Florida Construction News staff writer
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.
“The Miami Beach Convention Center is the epicenter of economic impact in Miami Beach — welcoming more than 600,000 visitors annually,” said 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.
The project created more than 12 acres of new greenspaces including two public parks centrally located and interwoven into adjacent historic neighborhoods and public buildings.
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.
