The Florida Tropical House, originally known as the Florida House, was an architectural travel brochure of sorts and the only state-sponsored Century of Progress home, commissioned by the State of Florida to lure tourists to "The Sunshine State." Governor David Sholtz introduced a state-published booklet promoting the project. The most expensive and luxurious of the Century of Progress Homes, it was designed for people of means who lived life in style. Inspired by the subtropical climate of southern Florida, prominent Miami architect Robert Law Weed designed the flamingo pink Art Deco home to bring the indoors and outdoors together, with plentiful windows so that "the rooms themselves become part of the out-of-doors." Its centerpiece was a spacious two-story living room with an overhanging balcony, and its flat roof, modeled after an ocean liner deck, featured large open terraces for lounging and sunbathing. The nautical theme continued inside with portal windows and cruise ship-inspired aluminum railings. The residence cost $15,000 to build. Although the original specifications called for poured concrete walls, it was framed in wood and finished with a lightweight concrete stucco so it could be easily removed after the Fair. Construction materials native to Florida included limestone and travertine, and over the years the home's bright pink color has served as a navigational aid for boaters on Lake Michigan.

Photo: Craig Doda

Photo: Craig Doda

Beverly Shores, Indiana · USA