The Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) created Art Deco Weekend in 1976 to bring awareness and appreciation to the iconic skyline of Art Deco buildings on Ocean Drive. The Miami Beach Architectural Historic District is the first and largest Art Deco district in the United States to be recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

Challenge
This highly-respected 3-day community cultural festival attracts over 150,000 South Florida residents and tourists. Over 85 events are offered, including: a fine arts and antique pavilion, historic preservation lecture series, architectural tours, retro fashion show, classic car show, live jazz, dog show and kids’ area.

Art Deco Weekend takes place on South Beach’s famed Collins Avenue, spread across 8 city blocks with power required for 200+ vendors. Event Organizers needed safe, convenient electrical distribution but also wanted to avoid using multiple generators.

Solution
The Edlen Miami team, led by intrepid GM Vanessa Alenier, coordinated with the local power company Florida Power & Light (FPL) to pull power from multiple transformers on each block. Edlen built temporary electrical meters with disconnects to tap into the transformers, so FPL could meter the power usage. All gear was rated for outdoor use to maintain it’s UL listing. Our ever-resourceful Edlen Miami operations crew made sure the distribution panels were protected from the harsh weather and salt air
of Miami Beach.

Results
Everything was sealed tight and had locks for public’s safety and for security since the event was three days. The event went extremely smoothly and the electrical distribution was the cleanest and safest the event had achieved in 40 years.