MIAMI’S ART DECO STYLE: PAST AND PRESENT
BY MARIETTE WILLIAMS Photo: Shelborne South BeachMiami is famous for many things: pristine beaches, fine dining, buzzy nightclubs, and an established art scene. But another thing that makes this city unique is its Art Deco architecture. According to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Miami has one of the highest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the country, with over 800 buildings located in Miami’s Art Deco District. From posh post offices to historic South Beach hotels, we take a look at how the flashy architectural style has come to define Miami.
Miami’s Famous Art Deco Buildings
Characterized by pastel shades, geometric shapes, and neon lighting, the Art Deco style originated in the 1920s and took off in the United States in the 1930s. Some of the other hallmarks of the Art Deco style include clean lines, the repetition of symmetry, and the use of gold and silver ornaments, which are found on many of Miami’s iconic Art Deco buildings.
One of the best examples of Art Deco style is Miami’s Bass Museum, which was designed by architect Russel Pancoast. The 1930s-era structure used to be a public library until art collectors Jonanna and John Bass donated their private collection to Miami Beach in 1964. The low, square-shaped building has a staggered roofline and thin rectangular windows, and depictions of boats and pelicans carved into the limestone exterior above the museum’s entrance.
The Colony Theater on Lincoln Road is another Art Deco gem. The theater first opened as Paramount Pictures Movie Theater in 1935 and recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation that restored the theater’s Art Deco
elements in the entrance and lobby. The theater’s facade features distinctive curved neon lights, and the lobby features gleaming terrazzo tile and a pastel-colored bird mural.
And another unique testament to the Art Deco style is the Miami Beach Post Office. In what might be one of the most extravagant post offices in Florida, the building features a rotunda with a gold-painted ceiling, a working fountain, and gold-toned post office boxes. The post office was designed in 1937 by Chicago architect Howard Lovewell Cheney and is still in operation.
Miami’s Art Deco Hotels: Past and Present Visitors can also enjoy Miami’s Art Deco architecture by checking in to a number of hotels like The Gabriel Miami South Beach. Located right on Ocean Drive, the hotel is
spread across four buildings, one of which is the former Park Central Hotel, built in 1937. Designed by famed Art Deco architect Henry Hohauser, the Park Central Hotel used to be a hangout spot for Hollywood stars like Clark Gable. The contemporary property has been completely updated, but the hotel’s restaurant, Meet Dalia, still includes Art Deco details like rounded windows, sculpted gold light fixtures, and opulent velvet couches in rose and navy hues.
Another great option is the Shelborne South Beach hotel. Originally built in the 1940s, the beachfront hotel was designed by famous Art Deco architects Igor Polevitsky and Thomas Triplett Russel. The property has a signature neon ‘Shelborne ‘ sign above a circular overhang, and the lobby features hanging starburst lights, cranberry-toned mid-century furniture, and an oversized marble check-in desk.
A newer addition to Miami Beach, The Goodtime Hotel opened in 2021 and features whimsical Art Deco details like pink rotary phones, a coral-colored library, and cheeky leopard print benches. The hotel’s main attraction is the Strawberry Moon restaurant and pool club. Pinstriped awnings, teal scalloped cabanas, and striped pastel pool tiles welcome travelers to the hip pool deck. The hotel is a throwback to Miami’s Art Deco heyday and also represents Miami’s current reputation as a haven for relaxation and entertainment.
WEST PALM BEACH’S NEW WATERFRONT OASIS
Olara, West Palm Beach’s most alluring new address, will be home to 275 two- to four-bedroom plus den residences that offer resortinspired amenities, effortless hospitality and service and an exclusive, luxurious lifestyle with views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Beach Island and Atlantic Ocean. Developed by New York City-based real estate investment manager, owner/operator and developer Savanna, the project is a haven for effortless living exquisitely designed with residences overlooking the water, complemented by a holistic amenity suite on the sixth floor that enhances the South Floridian lifestyle.
