February 2021 is the 33rd anniversary of when preservationists campaigned to expand South Beach’s Historic District to include the triangle of 18 blocks east of Washington Ave. between 17th Street and Dade Blvd. Known as the “Museum District”, it included some of the best known Deco hotels on Collins Ave — the Ritz Plaza, the Delano and the Shelborne. “We want to get some of these big guys included in the district”, said Nancy Liebman, chairman of the City’s Historic Preservation Board in 1988. Shown is the Miami Herald Beaches’ op-ed entitled “Preservationists ask to expand district”, dated February 11, 1988.
Archival photo showing Surfcomber Hotel, (far left) and towers of (l-r) Ritz Plaza, Delano and National hotels.
What would Miami Beach be like without Historic Art Deco, Mediterranean, and MiMo buildings?
Join Us: Become a Member
Help MDPL remain independent and sustain our mission to preserve, protect, and promote. Annual memberships start at $50 and include free walking tours and more.
