Blast from the Past

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Proper Hospitality gives a historic gem a refreshing new feel

A first-floor lounge—designed in the signature Proper style—features multiple seating areas where guests can gather.
Photos by The Ingalls.

People from around the globe flock to Miami Beach for its crystal blue water, Cuban cuisine and all-around indulgence, but it’s the elegant art deco buildings that make the small beach city so distinguished. Designed in 1941 by architects Igor Polevitzky and Thomas Triplett Russell, The Shelborne is one of Miami Beach’s most notable and historic deco-inspired hotels that helped define decades of decadence and standards for hospitality design. Once a playground for celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and the Beatles, its signature L-shaped tower, private cabanas and renowned diving board—all envisioned in the 1950s by Morris Lapidus—shaped the cultural landscape of Miami.

A look inside the living room of the Oceanfront Balcony penthouse. Photos by The Ingalls.

After years of various ownership and countless renovations, the property recently was recently acquired by California-based Proper Hospitality, which is known for curating some of the coolest hotels in the country. Fresh off of a $100 million renovation, the 251-room hotel opened in May with a new eclectic design that embraces local artistry, culture and community. “Miami has always been a vibrant cultural nexus where international style, creativity and coastal energy converge,” says Brian De Lowe, co-founder and president of Proper Hospitality. “It’s a city that shares many of the values and sensibilities that define Proper: design-forward, globally connected, wellness-oriented and full of soul. When we came across the opportunity to transform The Shelborne, we saw an exciting chance to reimagine one of South Beach’s most iconic properties. With its rich architectural legacy and unbeatable oceanfront location, The Shelborne felt like a perfect canvas for the Proper experience.”

The penthouse bedroom is just one of four sleeping areas guests can enjoy. Photos by The Ingalls.
The Oceanfront Balcony penthouse’s expansive balcony features lush seating for guests to enjoy views of South Beach.
Photos by The Ingalls.

Award-winning design firm ADC & Tuneu was enlisted to assist with the delicate transformation of honoring The Shelborne’s storied heritage while creating a space that feels timeless, layered and emotionally resonant. “ADC & Tuneu approached the redesign not by erasing the past but by continuing its story, preserving original architectural elements and drawing inspiration from Miami’s visual and cultural history,” De Lowe notes. “Every design choice, from custom textiles to spatial flow, was meant to evoke a sense of discovery, warmth and place, where nostalgia and modernity meet in a way that feels both rooted and refreshingly original.”

The pool was designed around the original, iconic diving board that highlights the pool’s heritage. Photos by The Ingalls.

For locals, The Shelborne by Proper introduces a new level of service with the opening of their wellness membership club, which offers a 24-hour fitness center, a range of yoga and wellness experiences and access to the beach club. “Proper Club brings together the best of all worlds: access to science-backed longevity tools, personalized wellness programming, beautifully curated environments and an authentic sense of community,” says De Lowe. “We’re continuing to grow in markets that align with our values—design-driven, culturally rich and rooted in community. Wellness is also playing a larger role in what we do.”