An iconic hotel and bar in Miami Beach will soon be replaced with a residential project. There are ongoing plans for The Clevelander Hotel and Bar to be redeveloped into affordable housing units and a high-end restaurant.
Jesta Group, owner of The Clevelander and adjoining Essex House hotel properties, intends to submit architectural plans for the project to the City of Miami Beach.
According to a news report, a “prominent architect” has been brought on board for a “transformational redevelopment” and the “first of its kind” to be developed under Florida’s recently enacted Live Local Act, which aims to incentivize affordable housing options.
Under the act, the hotel’s redevelopment project’s maximum density would comprise 150 residential units per acre and will be 30 stories. About 40% of the project will be reserved for affordable units.
The new development will maintain the historic Art Deco façades and signage of the hotel, Canada-based Jesta Group said in a statement.
“Since purchasing the Clevelander Hotel and Bar a few years ago, we have been proud to operate this legendary and iconic establishment in South Beach. Although we are happy to continue operating as we have, some have expressed a desire that we change our business model at the property,” said Anthony O’Brien, Jesta Group’s senior managing director.
The new development will have hotel services and a restaurant on the ground floor, the owners said.
There has been a shortage of affordable housing in Miami Beach, which has resulted in a prolonged labor crunch in the local hospitality sector. Many employees, especially those in the hospitality sector, find it difficult to get affordable rentals close to their workplaces due to the skyrocketing rents and are forced to opt for long, daily commutes. The problem worsened during the pandemic, resulting in many workers dropping out of the hospitality industry.