Billionaire Jeffrey Soffer’s proposal to build a water park at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort is facing significant opposition from residents, activists, and members of the city’s Historic Preservation Board. The plan involves redeveloping the hotel’s outdoor pool area into a family attraction that would feature a 12-story waterslide structure.
Fontainebleau Development, based in Aventura and led by Soffer, released a statement describing the project as 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 stated, “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 approve 11 requested variances for the project until January 13. These variances would permit construction of “11 waterslides, a kid’s play pool, refurbished and new bathrooms, cabanas and associated supporting spaces,” according to a letter submitted to the city in September. Renderings indicate that all slides would connect to one large structure.
During a two-hour board meeting, Fontainebleau Development’s lobbyist and land use attorney Mickey Marrero argued that adding a water park is necessary for the hotel to compete with other regional resorts such as 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.”
Public response was largely negative during the meeting, with nearly three dozen speakers opposing the plan compared to one resident who spoke in favor. Critics said that introducing such an attraction would conflict with architect Morris Lapidus’ original design for both the hotel and surrounding Mid-Beach neighborhood. Concerns were also raised about increased traffic congestion.
Attorney and Miami Beach resident Mark Weiss urged board members not to approve the project: “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, and Anamarie Ferreira de Melo, president of the MidBeach Neighborhood Association, both expressed their organizations’ opposition as well. Goldblatt stated: “The waterslide structure would dramatically alter one of Miami Beach’s most iconic properties and set a concerning precedent.”
Board members echoed these concerns. Randy Hollingsworth described the proposed tower as “just massive,” adding: “There is no context for this structure on this site.” Fellow board member Mitch Novick commented: “This is out of context, quite frankly. I don’t find any way to make this compatible with the neighborhood.”
Marrero indicated that Fontainebleau Development plans further discussions with local residents and associations about possible changes: “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.”
