Miami’s Transformation: One Bayfront Plaza’s New Supertall Tower

Miami’s Building Department has issued a total demolition permit for the One Bayfront Plaza site at 100 South Biscayne Boulevard, marking a significant first step towards developing a new supertall tower in downtown Miami. Approved on March 27 and issued on June 25, this permit sets the stage for a major transformation in the heart of the city.

Currently, the site hosts a 19-story office building that occupies an entire city block, a significant presence in Miami’s downtown area. The demolition process, expected to take nine months to a year, will clear the way for a transformative project that will redefine the city’s skyline. Interior demolition has already begun, with B2 Group LLC handling the work under a permit valued at $2.4 million.

The property owner, Florida East Coast Realty (FECR), has ambitious plans for the site. They envision a landmark tower reaching 1,049 feet in height, featuring over three million square feet of mixed-use space. This includes class AAA office space, a luxury convention hotel, high-end residences, an upscale retail mall, and a parking garage, all offering 360-degree panoramic views over Biscayne Bay. Once completed, this tower will become Miami’s tallest building and the city’s second supertall, following the soon-to-rise Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences.

The new tower’s design is still under wraps, with previous concepts from renowned architects like Kohn Pedersen Fox and ODP Architecture & Design. While specific details are scarce, FECR has shared a low-resolution rendering of the proposed building, though the architect’s identity remains undisclosed.

Older renderings of supertall towers on the site:

• One Bayfront Plaza, designed by ODP Architecture & Design.
• One Bayfront Plaza, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and ODP Architecture & Design.

In recent years, the One Bayfront Plaza site has gained notoriety for its extensive graffiti. The abandoned building has served as a canvas for graffiti artists, particularly during major events like Art Basel. In December 2023, graffiti artists from around the world “bombed” the building, covering it with colorful tags and murals. This creative takeover highlighted the building’s vacancy and prominence as a visible site in downtown Miami, attracting both admiration and condemnation from the public.

The new tower is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area, attracting businesses, tourists, and new residents. Its diverse range of uses aims to create a vibrant and dynamic environment, enhancing the appeal of downtown Miami as a premier destination for work, living, and leisure.

As the demolition process begins and the groundwork is laid for this new supertall tower, Miami is poised for a transformative development that will reshape its skyline and redefine its downtown area.