Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District stands as a testament to architectural innovation and preservation. This unique area showcases a remarkable collection of Art Deco structures, which almost faced obliteration in the 1970s due to development pressures. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of preservationists, particularly the Miami Design Preservation League, these historic buildings have been safeguarded for future generations to appreciate.
Miami houses the highest number of Art Deco buildings in the world, making it a vibrant showcase of this architectural style. From the vibrant Lummus Park, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of Ocean Drive’s distinctive skyline, characterized by its geometric lines, chrome accents, and pastel colors.
The Essex House Hotel, a creation of Henry Hohauser in 1938, is a prime example of Maritime deco, also known as Nautical Moderne, with its porthole windows and striking smokestack-inspired neon tower. This building stands prominently at the junction of Collins and 10th Street, resembling an ocean liner docked ashore.
The Carlyle remains a typical example of Miami Beach’s deco flair with its bold vertical piers and curvaceous corners. This iconic structure, unchanged since 1941, has featured in several films, including “The Birdcage” and “Scarface.”
Another gem, Hoffman’s Cafeteria Building, designed in 1939 by Hohauser, was once the legendary Warsaw nightclub. Its central turret and sweeping design have seen it transition from a cafeteria to various clubs and restaurants.
The 1937 Miami Beach Post Office, designed by Howard Lovewell Cheney, represents a blend of Federal and Deco styles, featuring a classical rotunda and a lively interior with friezes and a starburst ceiling.
Hohauser’s Celino Hotel, previously known as the Park Central Hotel, is celebrated for its vertical bands and window ‘eyebrows.’ The area gained notoriety in the 1980s due to its depiction in crime dramas such as “Scarface” and “Miami Vice.”
The Marlin Hotel, a 1939 creation by L. Murray Dixon, perfectly encapsulates the era’s sci-fi inspirations. Its famous “eyebrows” over the windows remain intact, representing Dixon’s architectural signature.
The Cardozo South Beach, renovated in 2019, is renowned for its film appearances and modernized interiors that hark back to its 1930s origins.
The Breakwater, opened in 1936, is a notable Deco hotel with its symmetrical design and central tower adorned with neon elements, persistently popular among tourists.
Among the contributions of Hohauser, The Webster, a 1939 hotel turned luxury boutique, maintains its Art Deco integrity with its terrazzo flooring and geometric facade accentuated by neon.
L. Murray Dixon’s The Tides, the tallest Art Deco structure from its era, reaches 12 stories, featuring nautical porthole windows and a commanding presence along Ocean Drive.
Cameo Night Club, formerly a 1938 Art Deco movie theater, remains a night-time spectacle with its bright neon marquee that once featured famous DJs instead of films.
The Clevelander, designed by Albert Anis in 1938, exemplifies the glamour of Art Deco with its ornate central bay and “eyebrows.” Today, it serves as a lively hub with its pool and bar area.
Finally, the Art Deco Beach Patrol Headquarters, designed by Robert Taylor in 1934, is a nautically themed structure with its porthole windows and central tower, conveniently equipped with showers and restrooms for beachgoers.
The preservation of Miami Beach’s Art Deco buildings is a triumph of cultural heritage conservation, allowing these architectural gems to continue enchanting visitors with their historical and aesthetic value. From hotels and clubs to post offices and emergency buildings, these iconic structures contribute to Miami’s identity as a hub of design and creativity.
Source: Timeout
