QUEEN MIAMI BEACH

Iconic former art deco theatre and movie house in the heart of Miami is reborn into a high-end restaurant through DAS Audio and iDesign collaboration.

Below: The stunning interior at Queen Miami Beach is equipped with a DAS Audio sound system and a vast array of entertainment lighting fixtures.

Originally established in 1946 as a diverse theatre and premier movie destination, the Paris Theatre and its surrounding neighbourhood in Miami Beach faced several challenges during the 1970s. However, in the 1990s, it underwent a renaissance, being repurposed as a music and video production studio. Additionally, it became a sought-after backdrop for numerous renowned artists, including U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Madonna, Ricky Martin, and Jennifer Lopez. Today, the Paris Theatre, an art deco masterpiece located on the city’s 5th Street corridor, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Thanks to the restoration efforts and creative reimagining by the Massa Investment Group, the venue has become the coveted home of Queen Restaurant and Lounge, one of the most exclusive dining destinations and hotspots in the neighborhood. In July 2020, the Massa Investment Group acquired the building for a significant sum of £13 million, paving the way for this exciting development.

The owner of the Massa Investment Group, Mathieu Massa, shared his ultimate vision for the venue. He envisioned the Paris Theatre as a vibrant hub that attracts a sophisticated, educated, elevated, and more mature clientele. With meticulous attention to detail and a passion for excellence, Massa aims to create an atmosphere that appeals to discerning individuals seeking a refined and elevated experience in the city.

By breathing new life into the historic Paris Theatre, the Massa Investment Group has successfully revived the 5th Street corridor. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of restoration and the potential for transforming spaces into thriving destinations that captivate and inspire.

Queen Restaurant and Lounge has solidified its place as a premier establishment in the neighborhood, drawing in a discerning clientele who appreciate the fusion of art, history, and culinary delights.

Extravagance was the defining feature of Queen’s installation. No expense was spared in creating a high-end, sophisticated restaurant and bar that boasts world-renowned DJs performing through a state-of-the-art DAS Audio E11EVEN Sound audio system. The lighting design, which incorporates Cameo, Robe, and Elation Professional fixtures, adds to the overall ambiance.

The concept for Queen was conceived by Michael Meacham of iDesign, while the design and execution were entrusted to John Fiorito, the National Sales Manager for DAS Audio Hospitality and Nightclub.

The audio system includes 16 E11EVEN Sound by DAS Audio ES-10 10-inch systems, complemented by 46 DAS Audio DECO-6-TB two-way ceiling speakers.

What truly sets the system apart is its crystal-clear, powerful bass. The setup comprises a range of E11EVEN Sound by DAS Audio ES-Series subwoofers, such as the ES-212 and ES-212.95 dual 12-inch cabinets, as well as the ES-221 dual 21-inch systems. These are accompanied by ESBR-18 bass reflex boxes and DAS Audio Quantum Series Q-10 compact installation subs.

DAS Audio and iDesign have enjoyed a successful collaboration on various projects in the past, including renowned Atlanta nightclub The Cheetah and Miami’s E11even. Michael Meacham reflects on their partnership, stating, “We have had a longstanding partnership with DAS Audio. I’ve known John Fiorito since the 1990s. When we work on large-scale projects like Queen together, there is always a great synergy and energy.”

The venue’s audio system, powered by DAS Audio EP-Series multichannel amplification, was installed by Guillermo ‘Willy’ Rodriguez of Willy Tech Services, with assistance from Koncept Systems. The system was meticulously tuned by DAS Audio applications engineer Geovanni Ortiz, with additional adjustments made by John Fiorito. System drive and processing are handled by BSS BLU 160 DSP, with Crestron control programming expertly done by Santiago Riuz. Through the expertise of the audio team at E11EVEN Sound by DAS Audio, the integration of sound into the venue’s rich architectural features is executed with precision, resulting in high-quality, well-balanced sound.

The design is meticulously crafted to cater to various atmospheres, whether it’s lounge music during dinner or a lively late-night setting, ensuring a perfect sound experience throughout each hour of operation.

Built in 1946 by the renowned art deco architect Henry Hohauser, preserving the venue’s former movie house characteristics was of utmost importance to the new owners during the two-year project.

Jillian Rio, the Project Manager for Massa Investment Group, emphasised the significance of maintaining the historic integrity and architectural charm of the Paris Theatre while also modernising it to meet the demands of contemporary fine dining and nightlife. Striking the right balance between preserving its legacy and creating a fresh, opulent 21st-Century experience was their goal.

A team of talented designers and architects who shared this vision and understood the importance of honouring the venue’s historical significance was assembled. Principal Carlos Rodriguez from Modplay Studio collaborated with architect and designer Samy Chams to craft a space that exudes unparalleled elegance and allure.

The construction teams, led by Jillian Rio, Thiago Menezes, and Construction Manager Selin Susoy, were dedicated to conserving the building’s historical integrity. They also worked on the detailed interior lighting design in collaboration with Lux Populi.

For entertainment lighting, 22 Cameo Opus S5s take centre stage at the mezzanine and arch, providing dance lighting and elegant aerial looks, while six Robe Viva CMY’s are part of Robe’s remote follow spot system. Additionally, Elation Dartz fixtures are integrated into 48 individual ceiling domes surrounded by LED tape, and 12 Cameo Z300 strobes enhance the overall lighting setup.