From the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, “Al Capone, sometimes known as ‘Scarface,’ was an American gangster and businessman who attained notoriety during the Prohibition era. He was co-founder and boss of the Chicago Outfit. His seven-year reign as crime boss ended when he was 33.”
More recently, in 1986, “The Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults” was a two-hour television special. It was broadcast April 21, 1986 and hosted by Geraldo Rivera. The much-anticipated event turned out to be an anticlimactic and legendary flop. After almost two hours of teasing viewers, Rivera opened the vault to reveal … nothing!
Nevertheless, South Florida is still filled with Al Capone legend and lore. The Miami mansion where he died is easily located via any search engine. Almost every South Florida restaurant and watering hole that has been around since the 1920’s has a story about how “Al Capone drank here.” But Capone’s reputed riverside hideout in Fort Lauderdale remains somewhat of a mystery.
The only mention of this Fort Lauderdale house we could find was in a 2014 PBS special entitled “Al Capone: Icon.”
“We added a backlit, wall-to-wall mural.” The onyx pattern mural is an example of one of Perla Lichi’s specialties.
Whether or not Al Capone used this home as a hideaway remains to be seen. “It was a very interesting home and a joy to design,” says Interior Designer Perla Lichi. “We began our complete home remodel by selecting white background materials. We wanted white walls. We specified reflective white ceilings and shiny white floors. White floors and white ceilings, combined with white walls, makes the rooms appear much larger than they are. They also seem to have higher ceilings. White provided the perfect background for the client’s modern artwork.
“We added a feature wall in a back-lit, wall-to-wall mural. The faux turquoise and green light-up onyx mural—one of Perla Lichi’s specialties—establishes a color palette that flows throughout the home: living room, family room, master bedroom, and kitchen. Custom LED lighting in a random geometric pattern adds interest to reflective white ceilings. This special lighting effect visually connects the living room, dining room, and family room.
“A white counter that extends almost the full length of the kitchen is the perfect casual dining area. Grey ceramic mosaic tile with silver accents creates a perfect kitchen back splash. This same tile is repeated under the long counter, where four white leather stools make it easy for family and guests to join the conversation,
Windows along the back of the house allow water views from rooms that face the river. One can just imagine Capone’s speed boat pulling up to unload a shipment of bootleg whisky!
Perla Lichi is a Florida licensed interior designer with offices in Coral Springs, Florida. To set up an appointment, call 954.726.0899 or fill out a “Jump Start” form at http://perlalichi.com.
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