Photographs by John Christie of the Grand Opening of McCormick Place on Friday, September 7, 2012.  The venue featured exterior murals by South Florida artists Stephen Gamson and Eleazar Delgado as well as Ai Miami International University of Art & Design.   The grand opening of the McCormick Place was in conjunction with the Miami City Ballet’s Upper Room Season Opening Party and the DWNTWN Art Days. There was art, exotic cars, music by DJ Pabel Lima, Life is Art, performances by Cirque X, Cupcake Burlesque and food trucks Firewall Food Truck and Miami Spice Grill and wonderful massages by Freshly Squeezed.  Have to give thanks to the rum and vodka sponsors, El Dorado Rums and UV Vodka courtesy of AMC Liaisons.

“The original building, constructed in 1924, was first a US Customs Warehouse serving as storage of confiscated goods and look-out post for the nefarious characters coming into Miami via the Biscayne Bay and the Miami River. The property was purchased in 1970 by Edward J McCormick, Sr. and dedicated to his father, Dr. James McCormick. Now, three generations later, Sean McCormick is not only reviving this venue but the Downtown area, creating the epicenter for the cultural crossroads of Miami. McCormick Place is a vibrant production based event space with rotating art from local Miami artists.”

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