2/6/2014 0:00:00

The city of Miami Springs responded to a recent “Miami New Times” article referenced earlier this week regarding the condition of the roof of the Curtiss Mansion. In the city`s response, the city is reassuring everyone the building is “NOT falling down.”

Read the full statement from the city below:

Joint Response from the City of Miami Springs and Curtiss Mansion Inc. (CMI) to the Recent “Miami New Times” Article Related to the Curtiss Mansion

The Curtiss Mansion in Miami Springs is NOT falling down. While a recent reporting has led some to believe differently, let us assure you that our historic Mansion is open, beautiful, safe and ready for any and all events. In fact, on February 15th, we are hosting “Celebrate Love,” an open-to-the-public event with music by Joe Donato, food by Lovables and wines by Ya Ya. The event starts at 7p.m. and will allow you to view the Mansion for yourself. Tickets are available at the Mansion – we are open most weekday mornings for interested guests and we have regular guided informative tours. We hope to see you there!

Curtiss Mansion, Inc., is a 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization in charge of renovating and operating the City of Miami Springs` historic landmark. Some issues were observed with regard to some of the cypress logs that were used in the project. As a result, an investigation was started early last year when a couple of the smaller cypress logs deteriorated quickly and some of the larger cypress logs showed signs of early deterioration. Since the construction was just finished, this should not have happened so we met with the Project Engineers, Architects and the Contractors in an attempt to determine and resolve the problem. To ensure that the problem is properly identified and corrected, the City has engaged June Willcott, an engineer with Willcott Engineering, Inc. and Michael J. Kurzman, an attorney with the law firm of Siegfried, Rivera, Hyman, Lerner, De La Torre, Mars & Sobel, P.A. Ms. Willcott is an engineer whose practice involves solving design and construction defect issues. Mr. Kurzman is a Florida Bar, Board Certified attorney in Construction Law, and whose practice specializes in design and construction defect issues.

Wood samples have been analyzed and an engineering report completed. These conclusions will be shared with the appropriate Project Architects, Engineers and Contractors, and we will work to find a proper solution. Our goal is to find a long-term solution now, during the warranty period, and before it becomes a major issue. At no time has anyone suggested that the Mansion or its roof are currently “falling apart” (except perhaps an over zealous reporter). CMI was not contacted prior to the article.

The Mansion remains open, safe and available to rent for weddings, quinceañeras, meetings, birthdays or any special day you wish to celebrate with friends and family. Please call 305-869-5180 to discuss your rental with our professional staff.

 

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