The Shore Club, a historic landmark in Miami Beach, Florida, is undergoing a significant transformation under the guidance of Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Originally designed by Albert Anis in 1949, the Shore Club has long been a symbol of Miami’s vibrant architectural heritage. The current redevelopment aims to blend this rich history with contemporary design, creating a mixed-use development that honours the past while embracing the future.
The project encompasses a three-acre oceanfront site at 1901 Collins Avenue, strategically located in the heart of Miami Beach. The development includes the restoration of the original Shore Club and The Cromwell Hotel, a 1939 Art Deco building, alongside the addition of a new 20-storey residential tower. This thoughtful integration preserves the site’s historical significance while introducing modern living spaces.
The new tower, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, rises 200 feet above the ocean line, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. Its design draws inspiration from Miami Modernism and Art Deco, featuring gentle curves, cambered surfaces, and filleted windows that reflect a streamlined nautical aesthetic. The building’s three staggered tiers step away from the ocean, creating terraces with hanging gardens that connect visually with the varying heights of neighbouring historic structures.
The Shore Club’s design pays homage to its architectural predecessors. The west elevation incorporates punched windows and sweeping ribbons, echoing elements from the existing Shore Club. Circular windows found on The Cromwell punctuate the north elevation of the condominium tower. The interplay of glass and white masonry from both buildings extends to the new tower, humanising its scale and producing unique condominium units that contrast with the many monolithic, glass-clad towers proliferating today.
Residents and guests will experience a varied procession through the site, entering first into the renovated lobby of the Shore Club. A gracious, open-air colonnade, featuring cloud-like pilotis inspired by the signature detail of the existing Shore Club, leads from a welcoming courtyard, past various indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, to a densely planted rear terrace shared by hotel guests and residents. This terrace features resort pools that step down toward the beach, enhancing the connection between the built environment and the natural landscape.
Condominium residents will enter The Cromwell through a new Art Deco–inspired porch and a reconfigured lobby on their way to units distributed between the existing building and the new tower. Upper-floor units offer sweeping ocean views to the east and south, many with balconies and generous glazing. A new private villa on 20th Street coherently adds to the entire composition and frames the northern edge of the site, ensuring privacy for residents and hotel guests.
The Shore Club’s design philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for Miami Beach’s architectural legacy. By integrating historic structures with contemporary design elements, the project creates a harmonious environment that honours the past while embracing the future. The development offers a unique opportunity to experience an exceptional oceanfront lifestyle, combining the charm of historic architecture with the comforts of modern living.
The project’s completion is anticipated in 2027, marking a significant milestone in Miami Beach’s architectural evolution. The Shore Club’s transformation is set to become a new centrepiece of South Beach, offering a blend of luxury, history, and modernity that reflects the dynamic spirit of Miami Beach. This development not only preserves a cherished landmark but also introduces innovative living spaces that cater to the discerning tastes of contemporary residents.
In summary, The Shore Club’s redevelopment by Robert A.M. Stern Architects is a testament to the enduring appeal of Miami Beach’s architectural heritage. By thoughtfully integrating historic structures with modern design, the project creates a unique living experience that honours the past while embracing the future. The Shore Club is poised to become a defining feature of Miami Beach’s skyline, offering residents and guests a harmonious blend of history, luxury, and contemporary design.
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