Iconic buildings depict a city's character, heart, and soul. Extraordinary design draws the public eye. It's also a source of residential pride. South Florida engineers are masterful creators, able to construct the seemingly impossible. Here are five examples of engineering genius that fared well on the Florida market.
BACARDI BUILDING
Location - 2100 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
Construction - Built in 1963 and expanded in 1974
Building Category - Office/Retail
History
This landmark in midtown Miami served as the national headquarters of Bacardi USA. The complex consists of two structures, the Tower and Jewel Box. The Tower was built in 1963, and the Jewel Box was erected in 1974. In 2012, the Jewel Box was bought by YoungArts, a campus offering master classes, performances, exhibits, and residency programs for emerging artists.
Design
The Tower presides over the eastern side of the plaza, facing Biscayne Boulevard. Its blue and white tiles display images of tropical animals and plants. The 28,000 tiles were hand-painted, numbered, and pieced together like a giant puzzle. The east and west facades of the Tower are made of smoke-tinted glass and vertical aluminum bars.
Glowing behind the Tower is the Jewel Box, a rectangular building mounted on a pedestal foundation. Its exquisite exterior is completely cast in colorful stained glass. The interior is a sanctuary, framed by a rainbow.
Future
The Bacardi complex will continue to serve as a photographic location for films, TV programs, and architectural magazines. The Jewel Box will be sectioned into artist studios. Also in the works is a new performing arts center with state-of-the-art sound and video.
MIAMI TOWER
Location - 100 SE 2nd Street, Miami
Construction - Built in 1987 and renovated in 2012
Building Category - Business/Residential
History
Miami Tower was originally the home of CenTrust Savings and Loan. Two structures comprise the Tower, a 10-story parking garage and a 47-story business complex. In 2012, the complex was renovated and embellished with a modernized sky lobby, terrace, and catering facility. An extensive outdoor LED system was also installed to illuminate the tower at night.
Design
Resembling a four-step silver staircase, Miami Tower is a mecca for businesses and Florida residents. It commands a strategic location, with the best access to I-95 in the real estate market. Tenants enjoy high-end amenities, services, and the convenience of an on-site MetroMover station. The array of interior businesses includes a bank, dry cleaner, florist, eateries, and an executive health and fitness club. Within a short walk is a wide variety of restaurants and shops.
The Tower's three tiers dress up for holidays, with dazzling displays of color. Green marble glistens in the 11th-floor Sky Lobby. Mahogany cabinets grace the fitness club. The Terrace features lush landscaping, a reflective pool, and panoramic urban views. Miami Tower has been honored several times as "Building of the Year" by the Building Owners and Managers Association.
Future
The building's competitive rates and upscale amenities will continue to draw businesses and tenants.
BILTMORE HOTEL
Location - 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables
Construction - Built 1926
Building Category - Commercial
History
This stately hotel has served as a hospital and university campus. In 1987, it came under the management of the Seaway Hotels Corporation. The hotel has hosted royalty and celebrities, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Judy Garland, and Bing Crosby. The Biltmore has also been a filming location for movies and TV programs.
Design
The lobby has an intriguing design, featuring bell-shaped birdcages, hidden staircases, revolving wall panels, and a Tea Room with Corinthian columns. Other eclectic elements include a blue vaulted dome with wood-trimmed arches. In the ballroom, a tapestry ceiling and elaborate chandelier preside over guests. The courtyard is flanked by a pink pastel stairway, overlooking a manicured golf course. Guests can dine on the terrace in the company of feathery palms. Visitors are also treated to the pampering of a full-service spa. Guest rooms offer the comfort of feather beds, quaint sitting areas, and stone-tiled bathrooms. The hotel has been honored with numerous commendations, including the AAA Four Diamond, Gold Key, and Golden Spoon awards.
Future
Guests will continue to receive red-carpet treatment at the elegant Biltmore Hotel.
RIVERPLACE TOWER
Location - 1301 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville
Construction - Built 1966
Building Category - Commercial
History
This unique building was originally dubbed the "Gulf Life Tower," as the headquarters for the Gulf Life Insurance Company. In 1991, the firm merged with American General Life of Houston, who wanted to sell the building. American General was asking $30 million. However, the structure was 24 years old and no longer a class "A" property. Although there were several prospective buyers, the property remained on the market for two years. Desperate to sell, American General accepted a cash offer from Gate Petroleum for considerably less than the asking price. Gate Petroleum ran with the ball, investing in a multimillion-dollar restoration. When Gate closed on the sale, building occupancy was 40 percent. When it completed renovations, occupancy soared to 95 percent. The pauper had become a prince!
Design
The white cubic structure resembles a brilliant lantern. The concrete grid on the outside of the building is its only support. The radiance of the white facade is the result of quartz sand bonded to white cement. The structural system consists of a poured concrete core and floor plates. Each exposed beam is fashioned with 14 concrete units reinforced with steel cables.
Future
The University Club of Jacksonville will continue to operate from the building's top floor. A public restaurant on the second floor serves 4-star American cuisine, accompanied by beautiful river views. The Gate River Run Hall of Fame is permanently housed on the concourse level, showcasing race memorabilia. An architecture article in Time Magazine, calls the building an "organizing beacon" for the city of Jacksonville.
FORT LAUDERDALE CONDO HOTEL
Location - 3101 North Bayshore Drive, Fort Lauderdale
Construction - Built in 2009
Building Category - Residential
History
This hotel comprises two white towers facing the waterfront. One building houses 346 luxury hotel rooms. The other contains 171 condo units. Also on-site are meeting facilities, commercial space, and outdoor event space.
The complex was built in 2009, originally as a condo hotel. All its units were spoken for in the pre-construction phase. However, before construction was complete, the South Florida real estate market crashed. The hotel was sold, with only 24 units purchased. Prices ranged from $975,000 to over $1.9 million. The remaining units were taken off the market and added to the hotel's inventory of vacant rooms. In July 2014, The Related Group bought the complex for $90 million and announced plans for extensive renovation, which is now underway.
Design
Residential units are outfitted with balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, ocean views, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. All condos feature master bedrooms, furnished with an armchair, ottoman, and 42" LCD TV. The dining area has a table with seating for six people. Bathrooms are equipped with premium spa bathtubs, separate showers, and designer stone vanity tops. All units contain a washer, dryer, and kitchen appliances.
Luxury amenities include a valet, concierge, bar, restaurant, two heated swimming pools, spa, fitness center, boutique store, and 24-hour security.
The towers are within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants. The complex is minutes from I-95 and Fort Lauderdale's vibrant cultural district.
Future
The Related Group is re-designing the hotel's public spaces, guest rooms, and amenities, as well as 147 condo units. Cinderella is being transformed into a princess!
5 South Florida Jewels
Five gems yielding huge dividends are:
• Bacardi Building
• Miami Tower
• Biltmore Hotel
• Riverplace Tower
• Fort Lauderdale Condo Hotel
South Florida's real estate market is hot!
Roman Temkin is a real estate developer who hails from NYC.
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