Owner of the Clevelander Files Official Plans for an 18-Story Tower on Ocean Drive
October 27, 2023
The owner of the Clevelander on Ocean Drive has formally presented plans for an 18-story tower, standing at 200 feet, as reported by the Herald.
Under this proposal, a five-story annex building is set to be demolished while preserving the historic facades of the Clevelander and Essex House hotels.
The project envisions 137 residential units, including condos at the Clevelander, 55 workforce housing units at the Essex House, and a ground-floor restaurant. Remarkably, no on-site parking is included in the plans.
Canada’s Jesta Group had initially announced intentions to construct a 30-story tower last month, but they later submitted plans for a shorter one. Jesta Group asserts they are within their rights to build as tall as 52 stories, reaching 519 feet.
Kobi Karp serves as the architect for this project.
This proposal falls under a new state law known as the Live Local Act, which seeks to enhance the availability of affordable housing in Florida. The law provides certain exemptions from local zoning restrictions if the developer allocates 40% of the units as income-restricted workforce housing.
Miami Beach officials have voiced their opposition to the proposal, and city authorities are exploring various avenues to prevent this project and similar future developments, as per the report.
