New 600-Unit Apartment Development Planned at Pullman Miami Airport Hotel Site
London + Regional Properties, operating through its subsidiary LR Miami Airport Hotel, LLC, recently submitted an Administrative Site Plan Review (ASPR) application to Miami-Dade County on October 24th, revealing plans for a new residential project at the Pullman Miami Airport Hotel site at 5800 Blue Lagoon Drive. This ambitious proposal includes two eight-story mixed-use buildings on the hotel’s current parking lot, bringing 600 new residential units to the area. The developer initially purchased this 10-acre property, which houses a 15-story hotel with 281 rooms, back in 2019.
The development envisions two distinct buildings, each housing approximately 300 units with sizes varying from 570 to 1,718 square feet, spanning studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. Key features include three parking structures totaling 1,344 spaces, with 1,020 spaces allocated for the apartments and 324 reserved for hotel guests. Additionally, the parking facility closest to the hotel will incorporate 6,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Residents will also have access to two pool and clubhouse areas, measuring 6,200 and 4,900 square feet, respectively.
The east building will contain 319 units across its eight floors, with:
32 studio units averaging 578 sq. ft.
191 one-bedroom units averaging 803 sq. ft.
90 two-bedroom units averaging 1,093 sq. ft.
6 three-bedroom units averaging 1,380 sq. ft.
The total leasable area for this building is projected at 278,600 square feet. The parking plan includes 452 spaces, divided into ADA, van, and standard spots, with a consistent distribution of 30 to 42 units per floor featuring a variety of floor plans.
The west building will offer 281 units across eight floors, comprising:
32 studio units averaging 561 sq. ft.
151 one-bedroom units averaging 768 sq. ft.
98 two-bedroom units averaging 1,108 sq. ft.
The total leasable space here will cover 242,492 square feet, and parking will be available in the form of 420 spaces, including 8 ADA-accessible spaces, with no compact or tandem options.
An essential component of the ASPR application includes a request to adjust the site’s inclusion in the Blue Lagoon Development of Regional Impact (DRI) to align with the project’s goals. The developer is pursuing variances to amend zoning conditions, particularly regarding parking and setback regulations, to better accommodate the new residential structures. Designed as a transit-oriented development under the Miami-Dade County SMART Corridor Subzone guidelines, this project is strategically located within a quarter-mile of the East-West Corridor of the SMART Program.
London + Regional Properties has partnered with an experienced development team to execute this project:
Architect: Bizi Arq, based in Palmetto Bay
Civil Engineer: Hadonne
Landscape Architect: Kimley-Horn
Traffic Consultant: Traf Tech Engineering, Inc.
The project application further requests an exception to continue hotel operations during construction, emphasizing a smooth transition to accommodate both current and new uses.
This proposal, if approved, will transform the existing Pullman Miami Airport Hotel site into a modern mixed-use destination, enhancing residential options and bringing convenient transit and lifestyle amenities to Miami’s Blue Lagoon area.
Developers Compete to Open Luxury Hotel at Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport may be entering a new era as two developers compete to construct a new hotel close to the busy transportation hub. The Miami International Airport Hotel, which connects to Terminal E, may soon have a rival after more than 60 years without one. To build a new hotel close to the airport, the county is now considering 50-year lease applications from FDR Miami Hotel LLC and Parmco Airport Hospitality LLC.
According to memoranda from Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the chosen developer will be in charge of planning, constructing, financing, running, and maintaining the new hotel. A total budget of about $265 million has been proposed by FDR Miami Hotel LLC, while a budget of about $241.7 million has been offered by Parmco Airport Hospitality LLC. Each proposal has particular benefits and strengths.
The proposed Hilton hotel by Zyscovich Architects. Parmco Airport Hospitality LLC is to be credited.
Two well-known developers have submitted opposing plans for a new hotel connected to Miami International Airport. A proposal for a 451-room Westin hotel designed by Arquitectonica has been made by FDR Miami Hotel LLC, a joint venture between Fontainebleau Development LLC, directed by Jeffrey Soffer, and The Related Companies, fronted by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. The prestigious Westin name would be present throughout the upmarket development’s assortment of amenities, which would include meeting rooms, restaurants, and a pool. In contrast, the construction of a Hilton hotel with the famous architectural skills of Zyscovich Architects has been offered by Parmco Airport Hospitality LLC, a Miami-based development company specifically established for this project and led by developers Paul Lambert and Darryl Parmenter.
