719-737 Lincoln Road- NOLI
The Miami Design Preservation League strongly supports the proposed development at 719–737 Lincoln Road. This project represents a thoughtful and sophisticated addition to Lincoln Road, demonstrating a clear commitment to high-quality design, placemaking, and the continued evolution of one of Miami Beach’s most important civic and commercial corridors.
We commend the design team for its attention to architectural detail and materiality, as well as its careful consideration of the pedestrian experience. The project successfully balances contemporary design with sensitivity to its surroundings, creating a building that feels both distinctive and appropriately integrated into the character of Lincoln Road.
Particularly noteworthy are three elements of the proposal: the courtyard space on Lincoln Lane, the breezeway, and the landscaping plan. The courtyard will activate and beautify a space on a street that has been largely treated as an alley, bringing life and vitality to an underused public thoroughfare. The breezeway is an enticing visual and practical element that will draw pedestrians through the building to the courtyard, and offer access to additional shops on the interior. The project’s landscape strategy incorporates abundant greenery and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that enhance the public realm, soften the building’s presence, and contribute to the walkability and vibrancy that have long defined Lincoln Road. The landscaping is not merely decorative but serves as an integral component of the overall design vision.
The project demonstrates an understanding that great urban places are created through the combination of architecture, streetscape, and public experience. By investing in these elements, the proposal elevates the quality of the corridor while reinforcing Lincoln Road’s role as one of Miami Beach’s premier pedestrian destinations.
MDPL appreciates the applicant’s vision and attention to detail and believes this proposal will make a positive contribution to Lincoln Road and the broader Miami Beach community.
1680 COLLINS AVENUE AND 1671 JAMES AVENUE – SAN JUAN HOTEL
The Miami Design Preservation League supports the proposed improvements to the San Juan Hotel and appreciates the applicant’s commitment to restoring and celebrating the building’s historic character.
We are particularly pleased with the treatment of the Collins Avenue frontage, where the design thoughtfully reintroduces and emphasizes historic architectural elements. This approach strengthens the building’s relationship to the surrounding historic district and reinforces the qualities that make Miami Beach’s Art Deco and Mid-Century architecture so distinctive. The Collins Avenue elevation demonstrates a careful balance between preservation and contemporary functionality and represents a positive contribution to the streetscape.
MDPL also appreciates the overall quality of the design and the effort to create a contemporary architectural expression on the James Avenue side of the property. While we find many aspects of the design compelling, we encourage further consideration of how this elevation relates to its immediate context.
Specifically, the stark modernism and angular architectural language proposed along James Avenue may feel somewhat at odds with the softer architectural character of the surrounding neighborhood. While we support a contemporary approach, we wonder whether the angular columns and sharp geometric forms could be refined or softened to create a more harmonious transition between the historic building and the adjacent streetscape.
In addition, the renderings suggest that portions of the James Avenue frontage sit almost directly on the sidewalk, creating a massing that is out of context with its smaller-scale neighbors in this part of the block. If feasible, MDPL encourages the applicant to explore opportunities for additional setbacks, recesses, landscaping, or other design strategies that could create greater breathing room along the street edge and enhance the pedestrian experience.
MDPL also encourages further review of the proposed signage program along James Avenue. As currently depicted, the rear elevation appears to contain multiple hotel signs, resulting in a duplication of building identification. While we recognize the need for visibility from both street frontages, the presence of multiple signs may create unnecessary visual clutter and detract from the simplicity of the architectural composition.
Overall, MDPL supports the project and commends the applicant for the thoughtful restoration of the historic hotel. We believe that with modest refinements to the James Avenue elevation, the project can successfully balance preservation, contemporary design, and neighborhood compatibility.