The cocktail bar at The Raleigh once had a somewhat disheveled appearance, not in a trendy manner but rather in a way reminiscent of a seaside bed and breakfast or a modest yacht club in a small coastal town. Yet, it consistently held its status as one of Miami’s prominent locations.
Over time, much of the bar’s original art deco splendor, characterized by lavish murals depicting a Hollywood-imagined Renaissance feast, was altered. The original mirrors and the bar itself were replaced, alongside the built-in banquette. However, near the room’s entrance, one enduring feature remained—a terrazzo floor image of a cocktail glass with rising bubbles. This piece offered a reminder of the kitsch glamour that solidified Miami Beach’s reputation as one of the coolest destinations in the U.S., sustained not only by its icy cocktails but also its architecture.
The Raleigh, constructed in the 1940s, was the creation of Lawrence Murray Dixon, a significant figure in making Miami Beach’s art deco skyline recognizable. The hotel languished after Hurricane Irma damaged it in 2017. It had previously changed ownership several times, including purchases by André Balazs in 2002 and Tommy Hilfiger in 2014. Today, it is undergoing extensive renovation along with two adjacent hotels, retaining Dixon’s original designs. Architect Peter Marino is contributing a large condo tower, creating a unified architectural presence at the heart of Miami Beach.
This renovation provides an opportunity to reflect on Miami’s architectural heritage. Originally a relatively unknown area in the early 20th century, Miami grew into a vibrant location by the 1920s. As developers sought to extend its appeal as a stylish yet affordable winter escape for East Coasters, architects like Henry Hohauser and Lawrence Murray Dixon infused the city with grandeur and modernity borrowed from New York.
Dixon returned to Florida in 1929 and initially embarked on designing neo-Mediterranean homes. However, Miami soon adopted art deco as a defining architectural style under Dixon’s guidance, offering a modernity appealing to touring visitors. Dixon’s art deco designs included a range of inventive, sleek buildings characterized by the stepped forms and vibrant colors typical of the era.
Despite Dixon’s inclination towards a conservative design approach, exemplified by his personal residence and certain more subdued projects, he demonstrated versatility in adopting modernist influences. His works, such as the Raleigh Hotel, showcased his ability to merge traditional and modernist elements, influencing the visual development of Miami Beach.
The current restoration initiative, led by Michael Shvo, aims to reclaim the historical grandeur of Dixon’s designs. Efforts are focused on returning The Raleigh and neighboring hotels to their original form while integrating modern aspects through careful material selection and architectural planning overseen by Peter Marino.
Lawrence Murray Dixon’s career, unfortunately shortened by his premature death at 48, coincided with Miami’s development into a style icon. The Raleigh remains a testament to his lasting influence and contributions to Miami’s architectural legacy, which are being preserved through meticulous restoration efforts.
