In the 1920s T.V. Moore, a pineapple farm owner, opened a store in the Design District to help his workers furnish their homes. Quickly the area became known as the place to shop for furniture and home décor.
Then, in the 1970s the neighborhood like its neighbor—Wynwood—fell into neglect as a warehouse and industrial district.
Now, the Design District is a hotbed for art, design and fashion, revitalized in large part by the Miami Design District development. The destination is a magnetic for creatives enticed to the area by the District's lineup of galleries, design showrooms, acclaimed restaurants, ultra-high end luxury retailers and a contemporary art museum. The walkable neighborhood brims with cultural activities complemented by its enviable collection of murals, sculptures and art installations that can be found everywhere from parking garages to courtyards and sidewalks.
Free public art tours of the area's more than 30 works of art are offered twice a month and start at 6 pm from Jungle Plaza, 3801 NE First Ave., the last Wednesday of each month and at 2:30 pm, the second Sunday of each month.