It was an afternoon of high fashion and high fun on Saturday, April 18th, as the Tropees, our young professional members, enjoyed an exclusive tour of the landmark Versace Mansion on Miami Beach’s famed Ocean Drive. Guests enjoyed champagne and mimosas while being swept away in the lavish oasis, formerly home to couture fashion designer Gianni Versace—now the swanky Casa Casuarina, a members-only private club and luxury boutique hotel.
In 1930 the mansion was financed by architect, philanthropist, author and political reformer Alden Freeman, designed by by Henry LaPointe and built by Hubbell & Hubbell, as homage to the oldest existing house in the western hemisphere, the "Alcazar de Colon" in Santo Domingo. In 1992, on a trip to Miami, world-renowned Gianni Versace encountered Casa Casuarina for the first time, and, although it had fallen into great disrepair, he purchased the mansion. Versace restored the property and made significant changes to propel Casa Casuarina to international fame.
It was an exciting opportunity to learn more about the history of such an incredible landmark!
Pictures of Tropees at Casa Casuarina
— Kara Sincich, External Relations Coordinator
In 1930 the mansion was financed by architect, philanthropist, author and political reformer Alden Freeman, designed by by Henry LaPointe and built by Hubbell & Hubbell, as homage to the oldest existing house in the western hemisphere, the "Alcazar de Colon" in Santo Domingo. In 1992, on a trip to Miami, world-renowned Gianni Versace encountered Casa Casuarina for the first time, and, although it had fallen into great disrepair, he purchased the mansion. Versace restored the property and made significant changes to propel Casa Casuarina to international fame.
It was an exciting opportunity to learn more about the history of such an incredible landmark!
Pictures of Tropees at Casa Casuarina
— Kara Sincich, External Relations Coordinator
