Billionaire Jeffrey Soffer’s plan to add cabanas and waterslides at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort is facing increased opposition ahead of a key vote by the city’s Historic Preservation Board scheduled for February 10. The proposal, which involves adding a water park-style feature to the historic 1,593-room hotel at 4441 Collins Avenue, has drawn criticism from residents, activists, and preservationists.
Mayor Steven Meiner and City Commissioner Tonya Bhatt have joined those opposing the project. Meiner shared his concerns on Instagram after a MidBeach Neighborhood Association meeting, stating: “The resident outcry against this project over traffic, noise, and neighborhood impacts has been understandably loud, and I share these concerns.” In an interview with The Real Deal, Meiner added: “It is hard to find a resident who is supportive of the project.”
While city commissioners do not have authority over the decision—leaving it to the Historic Preservation Board—the issue has prompted significant public response. The board previously postponed its vote in November to allow Fontainebleau Development time to revise its plans. Changes included reducing the cabana structure from three stories to two and lowering the waterslide tower from twelve stories to ten.
Fontainebleau Development stated that these revisions reflect community input. Senior vice president Anthony Stahl explained during a Zoom meeting that upgrading poolside amenities would help increase nightly room rates and support maintenance of the property’s main historic building designed by Morris Lapidus. Stahl emphasized that “the slides and amenities are meant for hotel guests rather than day visitors,” but acknowledged that day passes would include access to waterslides. He described the renovations as shifting away from a party atmosphere toward a more family-oriented environment: “We don’t want to have adults popping bottles, partying, loud music,” he said. “The intent is for all that to go away.”
Despite these assurances, local leaders remain skeptical. Attorney Marc Weiss called the proposal “the greatest threat facing Miami Beach today,” noting he was able to order online day passes for large groups for current pool access—a point he argued demonstrates public accessibility will continue with new amenities. Weiss said: “Theme parks bring a ratchet crowd… It’s tacky.”
Commissioner Bhatt also criticized the plan: “Morris Lapidus would be turning in his grave,” she said. “We are united, we are angry, we are going to fight this…This is unthinkable.”
