Genting’s Resorts World Miami Resubmits Plans for Three Iconic Towers on Former Miami Herald Site

Key Points

• Three towers proposed at 642 ft, 643 ft and 645 ft tall

• Genting Group’s mega‑development: Originally bought site for $236M in 2011 and envisioned a ~$3B mixed‑use project

• Repeated FAA filings: Similar applications made in 2013, 2017, 2021—latest submitted June 16, 2025

Resorts World Miami, by Malaysia’s Genting Group, has resurfaced with fresh FAA filings for a trio of high-rise towers on the former Miami Herald site. This move follows stalled attempts in prior years and signals renewed momentum. 

Project Summary & History

• FAA milestone: New submission on June 16, 2025 outlining three towers reaching 642–645 feet above ground (649–652 feet above sea level).

• Momentum on repeat: Similar filings were made in 2013, 2017 and 2021—but none progressed to development .

• Massive footprint: Genting acquired ~30 acres for $236M in 2011 and pitched a $3B, 10M sq ft mixed-use resort including hotel, residential, retail, convention space, marina, and baywalk.

Design & Zoning Potential

• Iconic architecture: Early proposals by Arquitectonica featured curved glass towers atop a sprawling podium, with marina access and public promenade.

• Favorable zoning: RTZ zoning allows up to FAA height limits (~649 ft) and high density—potentially 8,000+ units—without typical setbacks.

Market & Strategic Context

• Casino wait looms: Genting’s casino ambitions flagged multiple times, but Florida hasn’t green-lit new gaming licenses—stalling their mega-resort plans.

• Tactical pivot: With casino uncertain, Genting floated a scaled-down mixed-use option in 2012 and hinted at listing pieces of the site in 2025 for ~$1B .

• Transit promise: Linked the towers with a proposed BayLink monorail station to Miami Beach and a Metromover connection—leveraging CRE transit trends.

What to Watch Next

• Casino vs. scale: Will Genting reemerge with full-scale casino ambitions, or pivot entirely to luxury real estate and hospitality?

• Regulatory and zoning updates: Monitor city and state actions on zoning confirmations, airport height clearance, and gaming legislation.

• Strategic shifts: With recent signals of asset sale, Genting may choose phased development or capital recycling.

Genting’s fresh FAA submission underscores that the former Herald Plaza remains a linchpin in Miami’s growth narrative. The approved height and zoning envelope enable a bold mixed-use vision—but the path forward depends heavily on casino legislation, asset strategy, and whether Genting can marshal the capital to bring this long-delayed project to life. For CRE pros, this is a stay-alert opportunity: big risks, high potential.