Washington Avenue’s new boutique property unveils a re-imagined hotel and a New England seafood concept this fall
When hotelier Marc Lawrence and his late brother, Eric, first purchased what would become the Angler’s Hotel in 2005, they did so with the intention of turning it into a condo hotel. But, with the economic crash that followed the completion and delivery of the property, they found themselves on course for a new kind of adventure: as hotel owners located on, what was then, the less-than-desirable Washington Avenue.
“With Washington Avenue in real disrepair, people thought we were crazy at the time for taking such a big risk,” says Lawrence, head of LBL Group, the full-service real estate company also founded by the two brothers. “The storefronts were blighted, the street was all but forgotten, and the once historic hotel had fallen into disarray. It was truly sad. But we took a leap of faith, and today, Angler’s is a shining mark on the now re-emerging destination.”
Fast forward to 2019, and the area’s checkered past is barely a memory. Now managed and operated by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Kimpton Angler’s shines at the corner of Sixth Street and Washington Avenue, serving as the anchor for South Beach’s historic district.
With the help of the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, on which Lawrence proudly serves as a board member, and a variety of incentives put in place by a Blue Ribbon Panel, Washington Avenue is transforming into a thoughtfully curated destination neighborhood complete with new hotels, boutique shopping, inviting restaurants, the New World Symphony & Soundscape Park, museums, and The Fillmore Miami Beach. As for Kimpton Angler’s, the sophisticated hotel has become Miami’s chic retreat in the center of it all where past meets present.
The story of today’s Kimpton Angler’s Hotel unfolds with a stunning design inspired by Miami’s rich heritage celebrated throughout the original historic hotel and the new building that opened in 2018. Together, the two buildings house 132 guest rooms, living room lobby, meeting and event spaces, and the panoramic rooftop pool and sun deck. Popular among locals and visitors alike, this pet-friendly property is quickly becoming known for its relaxed Minnow Bar with a creative spirits-focused menu of herb-infused cocktails and indoor and outdoor seating, making it ideal for people-watching. Guests also love the outstanding service and approachable vibe.
Serving as a bespoke “hotel within a hotel” with its loft-style duplexes and three-story poolside bungalows, the renovation and redesign of the historic building is set to be completed later this year, along with what will surely be Washington Avenue’s new pride and joy—Seawell Fish n’ Oyster.
“We’re going to be a New England-inspired seafood restaurant,” Lawrence says. “We’re filling a niche, and since I’m from the northeast, we’re doing food that I love. When you talk about lobster rolls, fish, and all different kinds of clams, crabs, and of course, oysters—seafood staples that aren’t really around South Florida—that’s what we’re going to bring here. I’m psyched about it!”
After the completed renovations and Seawell Fish n’ Oyster are unveiled later this year, this South Beach gem will have even more reasons to keep guests coming back again and again.
Lawrence added, “Angler’s is like a refuge—when people come here, they can see that both the guests and the employees are happy. We have a cool, chill vibe that is welcoming and genuine. I feel so blessed and grateful to be a part of it.”
By Jennifer Agress, contributing writer