Architectural Digest

Discover The Boca Raton's rich history. There’s a charm that exists, a beauty that feels tangible, and an illustrious past that still reverberates today.

By Nila Do Simon

It happens without fail. No matter how many times Club members and resort guests step into The Boca Raton, a feeling envelops them. Even staff members who walk the halls on a daily basis say the same thing: There’s a charm that exists, a beauty that feels tangible, and an illustrious past that still reverberates today.

A historic property, when it truly embraces the past and present, is the epitome of a melting pot. Different eras that can coexist in harmony and—dare I go there—embrace their differences in a new, exciting style for today and tomorrow’s guests is what most historic properties strive to become. It’s a melding of design, architecture and a je ne sais quoi that leaves everyone who visits with a feeling of wonder. But how can you describe that feeling? How does one define that charm? I sought to find the answers myself on a recent visit to The Boca Raton.

Alongside half a dozen other history buffs who also strapped on their sneakers, I took one of the regularly scheduled walking tours of the resort led by the Boca Raton Historical Society’s Susan Gillis, the organization’s chief curator and author of several local history books. We walked throughout (and up and down, outside and inside) what’s now referred to as Cloister, where Gillis pointed out (with her trademark humor and delivery) design artifacts that add allure and intention to today’s resort and club.

I learned more than my fair share of details about the original founder, the well-known architect Addison Mizner, who opened the Ritz-Carlton Cloister Inn in 1926 and whose preference for Mediterranean Revival style lives today in the balconies, arched windows, wrought-iron details and barrel-roof tiles that are still on display. Taking his lead, subsequent architects and designers—notably, the design firm Schultze & Weaver—added to the property as it expanded. If you’re like me and curious about the design details that have made The Boca Raton a storied property for nearly 100 years, read on. And, if curiosity has bitten you further, attend a walking tour with the Boca Raton Historical Society. You won’t be disappointed.

Salome statue outside

The Boca Raton Cloister entrance

If this sculpture could talk, what would she say? In her nearly century of existence, the statue has welcomed countless Club members, resort guests, dignitaries and socialites. She even watched over cadets who stayed at the property to train during World War II during the Army’s two-year residency at the property. Commissioned in 1929, Italian sculptor Leo Lentelli crafted a sculpture that rose from the fountain to stand at the entrance of the Boca Raton Club. Named The Slave Girl, the statue (oftentimes mistakenly credited to sculptor Ettore Pellegatta, who may have done the stonework) is believed to take inspiration from the biblical figure of Salome, daughter of King Herod. She still stands today, towering over the head of John the Baptist, in one of the first images visitors and members see as they enter Harborside. And what a sight it is.

Entrance door of the original Cloister Inn

At Sadelle’s main entrance, several pieces of history live. Just in front of the upscale delicatessen’s hostess stand lies the original lobby to Cloister Inn, the first iteration of what is now known as The Boca Raton. The inn’s massive original dark wood doors remain for today’s visitors to see. Modeled in the fashion of the entrance to the University of Salamanca, the doors have hints of ancient Spain all over them. At the top of the door are emblems of Queen Isabella’s shield on one side and King Ferdinand’s on the other, otherwise known as the Flag of Castile and León, whose origins date back to the 15th century. Mizner Industries constructed the cast stone that surrounds the door. It had two columns that supported a pediment and a molded coat of arms, and a pecky cypress balcony is supported by narrow beams on two sides on the second floor. When addressing the public, Mizner bent the truth, boasting that the doors came from the University of Salamanca and were 400 years old.

Guest register of the opening of the Cloister Inn, located on the second floor of Cloister

When the Cloister Inn opened in 1926, a grand ball on February 6 reflected an opening ceremony of sorts. Invitees signed the bound leather guest book, one that upon reflection rivaled “the social registers of two continents,” according to the late Florida historian Donald Curl. Today, the guestbook is encased behind glass on the second floor of Cloister, above Sadelle’s. According to Gillis, the register is another one of Mizner’s clever ruses to elicit a feeling of Old-World Europe. Mizner repurposed a contemporary songbook of Gregorian hymns and pressed parchment paper on the book pages, whereupon guests would sign their names. Appearing weathered and antiqued, the songbook-turned-guest book gave visitors a feeling that even this detail was from the Old World. The guest book is available for all to see. Take a peek at the book and see if you can spot the signature of Mizner’s brother, Henry, on the page.

Gargoyles on the columns of Cloister

All eyes just might be on you during your walk toward Tower—gargoyle and creature eyes, that is. At Cloister between Principessa Ristorante and Tower, just off Lake Boca Raton, more than a dozen columns hold up the arched windows that lead to a courtyard. Upon closer inspection, these aren’t just any columns; they are decorated with capitals oftentimes filled with the countenances and silhouettes of mythical creatures, open-mouthed and ready to protect the property. Next time you’re in that walkway, count how many eyes are following you along the way. You might be surprised at the quantity.

Original Cloister lobby ceiling

Inside Cloister, just before you reach Japanese Bocce Club and just past Spa Palmera, a piece of living history is on display. All you have to do is look up. Inside the alcove before the elevator is a piece of original lobby ceiling from the Boca Raton Club, designed by Schultze & Weaver. The coffered ceiling with salmon pink outlines is a pop of color that leads to either the stairs or elevator. More importantly, it’s a display of history that remains intact, waiting for generations to come admire it.

Arched windows at the south end of Cloister and stained-glass at Palm Court

Mizner was no stranger to decorative touches, especially if it provided a nod to Old World Europe. In two specific locations at The Boca Raton, his original works still see the light of day. Literally. Two separate stained-glass windows adorn the halls today, providing a peek at the past while enhancing today’s more modern interior design. The first is at one of the original stairways at Cloister, toward the south end of the building. There, arched stained-glass windows with panels of green and blue hexagonal shapes are framed by cast stone and look out toward Harborside Pool Club. For nearly 100 years, the windows have stood the tests of time to remain intact. The second colored window divides Palm Court from the hall leading toward Principessa Ristorante. There, panels of stained glass in oblong hexagonal shapes are tinted in a rosy orange and soft blues and greens. Today, they offer slight privacy to the daily festivities occurring at Palm Court, which serves as a lively gathering spot for cocktails and bites at the heart of the property. These stained-glass pieces are just two of the few original items remaining in the hotel, providing a bridge to the past for members and resort guests.