Art Deco, and the preservation of those buildings featuring its popular motifs has been a mission of the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL), a non-profit group launched by Barbara Capitman and like-minded individuals. The MDPL has worked tirelessly since 1976 to save the integrity of what is now classified as the ten Miami Beach Architectural Historic Districts – and eleven designated buildings — which together comprise the National Register Art Deco District.
Many of the buildings, especially along the beachfront, are indeed prime instances of what enthusiasts now call Tropical Deco, which reflects the regional influences (the sea, palm trees, cruise ships).
Tropical Deco, with architect Henry Hohauser, for one, leading the charge, is roughly divided into the utilitarian Stripped Classic or Depression Modern (the renovated U.S. Post Office in the Design District, for instance) and Streamline Modern.
The famous hotels along Ocean Drive, including the Colony, as well as nearby venues such as the Marlin, are Streamline, which displays widely recognizable design features: symmetrical reliefs inspired by seagoing life as well as the age of machines, curved staircases, rounded corners, glass block walls, terrazzo floors and neon lighting.
Art Deco isn’t all that South Beach has to offer. In between the Streamline constructions, you’ll find two additional styles: Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern (MiMo). The first recalls old Spanish Colonial villas, with stucco walls, red tile and prominent foyers being typical features. The Angler’s Boutique Resort, a hotel on Washington Avenue, is exemplary, as is the more ornate, former Versace mansion, no the Villa by Barton G. where the restaurant, Il Sole exists.
Also, visitors can view large groupings of luxurious Mediterranean Revival homes, as well as the lavish Biltmore Hotel, in Coral Gables. Dubbed the City Beautiful, Coral Gables was founded by visionary George Merrick, and is considered Miami’s first planned community.
