The Miami Beach Planning Board postponed a decision on Infinity Collective’s proposed mixed-use development on Alton Road, moving the vote to its meeting on May 5. The delay came after board members and residents raised concerns about traffic, parking, retail vacancies, and the design of a planned garage.
Infinity Collective, based in New York, has proposed a 14-story building at 1656-1680 Alton Road and 1677 West Avenue. The plan includes 184 apartments, 43,000 square feet of office space, and 42,000 square feet of retail. The developer is seeking approval for the creation of the Alton City Center Overlay district for the site.
Traffic congestion and parking shortages were among the main issues discussed by both residents and board members. They noted that congestion is worsened by drivers searching for street parking while private garages can cost up to $20 per hour. In response to these concerns, David Berg of Infinity Collective said that their project aims to address such issues rather than add to them. He explained that apartment tenants are expected to lease office spaces within the building and that these offices would be offered in smaller sections—around 4,000 square feet—to avoid large leases that could increase traffic.
Berg also said Infinity has been in talks with major local employers like Mount Sinai Medical Center and Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort about housing employees at the new development. Possible incentives include rent discounts for bulk leases signed by staff from these employers; Fontainebleau has considered providing shuttle service from the building to its resort.
The preliminary plan features a total of 367 parking spaces as well as a micromobility station with bicycles and scooters. Residents from nearby buildings would be allowed overnight use of some parking spaces.
Board member Jonathan Freidin questioned how Infinity plans to fill its retail space given ongoing vacancies along nearby Lincoln Road—a pedestrian area formerly known as Miami-Dade County’s top shopping destination but now facing challenges since early in this decade. Berg responded: “You need people.” He said he expects apartment and office tenants will help drive demand for retail leasing at the site.
Design concerns were also raised regarding how far back from Alton Road a three-level garage would be set. Board member Scott Needleman commented: “My concern is … what that block of Alton Road is going to look like,” warning it could create “a wall.” While city staff indicated there would be some setback from Alton Road, Berg declined afterward to specify an exact distance but said increasing it might require raising part of the structure above its current planned height of 150 feet—down from an original proposal of 180 feet after city feedback.
Infinity acquired the property last September through a deed in lieu of foreclosure for $28.3 million from Michael Shvo’s firm; Shvo had previously assembled it with plans approved in 2023 for five apartments and smaller office space before selling other assets amid financial difficulties with his investment partner Bayerische Versorgungskammer (BVK). BVK was not involved in this particular project.
Following next month’s continued hearing before planners, further approvals will be needed from both city commissioners and Miami Beach’s design review board.