With architecture by Arquitectonica and interiors by Gabellini Sheppard Associates, Olara will reflect an elegant harmony between the design and its connection to the surrounding neighborhood landscape. Rising 26 stories, Olara’s architecture reflects the water before it. The residences boast a timeless façade with grand, glass terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows and soft curves, and an open, spacious floor plan to celebrate the year-round warm weather and offer generous water and Palm Beach Island views. The tower’s sophisticated homes were designed to be bright and airy, and open spaces are bathed in abundant natural light to foster everyday indulgence and true luxury living on the water. The European-style, gourmet kitchens tout white matte lacquer cabinetry; honed Volakas marble countertops, backsplash and island; as well as a full suite of Gaggenau appliances. Select spa-inspired principal bathrooms feature dual water closets, custom floorstanding, oak vanities with Breccia Capraia marble and custom integrated, and high-definition illuminated mirrored medicine cabinets with bronze accents that cohesively tie together with the white marble floors.
Olara will encapsulate more than 80,000 square feet of amenity space spread across its grounds, including an acclaimed waterfront restaurant; private dock complete with a houseboat, boat slips, direct Intracoastal access and a concierge for arranging seafaring experiences; a residents'
lounge; waterfront veranda with grills and fire pits; co-working space; and much more. One of the most intriguing aspects of the development will be the 13,000 state-of-the-art fitness center designed by The Wright Fit. The indoor-outdoor space will encompass an expansive terrace that wraps around the fitness center with designated areas for open-air yoga, performance training with turf lanes, and mat Pilates. Adorned with two swimming pools, one will be a designated lap pool with the other appointed for leisure and relaxation. The grounds separating the two swimming pools and facing the Intracoastal will be lushly landscaped by EDSA. This waterfront veranda features mature palms, brightly tiled planters, and shaded seating areas with a stone fire pit creating an atmosphere indicative of a wellness lounge. Not only will there be ample workout and wellness spaces throughout, but the fitness center will also have an open-air juice bar where residents can enjoy their morning green juices after their daily workout while taking in the unrivaled views that Olara has to offer.
Olara will be located at 1919 N. Flagler Drive. Pricing begins at $2M. For more information, please visit the website at olarawestpalmbeach.com or contact the sales office at 1.561.295.7186 or sales@olarawestpalmbeach.com.
ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy, condominium units to residents of any jurisdiction where prohibited by law, and your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. All images and designs depicted herein are artists’ conceptual renderings, which are based upon preliminary development plans, and are subject to change without notice in the manner provided in the offering documents. All such materials are not to scale and are shown solely for illustrative purposes. This project is being developed by N Flagler Drive Developer, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which was formed solely for such purpose. Olara is sponsored by a Savanna affiliate. Savanna is a proven owner, operator, developer and institutional fund manager with a 30-year track record, it has invested in and developed over 17 million square feet of real estate. Other affiliated parties include the Mactaggart Family Partnership, which has invested in and developed premier real estate projects in the United States and England for over 100 years, as well as Haymes Investment Company and Brandon Rinker. Haymes and Rinker assisted in the acquisition of six of the eight parcels within the assemblage that became the Olara development site and served as development consultants as the site was assembled and the development vision was finalized. The principals of Haymes Investment Company have owned, operated and developed millions of square feet of commercial, residential and retail real estate in New York, Florida, and around the United States. Brandon Rinker has assembled some of the premier sites in the Palm Beaches. Brandon is now a principal at Savanna. This Condominium has been registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons F-1277-01-01.
SHOWCASE SALES
South Florida luxury agents have been busy securing prime real estate for their clients. Here are some recent notable sales...
LAST ASK: $23.5M
491 South Beach Road, Jupiter Island
Listing Agents: Joanne Wagner and Susane Turner The Jupiter Island Team at Corcoran
LAST ASK: $11.9M
160 Sunset Ave, Palm Beach
Listing Agents: John and Lisa Cregan Team Sotheby’s International Realty
LAST ASK: $26.995M
2929 North Ocean Blvd, Gulf Stream
Listing Agent: Candace Friis Corcoran
LAST ASK: $8.995M
525 South Flagler Drive 22AB, West Palm Beach
Listing Agent: Andrew Thomas-Gazdik
Sotheby’s International Realty
preliminary
plans, and are subject to change without notice in the manner provided in the offering documents. All such materials are not to scale and are shown solely for
no event shall any solicitation, offer or sale of a unit in the condominium be made in, or to residents of, any state or country in which such activity would be
beach living completely redefined
One- to four-bedroom residences
Starting at $1.5 Million NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
Introducing Miami Beach’s most significant project in decades. Expertly crafted by the world’s most visionary design minds, Five Park represents the intersection of function, beauty, and sustainability. The sleek tower offers a host of unprecedented amenities with in-house wellness and a private beach club bringing five-star service to everyday life.
