In a major step forward for waterfront development in Miami-Dade, The Related Group—led by the Pérez family—and Harry Macklowe’s Macklowe Properties have secured initial approval for a high-profile luxury condominium project in North Bay Village. The ambitious plan calls for two 43-story towers rising 498 feet at 8000 East Drive and 7946 East Drive, marking one of the most significant developments to date in this emerging neighborhood.
The North Bay Village commission unanimously passed a zoning ordinance on first reading that paves the way for the project through a Special Area Plan (SAP), granting flexibility to reshape the 4.1-acre site. Commissioner Andy Daro, who is also a real estate agent with Compass, recused himself from the vote.
A Transformative Site Assembly
The development site comprises the former Biscayne Sea Club co-op and the Majestic Isle condo building. Related Group and Macklowe Properties spent months assembling the land, ultimately paying $47.7 million for the Sea Club property after a lengthy legal battle with residents. The adjacent Majestic Isle building had previously been deemed unsafe, allowing the developers to buy out its unit owners and legally dissolve the condo association—a necessary step toward redevelopment.
The new towers will sit at the northern tip of Harbor Island West and include a sweeping mix of upscale amenities: a 42-slip private marina, nearly 800 parking spaces, and a 9,000-square-foot public park that will add much-needed green space to the area. The project’s architecture is being designed by Miami-based powerhouse Arquitectonica, led by Bernardo Fort-Brescia.
Environmental and Community Considerations
While the proposal has been largely welcomed by village officials, concerns remain over the number of boat slips in the marina. Mayor Rachel Streitfeld and Commissioner Doris Acosta both expressed the need for due diligence in understanding the environmental impact on the harbor’s marine life, especially manatees, which frequent the waters around North Bay Village.
“I am concerned about the number of slips,” said Acosta. “I understand that this is a large condominium, and it’s an amazing amenity, but there’s also a marina right across the harbor.” The commission requested the development team conduct a full review of existing permitted slips and commit to maintaining the marina through regular cleanups.
A second reading and vote, scheduled for September 16, will address the remaining approvals, including the development agreement and final site plan details.
A Landmark for Macklowe in South Florida
This marks Harry Macklowe’s first development in the South Florida market. Known for iconic projects in New York, including 432 Park Avenue, Macklowe has been expanding his reach. However, his path into the Miami market hasn’t been without hurdles. Earlier this year, Macklowe sold a development site near Dadeland Mall—intended for a 770-unit rental project—to Related Group at a $12 million loss, amid financial pressures including a foreclosure filing by Fortress Investment Group.
Despite these setbacks, Macklowe’s partnership with Related Group on the North Bay Village towers could serve as a successful new chapter. For Related, the project represents yet another milestone in its aggressive expansion of luxury condo developments across South Florida. The firm is known for orchestrating complex condo buyouts, including a recent acquisition of nearly the entire Miami Beach Club in Sunny Isles, with plans for a high-end oceanfront project.
North Bay Village: A Rising Star in Miami Real Estate
Once a sleepy island neighborhood, North Bay Village is quickly becoming a target for major redevelopment. Its waterfront location, proximity to both Miami and Miami Beach, and relatively untapped potential have drawn serious interest from developers. The proposed towers by Related and Macklowe would significantly reshape the neighborhood’s skyline and introduce a new level of luxury living to the area.
As the project heads toward its next approval milestone in September, all eyes will be on the final agreement and community response. If fully approved, the development promises not only to bring architectural flair to North Bay Village, but also to set a precedent for future large-scale waterfront projects in the region.