Historic Deauville Site Transformation Approved: Miami Beach Gives Green Light to Luxury Redevelopment

In a decisive 6-1 vote on Wednesday evening, Miami Beach commissioners approved critical land use amendments that will transform the former Deauville Beach Resort site into a luxury mixed-use development. The oceanfront property, located at 6701 Collins Avenue in North Beach, has sat vacant since the iconic hotel's demolition after years of deterioration. The approved changes mark a significant milestone for the controversial 3.8-acre property and represent a dramatic evolution in North Beach's development landscape.

Project Details Reveal Ambitious Scale and Design Vision

The newly approved development will dramatically exceed the site's original density restrictions, increasing the floor area ratio (FAR) from the current 3.0-3.15 to an impressive 5.5. This expansion allows for a nearly 916,000-square-foot project that will feature 120 luxury condominium units alongside a 150-room hotel.

Architectural heavyweights Foster + Partners, Shulman + Associates, and ODP Architecture & Design have collaborated on the project's design, which includes a partial reconstruction of the original Deauville structure while soaring to new heights of 400 feet—more than double the original building's 185-foot, 17-story profile.

Terra CEO David Martin, who acquired a 25% stake in the property for $12.5 million approximately a year ago, has been spearheading the development effort. The Meruelo family maintains majority ownership with a 75% interest in the oceanfront site. Martin's involvement has been widely viewed as strategic, given his reputation for successful negotiations with local governments.

"We're taking the time to get it right," Martin stated after the commission's vote. "This project will pay tribute to the legacy of the historic Deauville while bringing new energy and economic benefits to North Beach."

Community Support Overshadows Controversial Property History

Despite the Meruelo family's contentious history with the property—which includes allegations of intentional neglect leading to the building's deterioration and ongoing litigation with the city over millions in unpaid fines—Wednesday's commission meeting revealed overwhelming community support for the redevelopment plan.

Richard Zaki, a resident of the nearby Sterling condominium, offered passionate endorsement during public comments: "I want to speak to you from my heart when I tell you that this project is brilliant, and Mr. Martin, the time he has spent listening, public hearings, answering questions, I think the humanity of it is also brilliant for such a big project."

Perhaps most telling was the testimony from Elizabeth Latone, a member of the city's planning board who spoke as a private citizen: "How much longer can we wait? At what point is something going to be good enough for this spot? Yes, we have terrible owners. Everybody knows that they are toxic, but we can't wait anymore."

Commissioner Tanya Bhatt acknowledged the complex dynamics at play, stating, "I hate the fact that they're going to make money off of this," in reference to the Meruelo family. However, she indicated that the city was approaching a settlement regarding the outstanding fines owed by the property owners.

Historical Preservation Concerns Balance with Development Progress

The Miami Design Preservation League, often a critical voice regarding development of historic properties, offered conditional support for the project. Executive Director Daniel Ciraldo praised the design while cautioning the commission about the Meruelo family's involvement and requesting height reduction negotiations before final approval.

"We need to make sure that we're clear that the owners are also the Meruelos, and they owe millions of dollars to the city of Miami Beach, and David Martin is a very good developer, but there's another owner that a lot of us know cannot always be trusted," Ciraldo stated. "It is a double height of what was there. Between first and second [reading], I hope you guys can really negotiate the height, make it even better."

The redevelopment represents a markedly different approach than billionaire Steve Ross's failed 2022 attempt to secure a 4.5 FAR for the property. Ross had entered into a $500 million contract with the Meruelos, contingent upon voter approval of a referendum that ultimately failed.

Next Steps in the Approval Process

Wednesday's approval represents only the first reading of the amendments. The changes will now be referred to the planning board for review before returning to the commission for a final vote, likely next month. This procedural timeline gives stakeholders additional opportunities to refine the project details before construction can begin.

Commissioner David Suarez cast the lone dissenting vote, though his specific objections were not highlighted in the meeting's coverage. Mayor Steven Meiner joined commissioners Tanya Bhatt, Laura Dominguez, Alex Fernandez, Joseph Magazine, and Kristen Rosen Gonzalez in supporting the amendments.

The Legacy and Future of an Iconic Miami Beach Address

The Deauville Beach Resort, constructed in 1957, holds a special place in Miami Beach's cultural history. The hotel famously hosted The Beatles for their second Ed Sullivan Show appearance in 1964 and served as a premier entertainment venue during Miami Beach's golden era.

Its deterioration and eventual demolition represented a painful loss for preservation advocates. The current redevelopment plan attempts to balance nostalgia with progress by incorporating elements of the original structure while creating a modern luxury destination that meets current market demands.

If approved on second reading, the project would become one of North Beach's most significant developments in decades and potentially catalyze further investment in the area, which has historically received less attention than South Beach and Mid-Beach neighborhoods.

Insights: Understanding the Deauville Redevelopment

Why is this redevelopment so significant for Miami Beach?

The Deauville site represents both a painful reminder of neglect and an extraordinary opportunity for North Beach. As a 3.8-acre oceanfront parcel, its redevelopment could serve as an economic engine for the surrounding area while resolving a longstanding eyesore that has plagued the community since the hotel's closure.

What makes this proposal different from Steve Ross's failed plan?

While both proposals sought increased density, the current plan includes a partial reconstruction of the original Deauville structure, which may have helped gain preservation community support. Additionally, Terra's David Martin has invested significant time in community engagement, creating a more collaborative approach than the previous referendum attempt.

Why would commissioners approve a project from developers who owe the city millions in fines?

Commissioner Bhatt indicated that settlement negotiations regarding the fines are nearing completion. Additionally, the urgent need to address the vacant property appears to have outweighed concerns about the Meruelo family's past behavior, especially with Terra's involvement providing additional credibility.

How tall was the original Deauville compared to the proposed development?

The original Deauville stood approximately 185 feet tall with 17 stories. The proposed development would reach 400 feet—more than twice the height of the historic structure.

What happens next in the approval process?

The amendments will be reviewed by the planning board before returning to the commission for a second reading vote, likely next month. If approved at that stage, the project can move forward with more detailed permitting and construction planning.