SHOWCASE SALES
South Florida luxury agents have been busy securing prime real estate for their clients. Here are some recent notable sales...
LAST ASK: $69.5M
854 S County Rd, Palm Beach
Listing Agents: Dana and Paulette Koch Team Corcoran
LAST ASK: $19.999M
219 Brazilian Avenue, Palm Beach
Listing Agent: Margit Brandt Premier Estate Properties
LAST ASK: $7.95M
140 Atlantic Avenue, Palm Beach
Listing Agent: Christian Angle Christian Angle Real Estate
Artist’s Conceptual Rendering
Your health has a new address
THE WELL Bay Harbor Islands is more than a high-end home. It’s 400,000 square feet of spaces and services surrounded by tranquil beauty to help you live a healthier, balanced everyday—It’s fresh-pressed juice at your doorstep, a weekly massage in your living room, yoga on the terrace, workouts in your private gym, a breakthrough session with your nutritionist, restored sleep, new meditation practices, fitness in body, mind and spirit—your home for personal wellness.
Residences from $1.5 M
EXCLUSIVE SALES BY DOUGLAS ELLIMAN DEVELOPMENT MARKETING
THE WELL GALLERY NOW OPEN 1160 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands, FL THEWELLBayHarbor.com 305 423 1846
This project is being developed by 1177 Bay Harbor Islands LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Developer”), which has a limited right to use the trademarked names and logos of Terra and THE WELL. Any and all statements, disclosures and/or representations shall be deemed made by Developer and not by Terra or THE WELL, and you agree to look solely to Developer (and not to Terra, THE WELL or any of their affiliates) with respect to any and all matters relating to the marketing and/or development of the project. The Terra and THE WELL groups of companies are each comprised of several separate companies that are legally distinct. Reference to Terra and THE WELL is merely for convenience and should not be relied upon for any other purposes. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to this brochure and to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. These materials are not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy a unit in the condominium. Such an offering shall only be made pursuant to the prospectus (offering circular) for the condominium and no statements should be relied upon unless made in the prospectus or in the applicable purchase agreement. In no event shall any solicitation, offer or sale of a unit in the condominium be made in, or to residents of, any state or country in which such activity would be unlawful. All images and designs depicted herein are artist’s conceptual renderings, which are based upon preliminary development plans, and are subject to change without notice in the manner provided in the offering documents. All such materials are not to scale and are shown solely for illustrative purposes. Renderings depict proposed views, which are not identical from each residence. No guarantees or representations whatsoever are made that existing or future views of the project and surrounding areas depicted by artist’s conceptual renderings or otherwise described herein, will be provided or, if provided, will be as depicted or described herein. Any view from a residence or from other portions of the property may in the future be limited or eliminated by future development or forces of nature and the developer in no manner guarantees the continuing existence of any view. Furnishings are only included if and to the extent provided in your purchase agreement. The project graphics, renderings and text provided herein are copyrighted works owned by the Developer. All rights reserved.
1110 South Ocean Boulevard
Manalapan, Florida
Spectacular Ocean-to-Lake Light and Bright Modern Mediterranean Compound with 9BR/11.3BA and 150 feet +/- of Ocean and Intracoastal frontage. This one-of-a-kind estate features rich details, intricate millwork, and sophisticated finishes. From spectacular reception to oversized living spaces and gorgeous formal dining room, this home is perfect for entertaining. Pristine estate with great natural sunlight throughout. Deep water concrete dock. Oversized oceanfront columned loggia with summer kitchen, al fresco dining, TV, and fireplace. Covered balcony, open balcony, fountain, and pool for comfortable outdoor living.
Exclusive Offering - $64,900,000 | Christian J. Angle 561-629-3015
www.AngleRealEstate.com
The intimate comforts of home and the allure of contemporary luxury come alive at Onyx House, Delray Beach’s newest architectural jewel. Located in the heart of Delray Beach, this 4 bedroom, 4.2 bathroom, 5,342 square foot home evokes a captivating connection with nature without sacrificing modern luxuries. Its spacious open concept includes a striking kitchen that flows into an expansive great room and elegant dining room, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open up to an outdoor oasis, complete with a covered patio, summer kitchen and wet bar, and a private saltwater pool and spa. Upstairs, each of the home’s four bedrooms boasts its own balcony, with a master suite that includes his-and-hers walk-in closets and a regal master bathroom. Additional amenities include a private elevator, smart home technology integrated throughout the home, and an oversized 2-car garage with plentiful additional driveway parking for entertaining. $5,400,000.
