Icon Nightclub Closes, Possibly Making Room for New Latin Concept

UPDATE: We now know more about Copa Room, the club that will be taking over Icon's venue.


At the end of December 2015, Icon Nightclub opened its doors. The new 30,000-square-foot, art-deco-inspired concept was taking over the Washington Avenue space once held by Mansion, which survived for 11 years before finally announcing its closure in August 2015.

"We have a high bar to reach, as Mansion had an 11-year successful track record, and we are working hard to carry out and surpass the expectations that exist," Icon said via a news release weeks before the club opened.

Unfortunately, the club lasted only nine months. Icon partner Emi Guerra confirmed with New Times today that the club's owners decided to close Icon's doors after Labor Day weekend.

Icon originally wanted to branch out of the typical big-room EDM bookings. "There's going to be times where we're going to want to see and hear up-and-coming talent and hopefully catch some of those people as they tour the U.S. We're also going to want to see something that's nostalgic — the meshing of some of the old with some of the new, and some of the new mixed with the old things we've grown to love," Guerra told New Times in an interview last year before Icon opened.

The club's interior, a neon playground that combined a retro look with modern tech, was gorgeous and took home our 2016 Best of Miami award for Best Nightclub Renovation. But the club struggled to forge a strong and unique identity, booking mainstream EDM DJs with the occasional hip-hop act, blending in with established Miami Beach heavy-hitters such as LIV and Story, while elbowing for attention with fellow newcomer Rockwell.

Borgore, Ruby Rose, Like Mike, and Dimitri Vegas were among the acts to perform at Icon.

But the venue space might have yet another chance at life after Icon. "Miami Copa Room coming soon," reads the marquee below Icon's logo. A quick visit to Miami Copa Room's website reveals vague plans for a new Latin concept "coming soon" in fall 2016.The Copa Room did not respond to emails requesting comment, and the website gives no real information about what to expect. It also lists its address as 1445 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, which is the current address of Cameo. So it's possible the Copa Room won't take over Icon's space. 

A large Latin club in Miami Beach could prove to be a smart move, though. Mango's, the most popular Latin concept on the Beach, has long been one of the most profitable clubs in Florida, according to Nightclub & Bar's annual ranking of the nation's most profitable bars and clubs. Last year, the club raked in an estimated $20 to $25 million.  

When it comes to the Copa Room, though, it's all a bit confusing and unclear at the moment; we'll update the story when more information becomes available. But one thing is for sure: Icon Nightclub is no more. Miami Beach claims another victim.