Images: Schwartz Media
South Beach ACE, a development team comprised of national and local developers, international designers, contractors, engineers, landscape architects, and financial consultants, is currently in the running for the right to redevelop the Miami Beach Convention Center and the surrounding 52 acres through a partnership with the City of Miami Beach.
The South Beach ACE team, which includes New York City-based development firm Tishman and OMA, led by Koolhaas and Shigematsu, and Miami Beach development firm UIA Management, is competing against Portman-CMC for the right to redevelop one of South Beach’s busiest hot spots. Located just blocks from Lincoln Road Mall, Collins Avenue and steps away from the ocean, the Miami Beach Convention Center is one of Miami Beach’s most underutilized public sits and South Beach ACE may be the ones to decide how to fully revamp the space and lure major events from around the world. As one of just two remaining teams competing, South Beach ACE presented their master plan for the community this week and plans include renovating Jackie Gleason Theater, activating green spaces and adding multiple connections with Lincoln Road and surrounding neighborhoods, according to a press release.
Dan Tishman, chairman of Tishman, said, “After listening extensively to the community and Miami beach stakeholders, our concept plan unveiled in February was for a world class convention center, increased site connectivity, the preservation of key elements of the site that are important to the community and more open space and recreation facilities. Now we’ve taken it from the concept stage to the master plan stage, adhering to all of those key ideas to create a world class convention center facility that allows visitors to enjoy all that Miami Beach has to offer.”
Rem Koolhass, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect and founder of architecture firm OMA, added, “Our vision is to dramatically improve the convention center and optimize the connectivity throughout the site. Our plan brings a sense of engagement and vibrancy that complements the rest of Miami Beach, while using a light touch to keep the programmed uses to the right scale.”
South Beach ACE and Portman-CMC will present their final master plans in May. The Commission will then choose a ‘winner’ in June, and then a date will be set so the public can vote on whether to approve plans or maintain the status quo.
South Beach ACE continues to seek community feedback, both via its website and through a series of public meetings hosted by the City of Miami Beach.
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