Our Past, Lost and Found
— “South Beach owes its very existence to the historic preservation movement.”
Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University
New Yorker Hotel
The tearing down of Henry Hohauser’s 1939 Art Deco gem New Yorker Hotel in 1981 was a catalyst that helped created the preservation movement on Miami Beach. Owner Abe Resnick later apologized for the demolition saying it was a mistake.
The Senator
Designed by architect L. Murray Dixon, the Senator opened in 1939. It became a focus for preservationists in 1988 as they tried in vain to prevent its demolition. Its destruction spurred new ordinances to protect Art Deco structures.
Nautilus Hotel
Opened in 1926 the luxury Nautilus Hotel was one of Carl Fisher’s bayside resorts, famous for its tea dances. Schultze and Weaver designed the X-shape building so every room had a view. A military hospital during WWII, it was demolished to make room for Mount Sinai Medical Center.
The Fight to Save the Senator
It came down to the wire. This news report on alleged vandalism on the day the Senator was to be torn down includes comments by Leonard Horowitz, the colorist of the Deco movement, and Barbara Capitman, credited with saving the Art Deco district.
Beach Patrol Building
The Miami Beach Ocean Rescue Team is headquartered in the 1936 Art Deco Beach Patrol Building at 10th Street and Ocean Drive, facing the beach. The ship-like building was designed in the nautical style of Art Deco by architect Robert Taylor.
Warhol Meets Deco
Andy Warhol toured South Beach and the Amsterdam Palace in 1980, while in Miami for his exhibition “Jews of the 20th Century” at the Lowe Art Museum. Warhol’s visit to the Art Deco District brought international attention to South Beach and is pointed to as a turning point in the rejuvenation and recognition of the area.