Billionaire Jeffrey Soffer’s proposal to add cabanas and waterslides at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort is facing increasing opposition from city officials, residents, activists, and preservationists. The plan would bring a water park-style feature to the historic 1,593-room hotel located at 4441 Collins Avenue.
Mayor Steven Meiner has publicly opposed the project. On his Instagram account, he posted an image of the planned renovations with a detailed explanation for his stance. “The resident outcry against this project over traffic, noise, and neighborhood impacts has been understandably loud, and I share these concerns,” Meiner wrote.
In an interview with The Real Deal, Meiner described significant negative feedback from constituents: “It is hard to find a resident who is supportive of the project,” he said.
Although city commissioners will not make the final decision on Soffer’s plan—the responsibility lies with the Historic Preservation Board—Meiner said that objections focus on potential traffic congestion, safety issues, and environmental impact. The board postponed its vote in November to allow Fontainebleau Development time to revise aspects of the proposal. Since then, Fontainebleau Development has reduced the cabana structure from three stories to two and lowered the waterslide tower from 12 stories to 10.
Fontainebleau Development stated that these changes reflect community input received during previous meetings. Senior vice president Anthony Stahl told attendees at a Zoom meeting that upgrades would help increase nightly room rates and fund maintenance for the main historic building designed by Morris Lapidus.
Stahl rejected claims that Fontainebleau was creating a public destination water park: “We don’t want to have adults popping bottles, partying, loud music,” Stahl said. “The intent is for all that to go away.” He emphasized that amenities are intended for hotel guests but acknowledged day passes would grant access to waterslides as well.
Neighborhood leaders remain skeptical about these assurances. Marc Weiss called it “the greatest threat facing Miami Beach today” and argued that online purchases show large groups could still gain access. Weiss commented: “Theme parks bring a ratchet crowd… It’s tacky.”
City Commissioner Tonya Bhatt criticized the renovation plans as inconsistent with Lapidus’ legacy: “Morris Lapidus would be turning in his grave,” Bhatt said. “We are united, we are angry, we are going to fight this…This is unthinkable.”
The Historic Preservation Board is scheduled to vote on February 10.
