While visiting Miami Beach, Florida, you may notice that the city boasts a lot of Mid Century Modern flair. Much of these MCM vibes are thanks to works by architect Morris Lapidus.
This prolific architect designed more than a thousand buildings over the course of his career, including quite a few projects in Miami Beach in a style called “Miami Modern” (MiMo). Many of these projects were hotels built during the 1950s. Let’s take a look at a few of his most famous works in this city.
Fountainbleau Hotel, 1954
This Morris Lapidus hotel opened in 1954. It went bankrupt during the 70s. After purchasing it in 1978, businessman Stephen Muss renovated it. It opened its doors again in 2008.
If the Fountainbleau looks familiar, that is because you likely have seen it in film or television at some point. You may have spotted it in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Sopranos, Policy Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach, Scarface, or Goldfinger, to name just a few of the films and shows that featured it over the decades.
Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel, 1955
If you are checking out the Fountainbleau, you also will have a chance to look at another Lapidus hotel right next to it called the Eden Roc. There is an interesting story here. Harry Mufson, former business partner of Ben Novack, owner of the Fountainbleau, commissioned Lapidus to design the Eden Roc.
Novack did not like this, and constructed a 14-story North Tower at the Fountainbleu for no other reason than to cast literal shade on the Eden Roc. Mufson sued, but Novack won. He even put in a penthouse at the top of the tower for himself, featuring the only window. He used this for “keeping an eye” on his former partner.
Americana of Bal Harbour Hotel, 1956
Another of Lapidus’ hotels, the Americana of Bal Harbour Hotel, opened in 1956. Originally featuring 475 rooms, it later expanded to 720 rooms. The rate to spend a night when it opened was $32. At the time, that was very high. Alas, there is no way to see the hotel today, as it was demolished in 2007. At its former site stands the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.
Temple Menorah, 1963
You probably will notice that the Temple Menorah looks different from most of Lapidus’ other works. That is because it was designed by Gilbert Fein. At that time, it was called the North Shore Jewish Center.
In 1963, Lapidus took on a commission to improve the structure with a number of additions. These included arches on the west side of the building and vertical pilasters on the north side. Most famously, he also built the belvedere tower, which locals fondly refer to as the “cheese grater.”
The inspiration for the belvedere tower was not a cheese grater, however; it was actually another object, a loudspeaker, which “freely communicates the spiritual treasures within.” This put its architecture in direct opposition to that of many holy buildings during that timeframe, which were designed more like fortifications to wall out the world. By contrast, the message the Temple Menorah’s design communicated was an invitation.
If you enjoyed this post, you will also want to check out Atomic Getaways: Snowbird Edition, Nautilus Hotel. In that post, we offer you a look at the renovated Nautilus, one of Lapidus’ 1950s hotels in Miami. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!
