Miami in Miami-Dade County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Vagabond Motel
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, July 13, 2023
1. Vagabond Motel Marker
Inscription.
Vagabond Motel. . Constructed in 1953, the Vagabond Motel is a distinctive example of the evolution of modern architecture after World War II. It embodies the characteristics of Florida’s roadside motels catering to tourists arriving by car along main highways such as Biscayne Boulevard. Designed by Miami architect Robert Swartburg, the hotel exemplifies the Miami Modem (MiMo) architectural style that emerged as South Florida architects began to adapt postwar design and materials to Florida’s subtropical climate. Swartburg designed many other buildings in Miami and Miami Beach over his 35-year career. The popularity of the Vagabond and other nearby motels helped transform Biscayne Boulevard into a popular vacation destination, but over time, that popularity diminished. By the 1990s, the area had deteriorated. The community pushed for the preservation of the MiMo buildings. The City of Miami designated the Vagabond as a local historic site in 2003, and established a MiMo historic district in 2006. Several owners tried to restore the Vagabond to its former glory, but had little success until 2012. After its restoration, the Vagabond Motel reopened in 2014, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places that same year. , A Florida Heritage Site
Constructed in 1953, the Vagabond Motel is a distinctive example of the evolution of modern architecture after World War II. It embodies the characteristics of Florida’s roadside motels catering to tourists arriving by car along main highways such as Biscayne Boulevard. Designed by Miami architect Robert Swartburg, the hotel exemplifies the Miami Modem (MiMo) architectural style that emerged as South Florida architects began to adapt postwar design and materials to Florida’s subtropical climate. Swartburg designed many other buildings in Miami and Miami Beach over his 35-year career. The popularity of the Vagabond and other nearby motels helped transform Biscayne Boulevard into a popular vacation destination, but over time, that popularity diminished. By the 1990s, the area had deteriorated. The community pushed for the preservation of the MiMo buildings. The City of Miami designated the Vagabond as a local historic site in 2003, and established a MiMo historic district in 2006. Several owners tried to restore the Vagabond to its former glory, but had little success until 2012. After its restoration, the Vagabond Motel reopened in 2014, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places that same year.
A Florida Heritage Site
Erected 2021 by The Vagabond Group and the Florida Department
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of State. (Marker Number F-1144.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.
Location. 25° 50.586′ N, 80° 11.065′ W. Marker is in Miami, Florida, in Miami-Dade County. Marker is at the intersection of Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast 74th Street, on the right when traveling north on Biscayne Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami FL 33138, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Taken from the marker looking south. Coppertone sign in the distance.
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, July 13, 2023
3. Vagabond Motel
Sample of Architecture
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 76 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
