Ritz Plaza Hotel

Infobox Skyscraper
building_name = Ritz Plaza Hotel


caption =
location = 1701 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, Florida, USA
coordinates = coord|25.792076|-80.129667|display=inline,title
status =
groundbreaking =
constructed = 1939
opening =
use = hotel
antenna_spire =
roof =
top_floor =
floor_count = 12
elevator_count =
cost =
floor_area =
architect = L. Murray Dixon
engineer =
contractor =
developer =
owner = Sam Nazarian
management =
references =

The Ritz Plaza Hotel is a 12 floor/62 meter building in Miami Beach. It was the tallest in the city for 30 years until it was surpassed by 5660 Condominiums. It is located in the Miami Beach Architectural District.

History

The Grossinger family expanded from their Catskill resort into Miami Beach in 1939. The Art Deco tower was designed by architect Murray Dixon and opened as the Grossinger Beach Hotel. It was the first air-conditioned hotel on Miami Beach. [cite book |first=Phil |last=Brown |title=Catskill Culture |date=1998 |publishers=Temple University Press |isbn=1592131891 , p. 42.]

The hotel was used by the U.S. Army during World War II to accommodate high-ranking officers. The property re-opened in 1946 as the Ritz Plaza.

In 1989, the hotel was purchased by Ignacio Contreras and restored to its Art Deco roots, reopening in February 1990. The hotel became a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Historic Hotels of America in 1991.

As of 2008, the building is being remodeled with a estimated completion date of early 2009. [cite news |first=Christopher |last=Palmeri |title=Sam Nazarian: Emperor of Cool |url=http://www.businessweek.com/@@zbhKq2YQYwJUCBAA/innovate/content/feb2008/id2008021_569245.htm |quote=Boutique hotels. Nazarian is opening two over the next year: the SLS in Los Angeles in August and a remodeling of the Ritz Plaza in Miami Beach due to open in early 2009. ]

References