More than 2.4 million votes cast in 100th anniversary celebration MIAMI BEACH, Fla., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida), the organization recently launched a Top 100 Buildings online competition. Four weeks and 2.4 million votes later, the much-anticipated results are in. The top five winners were announced today at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the iconic structure that came in Number One in the state after garnering the most votes from the public. Fontainebleau Miami Beach has stood as an American architectural icon since its grand opening in 1954. The most significant building of architect Morris Lapidus' career, Fontainebleau Miami Beach's emblematic curvilinear design came to define the Miami Beach skyline. Marked by Lapidus' signature details – such as bow-tie design motifs, circular ceilings and columns, and the infamous "Staircase to Nowhere" – Fontainebleau was the first of its kind. AIA Florida also announced the runners-up in the competition. 2nd Place: Mandi's Chapel (Live Oak) 3rd Place: Baughman Center at the University of Florida (Gainesville) 4th Place: University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville) 5th Place: Mar-a-Lago National Historic Landmark (Palm Beach) AIA Florida recognized the top building in 13 different categories, including one for write-in nominations and a special winner determined only by architects' votes. Performing Arts – Florida Theatre Building (Jacksonville) Civic – Boca Raton Town Hall (Boca Raton) Commercial – Espirito Santo Plaza (Miami) Educational - University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville) Historic – Mar-a-Lago National Historic Landmark (Palm Beach) Hotel – Fontainebleau Hotel (Miami Beach) Museum – Dali Museum (St. Petersburg) Public Use – City Park Municipal Garage (Ft. Lauderdale) Recreational – Cinderella Castle (Orlando) Religious – Mandi's Chapel (Live Oak) Residential – Walker Guest House (Sanibel) Write-In – Ponce de Leon Hotel/Flagler College (St. Augustine) Architects' Favorite - University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville) Today's announcement of the winners of the "Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places" competition coincides with April's designation as Architecture Month, as proclaimed recently by Governor Rick Scott. AIA Florida also has plans to host several events across the region, including the 100th Anniversary Convention & Tradeshow at The Breakers in Palm Beach over the summer and a special anniversary celebration event on December 14.
