exhibitions, programs and cultural expression.”
The construction is expected to conclude in August, paving the way for the tower’s official reopening in September.
María Carla Chicuén, executive director of cultural affairs at Miami Dade College, addressed the necessity of these renovations for the building’s legacy. “The Freedom Tower was in dire need of repairs and maintenance so that it could reach its first 100 years in all its splendor, but also so that we could ensure that it would always remain standing for future generations.”
As the Freedom Tower prepares to celebrate its centennial, it remains a potent symbol of hope and resilience, reflecting the dreams and aspirations of those who sought refuge within its walls.
image source from：kbindependent
