The History
Casa Casuarina was originally built in 1930 by Alden Freeman as a replica of the Alcazar de Colón, the oldest viceregal mansion in the Americas, constructed in Santo Domingo in 1510. The three-story Mediterranean Revival building sat on the ocean side of what was then a quiet stretch of Ocean Drive.
Gianni Versace purchased the property in 1992 for $2.9 million and spent an estimated $33 million transforming it into one of the most opulent private residences in America. He added a south wing, a 54-foot swimming pool lined with 24-karat gold mosaic tiles, elaborate frescoes, and hand-painted murals throughout. The mansion became a legendary gathering place for supermodels, rock stars, and Hollywood A-listers during the height of South Beach's 1990s renaissance.
The Crime
On the morning of July 15, 1997, Gianni Versace walked to the News Cafe on Ocean Drive, as he did most mornings, to buy magazines and have coffee. When he returned and was unlocking the front gate of Casa Casuarina, Andrew Cunanan approached from behind and shot him twice in the head at point-blank range.
Cunanan was already on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list for four previous murders in a cross-country killing spree that had begun in Minneapolis in April. His motives were never fully explained. Eight days after killing Versace, Cunanan was found dead by suicide on a houseboat in Miami Beach, leaving no note or explanation.
Versace's death shocked the fashion world and marked the end of one of the most violent celebrity-targeted killing sprees in American history. The case inspired the FX series "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story."
Key Facts
Andrew Cunanan's Spree
Cunanan killed five people in three months across four states. Versace was his fifth and final victim. Cunanan took his own life eight days later on a Miami Beach houseboat.
The $33 Million Renovation
Versace spent more than 10 times the purchase price on renovations. The 54-foot pool is lined with thousands of 24-karat gold mosaic tiles in Versace's signature Medusa pattern.
The Fashion Empire
At the time of his death, Versace's fashion empire was worth an estimated $807 million. His sister Donatella took over as creative director and continues to lead the brand.
What's There Now
Visit The Villa Casa Casuarina
Address: 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Status: Now The Villa Casa Casuarina, a luxury boutique hotel with 10 suites, a restaurant, and the famous gold mosaic pool.
Highlights: Much of Versace's original interior design has been preserved. The restaurant is open to non-guests for dinner. The pool area is available for day passes.
Tip: The front steps where the shooting occurred are now part of the hotel entrance. Rooms start around $1,000/night.
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