Remember when Miami and South Beach looked like this? See 6 highlights from the past

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Miami Beach has undergone big changes over the decades, as reflected in its evolving neighborhoods and architecture.

North Beach, once lined with local delis and neighborhood theaters, saw significant surges in development post-World War II and is now entering another phase of change.

The 1980s marked a turning point for South Beach, with the restoration of Art Deco hotels sparking a revitalization that turned vacant spaces into vibrant nightclubs.

The nightlife scene in Miami has always been dynamic, with bands and comedians performing in hotel lounges in the ‘60s and making way for the energetic clubs of the ‘90s.

Historic hotels like the Americana and the Dupont Plaza once defined the area's skyline with their grand designs, but have since been replaced by modern luxury towers.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

The Kiddie Park at the 163rd Street Shopping Center had an amusement park, like these helicopter rides, when the North Miami-Dade mall opened in November 1956. By 1980, construction began to enclose the mall and the outdoor amusement had been confined to history pages. The center was also renamed The Mall at 163rd Street.

NO. 1: THIS MIAMI MALL IS ABOUT TO CHANGE. WHAT WAS IT LIKE AT THE START? LET’S TAKE A LOOK

Go inside what was once an entertainment attraction. | Published March 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Howard Cohen

Boats and apartments along the Indian Creek area of North Beach in 1986.

NO. 2: NORTH BEACH LOOKED LIKE THAT? SEE HOTELS, HOMES AND RESTAURANTS FROM THE EARLY DAYS

Recognize anything? | Published September 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

Dupont Plaza, flanked by with highway ramps, seen in 1968 from first National Bank Building.

NO. 3: REMEMBER WHEN SOUTH FLORIDA LOOKED LIKE THIS? SEE THE STREETS, CLUBS, HOTELS, STORES

There’s some history here. | Published October 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herad Archives

In 1983, Lincoln Road Mall with Jefferson Avenue in the foreground.

NO. 4: WHAT WAS MIAMI BEACH LIKE IN THE 1980S? TAKE A LOOK AT THE PLACE AND THE PEOPLE

It was a period between the heyday and the revival. | Published February 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

In 1970, Hans Reiss,maitre d’ at the Carillon Hotel in Miami Beach, has pleasant memories as he looks back on the revues and stars appearing in the hotel’s Le Cafe supper Club. The Carillon nightspot was known as the Club Siam when it opened in February 1958, featuring such weekly changing entertainers as the Ames Brothers and Andrews Sisters. The name was changed to Cafe Le Can Can in 1959 and, for several years, the Carillon’s executive director, Herb Robins, brought in top-flight revues produced by Lou Walters, who was Barbara Walters’ father. Because the public wanted something more modern, the Carillon launched another new trend in Miami Beach entertainment with “Shazzam,” offering the entire family comedy and spectacular illusions blended into colorful production numbers.

NO. 5: MIAMI CLUBS USED TO LOOK LIKE THAT? SEE FOR YOURSELF HOW WE PARTIED THE NIGHT AWAY

Take a look at the hottest places in South Florida. | Published September 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

The original Roney Plaza in Miami Beach in 1946.

NO. 6: HOTELS IN MIAMI USED TO LOOK LIKE THAT? SEE LANDMARKS THAT HELPED PUT THE 305 ON MAP

Take a look at these photos for a step back in time. | Published October 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.