Casa Cipriani Utilizes New Demolition Law on Miami Beach

Key Points:

• 13th Floor Investments plans to demolish the Patrician (1937) and Coral Reef (1941) hotels on Miami Beach.

• The Resiliency and Safe Structures Act overrides local preservation rules, allowing demolition of certain historic buildings.

• A new 17-story Casa Cipriani luxury condo and hotel is proposed for the site.

• Preservationists and local officials express concern over the loss of historic architecture and limited local control.​

Historic Hotels Set for Demolition Amid Controversial Legislation

Two historic hotels in Miami Beach's Collins Waterfront Historic District—the Patrician and the Coral Reef—are slated for demolition by developer 13th Floor Investments. This move is facilitated by Florida's recently enacted Resiliency and Safe Structures Act, which limits local governments' ability to prevent the demolition of specific historic structures.​

The Resiliency and Safe Structures Act: A Double-Edged Sword

The Resiliency and Safe Structures Act, passed in 2024, aims to promote new development in coastal areas better to withstand rising sea levels and other environmental challenges. However, critics argue that the law undermines local historic preservation efforts by allowing property owners to demolish buildings deemed non-compliant with current flood codes, even if they are historically significant.​

Casa Cipriani: A New Chapter for the Site

In place of the Patrician and Coral Reef hotels, 13th Floor Investments, in partnership with the Cipriani family, plans to construct a 17-story Casa Cipriani luxury condo and hotel. The development will feature 23 condominium units and 36 hotel rooms, as well as amenities such as a private club, spa, and dining venues. This project marks the Cipriani brand's expansion into Miami Beach, following similar ventures in New York and Milan.​

Community Response and Preservation Efforts

The planned demolition has sparked opposition from preservationists and local officials concerned about losing Miami Beach's architectural heritage. Daniel Ciraldo, former Miami Design Preservation League executive director, and other advocates have called on the developers to reconsider their plans and preserve the historic facades. Despite these appeals, the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board approved the new building design, citing limitations imposed by state law.​

New Development vs. Preservation

The Patrician and Coral Reef hotel demolition underscores the tension between development interests and historic preservation in Miami Beach. As the city grapples with environmental challenges and evolving legislation, the balance between progress and heritage remains contentious.​