The historic waterfront mansion in Florida where infamous gangster Al Capone spent his final moments in 1947 has been demolished, raising concerns among preservationists. The responsibility for this act is being attributed to Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.
The century-old property, located on one of Miami’s most exclusive islands, was quietly razed recently. The demolition followed the implementation of a law from DeSantis’ administration last summer, which stripped municipalities of their authority to prevent the demolition of specific properties, regardless of their historic significance.
The owners of the 1922 Mediterranean-style villa and guest house acted swiftly to secure a demolition permit, putting an end to a long-standing effort to save the residence where Capone was believed to have planned the St. Valentine’s Day massacre.
Observers are alarmed by the potential consequences of this law, as it poses a threat to Miami’s historic neighborhoods and skyline. Wealthy landowners and developers may seize the opportunity to replace older buildings with modern structures, erasing the city’s architectural character.
Paul George, resident historian of the HistoryMiami museum, lamented the loss of the mansion’s historical significance. He pointed out that the demolition removes a sense of place and a glimpse into the past, along with the knowledge of the people who lived there.
The property, which underwent a restoration to its prohibition-era opulence in 2015, was purchased by Albert Claramonte and his wife Karise in 2021 for $15.5 million. Their initial plan to demolish the Capone buildings and merge the lots was halted until the new law came into effect.
Deirdre Marie Capone, Al Capone’s great-niece, expressed her sadness at the mansion’s demise. She recalled her memories of the mansion, where her great-uncle lived his final years in seclusion.
Governor DeSantis signed the resiliency and safe structure act in May of the previous year. While its intent was to expedite the removal of unsafe structures, critics argue that the law undermines the protection of historic sites and enables unchecked development.
The law removes the ability of municipalities to prevent the demolition of structures in coastal or flood zones, even if they are considered historically significant locally. This has raised concerns about the preservation of iconic buildings and neighborhoods in Miami.
The law’s impact is felt by design review boards that help maintain the city’s unique character. The fear is that the law will undermine Miami’s historic charm and economic appeal.
In summary, the demolition of Al Capone’s historic Miami mansion under a new law has sparked concerns about the preservation of Miami’s architectural heritage and character. Critics argue that the law opens the door to unchecked development and threatens the city’s historical significance.