Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from what they really are, which makes it an appropriate inspiration for the buildings of
the 'Magic City.'
There are excellent deco renovations all along Miami Beach which manage to combine
modern aesthetic tastes with classical deco details. But in a sense, the modern South Beach
school of design is just the natural evolution of principles laid down by deco in the early
20th century. Hoteliers such as Ian Schrager combine a faith in technology - in this case
flat-screen TVs, Lucite 'ghost chairs' and computer-controlled lobby displays - with a
general air of fantastical glamour. Conceptions of the future (a fantasy of the best the fu-
ture can be), plus a deep bow to the best of historical decorative arts, still drives the design
on Miami Beach. Newer hotels such as the W and Ganservoort South have also expanded
the architectural sense of proportion, integrating deco style into Miami Modern (which is
to say, enormous) proportions. Whereas in the past deco hotels occupied a lot on a block,
the megahotels of Miami Beach's future now stretch for an entire block.
With more than 400 registered historic landmarks, you can follow the Beach boom phases
through the district: in the 1930s 5th St to Mid-Beach was developed. Head toward 27th
St for the late '30s to early '40s; then north into the '50s, the era of resorts, hotels and
condominiums.
