Jungle Island, known for hosting South Florida’s most prestigious events, recently announced a $700,000 facelift of its signature Treetop Ballroom, Arboretum and adjacent function spaces.
Under the direction of Miami-based Cardenas + Kriz design studio, the theme reflects “Natural Opulence,” showcasing the inherent beauty found within the jungle. The renovation is part of the attraction’s masterplan to transform the popular zoological park into a destination with real-life jungle adventures and further solidify Jungle Island’s place as the premier destination for top events in Miami.
“We’re extremely proud to re-introduce these spaces,” said John Dunlap, president and CEO of Iconic Attractions Group, the management company over Jungle Island. “Every detail was carefully thought out to match the sophisticated, yet welcoming nature of the events we host at Jungle Island.”
Inspired by the spirit of Jungle Island, the concept aims to bring subtle traces from the enchanting environments of the outside world indoors. Every element within the project ties into the environment in a meaningful and modern way, as most evidently seen in the refined textures, neutral color palette, and blends of wood and fibers. The design fuses functionality, with select materials doubling as acoustical support.
“We wanted to create a place for guests to experience the sensuality and mystery of the jungle,” said designer Ivette Cardenas. “Jungle Island is all about journeys and discovery, and this design is an organic way to incorporate that into meetings and special events.”
The new look encompasses every touch point of the overall space, beginning with the elevator lobby, which will soon feature resin-like panels and plank wood flooring resembling the bark of a gray oak tree. The soundproof plank wood floors create movement and continue into the Treetop foyer, though morphing in pattern. Upon entering the foyer, an impactful live vertical gardens framed in wood, provides guests with a grand welcome and full expression of nature.
Additionally, the foyer will soon feature a wall of three-dimensional screens displaying patterns of leaf structures to artfully anchor the room. These decorative statements will simultaneously conceal acoustic insert panels.
Laying the foundation for the nearly 14,000-square-foot Treetop Ballroom are customized, noise-absorbing modular carpet tiles that merge into a linear pattern in gradating hues of taupe, brown and hints of gray-blue and burgundy inspired by the eye of a tiger.
Screens of brassy metallic set in wood will soon establish the four focal points of the ballroom, while architectural touches such as columns of gray oak and entrances framed in dark wood build visual interest.
The Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom comfortably accommodates up to 2,000 people for a reception and offers versatile meeting space, which can be divided into three salons, as well as an outdoor veranda overlooking Jungle Island and impressive prefunction foyer.
Another space boasting a crisp new look is the 1,900-square-foot Arboretum, which is revived with walls of white with a hint of gray and the tiger-eye inspired carpet to complement the room’s floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Favored for weddings, the Arboretum can hold up to 150 people or can be divided into three smaller spaces. The new design scheme also includes restrooms, now refreshed with a neutral palette, tiled floors, upgraded metal finishes, and a floating rectangular quartz vanity.
Complementing the new look will be an enhanced catering menu by partner, Ovations Food Services. The nationally ranked food and beverage catering and retail food services provider is lauded for its use of fresh ingredients and culinary interpretations.
Jungle Island’s new executive chef Mark Borowski currently is designing signature dishes and interactive dining experiences that incorporate Miami flavors, as well as build upon Jungle Island’s distinct service.
Jungle Island hosts more than 700 events annually including varying functions for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, social and philanthropic galas, networkers, Miami-Dade School proms, weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays and anniversary parties, as well as other social and business gatherings.
A highlight of scheduled events is the inaugural Bella’s Ball, which will take place on Sept. 13. Bella’s Ball will attract more than 800 guests to help raise money for pediatric cancer research through the Live Like Bella Foundation.
Through a new partnership with South Florida-based PSAV, Jungle Island offers complete, on-site audio-visual services, along with the latest technology equipment to support guests’ needs.
To book an event, call 305-400- 7230 or send email to catering@jungleisland.com.
