Miami Beach is about to welcome back one of its most storied landmarks. On May 1, following a sweeping $100 million renovation, the iconic Shelborne South Beach will reopen as Shelborne South Beach by Proper, marking Proper Hospitality’s highly anticipated entry into the Florida market. Originally built in 1940, this Art Deco jewel on Collins Avenue has played host to countless notable guests over the decades—and it’s now set to dazzle a whole new generation of travelers.

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A New Era Under Global Ownership

In 2020, a trio of international firms—Westdale Properties (Toronto), King Street Capital Management (New York), and Cedar Capital Partners (London)—acquired the Shelborne for $120 million. Their shared vision? Breathe new life into the beloved property while honoring its midcentury heritage. Working closely with the City of Miami Beach and local preservation agencies, the owners embarked on a top-to-bottom transformation in August, ensuring that the hotel’s Art Deco and Miami Modern (MiMo) roots remain front and center.

“We are thrilled to see the historic Shelborne South Beach begin its renovation and rehabilitation project,” says Daniel Ciraldo, Executive Director of the Miami Design Preservation League. “We are thankful to the owners for their investment to preserve the iconic hotel designed by Igor Polevitsky, with a later addition by Morris Lapidus. It is truly one of the great Art Deco district landmarks.”

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Design-Forward, Yet Deeply Historical

The redesign is being led by ADC Atelier, whose principal, Aaron David Clarke, has embraced the challenge of balancing timeless Art Deco motifs with modern touches. At the heart of the overhaul is a newly created 4,000-square-foot grand lobby bar, complete with restored double-height windows and an 18th Street facade that floods the space with natural light. Key historical elements—including the hotel’s iconic façade, pool, and landmark diving board—are undergoing meticulous restoration to preserve the Shelborne’s unmistakable 1950s style.

“The Shelborne project presented an exciting opportunity to blend timeless Art Deco elements with modern luxury,” Clarke explains. “Our focus was on respecting the building’s storied past while crafting spaces that feel both inviting and contemporary for today’s guests.”

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Proper Hospitality’s First Florida Venture

When the Shelborne reopens, it will be managed by Proper Hospitality, a California-based luxury hotel operator known for its design-forward properties in Los Angeles (Downtown LA Proper), Santa Monica (Santa Monica Proper), San Francisco (San Francisco Proper), and Austin (Austin Proper). All of these existing hotels were conceptualized by renowned designer Kelly Wearstler, whose bold and eclectic style has become a hallmark of the Proper brand.

However, Kelly Wearstler is not on the design team for Shelborne South Beach by Proper. Instead, the property’s midcentury allure will be channeled through ADC Atelier’s restoration plan—an approach that aims to seamlessly blend the Shelborne’s Art Deco bones with a fresh contemporary energy.

“Our intention is to retain, and, in fact, restore, all of the original heritage elements and embedded history in order to make the new Shelborne South Beach by Proper capable of ushering in, and once again elevating, the famous Miami Beach Art Deco destination,” says Mitchell Cohen, Chief Operating Officer of Westdale Properties. “It is a perfect fit for us as Proper Hospitality shares our objective of ensuring the heritage of the Shelborne South Beach continues and will be protected and enjoyed by future generations.”

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Elevated Rooms and Suites

With 251 guest rooms and suites, the Shelborne South Beach by Proper will cater to a range of tastes and travel styles. Many rooms feature sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, complemented by warm earth tones, custom ceramic sconces, and travertine floors that lend a breezy, coastal aesthetic. Higher-tier options, such as expansive penthouse suites, will offer private terraces with panoramic ocean vistas and stylishly curated interiors.

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Star-Studded Culinary Program

A hallmark of any Proper property is an innovative food and beverage scene, and the Shelborne will be no exception. The Lowder-Tascarella team, spearheaded by Michelin-starred Chef Abram Bissell and beverage visionary Christopher Lowder, is crafting the hotel’s culinary landscape.

Expect a signature restaurant, a cocktail lounge, a lobby bar and café, and a poolside bar and oceanfront beach club—each designed to showcase Miami’s vibrant fusion of flavors while providing a stylish, relaxed atmosphere. From fresh seafood-inspired menus to inventive mixology, the Shelborne’s dining experiences will reflect both the city’s storied culinary traditions and its cosmopolitan flair.

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Wellness, Events, and Community

Beyond its guestrooms and culinary offerings, the Shelborne will feature a 24-hour fitness center and a holistic wellness program, ideal for travelers looking to balance indulgence with well-being. A local membership program will grant Miami Beach residents exclusive access to the beach and wellness amenities, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the hotel’s walls.

For corporate functions, weddings, and social gatherings, the property will boast over 30,000 square feet (2,800m2) of indoor-outdoor event space, including a newly landscaped terrace and event lawn. With the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, the Shelborne’s reinvigorated spaces will set the stage for memorable events against Miami’s iconic skyline.

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Counting Down to May 1

Currently closed to guests as the extensive renovations unfold, the Shelborne South Beach by Proper is slated to make its grand debut on May 1, unveiling a fusion of old and new that pays homage to Miami Beach’s golden era.

“As the South Beach district continues to transform, we believe the hotel will further cement the area’s reputation as a premier global destination, aligning with our mission of adding value to neighborhoods through thoughtful design and execution,” says Mark Van Zandt, Managing Director and Co-Head of Real Estate at King Street.

With its restored Art Deco glory, fresh interiors, top-tier dining, and a forward-thinking wellness program, Shelborne South Beach by Proper promises to be a crown jewel once more—honoring the past while taking a bold step into Miami’s future. Come this spring, this newly minted gem is set to rewrite the script on what a luxury beachside experience can be, reminding us why the Shelborne remains a cherished fixture in the city’s ever-evolving skyline.