A Landmark Reimagined
A Legacy of Glamour & Innovation
For over eight decades, The Shelborne by Proper has stood at the heart of Miami Beach’s cultural crossroads, seamlessly blending timeless Art Deco elegance with modern luxury. Originally opened in 1941, this historic oceanfront retreat has been reimagined for a new era, offering a refined yet vibrant experience that reflects Miami’s rich heritage and contemporary energy. From Hollywood icons to mid-century visionaries, the Shelborne’s story is one of art, architecture, and legendary hospitality.
1940s
The Wartime Years
During World War II, the Shelborne played an unexpected role in history. Leased by the U.S. Army Air Forces, the hotel became a headquarters for military training, housing soldiers stationed in Miami Beach. Throughout the war, the Shelborne’s grand lobby and elegant spaces served a different purpose—preparing servicemen for deployment while maintaining its reputation for excellence.
1941
An Icon is Born
The Shelborne first opened its doors in 1941, envisioned by the celebrated architects Igor Polevitzky & Thomas Triplett Russell. Designed as a luxurious beachfront retreat, the hotel showcased Miami’s signature Art Deco style, with bold geometric lines, a two-story glass-enclosed lobby, and a layout that maximized ocean views and tropical breezes. As one of Miami Beach’s earliest modern resorts, the Shelborne set new standards in design, innovation, and hospitality.
1950s
A Post-War Golden Age
As Miami Beach flourished in the post-war era, the Shelborne became a hub for entertainment, fashion, and social events. The hotel underwent its first major expansion in 1958, led by the legendary architect Morris Lapidus—the visionary behind the Fontainebleau and Eden Roc. Lapidus introduced a striking L-shaped tower, a new circular porte-cochère, private cabanas, and the now-iconic pool deck with its signature diving platform, blending Miami Modernism (MiMo) with classic Art Deco charm. To celebrate the hotel’s grand reopening, a spectacular Miami Beach “snowstorm” event was staged, featuring 25 tons of artificial snow on the sand.
1960s-1980s
The Era of Icons
Throughout the golden age of Miami Beach, the Shelborne hosted Hollywood royalty, musicians, and cultural icons. Guests such as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and The Beatles graced its halls, drawn by its glamorous atmosphere, lively poolside scene, and world-class hospitality. The hotel became an essential part of Miami’s nightlife and cultural fabric, a destination where luxury, music, and art converged.
1990s-2010s
Evolution & Restoration
By the 1990s, the Shelborne continued its legacy while evolving with the times. The hotel underwent a condo-hotel conversion in 1993, blending residential-style accommodations with boutique luxury. Following Hurricane Andrew (1992) and Hurricane Irma (2017), extensive renovations were undertaken to preserve the hotel’s historic character while enhancing modern comforts. A major 2010-2011 restoration revived the Art Deco and MiMo details, introduced a new infinity pool and revitalized guest spaces, and restored the iconic porte-cochère entrance.
2020s
A New Chapter – The Shelborne by Proper
As Miami Beach enters a new era of elevated hospitality, The Shelborne by Proper redefines its legacy. Following a $100 million renovation in 2024, the hotel now merges its rich architectural heritage with refined modern luxuries, ushering in a new chapter for this iconic destination. The interiors, designed by ADC Atelier, blend warm organic textures with contemporary tropical influences, creating an ambiance that is both bold and inviting. With Michelin-starred dining, a reimagined pool deck, and immersive cultural experiences, The Shelborne by Proper invites a new generation of travelers to experience Miami Beach’s timeless glamour—redefined.Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
From its storied Art Deco beginnings to its modern $100M revival, The Shelborne by Proper remains a beacon of Miami Beach’s vibrant culture and design evolution. Whether drawn by its historic elegance, unparalleled oceanfront setting, or reimagined luxury, every guest becomes part of a living legacy.
FAQ
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