Two Iconic Miami Beach Hotels Are Getting Demolished — End of an Era or Just the Glow-Up?

April 28, 2025

Say goodbye to some serious Art Deco history 😢 — the Coral Reef Hotel (1941) and Patrician Hotel (1937), two absolute staples of Miami Beach’s Collins Waterfront Historic District, are officially on the chopping block.

Why? A new luxury development is coming through, and under Florida’s Resiliency and Safe Structures Act, cities basically can’t stop demolitions of historic buildings in coastal zones anymore. Sooo… yeah. Whole buildings are now one permit away from disappearing 👋🏽💼

🚨 The TLDR:
– These hotels have been around for 80+ years
– They’re part of Miami’s iconic look — you know, that vintage, pastel, Golden Girls-era vibe 🦩
– They’re getting replaced with sleek, shiny new money
– And there’s not much anyone can do to stop it

Supporters say it’s all about prepping for rising seas, hurricanes, and future-proofing the beach. Fair. But critics are like, “Hey… we’re losing the actual soul of Miami.” And honestly? They kinda have a point. 😬

Whether you’re team preserve the past or team build the future, one thing’s for sure: Miami’s skyline — and its story — is changing fast.

💬 Is this a needed upgrade or the beginning of a historic identity crisis?

Written by: MJ