Auditorium Renovations at Fienberg Fisher K-8
Fienberg-Fisher K-8 is one of the oldest schools in Miami-Dade County, and it is located in Miami Beach. Furthermore, Fienberg Fisher K-8 is identified by the DCPS Board in conjunction with Dade Heritage Trust (1984) as one of City of Miami Beach’s historically significant schools. Built by Carl Fisher, MDCPS opted to renovate this structure and maintain a piece of local history.
The property is eight acres in size and features beautiful Spanish-style architecture from the 1920s. Today, these ancient structures serve a diverse community of students from approximately 100 different nationalities as a center of educational activity. Additionally, they are a school that dedicates themselves to a whole education, with an outstanding music program that includes a rock ensemble, guitar program, and chorus, as well as a fine arts program and physical education for students of all ages.
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM: LIVS ASSOCIATES
In 2016, MDCPS hired LIVS Associates to renovate the historical school auditorium. Being that this building is representative of the city’s past heritage, LIVS’ design intent has been to maintain the original vision as Mr. Fink intended while keeping sight of the needs of the community. LIVS gave Careful attention to maintain the character through extensive restoration efforts. This included refurbishing the existing seating, to be re-purposed in today’s codes and safety requirement.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING FIRM: EASTERN ENGINEERING GROUP
Eastern Engineering Group performed the Structural Engineering for the renovations of this beautiful auditorium. Our scope included the structural plans and calculations for the upgrade of the existing building foundation to bring up to minimum loading requirement and Florida building code standards. We also provided the footing for existing wood beams system, and the appropriate beams support for the repairs. As well as the details of reinforcement of existing masonry walls.
FUN FACTS
Miami Beach Fienberg Fisher K-8 has created anti-bullying initiatives making the school a “No Place for Hate”. Moreover, they train 20 middle school students each year to denounce bullying through a program called “Student Voices”.
