Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other state officials have approved the transfer of a 2.6-acre parking lot next to Miami’s Freedom Tower for the construction of a Donald Trump presidential library. The unanimous vote by DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson was made as part of their roles on the Internal Improvement Trust Fund board.
The parcel at 500-540 Biscayne Boulevard is currently used by Miami Dade College employees. Last week, the college’s board of trustees voted to give the land to the state, which led to Tuesday’s decision by state officials. Miami Dade College purchased the property in 2004 for $25 million, but previous development efforts were unsuccessful.
Freedom Tower, owned by Miami-Dade College and located nearby, recently reopened after undergoing a $25 million renovation. The building has historical significance as it served Cuban immigrants during the 1960s and 1970s.
“Having the Trump Presidential Library in Miami will be good for Florida, for the city, and for Miami Dade College,” said DeSantis in a statement. If built, it would be Florida’s first presidential library.
Donald Trump maintains his main residence at Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. Eric Trump stated that “It will be the greatest Presidential Library ever built, honoring the greatest President our Nation has ever known,” adding that “This will be one of the most beautiful buildings ever built, an Icon on the Miami skyline.”
