South Beach ACE Unveils Breathtaking Proposal for Miami Beach Convention Center

By Georgiana Mihaila, Associate Editor

With the competition for the spot to assist the City of Miami Beach in the redevelopment of the Miami Beach Convention Center coming down to two contenders, South Beach ACE recently unveiled its master plan. The company’s development team consists of New York City-based firm Tishman, which had a major input in the development of the original World Trade Center twin towers and the currently under-construction One World Trade Center; Miami Beach development firm UIA Management, the firm behind the 1111 Lincoln Road project; and international architecture firm OMA, led by Pritzker Prize-winner Rem Koolhaas.

The team is looking to breathe life into one of Miami’s Beach most underutilized public sites by delivering a fully revamped convention center capable of luring major events from around the world, an iconic hotel, inviting green spaces, low-density retail uses, and cultural venues, ArchDaily reports. Elements of the master plan that stand out are a comprehensive renovation of the Jackie Gleason Theater and a strategy to increase the site’s connectivity by adding multiple connections with Lincoln Road and surrounding neighborhoods.

South Beach ACE continues to seek community feedback on their attempt to reconnect the city and the convention center by creating a green, cultural and civic heart for Miami Beach centered around a contemporary, first class convention space. Feedback is welcomed on the partnership’s website and at a series of public meetings hosted by the city.

The contending developer—Portman CMC, led by developer Jack Portman—will be presenting its master plan to the community in May. So far, the developer has announced the addition of a multi-purpose space/ballroom and meeting space; a new convention center headquarter hotel; outdoor public spaces; parking; restaurants; entertainment; retail and other commercial uses that are economically viable; and residences.

Local 10 reports that Portman CMC is also working with Cirque du Soleil, having indicated plans to bring the art-inspired circus act to South Beach. The Miami Beach Commission is expected to choose the winning development team over the summer.

Image courtesy of South Beach ACE Facebook