The new AxelBeach Miami Hotel is the first United States location for this community-centric hospitality brand based in Barcelona Spain, Axel Corporation (Axel).  As stated by the President and Founder of Axel, “Everything started with a dream…to open a hotel aimed at the gay world, my world.  A cosmopolitan and tolerant environment where atmosphere, diversity and respect are valued.”

The project site, in the heart of South Beach in Miami Beach is located within two local historic districts and the Miami Beach Architectural District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As such, all structures within the property are subject to the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance.  The project site consists of three building, two of which are historic. 

Our design team partnered with the City of Miami Beach’s Historic Preservation Department in order to accomplish the hotel owner’s vision for the restoration while at the same time garnering a unanimous approval for all the improvements to this 80 year old property by the City of Miami Beach’s Historic Preservation Board.  Preservation included repairing all damaged wood structural members, repairing all damaged concrete structure and stucco throughout, replacing all old iron plumbing pipes and upgrading all lighting and HVAC. 

Preserving original design elements, such as window ‘eyebrows’, neon façade lighting, an ornamental entry fountain, terrazzo flooring and ceiling coves and trays became paramount.  The hotel owner selected this property because of its historic character and the renovation highlights the 1940’s excitement that was known to be abundant during the Art Deco craze that occurred in Miami Beach during the 30s and 40s.

Key hospitality elements added to the property include: a new elevated Jacuzzi area, the demolition of 4 poolside hotel rooms to allow for the design of a new poolside restaurant and bar, the design of a new enlarged kitchen space, a new steam room and spa area and a new exterior illuminate floor and bar area (the only one of its kind in south Florida).   A comprehensive hardscape and landscape design created unique, special spaces between the three buildings while using new landscape lighting to light the areas while maintaining required by code lighting levels.  Special finishes include red illuminated panels, custom concrete palm tree planters (built around existing trees), accordion glass walls, illuminated bar tops and custom design tile installations at the spa.