In North Beach Village, a neighborhood once lined with mid-century motels and modest apartments, a new chapter is unfolding. The latest arrival isn’t just another boutique or restaurant—it’s an art gallery with a mission: to preserve Fort Lauderdale’s architectural history while giving locals and visitors alike a reason to linger.
The driving force behind the gallery is Abby Laughlin, a successful real estate developer, artist, and collector with a passion for mid-century design. Her dual background in business and art gives her a unique perspective. “Above all, I am a collector,” she says. “Postcards, drawings, retro pieces… they all tell the story of a neighborhood and a moment in time.”
The gallery is filled with Laughlin’s detailed drawings and prints of once-iconic motels and hotels, many of which have been replaced by modern resorts. “People are incredibly drawn to the work. When I show them a drawing and say, ‘And now it’s the W Hotel,’ their mouths drop,” she explains. “Visitors love the chance to take home a little piece of history.” Prints, rather than originals, make it possible for anyone staying at nearby hotels like the Conrad to bring home a reminder of Fort Lauderdale’s past.
Laughlin has also authored a companion book to her artwork, available for purchase in the gallery. Visitors can even have their copies signed by her, adding a personal connection to the history she’s documenting.
Beyond her own work, Laughlin curates retro-inspired merchandise that captures the playful spirit of the 1950s and ’60s—postcards, pin-up books, and whimsical designs with UFOs. “I’m very attracted to that period of architecture,” she says. “We have such a rich history here, and people respond to the happiness and optimism of that era.”
The gallery also serves as a showcase for local artists, including pottery by Karen James and Off-Center Pottery. Connected to the Wine Garden next door, the space lends itself to cocktail parties and artist socials, creating a lively hub in the neighborhood.
Still, there’s a wistful edge to Laughlin’s mission. As a developer, she understands the challenges facing mid-century buildings in South Florida, where insurance issues and redevelopment often mean they won’t last much longer.
In blending her roles as artist, collector, and developer, Laughlin has created more than just a gallery. She’s crafted a place where history, creativity, and community converge—an ode to a disappearing era. gallery600ftl.com
