Crystal Cruises Showroom & Silk Road Restaurant
The historic Shrine Building is a two-story, 20,571 sq. ft. building constructed in the then popular Art Deco architectural style of the 1930’s. Once dubbed the “Fifth Avenue of the South”, it was part of a striking ensemble of modern retail buildings that lined the newly created Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, FL and defined it as a high end shopping district. The quality of the design is particularly noteworthy because its ornamentation, use of coral rock, veneer and inclusion of sculpted Seminole Indians are architectural characteristics specific to South Florida. The restored building serves as the Crystal Cruises headquarters and showroom for its luxury portfolio. Throughout the building, signature touches of the various Crystal vacation experiences are showcased including a submarine suspended from the vast second floor ceiling that illustrates the adventures offered on the Crystal Esprit and upcoming expedition yacht, Crystal Endeavor; BMW bicycles available with several vessels and voyages; and even a waterfall cascading around the outdoor dining courtyard to create the atmosphere at sea. Also on the ground floor will be an elegant specialty restaurant, which will offer the same celebrated standard of cuisine and Six-Star service for which Crystal has been known for more than 25 years. The renovation includes all new utilities and building systems.