WRE News: Development Proposed to Replace Part of Jungle Island Theme Park

Miami, FL – June 8, 2024 – A real estate developer plans to transform part of Jungle Island theme park into a condo development and a free public park, altering a previous vision of expanding the theme park with a hotel and attractions.

Terra Group Miami and ESJ Capital Partners, who purchased the park in 2017, are in discussions with Miami officials about a residential tower on the city-owned land. Their new proposal includes a 13-acre waterfront park open to the public and residential development on five acres, abandoning the previously approved plans for an eco-adventure resort and hotel. This new plan also envisions a boardwalk connecting Jungle Island with the Miami Children’s Museum.

“Miami’s growth and demand made us rethink the project,” Shares Micha Dubernard, chief of staff and executive vice president of ESJ Capital Partners. “A residential development is more community and traffic friendly than our initial project of an adventure water park and hotel, especially when the proposition is to return over 12 acres to the City of Miami resident as a free waterfront park.”

This development plan, needing approval from the Miami City Commission and voters, is one of many proposals over the years. Jungle Island has faced financial challenges since moving to Watson Island and has been the subject of various redevelopment discussions. The latest plan reflects the significant growth and increased demand in Miami’s urban core since the original hotel project was approved by voters in 2018.