Getty
Rock of Ages
Fans will be thrilled when the Broadway thriller, Rock of Ages, takes cities by storm, this time through film.
But instead of making the typical move to film in Hollywood, the producers of Rock of Ages have bolted to South Beach.
Movie crews have been working nonstop to transform 14th Street at the intersection of North Miami Avenue into a1980s replica of the famous Sunset Boulevard.
And that’s great news for Miami.
Warner Brothers brings the movie to life, the City of Miami and Omni Community Redevelopment Agency have made plans to bring the narrow corridor in the heart of the city to life as well.
According to CRA Executive Director, Pieter Bockweg, the street will prove to be a huge economic boost for the city.
“It’s a domino effect and will attract so many job and entrepreneurial opportunities for the community,” he said.
The slender street may not appear to have much to offer, but Warner Brothers saw it as the ideal location to reproduce the iconic Californian mainstay.
The current renovations are nothing short of movie magic. Crews have gutted, constructed, and painted formerly rundown buildings in order to mirror the real thing.
As a bonus, when the film's shooting is wrapped, Warner Brothers promises to leave the street better than how they found it.
The CRA will also begin renovations for the brand new film facility, Miami Studios, a project that has been halted in order to accommodate the Rock and Roll film.
It will be joined by offices, stores, and restaurants.
Local businesses owners seem optimistic for the changes to come on 14th street.
Around the corner from construction is the club Vagabond, a spot that is likely well acquainted with the nostalgic classics, Rock of Ages brilliantly intertwines in the thrilling tale.
Owner Carmel Ophir, says “it’s all part of an ever-expanding Miami”.
Production crews will remain on 14th street until August, but what comes after may prove to be even more entertaining.
