Bacardi Buildings (Miami) facts for kids
The Bacardi Buildings are two unique buildings in Midtown Miami, Florida. They used to be the main offices for Bacardi USA. This is a well-known company that makes drinks. You can find these buildings at 2100 Biscayne Boulevard.
The site has two main parts. These are the Bacardi Imports Tower and the Bacardi Imports Administration Annex. People sometimes call the annex "The Jewel Box." The tower was built in 1963. The annex was finished ten years later in 1973. Both buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018. This means they are officially recognized as important historic places.
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Discovering the Bacardi Buildings
The two Bacardi buildings stand together in a large open space called a plaza. This plaza is built right over an underground parking garage. On the plaza, there is a huge Bacardi logo painted on the ground. You can even see this logo from planes flying into or out of Miami International Airport! Both buildings can be reached from the parking garage using elevators.
The Bacardi Tower: A Blue Tile Masterpiece
The Bacardi Imports Tower was the first building to be constructed. It was built in 1963. The former president of Bacardi, José “Pepin” Bosch, asked for this building to be made. It was designed by a Cuban architect named Enrique Gutierrez.
Two of the tower's walls are covered with amazing Azulejo murals. These are special tiles made by a Brazilian artist named Francisco Brennand. Because of these beautiful blue tiles, people sometimes call the tower "the blue tile building."
The Jewel Box: A Colorful Annex
The administration annex was built after the tower, in 1973. It was designed by Ignacio Carrera-Justiz. This building is often called "The Jewel Box." This is because its four sides are covered with a colorful mosaic. This mosaic is made of hammered glass.
The mosaic has a Mesoamerican theme. This means it looks like art from ancient cultures in places like Mexico and Central America. A German artist named Johannes M. Dietz created this unique design.
Why Are They Historic Landmarks?
Around 2009, people in Miami started a campaign. They wanted the Bacardi Buildings to be recognized as "historic." Allan Shulman, a professor at the University of Miami, said these buildings show what Miami is all about. He mentioned that Miami is known as a tropical city.
In 2007, Chad Oppenheim, an architect, described the buildings as "elegant." He said they had a Modernist look. But they also had a local Miami feel.
On April 18, 2012, the American Institute of Architects in Florida added the buildings to their special list. This list is called Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places. The complex was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
What Are They Used For Today?
Since 2012, the Bacardi Buildings have been used by the National YoungArts Foundation. This foundation helps young artists develop their talents. The main offices for Bacardi are now located in Coral Gables, Florida.
