Architectural Niches

Visiting Florida is a very unique experience.

things to enjoy

Colorful architecture Tropical location Relaxed atmosphere

Miami

On both sides of Florida Coasts you can discover a style of architecture that celebrates Florida history, climates and way of life. From famous Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, Mar-a-Lago National Historic Landmark in Palm Beach to Disney's Cinderella Castle in Lake Buena Vista.

In Miami you can find Art Deco District, the first 20th-century neighborhood to be recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, with 800 structures of historical significance, most built between 1923 and 1943. The fanciful pastel buildings, with porthole windows, ship-like railings, sleek curves, glass blocks, shiny chrome, and gleaming terrazzo floors are prime eye candy.

Florida
Keys

Architecture on Florida's Key West reflects the diverse and colorful nature of those who have shaped this remote island's character: the grand classical homes of sea captains from New England, the cobbled-together wooden dwellings of ships' carpenters, the humble but charming cottages of cigar makers from Cuba. Today's equally varied population of artists, writers, and political figures contributes to that heritage by designing interiors and landscape that complement the vibrant tropical location, quirky isolationist tradition, and relaxed atmosphere.

Sarasota

Cities on the West Coast were developed by numerous visionaries whose legacy lives on in our architecture, thoughtfully planned parks and city centers, and sense of community. In Sarasota a 30-room mansion inspired by the Venetian Gothic palaces, was designed by New York architect Dwight James Baum, built by Owen Burns, and completed in 1926. It was named Cà d'Zan, "The House of John" in the Venetian dialect of Italian . Later a museum was built for their art collection. John Ringling and his brother, Charles, were instrumental in the modern development of Sarasota. The Sarasota School of Architecture is a mid-century modern movement indigenous to our region that resulted in highly innovative homes, currently studied and revered by architectural students the world over.