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In
1954 at 19111 Collins Avenue the Blue Mist Motel took its place along “Motel
Row.” Working with architect Melvin Grossman Blue Mist owner
and contractor, Mel Rubel, built the motel in just 4 ½ months.
 Mel and his brother, Sam, wanted an architectural element to make their
motel stand out. From his own sketch a mason sculpted in plaster the “Maidens
of the Sea” around the two columns that were holding up the second
story. These “maidens” distinguished the Blue Mist from the
other motels on the “row”, and were photographed by tourists
from around the world.
 Leaving
the motel operations up to his brother, Sam, Mel went on to build residential
homes in the area, the Singapore Hotel in Bal Harbor, and the Suez
in Sunny Isles with MIMO (Miami Modern) architect Norman Giller.
Mr.
Mel Rubel and wife, Florence
former owners of The Blue Mist
motel, in Sunny Isles Beach in 2005
Mel
and Florence, his wife, and Sam intended the Blue Mist be family oriented.
A coffee shop/lounge was leased by Dick Miller and Don Salinas for
about twenty years. Mr. Salinas prmed as a comedian in the lounge.
Their
clientele was loyal as were employees like manager Dennis Van der Molen
who was with them for twenty-five years; Loreen Majorossy, front
desk who was with them for fourteen years; and their lead housekeeper,
Mrs. Mary Stevens. Mary was there the day the Blue Mist opened until
the day it closed.
| Blue Mist coffee shop, located next to the pool |
In 1956 a room rented for $2.50 per person/per day at the Blue Mist.
In 1959 it cost between $7.00 and $20.00. In 1959 a guest could rent
a car for $4.00 and $.10 per mile including gas, oil, insurance and daily
maintenance.
In 1967, a single room cost $9.00 per person, and a kitchenette was
$10.00. Each room now had a television. Before this the motel had a television
room located in the upper lobby.
| First
floor lobby nice atmosphere to make a new friend |
Planned
activities at the Blue Mist:
Sundays and Wednesdays: Bingo
Mondays: Wienies, Pizza and Live entertainment
Tuesdays: Shuffle Board
Thursdays: Movies
Fridays: Cocktail parties
Saturday: Live entertainment
| Television
and card board room |
The
Blue Mist closed it doors in 1997, and it was demolished in 1999, making
the way for luxury condominium Ocean II.
Compiled by David Udoff and Marlene Calero
If you
have stories and pictures to share about the history of the Sunny
Isles Beach area, call City Hall at 305-947-0606
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