Scottish Rite Temple, 471 NW 3rd Street, Miami, Florida, USA / Built: 1924 / Architect: Kiehnel & Elliott / Builder: John B. Orr / Floors: 2 / Height: 22.73 ft / Structural Material: Masonry / Architectural Style: Art Deco + Egyptian Revival
The Scottish Rite Temple was the precursor of Art Deco in Miami. Ahead of their time, the architects’ avant-garde modernist project was to become the first Art Deco building in Miami. 

The building is a rare example of Egyptian influence architecture in Miami. Egyptian features were a global trend at the time after the archaeological discovery of Tutankhamun’s intact tomb in 1922 which sparked a sudden flourish of Egyptomania worldwide. Art Deco is considered to be an eclectic form of elegant and stylish modernism, which has been influenced by a wide range of sources. Among them were the arts of Africa, Ancient Egypt, and Aztec Mexico. Art Deco also drew on mathematics, such as geometry; also
on so-called streamline technology, modern aviation, electric lighting, the radio, ocean liners and the skyscraper for inspiration.

The Scottish Rite Temple was built to the requirements of the Scottish Rite association, however, it has held different functions throughout the years. Especially during the Depression years, the temple was leased to other companies to help support and maintain it. 

The “Federal Theater” leased the property
to show silent movies for a period of time, then “The Miami Playhouse Group” used the temple for live
plays, and it was leased out for church events on weekends, from regular services to wedding
ceremonies. Today, the property is underused and in need of repairs to be able to accommodate other
functions besides the regular Masonic ceremonies.

The principal elevation of the building is characterized by four stylized Doric columns dividing the main façade into three bays. 

The columns extend to a height of two stories and are capped by a stylized entablature bearing the name of the building as an inscription: “Scottish Rite.” There are four stylized
sculptural eagles which surmount the entablature atop the placement of each column axis below.

Behind the eagles is visible a gable end roof. The building’s configuration presents a “T” shape plan with
a projecting lower wing to the northeast. The principal elevation of the wing is characterized by a
colonnade delineated by similar stylized Doric columns and an articulated masonry entablature. 

The principal roof of the building is a ziggurat-shape mass that is capped by a stylized cupola. The walls of the building are clad in smooth stucco.

The building is accessible by way of a set of masonry steps leading from the sidewalk level. The steps
span the width of the main façade and emphasize the Grecian overtones in the styling. The greater
part of the fenestration has been replaced by awning-type windows set in aluminum frames. A masonry
dentil course wraps around the perimeter of the building at the height of the entablature.

The auditorium is undoubtedly the most outstanding interior space. With a seating capacity of 700
persons the auditorium is composed , in addition to the main floor, of two major balconies and two
small balconies. Under the ziggurat roof is a dome from which is suspended a magnificent chandelier;
the four columns that support the dome have large light panels featuring the emblems of the Order.

The stage is large enough to accommodate extensive theatrical productions and is equipped with all
necessary equipment including a complete electrical switchboard to control all of the lighting effects.

The building was badly damaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, therefore completely restored at a cost
of $2.7 million. The most impressive restoration work was the fifty hand-painted backdrops decorating
the stage for historic tableaus used in the Rite’s symbolic degree ceremonies. During the restoration an
orchestra pit was discovered under the floor of the auditorium; 700 new seats and a new sound system
were also installed. A Skinner pipe organ adds up to the list of features.

Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
<a href="http://egov.ci.miami.fl.us/legistarweb/attachments/71420.pdf" rel="noreferrer nofollow">egov.ci.miami.fl.us/legistarweb/attachments/71420.pdf</a>
<a href="https://scottishrite.org/" rel="noreferrer nofollow">scottishrite.org/</a>
<a href="https://www.emporis.com/buildings/396404/scottish-rite-masonic-center-miami-fl-usa" rel="noreferrer nofollow">www.emporis.com/buildings/396404/scottish-rite-masonic-ce...</a>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_Revival_architecture" rel="noreferrer nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_Revival_architecture</a>

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theater privateclub hall johnborr scottishritetemple 471nw3rdstreet miami florida usa kiehnelelliott dateofconstruction19221924 artdeco