Miami Developer Alex Mantecon of MV Real Estate Holdings (MVREH), in conjunction with Driftwood Capital, one of the country’s leading hospitality sponsors, has revealed plans for the Riverside Wharf, a hospitality-driven entertainment complex situated along the historic Miami River that will push the limits of what is known today as hospitality in Miami. The 200,000-square-foot, two-tower development will offer a fully immersive Miami experience anchored by the highly amenitized 165-key Dream Miami luxury hotel. The complex will feature the rebirth and expansion of The Wharf Miami, 16,000 square feet of signature restaurants, a 12,000-square-foot event hall, a world-class 30,000-square-foot nightclub and rooftop dayclub, and a private deep water marina capable of accommodating megayachts.

“Riverside Wharf will be a destination for entertainment unlike any Miami has seen, bringing together world-class entertainment and hospitality offerings to a unique waterfront destination with direct Intracoastal access to the ocean,” said Mantecon. “We are excited to finally bring to fruition the dream and vision Miami has had for its riverfront entertainment district which until now has historically sat vacant and underutilized.”

Added Carlos Rodriguez Jr., COO of Driftwood Capital, “As Miami continues to attract new capital, new world-class tech and financial firms, and new talent from other parts of the country, the demand for one-of-a-kind destinations combining elements of luxury, nature, outdoor adventure and unique dining experiences is poised to escalate rapidly. We’re pleased to be able to contribute several decades of hospitality development and operational expertise to this truly unique development which will enhance Miami’s skyline and elevate the entire Miami River District.”

“Miami is a top international destination for world-class hospitality and entertainment, and continues to set the bar with exciting new experiences for travelers unlike anything else in the world,” said Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez. “Dream Miami at Riverside Wharf will be an unparalleled development in the heart of Miami for visitors and locals alike, and I couldn't be more excited to see it launch."

At 10 stories, the $185 million mixed-use development will rise on the current site of The Wharf Miami and the abutting vacant parcel. The 1.5-acre assemblage is the culmination of the vision established in the City of Miami’s 2016 voter referendum approval, obtained by MVREH, for the development of food and beverage establishments along the waterfront. The roughly 600 linear feet of water frontage will provide for the continuity of the publicly accessible Riverwalk, seamlessly connecting Riverside Wharf between Downtown Miami and Brickell. Riverside Wharf will take on the benefits of MVREH and Driftwood Capital’s best-in-class partners, including Dream Hotel Group’s growing success in highly amenitized luxury food and beverage oriented hotel properties, and Breakwater Hospitality Group’s ongoing success of high-volume entertainment venues.

“There is a natural synergy between Dream Hotel Group and the city of Miami,” said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein. “Our leading lifestyle brand Dream Hotels continues to expand quickly, just like Miami, offering international hospitality, vibrant entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences sought by local residents, as well as business travelers and pleasure seekers from across the globe. We are thrilled to take part in this extraordinary project and can’t wait to open our doors in 2025.”

Riverside Wharf will transform the storied Miami River district while paying homage to the historic fishing culture of the neighborhood by celebrating the area’s beloved Garcia’s Fish Market with a pop-up seafood market on the grounds, where locals can get the freshest catch daily.

The development is slated to break ground in 2022 and be completed by 2025. It is designed by Jon Cardello of Cube3 architects with landscape design by Savino-Miller Design Studio.