WRE News: Shelborne South Beach Hotel Set to Undergo $85 Million Renovation

Miami Beach, FL – December 14, 2023 – In a transformative move, the Shelborne South Beach is undergoing a comprehensive $85 million renovation, marking a rejuvenation for one of Miami Beach’s enduring landmarks.

Initiated in late November by a collaboration between Toronto-based Westdale Properties, New York’s King Street Real Estate, London’s Cedar Capital Partners, and hotel management firm Proper Hospitality from Venice, California, the makeover encompasses enhancements to the hotel’s 251 rooms, restaurants, pool deck, and event spaces. Despite pandemic-induced delays, the impending renovations promise to unveil a revitalized hotel featuring a pool-facing indoor bar with two-story floor-to-ceiling windows. Constructed in 1940 by Igor Polevitzky and Tripp Russell, the Shelborne has witnessed various chapters in its history. Initially recognized as a Miami Modern (MiMo) skyscraper, it served as a haven for U.S. soldiers during World War II before reopening to the public in 1945. Over the years, the hotel underwent architectural modifications, including a facelift and a seven-story addition led by Morris Lapidus.

Anticipated to reopen in the first half of 2025, the project represents a pivotal investment in a time when the hospitality industry, a vital economic force in Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County, grapples with post-pandemic recovery and the threat of demolitions faced by many historic hotels.