Controversy erupts over plans to demolish iconic Miami Seaside lodge – WSVN 7News | Miami Information, Climate, Sports activities

MIAMI BEACH, FL. (WSVN) – A South Florida hotel then famous for hosting celebrities is facing wrecking balls.

The decision to demolish it causes controversy.

It is a Miami Beach landmark that has made history.

In its glory days, the Deauville Beach Resort was home to President John F. Kennedy and the likes of Frank Sinatra.

Then one night, screaming fans filled the hotel’s Napoleon Room to welcome the Beatles in 1964.

Now in 2022, the hotel is worn, disused and neglected.

The building’s owners hired an engineer who looked at the hotel and decided it was in such bad shape that it was time to tear it down.

Miami Beach building inspectors agreed.

They have issued a demolition order to tear it down sometime this year.

“Demolition from neglect, absolutely,” said Miami Beach assistant city manager Eric Carpenter.

Carpenter said the owners were fined nearly $2 million for code violations and neglect of repairs and permitting issues.

Similar to the one that contributed to an electrical fire in 2017. The hotel has not accommodated a guest since the fire.

“The city has done everything in our power, including taking them to the Unsafe Structures Board in 2018 and filing lawsuits to force maintenance on the building,” Carpenter said.

He says the owners won’t budge, but Miami’s Design Preservation League wants the city to do more to save the historic hotel.

Daniel Ciraldo, executive director of the Miami Design Preservation League, said it sends the message owners can avoid responsibility for costly repairs.

“This would encourage other building owners to neglect their properties so that one day they could potentially demolish it and replace it with a high-rise or a casino,” Ciraldo said.

Carpenter said recent changes in legislation are allowing the conservation society more say over what happens to this building and the site if it falls.

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