The Miami Herald Breaks Ground In Doral
Doral (CBSMiami) –The Miami Herald celebrated the construction of a part of its soon-to-be new home Thursday morning at a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony.
The celebration kick-started the construction of the paper's new three-story 119,000-square-foot printing press which will be located on the grounds of the former U.S. Southern Command building in Doral.
Come May 2013, CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald Media Company, which owns Miami.com, MiamiHerald.com, el Nuevo Herald and HCP/Aboard custom publishing, will move from its property on Biscayne Bay into its new 15 acre location located at 3511 N.W. 91st Ave.
"Needless to say, we are very, very excited to be embarking on this new era for The Miami Herald Media Co.," said David Landsberg, the company's president and publisher.
He added that the new site will offer a "modern, state-of-the-art printing plant" and offices that "suits a modern media company."
Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez expressed his thoughts on the Herald's move.
"I'm very proud that one of the oldest institutions of South Florida has decided to make Doral their home," said Bermudez. He added that even as politicians often disagree with reports published in both newspapers, "I think that a free and independent press is critical to a democracy."
He said the company has been on the front lines for exposing corruption and other issues the public needs to know.
"As a politician, I'm glad you're around even when I disagree with you."
The Herald's corporate parent, the McClatchy Co., sold the 13.9-acre downtown Miami Herald property on May 27, 2011, for $236 million to the Genting Group which has plans for a $3.8 billion destination resort with a casino. The Herald has the right to remain at its current location rent-free until May 2013.
Coincidentally this week in 1963, The Miami Herald unveiled its spacious new home on the bay, the project spearheaded by the James and John Knight, the brothers who owned the former Knight Ridder newspaper chain.
The Miami Herald contributed to this report.
