History

Discover Casa Faena, a historic Miami Beach hotel that was leased by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

Casa Faena was constructed during the “Roaring Twenties,” in which flappers, the radio, and the Art Deco movement defined the age. Casa Faena began its life in 1928 as El Paraiso Apartments, with 18 units and two hotel rooms. It was a charming property designed by local architect, Martin L. Hampton. Born in Laurens, South Carolina, and educated at Columbia University in New York, Hampton settled in Miami in 1914. Having traveled extensively in Spain, he was a master of the Mediterranean Revival style, which he adapted to the Florida landscape. Hampton also designed numerous other buildings in Miami Beach, including City Hall. Casa Faena was one of the Miami Beach properties leased by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. The building’s design, décor, and amenities are steeped in Miami Beach’s early Spanish architectural roots and feature a soothing Mediterranean flare. Casa Faena hotel in Miami Beach has set out to create the most ideal setting to discover the heart of one of America’s greatest destinations. Stylish, relaxed and easy, Casa Faena is more like a home than a hotel, and welcomes its guests to a whole new Miami experience by combining art and leisure in a charming residential atmosphere.

Hotel Timeline

Casa Faena opened on Collins Avenue as El Paraiso Apartments, featuring 18 apartments and two hotel rooms. Designed by Martin L. Hampton, its Spanish and Mediterranean Revival architecture helped define early Miami Beach.

During World War II, the property was leased by the U.S. Army Air Forces, joining many Miami Beach buildings that were repurposed for military use during the war.

The former apartment building gradually evolved into lodging accommodations as Miami Beach developed into an international tourism destination.

The property became part of the emerging Faena District, and was restored and reimagined as Casa Faena, a boutique hotel emphasizing art, design, and historic preservation.

Casa Faena was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

1928

1941

1950

2014

2015

The Architecture

Casa Faena began its life in 1928 as El Paraiso Apartments, with 18 units and two hotel rooms. It was a charming property designed by local architect Martin L. Hampton. Born in Laurens, South Carolina, and educated at Columbia University in New York, Hampton settled in Miami in 1914. Having traveled extensively in Spain, he was a master of the Mediterranean Revival style, which he adapted to the Florida landscape. Hampton also designed numerous other buildings in Miami Beach, including City Hall.

History Mystery

Which historic hotel located in Florida was leased by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II?

The hotel originally began its life in 1928 as El Paraiso Apartments, with 18 units and two hotel rooms. During World War II it was one of the Miami Beach properties leased by the U.S. Army Air. The building’s design, décor, and amenities are steeped in Miami Beach’s early Spanish architectural roots and feature a soothing Mediterranean flare. Casa Faena has set out to create the most ideal setting to discover the heart of one of America’s greatest destinations, Miami Beach. Stylish, relaxed and easy, Casa Faena is more of a home than a hotel, welcoming its guests to a whole new Miami experience by combining art and leisure in a charming residential atmosphere.