Billionaire Jeffrey Soffer’s plan to add a water park at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel is facing significant resistance from local residents, activists, and members of the city’s Historic Preservation Board. The proposal aims to redevelop the iconic oceanfront resort’s pool area into a family-oriented attraction featuring a 12-story waterslide structure.
Fontainebleau Development, led by Soffer and based in Aventura, stated that the water park represents an “opportunity to properly activate its iconic and internationally-known hotel brand to strengthen community opportunities and be part of the solution that fortifies the city’s future.” The company also said, “We remain committed to ongoing conversations with area neighbors, stakeholders, and city leaders to ensure the plan aligns with all guidelines while also honoring the character of the historic property.”
The Historic Preservation Board postponed its decision on whether to grant 11 variances needed for construction until January 13. These variances would allow for new amenities including 11 waterslides, a children’s play pool, upgraded bathrooms, cabanas, and supporting spaces at the historic 4441 Collins Avenue property.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Fontainebleau Development lobbyist and land use attorney Mickey Marrero argued that adding a water park is necessary for the hotel to stay competitive with regional resorts like Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas and Baha Mar in Nassau. Marrero told board members: “Our competitors are not small hotels in Miami Beach. Our competitors are regional destinations for families and tourists…that are bringing amenities beyond what we have traditionally seen in the past. We need to keep in line with that. It is critical to the future success of the hotel.”
However, nearly three dozen residents voiced concerns about how such development could impact traffic congestion and alter both the Morris Lapidus-designed building and its Mid-Beach neighborhood surroundings. Only one resident spoke in favor of the project.
Attorney Mark Weiss urged board members not to approve it: “You guys are the last line of defense for historic architecture in Miami Beach,” he said. “And Lord, we need some saving here today. The Fontainebleau is a landmark, not a theme park.”
Roger Goldblatt, chairman of the Miami Design Preservation League, warned that “the waterslide structure would dramatically alter one of Miami Beach’s most iconic properties and set a concerning precedent.” Anamarie Ferreira de Melo from the MidBeach Neighborhood Association echoed this opposition.
Board member Randy Hollingsworth commented on renderings showing how large-scale structures would fit on site: “It is just massive,” he said regarding the proposed tower. Fellow board member Mitch Novick added: “This is out of context, quite frankly. I don’t find any way to make this compatible with the neighborhood.”
Marrero concluded by saying Fontainebleau Development will continue talks with local residents and associations: “We put a lot of time, effort and funding into this,” he said. “We would like the opportunity to make adjustments to make it work.”
