What are your favorite buildings in South Florida?

by Lackner, 11/27/2007

Duran and I were having a discussion (instead of fighting, for once) while idly floating around downtown on the Metromover today. What are your favorite buildings in South Florida, aesthetically speaking? Be sure to explain why. Here are my top three:

  1. Espirito Santo, Brickell. Not particularly subtle and perhaps even a bit gaudy, I love the imposing impact this massive structure makes on the skyline. Click here for photo.
  2. 50 Biscayne, CBD. Some may criticize this building of being too stark and monolithic. I say needless ornamentation can eat my ass: the building is perfect for the site, impressive and large without being overbearing, and full of interesting details to take in up close, like the decorative paint and unusual, misshapen columns. Plus, when occupied, this building will add a refreshing dose of residentialism to the commerce-crazy atmosphere of downtown Miami. Click here for photo.
  3. Ten Museum Park, Park West. Formerly my favorite building in all of Miami, the endless expanses of white and blue glass have gradually worn me out -- no doubt in part because there are so many other buildings going up with a similar look (Everglades, Lofts 1 - 82, Wind, Ivy, Epic, etc). I still respect the narrow site layout, careful details (uneven floor profile), discrete minimalism and delicate profile: Chad Oppenheim exhibited a lot of restraint when planning this sexy lady. Click here for photo.

Your turn.

Comments disabled Tags: Brickell, Downtown Miami, Real Estate, Things Smart People Do
There are 12 comments about this post:
comment #0, posted by Carlos D at 11/30/2007 2:26pm Reply
As much as I love Espiritu Santo, I think the mysterious Top-Heavy building on the Bacardi building's lot is my fave.
comment #1, posted by Lackner at 11/30/2007 2:49pm Reply
Ahhh, good point. I've seen that for so long I almost forgot it is there. Talk about unusual architecture! Are there any other buildings in Miami that are so flagrant with violating the laws of what a building "should" be?

There's that very round, almost organic-looking building in Hialeah next to the Metrorail..

- t
pop lock and drop it
comment #2, posted by B.A.C. at 11/30/2007 3:22pm Reply
Ugliest building has to be the New Times one......
I am the eggman
comment #3, posted by Duran at 11/30/2007 3:47pm Reply
My favorite building is the Nooo Que Barato building on Okeechobee Road. The loud colors, warehouse architecture... what's not to love?
Ghost of Miami Nights Past
comment #4, posted by Chris at 11/30/2007 4:14pm Reply
Atlantis in Brickell. The one with the hole through it. Why? It has a hole through it! And a palm tree, hot tub, and stair case. It says so much with just those things.
comment #5, posted by Lackner at 11/30/2007 4:19pm Reply
weird, i dont mind the new times building that much. its one of the nicer ones in that neighborhood at least..
pop lock and drop it
comment #6, posted by bianca at 12/01/2007 00:29am Reply
i love 50 biscayne. everytime i see it, i want to run up to that open level and lay on one of the huge beds and watch the day go by.
comment #7, posted by MiamiBeach411 at 12/02/2007 10:15am Reply
My favorite buildings have to be the 2 structures that make of the World of Bacardi Museum on Biscayne Boulevard. I believe they're called "The Tower" and "The Square Building".
comment #8, posted by Rob at 05/21/2008 3:15pm Reply
My favorite new addition to the skyline is Marina Blue near the AA Arena. But I also like Jade, Setai, Murano Grande and Santa Margarita. The skyline is still growing to this day which is pretty cool to watch.
comment #9, posted by Lackner at 05/21/2008 3:19pm Reply
I like Marina Blue but I think Marquis is going to knock our socks/cocks off.
pop lock and drop it

Check out our new Facebook page maker.