Hospitality firm WoodHouse has begun the highly anticipated reopening of the Moore, a historic Miami landmark located in the Design District. Originally built in the 1920s on a former pineapple farm, the Neoclassical-style building served as a furniture showroom and warehouse for Moore and Sons. Now, it is being transformed into a vibrant lifestyle destination, featuring a private members club, boutique hotel, executive offices, gallery space, and Elastika restaurant. The hotel and members club are being designed by the California-based Studio Collective.
Introducing Elastika at the Moore: Elastika is a modern-American restaurant situated on the first floor of the Moore and is helmed by chef Joe Anthony. The restaurant draws inspiration from Miami's diverse international community and the rich legacy of art, design, and culture associated with the Moore. The name "Elastika" is derived from a Zaha Hadid sculpture that is suspended above the restaurant's dining area in the four-story atrium. This sculpture was commissioned by Miami Design District developer Craig Robins for the inaugural Design Miami/ exhibition in 2005.
Design by WoodHouse and ICRAVE: Elastika's interior design, created in collaboration with ICRAVE, blends original architectural elements with modern sophistication. Key features include:
- An 18-seat bar.
- Velvet banquette seating.
- A semi-private dining room.
- A lounge area near the original staircase.
The addition of a new skylight floods the dining area with natural light, enhancing the space's inviting ambiance. Much of the furniture is crafted by Brazil-based Sossego, known for using sustainably harvested wood from Southern Brazil.
Art and Ambiance: The restaurant showcases a collection of contemporary art curated by local art advisor Monica Kalpakian. A notable piece is "Us (detail)" by Rob Pruitt, which is on loan from the late collector Rosa de la Cruz's personal collection. Additionally, Elastika features a new sidewalk patio with covered seating and lush greenery, further enhancing the dining experience.
Vision for Elastika: Brady Wood, founder and CEO of WoodHouse, describes the vision for Elastika as extending beyond the menu. "We’ve transformed the first floor of the Moore into the lobby of the Miami Design District—an inviting destination where people can gather, dine, and enjoy the landmark building and Zaha Hadid’s iconic sculpture," says Wood.
With its blend of historical charm and modern design, Elastika at the Moore promises to be a dynamic addition to Miami's Design District, offering a unique dining experience within a landmark setting
