Resolution 2025-33581 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-33581
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$75,000 TO THE VISION FRAME, LLC (PRODUCER) FOR THE PRODUCTION
OF THE DOCUMENTARY FILM "LAPIDUS: ARCHITECT OF JOY" (WORK),
SUCH FUNDING TO BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLY UPON PRODUCER'S
SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTATION SATISFACTORY TO THE CITY IN ITS
SOLE DISCRETION, THAT THE PRODUCER HAS RAISED AT LEAST
$1,000,000 FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE WORK; DIRECTING
ADMINISTRATION TO REACH OUT TO THE GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION
AND VISITORS BUREAU (GMCVB) TO PURSUE ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO
SUPPORT THE PRODUCTION; DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO
INCLUDE THIS GRANT IN THE FY 2026 BUDGET; DIRECTING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE REPAYMENT TERMS TO THE BENEFIT
OF THE CITY AND FURTHER, AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK AND CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CITY'S STANDARD CULTURAL GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE FOREGOING, INCLUDING A
REQUIREMENT THAT THE MIAMI BEACH LOGO APPEAR IN THE FILM
CREDITS AS A SPONSOR.
WHEREAS, the Vision Frame, LLC (Producer) has proposed to produce a documentary film
titled "Lapidus: Architect of Joy" (Work), a project celebrating the life and work of renowned architect
Morris Lapidus, whose designs have made a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Miami
Beach and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Morris Lapidus was one of the most influential architects in Miami Beach's
history, shaping the city's identity with his bold,flamboyant designs that defined Miami Modern (MiMo)
architecture; and
WHEREAS, Lapidus designed some of Miami Beach's most iconic hotels, including the
Fontainebleau Hotel (1954), the Eden Roc Hotel (1955), and the Americana Hotel (1956, now
demolished); and
WHEREAS, the Fontainebleau Hotel is a masterpiece of curved lines, grand staircases, and
theatrical design, making it one of the most recognizable hotels in the world; and
WHEREAS, the Eden Roc Hotel became a glamorous and luxurious alternative to the
Fontainebleau and was popular among celebrities; and
WHEREAS, Lapidus' dramatic, curvilinear facades, his famous "Staircase to Nowhere," and
his use of bold colors, patterns, and lighting helped elevate Miami Beach into a world-famous resort
destination, attracting visitors, celebrities, and film productions, with the Fontainebleau being featured
in numerous movies and TV shows, including Goldfinger and Scarface; and
WHEREAS,while initially dismissed by critics, Lapidus is now celebrated as a visionary whose
work embodies Miami Beach's glamorous, fun, and unconventional spirit; and
WHEREAS, Lapidus' designs have influenced generations of architects and designers, and
his playful, over-the-top designs remain an essential part of the City's identity today.
WHEREAS, the total budget for the production of the documentary is $1,300,000, and the
Producer has indicated that they are in the process of securing funding for the project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach has a long history of supporting arts and cultural
initiatives that promote the City's rich heritage and artistic expression; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission recognize the importance of the documentary in
preserving the legacy of Morris Lapidus and enhancing the City's cultural identity, as weil as its
potential to attract further recognition and tourism to Miami Beach; and
WHEREAS, the Producer has requested a grant in the amount of $75,000 to support the
production of the documentary, contingent upon the Producer's submission of satisfactory evidence
that the $1,000,000 threshold has been met; and
WHEREAS, to ensure the City's investment yields both cultural impact and financial prudence,
the Mayor and City Commission direct the City Administration to take the following steps: (1)negotiate
grant repayment on terms favorable to the City, (ii) leverage partnerships with tourism entities such
as the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor Bureau (GMCVB) to secure additional funding, and (iii)
secure brand recognition through on-screen sponsorship.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission hereby approve
a grant in the amount of $75,000 to The Vision Frame, LLC (Producer) for the production of the
documentary film "Lapidus: Architect of Joy" (Work), subject to the Producer submitting
documentation satisfactory to the City, in its sole discretion, that at least $1,000,000 has been raised
for the production of the Work; direct the Administration to reach out to the Greater Miami Convention
and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) to pursue additional funding to support the Production; direct the
Administration to include this grant in the FY 2026 budget; direct the Administration to negotiate grant
repayment terms to the benefit of the City, and further, authorize the City Clerk and City Manager to
execute the City's standard cultural grant agreement with respect to the foregoing, including a
requirement that the Miami Beach logo appears in the film credits as a sponsor.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this � 9 day of �Q��� 2025.
.
`� Steven Meiner, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
(Sponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez)
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City Attorney �� Date
Resolutions - C7 AF
�/11AMIBE,A� H
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico
DATE: March 19, 2025
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000
TO THE VISION FRAME, LLC (PRODUCER) FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE
DOCUMENTARY FILM "LAPIDUS: ARCHITECT OF JOY" (WORK), SUCH
FUNDING TO BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLY UPON PRODUCER'S SUBMISSION
OF DOCUMENTATION SATISFACTORY TO THE CITY IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION,
THAT THE PRODUCER HAS RAISED AT LEAST $1,000,000 FOR THE
PRODUCTION OF THE WORK; AND FURTHER, DIRECTING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO INCLUDE THIS GRANT IN THE FY 2026 BUDGET; AND
FURTHER, AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
THE CITY'S STANDARD CULTURAL GRANT AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO
THE FOREGOING.
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
ANALYSIS
The attached Resolution was prepared at the request of the sponsor, Commissioner Laura
Dominguez.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The fiscal impact of this measure is $75,000.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.qov/city-hall/city-clerk/meetinq-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
Page 391 of 1157
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Riqht to Know" item, Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17? Proiect?
No No
Was this Aqenda Item initiallv requested bv a lobbvist which as defined in Code Sec. 2-481,
includes a principal enqaqed in lobbvinq? No
If so, specify the name of �obbyist(s) and principal(s):
Department
City Attorney
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Approve $75K Grant in Support of the "Lapidus: Architect of Joy" Documentary. (Dominguez)
CA
Previous Action (For Citv Clerk Use Only)
Page 392 of 1157