Malaysian developer Genting Group has submitted their plans for Federal approval for their proposed Resorts World development at the former Miami Herald site in Downtown Miami at 1 Herald Plaza. The land has sat there essential untouched, less a fence being constructed on the site several months ago. On January 23, Genting submitted plans for 3 towers to the FAA. Each tower is proposed to rise 642 SF above ground (649 SF above sea level). The FAA had previous approved the three towers at the same height in 2013 when Arquitectonica submitted their application on Genting's behalf. The approval expired on January 10, 2017. Genting has also been working to gain approval to construct a marina behind the site which would house 50 boat-slips and a mega-yacht harbor. They also have a deal in place with Art Miami to move the annual show to the site. Genting purchased the 5.65 acre site in 2011 for $236 million with the plans to build a casino but state and county officials have been slow to approve any plans that would allow gambling.
Whats the deal with Resort World Miami?
The proposed Resorts World Miami development has caused quite a stir over the past few years in Downtown Miami. Ambitious plans matched with high-profile lawsuits has pushed the project into a state of mystery and question. Genting originally paid $236 Million in 2011 for the Miami Herald Site and demolished the existing building in 2014. Since then not much has been heard from the developers besides stalls and lawsuits.
The most recent news as to the project is that Resorts World Miami, the entity Genting operating under in Miami, has purchased the rights to build a 20-slip marina on the site from the Matheson Family. Additionally Resorts World Miami and Miami-Dade's Property Appraiser sued each other last year over property tax breaks that allowed the developer to save millions. Resorts World Miami then sued Miami-Dade to force the approval of slots and card games to the Omni Mall, which it also is the owning entity. Resorts World Miami was then sued by Prime Sites brokerage alleging that they are owned substantial commissions on the lease of the Boulevard Shops, currently under construction and located on Biscayne. A lease was signed and as per the contract Resorts World Miami received their 40-year certification on the aging development site, but failed to pay out commission s in regards to the executed leases. Resorts World Miami then signed a lease with their own subsidiary, Crystal Cruises, sparking further controversy. Only time will tell what the future holds for this amazing plot of land in between the MacArthur and Venetian Causeways.