South Beach in Miami Beach in Miami-Dade County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Barbara Baer Capitman Historic Preservationist
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, May 25, 2019
1. Barbara Baer Capitman – Historic Preservationist Marker
This building is home to the Miami Design Preservation League, founded by Barbara Baer Capitman in 1976. On May 14, 1979 under her leadership, the Miami Beach Architectural District (Art Deco District) became the first urban 20th century historic district to gain recognition on the National Register of Historic Places. Capitman fought tooth and nail to preserve the Art Deco District and was known to stand in front of bulldozers to protect her beloved Art Deco buildings. Over 800 Art Deco buildings remain as testament to her defiance. The drab run-down hotels on Ocean Drive were revitalized and painted in pastel colors selected by League co-founder Leonard Horowitz. Miami's cultural development and tourism revival flowed from Capitman's vision and efforts. She spurred a national and international movement for the preservation of 20th century design and architecture. Barbara Baer Capitman preserved an architectural treasure and changed the fate of Miami Beach, creating a world class tourist destination. “My whole life had been Art Deco,” she once said. “I was born at the beginning of the period and grew up during the height of it. It's a thing of fate.” In 1990, Capitman died in Miami at age 69.
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Women. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 14, 1979.
Location. 25° 46.825′ N, 80° 7.834′ W. Marker is in Miami Beach, Florida, in Miami-Dade County. It is in South Beach. It is at the intersection of Ocean Drive and 10th Street, on the right when traveling north on Ocean Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Miami Beach FL 33139, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Florida, on the Gold Coast, and in Greater Miami. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: South Beach Art Deco District (a few steps from this marker); Alfredo Gonzalez, Sr. (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); 209 9th Street / 900 Collins Avenue (about 600 feet away); Casa Casuarina (about 600 feet away); The Josephine Baker Pavilion (about 700 feet away); The Rainbow Crosswalk (approx. 0.2 miles away); Scarface (approx. Ό mile away); Barbara Baer Capitman (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Miami Beach.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, May 25, 2019
2. Barbara Baer Capitman – Historic Preservationist Marker
The marker can be seen to the left outside of the Art Deco Welcome Center.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, May 25, 2019
3. 10th Street was also renamed as Barbara Capitman Way
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, March 21, 2024
4. Barbara Baer Capitman
A bust of Barbara Baer Capitman can be found a few blocks north along Ocean Drive.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,132 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 1, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on March 28, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.
