Miami Beach voters will likely decide Nov. 8 whether billionaire Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross can redevelop the site of the shuttered Deauville Beach Resort with the height increase he wants.
The City Commission on Wednesday approved putting the item on the ballot on first reading. It would take a second vote by the same body to officially put it on the ballot. Ross’ plan would create a “North Beach Oceanside FAR Overlay” district to raise the maximum height on the Deauville site to 375 feet, and permit more building density.
The resolution doesn’t mention the exact size of the project the developer would build.
Ross, the chairman of New York-based Related Cos., and New York-based architect Frank Gehry presented the Commission with preliminary plans for a 175-room hotel tower and a 150-unit condo tower.
Built at 6701 Collins Ave. in 1957, the 540-room Deauville closed in 2017 following an electrical fire and never reopened.
It’s usually difficult to demolish properties with a rich history in Miami Beach, but this hotel fell into disrepair following the fire and a judge ordered its demolition.
The hotel is currently in the process of being torn down after Miami Beach officials cited it for numerous code violations related to the deteriorating condition of the building.
Source: SFBJ