Billionaire Jeffrey Soffer’s proposal to add a water park to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort will be reviewed by the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board next week. The plan involves redeveloping the outdoor pool area of the 1,504-room hotel located at 4441 Collins Avenue. The proposed water park would be accessible to the public, with entry fees yet to be determined.
Fontainebleau Development, led by Soffer and based in Aventura, has requested 11 variances from city regulations. These changes are needed to accommodate 11 waterslides, a children’s play pool, updated and new bathrooms, cabanas, and other support spaces. According to a letter of intent submitted on September 11, renderings show that the waterslides would be attached to a 12-story structure.
Among the requested variances is permission to eliminate 10-foot setbacks at the rear of the property for a new two-story building with cabanas and bathrooms. The company is also seeking approval to decrease open space near sand dunes and allow decks, patios, and beach furniture within 10 feet of any beach erosion control line.
If approved by the board, Fontainebleau Development anticipates completing construction of the water park in the following year.
In 2019, Jeffrey Soffer assumed ownership of Fontainebleau Miami Beach after dividing real estate assets with his sister Jackie Soffer into separate companies. In 2024, Soffer secured $1.2 billion in refinancing for the property. The hotel was originally designed by Morris Lapidus and opened in 1954. It occupies a 15-acre site featuring multiple pools, a large spa facility, various dining options including Liv nightclub, and three residential towers.
Additionally last year, Fontainebleau Development finished work on a five-story business center at nearby addresses on Collins Avenue. This center connects directly to Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s Tresor Tower via a skybridge.
