Nice! Florida Lottery Winner is Rebuilding Black Business Area with $52M Winnings
It’s great to see people investing in their community.
Miguel Pilgram, who won the prize in 2010, is now in the process of making two projects a reality. He is converting a vacant building at the corner of NW 15th Street and Sistrunk Blvd. into a blues club and restaurant. And across the street, next to the Mizell Center which is currently under renovation, he envisions a three-story structure with retail, lofts, and a performing arts center. The center will offer art and music instruction for children.
“Sistrunk was known for music, food and a lot of other experiences,” he said. “I would like to jump-start that.”
50 years ago during its heyday, Sistrunk was a vibrant community with stores, restaurants, and nightclubs. Unfortunately, the boulevard saw a slow steady decline that has taken years to turnaround. There are still boarded-up buildings and vacant storefronts.
Pilgram, however, wants to change that and has a vision for the future.
“It’s very similar to Memphis, where I’m from. Reminds me of home in many ways,” he said.
Source: miami.cbslocal.com and Vladtv.com