A South Beach landmark may be changing. Take a look at those parties
By Miami Herald Archives
In 2001, Don DiPrima and Barbara Di Prima, owners of Di Prima Casting, lounge in one of the cabanas at Nikki Beach Ckub in Miami Beach during a party.
Nuri Vallbona
Miami Herald File
Nikki Beach may soon disappear as future development plans advance.
Along with the day club’s predecessor Penrod’s, which opened in the late 1980s, the spots have been South Beach landmarks for decades.
In 1998, Nikki Beach evolved at 1 Ocean Dr. from a quiet spot by the ocean, first called Nikki Café, to honor owner Jack Penrod’s daughter Nicole, who died in a car crash. Jack Penrod died last year at age 85.
The spot soon evolved into the Miami Beach club we know today, with expansion across the globe. When Nikki Beach first opened, its glamorous style drew celebrities including Madonna, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and Harrison Ford. They came because of Nikki Beach’s reputation for luxury, lavish parties — and a “No cameras” rule.
As its future hangs in the balance, let’s take a look at what the party beach spots looked like through the years:
With a number in hand, a model walks the catwalk at Nikki Beach as designers get a good look during Miami Fashion Week in 2001. Carl Juste Miami Herald File
Bonnie Sherman models during a 2001 party at Nikki Beach Club on South Beach. Nuri Vallbona Miami Herald File
The Soul Garden Night party gets going at Penrod's in Miami Beach in 1999. Raul Rubiera Miami Herald File
Jack Penrod, the late owner of Penrod's, works out on the weight at the gym behind his club. Randy Bazemore Miami Herald File
The exterior of Penrod's, predecessor to Nikki Beach. Randy Bazemore Miami Herald File
Will Rey cleans up the windows on the new Penrod's on Ocean Drive and Biscayne Street. Randy Bazemore Miami Herald File
Penrod's sign on the building. Bob Eighmie Miami Herald
Following a pep-rally Saturday evening at Penrod's on Miami Beach, "Make A Wish" recipient, Kurt Weiss played a few march songs and was cheered on by the Notre Dame saxophone section. Candace Barbot Miami Herald File
Extras for an episode of “21 Jump Street” try to catch a glimpse of their heart throb Johnny Depp at Penrod's. Miami Herald File
