Anti-Semitism was as prevalent as an ocean breeze in South Florida during the '30s, '40s and '50s. But an historic property, built by Hollywood founder Joseph Young, soon became a port of entry for Jewish patrons who were mostly unwelcome here.
Built in 1925, the "Grand Lady" was sold after the "Big Blow" hurricane of 1926 and the depressed real estate market that followed.
Interestingly, though, Joseph Young turned over the keys to his creation to two Jewish businessmen, according to Clive Taylor, the president of the Hollywood Historical Society. And these new owners challenged the prevailing winds of their era - they welcomed Jewish patrons to what was then called the Hollywood Beach Hotel.
The property changed hands a number of other times, and lived on in a variety of incarnations. But now it sits abandoned and in poor shape. A major real estate developer from New York City owns most of it. And some residents worry the current owner wants to build two 35-story tower buildings on Hollywood's shrine to anti-Semitic resistance. What follows is an email interview with Taylor.
The Hollywood Beach Hotel had a grand design for its era. Talk about that.
The Hollywood Beach Hotel, designed by Rubush and Hunter in the Spanish mission style, stood out in the 1920s for its unique and elaborate design, including features like offset towers, bell niches, and detailed ornamentation.
As Joseph Young's flagship project, it became a landmark and a key part of Hollywood's early identity. Its detailed architecture, including statues and intricate columns, contributed to its prominence.
Almost immediately the man who built the hotel had to unload it. Discuss that history, including the people who bought it.
Young's ownership of the hotel was brief, ending due to the 1926 hurricane and subsequent real estate crash. The hotel was auctioned in 1930, and purchased by Ed Rosenthal and Kaufman of Kaufman Jewelers, two Jewish businessmen.
The new owners did something brave during the '30s, '40s and '50s. What was that? Why is that history significant?
During a time of prevalent anti-Semitism, the decision to open the hotel to Jewish patrons was notable and progressive, reflecting broader social changes and the role of Jewish entrepreneurs in shaping Hollywood.
The Hollywood Beach Hotel's welcoming stance towards Jewish patrons during an era of exclusion was significant. This decision, alongside other Jewish contributions to the city, helped shape Hollywood's demographic and cultural landscape.
What happened next?
After World War II, the hotel was sold to Ben Tobin, who continued Jewish ownership until the 1980s. The hotel eventually became the Florida Bible College and then faced various ownership changes.
The property has since become fragmented, with various parts sold off separately, complicating potential redevelopment efforts. However, a major part of the property, including what is now called the Hollywood Beach Resort, was purchased by a New York City developer with a history of building and purchasing tall structures.
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