Henry Hohauser (1895-1963) was an American architect who left a significant mark on the architectural landscape of Miami Beach during the Art Deco era. Hohauser was born in New York City to Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. He attended the Pratt Institute School of Architecture in Brooklyn, New York, and later served in the United States Army during World War I. After the war, he settled in Miami Beach and began his architectural career.
Hohauser’s architectural style was heavily influenced by the Art Deco movement, which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. He was particularly known for his use of tropical motifs and pastel colors, which became the signature features of the Miami Beach Art Deco District. He designed numerous buildings in the district, including hotels, apartment buildings, and commercial buildings.
One of Hohauser’s most famous works is the Essex House Hotel, which was completed in 1938. The Essex House Hotel features a stepped facade with terraces and balconies, as well as a distinctive tower with a decorative finial. The hotel also has a large swimming pool and a spacious lobby with Art Deco details.
Hohauser’s other notable works include the Cardozo Hotel, the Congress Hotel, and the Park Central Hotel, all of which are located in the Miami Beach Art Deco District. Hohauser’s buildings were not only visually striking but also functional, providing comfortable and practical living spaces for residents and tourists.
In addition to his architectural work, Hohauser was also a philanthropist and community leader. He was a founding member of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and served as its president for two years. He was also involved in various civic organizations and was known for his dedication to improving the quality of life in Miami Beach.
Henry Hohauser died in 1963 at the age of 68. His legacy lives on through his numerous Art Deco buildings, which continue to attract visitors from around the world to Miami Beach. Hohauser’s work is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Art Deco style and its important place in the history of American architecture.