Billionaire Jeffrey Soffer’s proposal to build a water park at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach is set for a vote by the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board next week. The redevelopment plan targets the resort’s outdoor pool area and would make the new water park accessible to the public, though admission fees have not yet been determined. The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is located at 4441 Collins Avenue.
Fontainebleau Development, an affiliate of Soffer’s Aventura-based company, has requested 11 variances from city regulations. According to a letter of intent filed with Miami Beach officials on September 11, these changes are needed to accommodate 11 waterslides, a children’s play pool, updated and new bathrooms, cabanas, and other supporting facilities. Renderings show that the waterslides would be attached to a 12-story structure.
Among the variances sought are permission to eliminate required 10-foot setbacks at the rear of the property for construction of a two-story building with cabanas and bathrooms. The company also wants to reduce open space near beach sand dunes and allow decks, patios, and beach furniture within 10 feet of any beach erosion control line.
If approved by the board, Fontainebleau Development anticipates completing construction on the water park in the following year.
In 2019, Jeffrey Soffer took sole ownership of Fontainebleau Miami Beach after dividing real estate assets with his sister Jackie Soffer into separate companies. In 2024, he secured $1.2 billion in refinancing for the property. The historic hotel was originally designed by architect Morris Lapidus and opened in 1954. It occupies a 15-acre site featuring multiple pools, a large spa facility spanning approximately 40,000 square feet, several dining venues including Liv nightclub, and three residential towers.
Also in 2024, Fontainebleau Development finished building a five-story business center adjacent to its Miami Beach resort at 4360 and 4370 Collins Avenue. This new facility connects directly to Tresor Tower via skybridge.
