View From Bon-Aire Motel

Date

Aug 56 Probable

Film

Kodachrome

Lab

Kodak

Mount

Red Border

Place

4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL Confirmed

Tags

miamibeachmotel

Opened in the early 1950s, the Bon-Aire on the Sea was a colorful oceanfront motel at 18145 Collins Avenue. By 1956, its low-rise nautical design, swimming pool, private beach and distinctive four-story observation tower made it one of the more memorable landmarks along the rapidly developing “Motel Row.” Built for the postwar automobile traveler, the Bon-Aire offered a casual and affordable alternative to Miami Beach’s grand resort hotels while still capturing the area’s sun-soaked mid-century glamour.

These are found photographs; the original photographers are unidentified. If you have a connection to this image or questions about it, contact us to discuss it.