504 NE 7th Ave, Delray Beach | Completion Fall 2023 Visit
Part of the appeal of Palm Beach is its whimsy, eccentricity, and decadeslong legacy. Below, find a few historic and architectural marvels that are must-see landmarks on the island.
Worth Avenue Clock Tower
At the easternmost end of Worth Avenue sits the Worth Avenue Clock Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks of the island. Flanked by swaying palm trees and with the wide blue Atlantic Ocean as its sparkling backdrop, this 25-foot tower was built in 2010 as a monument to the Palm Beach Pier that once stood in the same spot (before a series of storms ravaged it, beginning with the catastrophic 1928 Okeechobee hurricane).
Coral Cut Wall
The island of Palm Beach is flat, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, with one notable exception — the coral cut wall that seems to rise out of nowhere along North Lake Way. Bending around the southwest corner of the Palm Beach Country Club golf course, this
mound of rock and coquina shell stretches up to 200 feet tall and is shrouded in many spooky local legends, earning it the nickname “Witch’s Wall.”
Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea
Built in 1889, the Episcopalian Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea has seen a range of parishioners over the centuries, from Palm Beach’s Founding Father, oil and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, to former president Donald Trump, who married Melania there in 2005. (Michael Jordan also held a wedding there in 2013.) The tropical gardens and courtyard of the Gothic marvel are open to explore.
Grave of Johnnie Brown
A headstone may be just about the last thing you expect to see on Palm Beach, and in fact, the grave of Johnnie Brown is one of only two marked graves on the island (the other is next to it). That’s because Johnnie Brown wasn’t a human but a spider monkey — the beloved ever-present pet of eccentric architect Addison Mizner. Adding to the intrigue, the “human monkey” is interred in a most unexpected location: the
338 South Beach Road
9 BR | 12 BA | $19,850,000 DETAILS
This West Indies inspired British Colonial is uniquely elegant and yet relaxed, with expansive outdoor terraces surrounded by palm trees, gardens and pool. Ocean views and beachfront parcel providing private access make this property great for Florida living and entertaining! • Built in 1984 - Renovated in 2012 • 2.5 Acres
• Eastern Parcel – 118’ of frontage
• Western Parcel – 223’ of frontage
• Guest House • Pool Cabana with Outdoor Kitchen • Parterre Rose Garden
AN ENTERTAINERS DREAM HOME BOCA
This home is 5,255 square feet under air plus 5,000 square feet of outdoor entertaining space, 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths with 2-car and golf cart garage nestled in Bocaire Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida.
Boasting oversized rooms, an open floor plan, a chef’s kitchen, indoor bar, outdoor kitchen within the Florida room and a custom-built lap pool with sun shelf and hot tub. The property has artificial turf and a putting green.
The Bocaire Country Club is a premier boutique members only golf community with amazing amenities and a fully renovated and redesigned Kipp Schulties golf course as well as fitness facilities. The clubhouse is undergoing a gut renovation and will feature two restaurants and an indooroutdoor bar. The club is also expanding the tennis facilities and pickleball courts.
Listed at $2,999,999 | RX 10876873
View more at Peterssoninvestments.com
Everett Petersson
(917) 608-4590
EJP@PeterssonInvestments.com
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Eliot House
In Town boutique building,steps from Worth Avenues world-class shopping and restaurants. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, with very private terrace. Full-Service building with pool. West end of street are the Town Yacht docks, bicycle path, and two minute walk to The Society of The Four Arts. Perfect Location! Offered at $2,500,000 | EliotHouse2B.com
Rapallo
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Beautifully appointed 2 bedroom 2 bath, updated kitchen and baths, with great balcony! Water views from all rooms, plantation shutters throughout, gym, function room with kitchen, sauna, library, storage, bike storage, Full time door man. Management on Site. Steps from Palm Beach and World Class shopping. Offered at $1,249,000 | Rapallo803.com
Including luxury print media as part of your advertising plan is imperative in this current market.
Our sense of touch can impact our emotional, physical and intellectual responses. Hamptons Real Estate Showcase can help your brand build that physical connection with buyers of luxury homes, goods and services. It can also help you make a memorable impression that will distinguish you from your competitors who are doing less.