Les Beilinson

Beilinson grew up in Miami Beach during the 1940s and 1950s, years associated with the development of the city's unique Art Deco district. Beilinson attended the Miami Beach Senior High School[1] and subsequently, the University of Miami where he graduated in Architecture.

As a professional architect, Beilinson was an early advocate of the movement to preserve the city’s Art Deco heritage, including as an original member of the Historic Preservation Board. Beilinson practiced his advocacy both through his professional and community participation.[1]

Beilinson was also a veteran of the United States Reserve.[1]

In reference to the buildings Beilinson worked to preserve, he observed: “The majority are shoe boxes with wood frame construction on the inside and front facades and small public lobby spaces, many were severely deteriorated with a lot of sagging,’’ he said. “The concrete had a high salt content that deteriorated the steel bars and beams reinforcing it — I looked at some of these buildings and I didn’t know what kept them standing,” Beilinson told the American Institute of Architects in 2010, when the group’s Miami chapter named him Historic Architect of the Year.[1]

Beilinson was involved in some buildings repeatedly, including the original conversion of Casa Casuarina into the Versace Mansion, and subsequently, its conversion into a high end hotel.[3]

With his expertise in wood-frame construction, Beilinson also worked outside of Miami[4] through his practice, Beilinson Gomez Architects, he worked on the historic Lyric Theater, Overtown, Freedom Tower, Hialeah Park, and the Opa-locka[2] and Coral Gables city halls.

• Temple Beth Sholom, with PKSB Architects. Temple Beth Sholom was Beilinson's own temple.
• Española Way[2]
• Essex House[1]
• The Marlin[2]
• Edison[1]
• Breakwater[2]
• Park Central[2]
• Century[2]
• Shore Park[2]
• Traymore[2]
• Tiffany[1]
• Ritz Plaza[1]
• Imperial Hotels[1]
• Freedom Tower[5][6]
• Betsy Ross[1]

Amongst Beilinson's modern and new works[4] were:

• News Cafe, Miami Beach[2]
• Armani Exchange, Miami Beach[1]
• High End Residences[1]
• Super Bowl 2010, 23-foot arched structure supporting a football, Miami Beach[2]
• Capt. Harry's, Miami[2]
• Vintro Hotel, Fort Lauderdale[2]
• Modani, Fort Lauderdale[1]

Beilinson was married and had two children.[1]

Beilinson died June 14, 2013, at Mount Sinai Medical Center from complications of abdominal surgery. Beilinson lived throughout his life in his hometown. His family's wish was that his legacy be preserved through contributions to the Miami Design Preservation League.[1]