For years Wynwood was merely a warehouse district offering easy access to the Interstate for industrial ventures. However, something truly remarkable happened once a few forward-thinking investors claimed parcels of land in the area to create an erstwhile arts community.
While most people know that Art Basel Miami Beach put our gallery scene on the map, it was a few brave pioneers who started buying and refurbishing rustic industrial spaces in early 1990-BB (in art-speak – “Before Basel”) that are responsible for today’s Wynwood scene. These modern frontiersmen spent thousands of dollars gutting commercial buildings and bringing in modern conveniences. But like Will Smith’s last-man-on-earth movie “I Am Legend,” the streets of Wynwood remain a no man’s land after dark. During the peak of Art Basel activity in early December ’07, the constant gripe on the busy streets was about the dearth of restaurants, bars or even coffee houses to meet and regroup between art fair visits.
Tony Goldman, the deep pockets behind much of early South Beach redevelopment is reported to have purchased more than 20 Wynwood properties in anticipation of the influx of restaurants, shops and industrial living spaces. His son Joey plans to open 5 new eateries in the area including an upscale Vietnamese cafe, a noodle shop and a tea house. Most gallery owners hope that street-level investors like the Goldmans will help to round out the neighborhood in the coming months. www.wynwoodartdistrict.com
Leaders in Miami’s Urban Renaissance include the Rubell Family (of Studio 54 fame) and the Martin Margulies Family, both millionaire art collectors. Purchasing massive warehouse spaces in the shadow of Interstate 95 to house their private art collections, these savvy investors opened their properties to mostly-local visitors and attracted Samuel Keller and his Art Basel Juggernaut to our city in 2001. The rest is Art History…
