(WSVN) – A home in Opa-locka is getting worldwide consideration, thanks to 1 man who determined to revive it.
Heather Walker has tonight’s 7Spotlight.
Stepping onto the property, you’re transported out of Florida and into the world of Arabian Nights.
Alex Van Mecl and his husband bought the house in the course of the pandemic.
Alex Van Mecl: “Once we moved in, the home actually didn’t look the identical because it does now right this moment. Even the colour has modified, however this was all useless grass.”
Regardless of the tough exterior, Alex was intrigued by a small element.
Alex Van Mecl: “The factor that drew my consideration in strolling as much as the entrance door was a plaque.”
Seems, the home is listed on the Opa-locka historic registry.
So this historical past buff went on a mission to revive the house to its unique glory.
Alex Van Mecl: “I acknowledge that there was, there have been parts of this home that had been initially there, that we’re not there right this moment. Several types of window openings, slightly Moroccan lantern within the entrance and most notably, and is quintessential Opa-locka, a dome was once on the highest of the home on the entrance door.”
Thanks to assist from the College of Miami archives, he was capable of finding the unique plans and produce them to life.
Alex Van Mecl: “There isn’t a different place in America that had the concerted effort and dedication to have a unified Arabic-Moorish design impressed by the Arabian Nights. It simply doesn’t exist.”
Opa-locka is exclusive with large domes and road names like Ali-Baba.
The town was based by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtis in 1926, who had a dream of bringing the Arabian Nights to life right here to South Florida, however died earlier than he completed.
Alex Van Mecl: “I’m simply choosing up the torch and I’m transferring ahead, and I’m recognizing the worth and the significance and saving this.”
And due to Alex, the remainder of the world is seeing the fantastic thing about Opa-locka.
Alex Van Mecl: “That is the crowning achievement.”
His house has been used for all types of photograph shoots, together with the quilt of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam.
Alex Van Mecl: “Of all of the issues which have filmed right here, that is positively the spotlight.”
Now that his house is almost completed, Alex helps his neighbors restore their properties.
Alex Van Mecl: “We actually wished to be a part of Opa-locka and embracing the theme.”
And embracing his group.
Heather Walker, 7News.
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