The Closure of The Wharf Miami Paves the Path for the Riverside Wharf Development Along the Miami River
September 1, 2023
The Wharf Miami, an iconic entertainment venue known for hosting cultural events and creating cherished memories since its opening in November 2017, is set to close on Saturday, September 16. This closure marks the beginning of the highly anticipated Riverside Wharf development. The Wharf Miami, conceived by Emi Guerra of Breakwater Hospitality Group and Alex Mantecon of MV Real Estate Holdings (MVREH), introduced the open-air waterfront concept and played a pivotal role in establishing the Miami River District as a top-tier entertainment destination in South Florida.
The venue’s final weekend, named “The Closing Parties,” will include a themed celebration called “The Closing Parties: & MORE!” on Friday, September 15, featuring decorations, photo opportunities, unique cocktails, and more inspired by The Wharf Miami’s most iconic events over the past five years. On Saturday, September 16, “The Closing Parties: Bon Voyage” will be the venue’s final day. The first 500 attendees with an RSVP on Saturday will have a chance to win exclusive merchandise. The closure of The Wharf Miami will pave the way for the construction of Riverside Wharf, expected to begin by the end of the year.
Riverside Wharf will include an expanded and permanent version of The Wharf Miami, a 165-key Dream Hotel, a 30,000-square-foot nightclub and rooftop day club, 16,000 square feet of signature restaurants, a 12,000-square-foot event hall, and a marina component. The developers, MV Real Estate Holdings (MVREH), Driftwood Capital, and Merrimac Ventures, envision Riverside Wharf as a comprehensive entertainment, dining, and accommodation destination in Miami’s Downtown core.
Riverside Wharf will contribute to the community by building a new public riverwalk and implementing a state-of-the-art sea level rise initiative, including a new seawall. Additionally, it will feature Garcia’s Fish Market, honoring the neighborhood’s fishing heritage. Last August, the City of Miami passed a referendum extending Riverside Wharf’s lease on city-owned land by 50 years, ensuring its long-term presence in the Miami River community. This development will create job opportunities, increase financial contributions to the city, enhance public areas, and improve the surrounding seawall.
While The Wharf Miami closes, other venues under Breakwater Hospitality Group, including The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, Regatta Grove in Coconut Grove, JohnMartin’s in Coral Gables, Rivertail in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, will continue to operate.