The memos estimate that during the course of the proposed 50-year lease, FDR Miami Hotel LLC will earn around $240 million in revenue for the county. The county would earn more than $20 million in rent in exchange for leasing the site to the chosen developer. The mayor’s staff emphasized the project’s potential community advantages while highlighting the financial features of FDR Miami Hotel LLC’s proposal, notably its increased rent payments.
The new hotel complex would have a pedestrian bridge connecting it to Terminal D. It would be built on a 1.8-acre property next to the Dolphin parking garage on the airport’s northeast side. The goal of this prominent position is to provide travelers with comfort and accessibility. Although the new hotel won’t take the place of the Miami International Airport Hotel, it will improve guest lodging options and expand the airport’s amenities.
The selection process for the winning plan, however, took a while. In December of last year, Mayor Levine Cava rejected all early offers and demanded a fresh round of discussions that would put the needs of employees, local employment, the environment, and the community first. After some time, the proposal from FDR Miami Hotel LLC was accepted, and on June 14 both FDR and Parmco submitted their ideas to the Aviation and Economic Development Committee of the county commission. The commission meeting set on July 18 is anticipated to produce the ultimate verdict.
To accommodate all types of travelers, from those who have lengthy layovers to business people who need conference space, the Miami International Airport has long needed more hotel rooms. There has only ever been one hotel connected to the airport, the more than 60-year-old Miami International Airport Hotel. Miami’s airport would solidify its position as a dynamic and active transportation hub with the probable addition of a new hotel.
The hotel project’s building schedule is still up in the air and dependent on funding and municipal planner permission. Unique difficulties arise when constructing an integrated hotel inside of an airport, such as strict security and safety regulations. The chosen developer will be able to design Miami’s new airport hotel, which will give tourists from all over the world access to contemporary conveniences, cozy lodgings, and first-rate service.
The opening of a new hotel at Miami International Airport will have a significant impact on the development of the airport’s economy and the hospitality industry. This project is an important step in providing travelers with the high-quality hotel options they want and in improving the overall travel experience for those taking flights into and out of Miami.
Exclusive Private Terminal Coming to Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport has been chosen by the exclusive private terminal service PS for expansion from its original location at LAX. The historic former PanAm headquarters will house the airport’s first private, opulent terminal for commercial flights, which is scheduled to open in 2025.
From hubs like Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth, PS is a first-of-its-kind, premium travel service. When it opens, PS MIA will provide members and visitors with improved privacy, security, efficiency, and luxury amenities in a quiet haven.
In addition to Private Suites with private balconies and a landscaped courtyard for soaking up a few last moments of Miami sunshine, the terminal will feature an elevated lounge experience called The Salon.
PS MIA members and guests will be escorted through on-site TSA screening after unwinding at the posh new terminal before being chauffeured to their commercial flights at any of MIA’s concourses. They will use the jet bridge stairs to ascend the plane directly from the tarmac. The entire experience, from tarmac pickup to airport departure, will be offered to MIA arrivals.
Other benefits include complimentary parking, spa showers and services, car washes, and amenities for kids and pets. These benefits vary depending on your membership level.
Similar to mid-century terminal rehabs like the recently finished TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport, PS MIA will breathe new life into Miami’s former Pan American Regional Headquarters, located at Building 874 across the airfield off 36th Street. Richard Heisenbottle, a renowned architect and Florida preservationist, will oversee the restoration while keeping Art Deco accents and 1960s nods throughout.
The cost of membership has not yet been disclosed for PS MIA, although rates for the LAX location’s Salon and Private Suites begin at $1,250 annually and $4,650 for up to four guests. The PS experience is available to non-members for $4,650 for up to four guests (Private Suite) or $995 per person (Salon).
It is reported that PS MIA would bring in $16 million for the County over the course of the initial 20-year contract.
