We're currently housesitting in Miami Beach home to its famed South Beach and beautiful art deco architecture.
We could not be more centrally located than if we'd planned it. The historic centre of South Beach and its art deco buildings are all within walking distance of our gorgeous 7th-floor apartment and being as this is our first housesit ever without pets we're able to walk and explore to our heart's content.
The art deco buildings are apartment complexes, hotels and business complexes.
It's important to mention is that if not for the actions Barbara Baer Capitman who in 1976 founded the Miami Design Preservation League few if any of these buildings would still be standing.
Back in the 70s it made more sense to owners to tear down these old, decaying structures and replace them with sky scrappers that would accommodate more people and generate far more money.
Barbara saw these structures as part of Florida's history and through her determination and relentless campaigning she was able to convince the powers to be they had value and were worth preserving.
Originally the exterior of art deco buildings was a plain white facade. Barbara's friend, artist Leonard Horowitz, suggested they be painted pastel colours to compliment the surrounding sand, sea and tropical Florida climate. The soft beautiful colours we now associate with art deco enhances and emphasizes its unique architectural design to make them pop. Compare the plain buildings above and below to the painted ones. Colour really does enhance the overall appearance.
Prior to the beginning of our housesit we spent 3 nights at an Airbnb flat just a few blocks from where we are now. Enrique's flat had everything we could possibly need and again everything was within walking distance.
Miami Beach, of course, does have its fair share of high-rises - along with a wide sandy beach that goes on and on almost forever, but that will have to wait until next time.
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