The Thunderbird Motel was designed by Miami's well known architect Norman Giller. This motel is still in business and is located at 18401 Collins Avenue. Today the Thunderbird Motel is operated by Best Western.


The Thunderbird was the first four-story motel in Sunny Isles Beach. This motel has a very unique architecture, including A-symmetrical or very vertical windows. The unique brick wall at the entrance has served as a picture background for many of its visitors.



According to Mr. Giller, the material used for this brick wall is called crab orchid stone; the stone was mined in Tennessee. The crab orchid stone is a nice brown and tan stone that can be laid in as a brick or it can be laid as a flat slab.

Some of the features that this motel advertised in 1955 were:

	2 outdoor swimming pools
	Private Kitchen
	Running ice water in each room
	Supervised children's play room, including a nurse
	Every room faced the ocean
	Every room was scientifically sound-proofed
	Swedish massage

The Thunderbird Motel, located at 18401 Collins Avenue, was built in 1955 opening that same year on December 1st.
When it opened the cost per person in a double occupancy room was $4.00 per night.

The Thunderbird promoted having a television room, where all the guests would sit together, like they were sitting at a theater.




Do you remember how much things used to cost in 1955?

	House: $22,000
	Average Income: $4,137
	Ford Car: $1,606 -$2,944
	Milk (1 gallon): $.92
	Milk (1/2 gallon): $.43
	Bread: $.18
	Gas: $.23
	Postage Stamp: $.03
	Egg (1 dozen): $.61
	Coffe: $.93 lb
	Sirloin Chops: $.69 lb

Also happening in 1955.

	The famous "Don't Walk" signs are introduced to the street of New York.
	The first microwave ovens are manufacutred by Tappan. They cost $1,300!
	Instant oatmeal was invented by Quaker Oats Company
	MacDonald's chain of fast food started
	Congress authorizes all US currency and coin to say "In God We Trust"
	The Thunderbird Ford arrives in Ford showrooms.
	Unemployement rate: 4.4%

Compiled by David Udoff and Marlene Calero

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