HISTORIC PRESERVATION

THE VAGABOND HOTEL (1953)

MiMo in Miami, FL || 2014-2015

The Vagabond Hotel was constructed in 1953 by famed architect B. Robert Swartburg and is part of the motel row that grew up along Biscayne Boulevard post-World War II. The Motels along this strip catered to vacationers arriving down U.S. Highway 1 in their personal automobiles and were enormously popular in their day. By the 1990s the area had become rundown and the Boulevard was known for prostitution and drug activity. Its renovation, led by Avra Jain, was completed in 18 months and is responsible for the revitalization of the Historic MiMo neighborhood. The Vagabond Hotel embodies the Miami Modern style as architects began to adapt postwar sensibilities and materials to the state's subtropical climate.

Local Designation Report (2006)

National Register Report (2014)

South Pacific (1953)

MiMo in Miami, FL || 2015-2016

The South Pacific Motel is not the largest adaptive reuse project for the Vagabond Group in MiMo but is one of the most interesting because of its enormous pylon neon sign and use of a stone facing. The one story office that fronts onto Biscayne Boulevard is faced with a coursed stone veneer that steps down to create a zigzag lighting bolt. Designed by notable Miami architect Charles Giller, the once “Motel” has been adapted to a “Wotel” (work + motel) providing class A creative office space.

Local Designation Report (2006)

Miami River Inn (1908)

Little Havana in Miami, FL || 2015-2017

The Miami River Inn was built in 1908-1909 to provide boarding for the travelers flocking to Miami in the real estate boom at the beginning of the century. All ten buildings comprise the South River Drive Historic District located on the Miami River in East Little Havana. We like to refer to them as the “painted ladies”. River Inn is Miami's oldest standing Hotel, embodying the true Florida Frame Vernacular style. Today, it is home to a community oriented Hospitality group (Selina) and award winning artisanal Cocktail bar (Casa Florida).

Local Designation Report (2006)

National Register Report (1987)

GOLD DUST MOTEL (1957)

MiMo in Miami, FL || 2019-2020

As described in the Miami Herald on its opening day in 1957 “The Gold Dust represents a motel interpretation of Subtropical Modernism, an adaptation of The International Style to the local climate.” Differentiating it from the other motels on the Boulevard is it’s kitschy “Old West” detailing. Designed by Miami architect Maurice S. Weintraub, who also worked on Miami Beach, Gold Dust remains one of the most important examples of mid century “motor hotels” along the Biscayne corridor. Today it is home to digital nomad Hospitality group, Selina.

Local Designation Report (2019)

KNOXON MOTEL (1951)

MiMo in Miami, FL || 2017-2020

This two story motel is part of the collection of the midcentury resources that embody the “Modern Period'‘ of architecture in Miami. The impression of sleekness is created by the cantilevered balcony roof along with the cantilever of the roof that projects from the lobby. The most dramatic detail is the wall that extends perpendicularly above the second floor roof and carries the neon signage for the motel, which has been restored by the Vagabond Group. Originally designed by prolific Miami architect Norman Giller to be a “motor” extended stay Hotel, today it has been adaptively reused to retail and commercial use.

Local Designation Report (2006)

CASA FLORIDA (1937)

Little Havana in Miami, FL || 2018-2019

Part of the Historic Miami River Inn assemblage, Casa Florida offers food & beverage to the adjacent Hotel and greater community. The old Florida decor celebrates the building’s history and reminds guests of the Miami land boom of the 1920’s when the magic city had an image as a tropical paradise to outside investors.