The Eden Roc Hotel was built in 1955-56 in the former Warner Estate property belonging to Albert Warner of Warner Brothers. Morris Lapidus was the architect of the Eden Roc Hotel, considered one of the most luxurious and elegant hotels of its time. Although its style at the time of construction was defined by Lapidus as Italian Renaissance themed (as was requested by its owner Harry Mufson, the former partner of Ben Novack who built the Fontainebleau Hotel next door), its architectural style was later identified as MIMO (Miami modern).
In 1997, the Eden Roc Hotel was renovated and restored to its former glory. In the early 2000 the Eden Roc hotel was to undergo an expansion and this is where my story begins…
A huge sale of the Eden Roc Hotel’s furniture took place before its renovation. Iconic mid-century items, most of them designed by Morris Lapidus, went up for sale. They included mirrors, sconces, end tables, sofas, lamps, and out to the streets into the hands of collectors, decorators, and anyone lucky enough to be there and find out about them. The pieces are still around to this day, becoming more desirable and valuable as time goes by and as the demand for mid-century pieces become more popular and the items more scarce. At that time, the pieces were selling for close to nothing, the most expensive costing a few hundred dollars. Today theses pieces are hard to find and prices have gone upwards of $5,000.00.
The Eden Roc mirror which inspired this blog, as found in my 6461 Pinetree Dr. Circle listing, is simply stunning. The white wood carved mirror tilts to the right giving it a feeling of constant movement, the feathered crown top adds a touch of whimsy and elegance, complemented by the abutting curls on the sides, and a twist of feathered activity at the bottom, all obviously influenced by the waves of the Beach. Surreal elegance and extraordinary style is what this piece offers to the wall it calls home.
Eden Roc Mirror at 6461 Pinetree Dr Cir. (Left). Frank Sinatra 1965 at the Eden Roc Hotel (Right)
The Morris Lapidus designed wall sconces can be found on line for $5,800 a pair. These were designed as double or single sconces, their intricate detailing of curls along the arms, which creates movement and resembles a wave, are eye catching. The crest in the middle, which doubles as the wall attachment piece, could easily have been of Italian Renaissance influence. The sconces are a creative mixture of Old World establishment as influenced by Miami Beach’s ocean, sun and all the other whimsical creatures Miami Beach is known for attracting and cultivating.
Miami Beach’s MIMO architecture has influenced design then and now. As anything and everything which is well designed, it stands the test of time eventually claiming its place in desirability resulting in increasing in value.
Nothing is more impressive when no one else has it or can easily find it.
Listing and selling a well designed home is the perks of my job as a Real Estate Agent, understanding the homes design elements become as important as my market knowledge when the buyer for that home falls in love with their future home…this makes it so much more fun and easier! ..after all #realestateisaservicebusiness #everyhousehasastory and #itsallinthepresentation.
