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| Manhattan Tower 701 Bayshore Dr. 2026 - Closed |
By Jane Feehan
Manhattan Tower in Fort Lauderdale captured the attention of
tourists and residents since its construction in 1952. Its 50-foot iron tower, a
“crown” that served as a nod to General Motors’ Frigidaire division, still
draws a second glance. But not for much longer. Manhattan Tower will be torn
down to make way for another Intracoastal waterfront condo project.
Over 70 years ago, developer (also termed “financier” at the
time), Chester J. Maxson, a native New Yorker who owned a car dealership, filed
for doing business as Manhattan Tower on Bayshore Drive in the Birch Estates area.
The building, designed by noted Fort Lauderdale architect Charles McKirahan, first served as a
haven for General Motors executives when it opened in 1953.
Manhattan Tower, “completely air-conditioned and heated” held
three two-bedroom apartments, seven one-bedrooms, two efficiencies, two hotel
rooms, and one three-bedroom three-bath penthouse. A lounge or game room with a
TV completed plans. The retreat evolved into a boutique hotel for tourists with
seasonal furnished apartments and low summer rates.
The building’s crown served as reminder that the little
hotel represented Miami-Modern (mid-century architecture) with decorative
railings and a floating staircase. Charles McKirahan also designed the Coral
Ridge Yacht Club, Birch Tower, the Castro Furniture building, Mai-Kai, the
Castaways renovation and a lengthy list of other projects. He died in 1964 at age
45 in a car accident.
Chester J. Maxon distinguished himself in Fort Lauderdale. He
served as a commissioner with the North Broward Hospital District and as commissioner
on the board at Holy Cross Hospital. An avid angler, he was world record holder
in 1952 of a blue marlin catch in Andros Island. He died in 1978.
Records indicate several sales transactions of Manhattan
Tower in past years. One record reveals the building was purchased in 2021 and
sold to current developers in 2025. Opus 701, designed by Adache Group
Architects, will rise 13 stories at 701 Bayshore Drive and at an adjacent lot. Principals
indicate an area in the building will display homage to Manhattan Tower history. (Was this an incentive to approve the new condo project?)
News accounts state the old building will be demolished in 2027. A banner currently indicates a café may operate (temporarily?) there. I have no information about that.
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| Manhattan Tower 2026 - closed |
Another historic building falls into the treasure trove of
Fort Lauderdale memories.
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Jane Feehan
Sources
Fort Lauderdale News, Oct. 15, 1952
Fort Lauderdale News, Nov. 17, 1952
Fort Lauderdale News, July 11, 1957
Fort Lauderdale News, April 23, 1977
Fort Lauderdale News, Dec. 4, 1978
South Florida Sun Sentinel, Oct. 29, 2004
South Florida Sun Sentinel, June 3,2007
South Florida Sun Sentinel, Dec. 9, 2021
South Florida Sun Sentinel, May 18, 2026
Broward County
