Check out these Alden Beach Resort images:
Miami Beach – South Beach: Casa Casuarina
Image by wallyg
Casa Casuarina, or the Versace House, at 1116 Ocean Drive, was built in 1930 by Henry LaPointe with architect, philanthropist, author, political reformer and Standard Oil heir Alden Freeman. Modeled after Alcazar de Colon in Santo Domingo, a residence built in 1510 by the son of Christopher Columbus and reputedly the oldest existing house in the western hemisphere. A three-story structure with a Spanish style inner courtyard, the Casa contained 22 apartments and became home to Freeman’s mostly artistic group of friends. In 1937, after his death, it was bought by Jacques Amsterdam, who promptly renamed it "The Amsterdam Palace."
In 1992, Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace purchased the house, which had fallen into disrepair, for .9 million. Much to the dismay of preservationists, Versace’s plans privatized a previously public section of Ocean Drive, and added a swimming pool on the southern edge of the property. He also purchased and demolished A. Herberty Mathes’ 1950 Revere Hotel next door, building a two-story, 6,100-foot addition in its place. On July 15, 1997, a 50-year old Versace was shot and killed on the steps of his mansion by serial killer Andrew Cunanan.
Telecom Executive Peter Loftin bought the Casa from the Versace Estate in September 2000 for approximately million. The City has allowed Loftin to convert Casa Casuarina into a member’s only club. It is now operated as a Luxury Boutique Hotel and event hall, The Villa by Barton G.
The Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as Old Miami Beach Historic District, or the more common, Miami Beach Art Deco District, is roughly bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Alton Road and Collins Canal/Dade Boulevard and 5th Street. With 960 vibrantly colored historic buildings, it contains the largest concentration of 1920s and 1930s resort architecture in the United States.
Miami Beach Architectural District #79000667 (1979)
Miami Beach – South Beach: Casa Casuarina
Image by wallyg
Casa Casuarina, or the Versace House, at 1116 Ocean Drive, was built in 1930 by Henry LaPointe with architect, philanthropist, author, political reformer and Standard Oil heir Alden Freeman. Modeled after Alcazar de Colon in Santo Domingo, a residence built in 1510 by the son of Christopher Columbus and reputedly the oldest existing house in the western hemisphere. A three-story structure with a Spanish style inner courtyard, the Casa contained 22 apartments and became home to Freeman’s mostly artistic group of friends. In 1937, after his death, it was bought by Jacques Amsterdam, who promptly renamed it "The Amsterdam Palace."
In 1992, Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace purchased the house, which had fallen into disrepair, for .9 million. Much to the dismay of preservationists, Versace’s plans privatized a previously public section of Ocean Drive, and added a swimming pool on the southern edge of the property. He also purchased and demolished A. Herberty Mathes’ 1950 Revere Hotel next door, building a two-story, 6,100-foot addition in its place. On July 15, 1997, a 50-year old Versace was shot and killed on the steps of his mansion by serial killer Andrew Cunanan.
Telecom Executive Peter Loftin bought the Casa from the Versace Estate in September 2000 for approximately million. The City has allowed Loftin to convert Casa Casuarina into a member’s only club. It is now operated as a Luxury Boutique Hotel and event hall, The Villa by Barton G.
The Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as Old Miami Beach Historic District, or the more common, Miami Beach Art Deco District, is roughly bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Alton Road and Collins Canal/Dade Boulevard and 5th Street. With 960 vibrantly colored historic buildings, it contains the largest concentration of 1920s and 1930s resort architecture in the United States.
Miami Beach Architectural District #79000667 (1979)