Beyond the architecture of the building adding to the “art deco” National Historic District, the Loews Master Plan made strides to enhancing the urban context and experience of the city of Miami Beach. Locating the hotel south of Lincoln Road within walking distance of the convention center, created an entirely new circulation pattern that benefited Lincoln Road. Before the construction of the Loews, while Lincoln Road was only one block south of the convention center, the location and relationship with the parking garage was convenient to convention visitors but cut the stroll just short of crossing one of Miami Beach’s most treasured urban environments. Closer to the hotel we reconnected 15th Street to Collins which allowed for a flow of local residents from their residential neighborhoods past Washington Avenue and onto Collins, the hotel, and it beaches.

A strength to our competition entry was the ability to arrive on the street side of the building and have clear and direct view of the beach through the covered breezeway between the St. Moritz and the new hotel.