Billionaire Jeffrey Soffer’s proposal to build a water park at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel is facing significant resistance from local residents, city activists, and members of the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board. The plan calls for redeveloping the historic hotel’s outdoor pool area into a family-friendly attraction featuring a 12-story waterslide structure.
At a recent board meeting, many attendees voiced concerns that the project would not fit with the character of the Morris Lapidus-designed property or its Mid-Beach neighborhood. Traffic congestion and preservation of historic architecture were among the main issues raised. Nearly three dozen people spoke against the development, while only one resident expressed support.
Mark Weiss, an attorney and Miami Beach resident, urged board members to reject the proposal: “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, also opposed the project: “The waterslide structure would dramatically alter one of Miami Beach’s most iconic properties and set a concerning precedent.” Anamarie Ferreira de Melo, president of the MidBeach Neighborhood Association, echoed this sentiment.
Members of the preservation board shared similar views about the scale and context of the proposed water park. Board member Randy Hollingsworth commented on its size: “It is just massive,” he said regarding the waterslide tower. Another member, Mitch Novick, added: “This is out of context, quite frankly. I don’t find any way to make this compatible with the neighborhood.”
Fontainebleau Development argues that adding a water park is necessary for staying competitive with other regional resorts like Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas and Baha Mar in Nassau. Lobbyist and land use attorney Mickey 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.”
In response to criticism, Fontainebleau Development released a statement describing their intentions: The waterpark is 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 added: “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 board postponed voting on whether to approve 11 variances requested by Fontainebleau Development until January 13. These variances would allow construction of 11 waterslides connected to a new structure as well as additional amenities such as cabanas and play pools.
Marrero stated that Fontainebleau Development intends to meet with opposing residents and associations before moving forward: “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.”
