Mar-a-Lago
History
Mar-a-Lago is a resort and national historic landmark in Palm Beach, Florida, built from 1924 to 1927 by cereal-company heiress and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post. The 126-room, 62,500-square-foot (5,810 m2) mansion contains the Mar-a-Lago Club, a members-only club with guest rooms, a spa, and other hotel-style amenities. It is located in Palm Beach County on the Palm Beach barrier island, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Florida's Intracoastal Waterway to the west.
At the time of her death in 1973, Post bequeathed the property to the National Park Service, hoping it could be used for state visits or as a Winter White House. However, due to the costs of maintaining the property, the government returned it to the Post Foundation in 1981. It was then purchased by Donald Trump in 1985.
Architecture and Grounds
The mansion was designed by Marion Sims Wyeth, a notable architect who practiced primarily in Palm Beach, Florida. The style of the mansion is Spanish-Moorish with Venetian influences, and it is considered one of the finest examples of this style in the United States. The mansion's interior includes intricate stucco and tile work, as well as gold leaf detailing.
The grounds of Mar-a-Lago span 20 acres and include a variety of amenities. There is a 20,000-square-foot ballroom, five clay tennis courts, a croquet court, a chip and putt golf course, a swimming pool, and a spa. The property also includes three bomb shelters and a waterfront of approximately 800 feet on the Atlantic Ocean.
Mar-a-Lago Club
In the early 1990s, Trump faced financial difficulties. While negotiating with his bankers, he proposed to divide Mar-a-Lago into mini-mansions. However, his plan faced resistance from the town of Palm Beach and the Florida Department of Community Affairs. As a result, he instead turned the estate into a private club.
The Mar-a-Lago Club opened in 1995 and has been a popular destination for social events, charity balls, and political gatherings. The club requires prospective members to pay an initiation fee, as well as annual dues. The club's facilities include guest rooms, suites, a fitness center, a spa, and dining areas.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Over the years, Mar-a-Lago has been the subject of several controversies and legal issues. These have included disputes over membership policies, allegations of discrimination, and concerns about security and privacy. Additionally, Trump's frequent use of Mar-a-Lago as a presidential retreat raised questions about the separation of private and public interests.