840 Ocean Dr Miami Beach, Florida USA

840 Ocean Dr

Construction date: documented 1958*

Current name:

Casa Grande

Architect:

Gilbert Fein

Builder:

Shafer & Miller

Style:

Apartment/multi-unit complex, Other, Art Deco.

Though designed in the 1950's, this building is clearly mimicking surrounding Art Deco designs; Functional eyebrows; Exaggeratedly stepped ziggurat parapet roofline; Verticality emphasized with protruding flat pilasters; Rounded porthole-like ornamentation; Symmetrical primary facade

Historical Summary:

840 Ocean Drive was built as an addition to the space in 834 Ocean Drive (lot directly to the south). The two buildings were tied together by an enclosed passageway at each floor towards the rear of the buildings. At the front of the two buildings, the two are connected only at the first floor level which now serves as the primary entryway for the Casa Grande Suites hotel and timeshares.

 

Status of Historic Designation:

Designated at National level : Miami Beach Architectural District, 1979
Designated at Local level : Ocean Drive/Collins Avenue District, 1986

Area(s) of Significance:

Architecture
Community Planning and Development

Associated Files:

Architectural Description:

This is a 5-story, 3-bay hotel in the Other style with Art Deco influences built in 1958. The building is rectangular in plan. The structural system is concrete block stucco. The foundation is spread footing. The building has a flat with parapet roof. Windows are replacement aluminum sliding. Decorative, narrow porch at first floor with metal railing; Private porch at fourth floor, which is set back from the rest of the building underneath. Simple glass double-door at center of east elevation up two steps from the street level.

* Date source: City of Miami Beach Building Department records

Description generated by RuskinARC.