Miami Beach Convention Center Selected as Project of the Year

Miami Beach, FL (Dec 1, 2023) – The Miami Beach Convention Center, which recently underwent a $640 million renovation and expansion, has been awarded the 2023 Project of the Year Vision Award at the 15th Annual Urban Land Institute Southeast Florida Caribbean Chapter ceremony held on Nov. 28.

“The Miami Beach Convention Center is the epicenter of economic impact in Miami Beach — welcoming more than 600,000 visitors annually,” shared City Manager Alina T. Hudak. “Once a disconnected area and dated facility surrounded by asphalt, the revised 25-acre site and 1.4 million sq. foot building has been transformed into the city’s new civic heart. We are so grateful to ULI for this incredible recognition.”

The convention center project created over 12 acres of lush new greenspaces consisting of two new public parks centrally located and interwoven into the fabric of adjacent historic neighborhoods and public buildings. Home to Art Basel Miami Beach for over 20 years and counting — it also incorporates over $7 million of contemporary public art. Visitors are immediately drawn to the center’s new architectural language reminiscent of natural elements of the ocean, beach, and underwater life by emulating receding water, sea foam and local coral reef patterns. 

Also included in the renovation, was the 100-year-old historic Carl Fisher Clubhouse and the incorporation of other resiliency features such as raised roads, elevated critical building systems, a 25-year site drainage system, and decorative flood walls which protect the building from the threat of sea level rise.

The Project of the Year Award recognizes excellence in development and redevelopment projects in the region that represent the highest standards of achievement. Such projects highlight innovation, transformational change, unique solutions and responsibility in land use and development.

Previous winners include Brickell City Center, Wynwood Walls, The Miami Design District, Lotus Village and the Perez Art Museum among others. 

***

Press release written by:

City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov