Below sea-level in Miami
Not many homes in the Miami area have basements. However, Vizcaya does—and it has a very interesting past! Historically, James Deering and his guests would have taken a dip in the cool azure waters of the swimming pool and come inside through the shell-encrusted grotto for drying off and changing clothes. Inside, Deering and his guests might play a rousing game of billiards or enjoy laid-back conversation while puffing on fat cigars in the Smoking Room, dimly lit by slow-burning embers in the fireplace.
Hurricane Irma ravages Vizcaya
Before Hurricane Irma in 2017, the Café and Gift Shop, located in this basement space, was bustling with activity. However, once staff received the “all clear” to return to the site after the storm, we encountered significant damage inside. Though staff had installed flood doors and other hurricane protection, a series of unfortunate events (including a breach in a basement wall) led to approximately three feet of water rushing through most of the basement.
Clean up wasn’t easy or quick
After staff removed ruined cabinetry, furniture, and equipment, we turned our efforts to the mold, which arrived quickly in the late summer heat. To combat the mold, a specialized team removed four feet of drywall, and scrubbed and sanitized the remaining surfaces.
With the mold removed, we could transition efforts to new infrastructure and finishes: contractors installed new wall board, a replacement wheelchair lift, and water resilient composite cabinets. To further support our resilience efforts, contractors replaced electrical wiring connected to new outlets, now raised above the flood line.
Conservators restored the historic leaded glass doors alongside the swimming pool and the terrazzo floor in the Smoking Room. The stainless-steel sinks and kitchen tables were refurbished. Addressing all these damaged components took a team of specialists and years to accomplish.
Nearing the finish line
Freshly painted walls and clean floors created the backdrop for the final stage of recovery: new kitchen equipment, display furniture, and dining tables and chairs. With a clean slate, we took the opportunity to select cooking equipment that would provide our guests with healthier, yet still delicious options. Keeping resilience in mind, we also selected ready-made display furniture, and we chose tables and chairs that can be easily cleaned should flooding occur in the future.
From Smoking Room to smokin’ hot food
Today, visitors can imagine the sights and sounds of years past when they visit the newly renovated Vizcaya Café and Gift Shop, managed by A Joy Wallace Catering, Inc. Their team has created a new menu of quick grab-and-go offerings, delicious sandwiches crafted on the new panini grills and many other made-to-order options. A Joy Wallace has also stocked the gift shop with curated treasures inspired by the history and design of this grand estate. After a three-and-a-half-year restoration process, Vizcaya’s Café and Gift Shop is now open and ready for visitors to enjoy.
The Vizcaya Café and Shop is open during regular museum hours. Check out the menu online.
