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 focuses on the resort’s outdoor pool area at 4441 Collins Avenue and would make the new water park accessible to the public, though admission fees have not yet been determined.
Fontainebleau Development, an affiliate of Soffer’s Aventura-based company, has requested 11 variances from city regulations. These variances are necessary to accommodate features such as 11 waterslides connected to a 12-story structure, a children’s play pool, updated and new bathrooms, cabanas, and other support spaces. According to a letter of intent filed with the city on September 11, one variance would remove a required 10-foot setback at the rear of the property for construction of a two-story building with additional cabanas and bathrooms. Other requests include reducing open space near sand dunes and allowing decks, patios, and beach furniture within ten feet of any beach erosion control line.
If approved by the board, Fontainebleau Development anticipates completing the water park in 2026.
In 2019, Jeffrey Soffer assumed ownership of Fontainebleau Miami Beach after splitting 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 15 acres and includes multiple amenities such as eleven pools, a large spa facility covering 40,000 square feet, twelve food and beverage venues including Liv nightclub, as well as three residential towers.
Also in 2024, Fontainebleau Development finished construction on a five-story business center located at 4360 and 4370 Collins Avenue next to the main resort. This business center is linked to Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s Tresor Tower via a skybridge.
“An affiliate of Soffer’s Aventura-based Fontainebleau Development is seeking 11 variances in order to make room for 11 waterslides, a kid’s play pool, refurbished and new bathrooms, cabanas, and associated supporting spaces,” according to a Sept. 11 letter of intent filed with the city of Miami Beach.”
