The massive curved facade of the fabulous Fontainebleau has symbolized Miami excess since 1954 when the owner of the land Ben Novack commissioned Architect Morris Lapidus to create this palace to Miami Modernism.  The Rat Pack loved it here.  Its celebrity status was cemented in when it became the back drop to James Bond lounging poolside in a cabana in Goldfinger. For nearly 25 years, the Miami Beach hotel was so well-known that no sign was needed to identify it. Apart from the ‘pack entertainers such as Elvis Presley, Bob Hope ,Lucille Ball and Judy Garland all made the hotel so popular that Novack was once forced to post armed guards to bar non-guests from entering. The glamour faded in the 21st century until a refurbishment unveiled in 2008. In 2012, American Institute of Architects granted Fontainebleau the award for the Top Building in Florida, after more than 2.4 million votes cast in the ‘100 Years. 100 Places.’ competition.
What we’re waiting for: Eden Roc Resort Miami Beach also designed by Morris Lapidus (loved by Liz Taylor and Humphrey Bogart)  reopening this October 2016 as Nobu Eden Roc Resort.