SMALL, OLD APARTMENT BUILDINGS CAN BE MADE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE -- 3

This Little Havana 6-Unit Complex Footsteps from Calle Ocho

Proves Barrier-Free Can Be Beautiful

We do not know who upgraded the building at 833 SW. 8^th Avenue, but the person deserves an award.

A ramp on the side, by the park, now provides access to at least 2 of the ground floor units.

The ramps are part of a sleek façade re-do that features lots of sleek railing that brings out a partly Art Deco look worthy of Miami Beach.

Kudos to the team that preserved small, attainable units and added accessibility while cleaning up the curb appeal of the 1939 building.

SMALL, OLD APARTMENT BUILDINGS CAN BE MADE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE-- 2

This Little Havana 6-Unit Complex Footsteps from Calle Ocho

Proves Barrier-Free Can Be Beautiful

The old, affordable buildings meet the wrecking ball and while the new stuff is cleaner, it often prices the old tenants out of the neighborhood.

We have very mixed feelings, also, because most of the old buildings have little or no barrier-free access for renters with disabilities.

We have always told our developer friends that wheelchair access can be added – without breaking the bank…and without making the building look out of place.

SMALL, OLD APARTMENT BUILDINGS CAN BE MADE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE -- 1

This Little Havana 6-Unit Complex Footsteps from Calle Ocho

Proves Barrier-Free Can Be Beautiful

We know the building well.

For as long as we’ve lived in Little Havana, it is on the lot next door to a dirt cheap meal for 4 – the 8 piece pizza at Little Caesars at Calle Ocho and SW 8^th Avenue. 

While we praise it for its apparent affordability, the eight-decade-old building looked shabby and in need of a sprucing up.

Sadly, very few people save old buildings in Little Havana.

Before photo below: