The Miami Beach Planning Board postponed a decision on Infinity Collective’s proposed mixed-use development on Alton Road during its meeting on April 7, citing concerns about traffic, parking, setbacks, and retail vacancies. The board voted to continue the item to its next meeting scheduled for May 5.
Infinity Collective, based in New York, is seeking approval for a 14-story building that would include 184 apartments, 43,000 square feet of office space, and 42,000 square feet of retail. The company has requested the creation of the Alton City Center Overlay district for a 1.4-acre site at 1656-1680 Alton Road and 1677 West Avenue.
Board members raised questions about whether the project would worsen existing issues with traffic congestion and parking shortages in Miami Beach. Residents noted that cars often circle looking for street parking while private garages can cost up to $20 per hour. In response, David Berg of Infinity said the development aims to address these problems by encouraging apartment tenants to lease offices within the building and by offering smaller office spaces to limit large leases that could increase traffic.
Berg also said Infinity is discussing partnerships with major local employers such as Mount Sinai Medical Center and Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort to offer housing incentives for their employees at the new project. He mentioned potential rent discounts for bulk leases signed by staff from these employers and noted Fontainebleau may provide shuttle service from the building.
The proposal includes plans for a three-level garage with 367 parking spaces serving residents, retail customers, and office tenants. It would also feature a micromobility station with bicycles and scooters available as alternatives to cars. Some nearby residents could use garage parking overnight.
Questions were raised about leasing out retail space given persistent vacancies along nearby Lincoln Road—a pedestrian promenade once known as a top shopping destination but which has struggled in recent years. Berg said apartment and office tenants will help drive demand: “You need people,” he said.
Another concern was how far back from Alton Road the garage structure would be set; board member Scott Needleman warned it might create an imposing façade if not properly designed: “You could end up with a wall.” While city staff indicated there would be some setback from Alton Road, Berg declined afterward to specify how much distance was planned but stated they are open to adjusting height or setback if needed.
Infinity acquired the site last September through a deed in lieu of foreclosure after Michael Shvo’s firm defaulted; Shvo had previously assembled it intending smaller-scale development before selling amid financial troubles involving his other Miami Beach investments.
If approved by both city commission and design review board following further consideration in May, Infinity’s proposal could reshape this stretch of Alton Road.
