Our History
The year was 1952. For perspective, “Singin’ in the Rain,” starring Gene Kelly was the top movie of the year, showing at the new 1951 nearby Gateway Cinema.
And, a new tower of architectural significance rose above the Fort Lauderdale intracoastal waterway.
Charles McKirahan, one of the foremost architects of the Mid-Century Modern Movement, was commissioned to design and oversee construction of the Manhattan Tower, to serve as a corporate retreat for General Motors executives.
The signature Frigidaire “crown” logo, used by GM at time, was created with iron tubing, which soars 50 feet into the air and provides the supporting structure for a circular staircase standing as an exclamation point greeting guests and visitors.
McKirahan became renown for later designing the area’s Coral Ridge Yacht Club in 1954, the Mai Kai Tahitian Restaurant in 1956, and Birch Tower in 1959, which became the tallest building on Fort Lauderdale beach at the time.
In the late 1950’s, as Fort Lauderdale grew as a tourist destination, the Manhattan Tower became an All-Suite Hotel, complete with concierge to greet guests, delighted at the views from suites featuring uniquely designed floor to ceiling windows overlooking the waterway.
Businessmen, vacationers, and even celebrities made the Manhattan Tower Hotel their home away from home. Reclusive candy heiress, Helen Brach, occupied the Penthouse suite for many seasons.
With the 1960 World Premiere at the Gateway Theater of the feature film “Where the Boys Are,” romanticizing Fort Lauderdale Spring Break, the city hosted over 350,000 spring breakers each season by 1985.
Fast forward to 2000. A new vision with new owners arriving: local entrepreneurs Russel DIon and Joseph Caffey. After careers in Art and Antiques with a Gallery and Real Estate Brokerage on nearby Las Olas Boulevard for 28 years, Dion and Caffey were preparing to retire. However, the opportunity to acquire the Manhattan Tower was irresistible. They sold their home on a quiet canal off Las Olas Boulevard, and moved into the hotel penthouse.
The new owners set about to not only restore the somewhat tarnished-with-time “crown” of the Intracoastal waterway, signified by the hotel entry spire; but the new millennium called for complete modern amenities.
An investment of over $1 Million provided an expansion of the waterfront deck, added balconies or terraces to suites, installation of central air conditioning, new appliances, and a complete makeover of each Suite with collections of eclectic art and furnishings from around the world.
Today, Manhattan Tower is highlighted by the Intracoastal Water Taxi tour guides. And, you will often see guided or walking tours of architectural significance make a stop to take in the view.
Club Nibbles is a recent addition at the hotel, offering small plates, wine, and cappuccino; in the indoor lounge, or the waterfront deck.
The Manhattan Tower is the only waterfront hotel-restaurant in the vibrant and popular North Beach area, bounded by Bayshore Drive and the Bonnet House Gardens & Museum.
Most importantly, Manhattan Tower Hotel provides what today’s travelers are seeking: a complete suite for a home-away-from home, boutique hotel charm, convenient location, fantastic views, with nearby attractions…not a chain hotel experience. Our guests return again and again. This is your invitation to be a part of our history.