10 Miami Art Deco Condos With Vintage Glamour Intact
Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive sparkles with colorful Art Deco buildings that tell stories of 1930s glamour and style. These architectural gems have survived decades of changing tastes and weather, preserving their unique curved corners, bold geometric designs, and pastel colors.
Today, some lucky homeowners get to live inside these historic treasures where vintage charm meets modern living.
1. The Carlyle Condo Hotel – Hollywood’s Favorite
Remember that fabulous white building from ‘The Birdcage’ movie? That’s The Carlyle, standing proud since 1941 on Ocean Drive.
Inside, residents enjoy original terrazzo floors and curved walls that whisper tales of Miami’s golden age. The building’s symmetrical facade with three distinctive towers creates an unforgettable silhouette against Miami’s blue skies.
2. The Leslie Hotel Residences – Sunshine Yellow Beauty
Impossible to miss with its cheerful yellow exterior, The Leslie has brightened Ocean Drive since 1937. Sunburst motifs and curved corners showcase classic Streamline Moderne style at its finest.
Privately-owned units retain original bathroom tiles and wood floors that transport residents back to Miami’s heyday. The rooftop sundeck offers panoramic ocean views while preserving the building’s historic character.
3. The Netherland – Pastel Perfection
Built in 1936, The Netherland flaunts soft pastel hues and sleek horizontal lines that capture Miami Beach’s playful spirit. Porthole windows and ship-like railings nod to the nautical influences common in tropical Deco.
Boutique in size with just a handful of units, this intimate building offers residents a genuine piece of architectural history. Original lobby details include a restored terrazzo floor map of Florida.
4. The Barbizon Beach Club – Terrazzo Time Capsule
What began as a 1930s hotel now houses lucky condo owners who cherish authentic Art Deco craftsmanship. Original terrazzo floors flow throughout common areas, polished to a mirror shine after decades of footsteps.
Geometric motifs adorn the facade while stepped ziggurat designs frame the entrance. Many units feature preserved bathroom tiles in mint green and black, color combinations that defined the era’s bold aesthetic.
5. The Mercury South Beach – Nautical Deco Wonder
Sailing-inspired curves and porthole accents make The Mercury a quintessential example of Nautical Deco style. Built when ocean liners influenced architecture, this 1930s gem sits at Collins Avenue’s southern end.
Condo-hotel units feature rounded corners and built-in furniture that maximize space with vintage flair. The lobby dazzles with an original compass rose design embedded in the terrazzo floor – a nod to seafaring adventures.
6. The Hampton On Washington – Stucco Masterpiece
Symmetry reigns supreme at The Hampton, where matching stucco reliefs create a sense of balance and harmony. Palm-lined courtyards offer residents tranquil outdoor spaces hidden from Washington Avenue’s bustle.
Eyebrow overhangs, those distinctive horizontal ledges above windows, provide shade while adding architectural interest. Many units retain original glass block windows that filter sunlight into dappled patterns across vintage tile floors.
7. 1818 Meridian House – Mid-Century Meets Deco
Born in 1956 when Deco evolved into Mid-Century Modern, this architectural hybrid offers the best of both worlds. Clean lines blend with tropical motifs in terrazzo patterns that tell Miami’s evolving design story.
Original mailboxes with brass numbers and vintage elevator cabs transport residents through time. While kitchens and baths have been thoughtfully updated, many units maintain period-appropriate details like curved walls and recessed lighting.
8. The Admiral Towers – Eyebrow Architecture Icon
Dramatic eyebrow ledges create fascinating shadow play across The Admiral’s pastel facade throughout the day. Built when streamlined forms dominated Miami’s architectural landscape, this Meridian Avenue landmark stands as a testament to Deco’s enduring appeal.
Spacious units feature curved walls that guide residents through flowing floor plans. Original ceiling medallions and crown moldings have been lovingly preserved in many apartments, honoring the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
9. The Helen Mar – Tropical Deco Courtyard Haven
Since 1936, The Helen Mar has embraced Miami’s lush landscape with a central courtyard filled with palms and tropical plantings. Residents enter through a sheltered breezeway adorned with original tile work in seafoam green and coral.
Apartments feature corner windows that maximize cross-ventilation, a clever pre-air conditioning design feature. The building’s stepped facade creates visual rhythm while providing balconies where residents enjoy morning coffee amid vintage glamour.
10. The Park Central Residences – The Blue Jewel
“The Blue Jewel of Ocean Drive” earned its nickname from the striking azure facade that glows against Miami’s sunset skies. Completed in 1937, this oceanfront treasure maintains its original glamour while offering modern comforts.
Symmetrical neon signs still illuminate the entrance, welcoming residents home with vintage flair. Inside, curved walls guide visitors through spaces where Hollywood stars once mingled during Miami’s golden age of style and sophistication.
