Once nicknamed the “Taj Mahal of Miami” for its striking resemblance to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, Miami’s 1963 midcentury modern landmark is set to enter a glamorous new era. This two-story architectural gem, with its intricate brise soleil facade of interlocking trapezoids, slender gold metallic columns, flat overhanging roof, and dramatic reflecting pool along Northwest 36th Street, will soon debut as Florida’s first luxury commercial terminal.
A Thoughtful Transformation
The project will be led by PS—the private terminal service renowned for elevating the airport experience at Los Angeles International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, and soon Dallas-Fort Worth. In Miami, PS will blend modern luxury with historical preservation, ensuring the building’s architectural DNA remains intact.
Original features—including the Pan Am globe emblems embedded in courtyard walls, gold-anodized aluminum panels, and the sweeping canopy that flows from the elevated entrance through the lobby into the courtyard—will be meticulously restored. The architectural restoration and adaptive reuse are being spearheaded by RJ Heisenbottle Architects (RJHA).
Private Luxury, Redefined
When complete, the terminal will host five ultra-exclusive Private Suites priced at $4,950 for up to four guests. Each suite will feature a personal lounge, marble-clad bathroom with shower, private balcony overlooking the courtyard, daybeds, entertainment center, and a fully stocked bar. For travellers seeking a social yet refined setting, two Salon spaces—at $1,295 per person—will offer gourmet dining, a wraparound wooden bar, and access to the restored reflecting pool and fountain.
Regardless of tier, every guest will enjoy private TSA and customs clearance, chef-prepared meals, and chauffeured BMW transfers directly to their aircraft. Guests booking the Private Suite experience will also have a dedicated staff and access to an on-site spa for massages, haircuts, and manicures. Annual memberships will offer preferred rates for frequent travellers.
Design Inspired by Miami’s Spirit
Interior designer Cliff Fong, who also designed PS LAX, is infusing the Miami terminal with a vibrant, tropical sensibility—combining terrazzo, marble, smoked glass, and lively patterns inspired by Lilly Pulitzer and Marimekko.
A Storied Past
Originally designed by Steward-Skinner & Associates Architects with Maurice H. Connell & Associates Engineers, this Miami-Dade Historical Site once served as Pan Am’s regional headquarters and flight attendant training school—a hub where young women learned the art of service and presentation during aviation’s golden age.
With PS’s arrival, this storied building will not only be restored to its former glory but reimagined for a new generation of global travellers. The company’s expansion also continues internationally, with a Paris Charles de Gaulle location scheduled to open in 2026.
