Knight Foundation Donates $5M for Freedom Tower Restoration

Julie Anne L.
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The Knight Foundation has pledged $5 million to support the restoration and revitalization of Miami’s Freedom Tower, announced Miami Dade College (MDC) this week. The generous donation comes ahead of the 100th anniversary of the tower’s completion and its much-anticipated public reopening this September.

Miami Freedom Tower
Photo via Cristian Lazzari/MDC 2015

A Landmark Gets a Fresh Start

The $5 million donation will contribute to both the restoration of the tower and the creation of exciting new cultural programming. The funding will specifically support the Knight Skylight Gallery. It will also fund a major exhibition titled “Refuge and Reflection,” debuting this fall. The exhibition will explore the Freedom Tower’s multifaceted history. It covers its early role as a journalism hub and its pivotal use as a processing center for Cuban refugees in the 1960s and 1970s.

The tower has been closed since 2022 for extensive renovations, which include much-needed structural and facade repairs. The work is essential to preserving the building’s iconic Mediterranean-style exterior. It also ensures its continued use as a cultural and historical center for the city.

Preserving Miami’s Immigrant Heritage

The Freedom Tower, located on Biscayne Boulevard, has long been a symbol of Miami’s immigrant roots. Known as the “Ellis Island of the South”, the building was completed in 1925 and originally served as the headquarters for The Miami News. It later became the Cuban Refugee Assistance Center from 1962 to 1974, providing assistance, medical care, and new beginnings for hundreds of thousands of Cuban exiles.

In 2008, the Freedom Tower was designated as a National Historic Landmark, cementing its place in Miami’s history. The Knight Foundation’s gift is the largest private contribution to the Freedom Tower Centennial Campaign. This fundraising initiative aims to ensure the continued preservation and cultural impact of this landmark.

Community Impact and Future Vision

Francesca de Quesada Covey, Knight Foundation’s vice president of community impact, emphasized the importance of the Freedom Tower as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the city’s collective history. “This landmark has long been a symbol of hope—a place where dreams of freedom and opportunity took root,” Covey said.

Thanks to public and private support, MDC is on track to complete the $25 million restoration. Gov. Ron DeSantis also allocated $25 million from the state budget to help reopen the Freedom Tower in time for its centennial celebrations. The project will restore the building and enhance its role as a cultural center. It includes plans for a reimagined Cuban Legacy Gallery and the Kislak Center, showcasing Miami’s rich and diverse heritage.

A Bright Future for Miami’s Iconic Landmark

MDC President Madeline Pumariega expressed her gratitude for the Knight Foundation’s support, saying, “Thanks to Knight Foundation’s support, the Freedom Tower will continue to serve as a beacon of civic memory, cultural expression, and community pride for the next 100 years.”

As construction continues, Miami looks forward to the reopening of this iconic building. It will stand as a reminder of the city’s dynamic past and serve as a hub for future generations to connect with its cultural legacy.

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Julie Anne Loquinario

Hey, it's Julie! Fueled by coffee and cuddles from my 5 feline overlords, I'm on a perpetual quest for the perfect plate. When I'm not exploring new restos, you'll find me curled up with a good book or planning my next adventure.

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