The Carl Fisher Clubhouse, originally known as the Miami Beach Golf and Country Club, has a new life as an exclusive space and part of the new Miami Beach Convention Center complex. R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, P.A., well-known in South Florida for famous preservation projects like the Freedom Tower, Olympia Theatre, and the Vizcaya Gate Houses, completed the major restoration of the clubhouse in 2023.

 The Carl Fisher Clubhouse, a 1916 building by prolific Miami architect August Geiger, is the oldest public building still standing in Miami Beach. Mr. Geiger was a close collaborator with one of Miami Beach’s early investors and developers, Carl Fisher. According to records from this time, “the clubhouse was designed in an eclectic revival style with Spanish and Dutch Colonial elements.” An adjoining annex building was designed and built in 1937 by architect Robert A. Taylor. The buildings served as a place for country club guests to enjoy refreshments, and to relax after playing golf on the adjoining golf course.

 R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, was brought on the project in 2016 by the City of Miami Beach to restore the treasured clubhouse as it had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect. The scope of work on both of the structures included restoration of existing facades and historic features, replacement of existing exterior doors and windows with impact resistant windows, re-roofing, interior renovations and repairs, removal of a non-historic connecting walkway, extensive structural repairs and enhancements, new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

 Both the Carl Fisher Clubhouse and the Annex have been meticulously restored to their original design intent. New building systems including the new kitchen have been carefully integrated into the fabric of the historic structure so that they become a seamless part of the original architecture while serving a new use. All work was completed in compliance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring and Reconstructing Historic Buildings. President of R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, P.A., Richard Heisenbottle said “it’s a great historic building in Miami Beach that can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come thanks to its new use.” The new Rum Room restaurant and Venu meeting space opened in 2023 in the restored structure. Venu, a newly renovated space for elegant private events and upscale meetings, is located in the restored Carl Fisher Clubhouse. Rum Room, located right next door in the annex building, is a 1920s restaurant with an enticing tapas-style menu and local South Florida rums.