Mediterranean Revival

MEDITERRANEAN REVIVAL

Mediterranean Revival architecture plays a crucial role in defining Miami Beach’s distinctive style, blending the charm of the Mediterranean with the city’s tropical environment. With its enduring appeal, this architectural style continues to be celebrated in both restored buildings and new constructions.

Origins & Development

Mediterranean Revival architecture in Miami Beach emerged in the early 20th century, becoming a prominent style in the 1920s. Drawing inspiration from the coastal regions of southern Europe, particularly Italy and Spain, this style was a part of a larger movement in the United States to create an idealized version of Mediterranean villas and estates. Its popularity coincided with the development boom in Florida, as Miami Beach began to transform from a sleepy resort town into a glamorous tourist destination. Mediterranean Revival style was embraced for its romantic, timeless appeal and its ability to blend effortlessly with the region’s tropical climate.

The Mediterranean Revival movement marked a break from the more ornate Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical styles, offering a more relaxed and sun-soaked aesthetic that fit with the city’s resort culture. Notable architects, such as Addison Mizner and Maurice Fatio, brought this style to life in Miami Beach using materials and design features that complemented the region’s tropical environment.

Carl Fisher, who is often credited with promoting Miami Beach as a winter tourist destination in the beginning of the twentieth century used this exotic Mediterranean Revival style in advertisements. His ‘clubhouse’ which is now home to the Rum Room and Venu is considered the oldest public building in Miami Beach.

Built in 1916 – Architect: August Geiger

Venu

Rum Room

KEY FEATURES

Stucco exteriors

White or light-colored stucco is common, often combined with red-tiled roofs that mimic the traditional Spanish and Italian villas.
Tile Work

Decorative ceramic tiles, often in bold colors, were frequently used for accents, particularly around windows, doors and courtyards.
Arches

Rounded or pointed arches were used in windows, doorways, and loggias, echoing Mediterranean design traditions.
Terracotta Roof Tiles

The iconic red or orange clay roof tiles were a staple of Mediterranean Revival properties, providing a distinctive, rustic appearance.

Balconies & Courtyards

These spaces were often central to the design, inviting outdoor living and enhancing the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Ironwork & Wrought-iron Details

Decorative wrought iron railings, gates and light fixtures were common, adding to the overall elegance of the structures.
Tropical Landscaping

Incorporating lush greenery, including palm trees and other native plants, was key to blending the architecture with the natural environment.

NOTABLE PROPERTIES

Casa Casuarina
(The Versace Mansion)

1116 Ocean Drive

Year Built: 1930

Architect: Henry LaPointe

Originally designed as a private estate, Casa Casuarina showcases Mediterranean Revival with its intricate tile work, arched doorways and terracotta roofs. The property gained worldwide fame as the former home of designer Gianni Versace.

Historic Miami Beach
City Hall

1130 Washington Avenue

Year Built: 1927

Architect: Martin L. Hampton

This property incorporates classic Mediterranean elements, such as stucco exteriors, a red-tiled roof, arched windows and ornate ironwork.

Española
Way

Between 14 & 15 Streets

Year Built: 1925

Architect: Formerly designed by Robert A. Taylor

Española Way is a charming Mediterranean Revival-style pedestrian street designed to resemble a Spanish village. It is lined with colorful stucco buildings, arched doorways, tiled roofs, wrought-iron balconies and outdoor courtyards. Created as a tourist destination it remains a focal point of Miami Beach.