In South Florida, citizenM, the pioneer of affordable luxury hotels, and developer Miami Worldcenter Associates, came together in November to announce the beginning construction of a citizenM hotel at Miami Worldcenter, a $4 billion mixed-use development creating a ‘city within a city’ in the heart of downtown Miami.
The public groundbreaking was celebrated on 21 November in downtown Miami, with representatives from the owner, operator and developer citizenM, the master developer of the mixed-use campus Miami Worldcenter Associates, general contractor Suffolk Construction, and the architecture firm Gensler.
The 12-story, 351-room hotel at Miami Worldcenter will be the brand’s newest in development, with two additional under development properties in Miami, and further hotels underway in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle and Washington, DC. citizenM has three U.S. hotels open already in New York City and Boston.
Located across the street from the new MiamiCentral terminal, the region’s first higher-speed train connecting Miami to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, and adjacent to Miami Worldcenter’s pedestrian-only, open-air shopping promenade, the 128,000ft² citizenM Miami Worldcenter property is unmistakably citizenM. Highlights include a 10th-floor sundeck and a cloudM rooftop bar offering views of Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline, as well as 1,850ft² for societyM, the brand’s signature creative spaces and meeting rooms. citizenM Miami Worldcenter will also draw inspiration from the local community, with a vibrant public art program and interiors filled with an eclectic mix of contemporary art, photography and objects by local artists.
As a global owner-operator, we can appreciate how rare of an opportunity it is to be part a once-in-a-generation project like Miami Worldcenter – a true ‘city within a city’. What Nitin Motwani and his team have been able to achieve thus far has been incredible and we’re excited to begin construction so we can bring citizenM’s guests to this world-class destination.
E. Lee, head of development and investments for citizenM U.S.
Offering access to a compelling mix of cultural, dining, nightlife, shopping, and workplace opportunities, citizenM Miami Worldcenter forms an integral part of the greater Miami Worldcenter development. The 27-acre mixed-use development, now delivering in phases, will feature a diverse mix of residential, commercial and hospitality uses complimented by a total of 300,000ft² of retail, restaurant and entertainment space. The project’s first phase includes the recently completed Paramount Miami Worldcenter luxury condominium; the 444- unit Caoba apartment tower, which opened earlier this year; and the 434-unit Luma rental tower now underway. In addition, Hines is preparing to build a new tower that will comprise up to 500,000ft² of Class-A office space and MDM Group is planning a convention hotel with 600,000ft² of exhibition space.
Key attractions in the surrounding neighborhood include some of the most exciting destinations in Miami, such as Museum Park, which is home to the Perez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science, AmericanAirlines Arena, and the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center.
We set out to create Miami’s premiere international destination where people want to live, work and play in the heart of downtown Miami. By placing an emphasis on transit, and integrating everything within the site, our vibrant neighborhood will not only draw locals and visitors alike, but will get people out of their cars and experiencing the development’s amenities on their feet. Welcoming citizenM to Miami Worldcenter expands our reach in being able to offer an affordable yet luxuriously-designed hotel within our master plan and is in line with our grand vision, the likes of which Miami has never seen before.
N. Motwani, Managing Partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates.
While breaking ground marks the official start of construction, we've been collaborating closely with citizenM during the preconstruction phase to innovate and create custom solutions for this exciting project. Our virtual design and construction capabilities have allowed our team to build models of the project before a single pile is driven or concrete is poured to ensure it is built as efficiently as possible.
P. Tuffo, president and general manager for general contractor Suffolk Construction
The Gensler design team is excited to collaborate with citizenM and deliver another sophisticated and modern hotel experience in a thriving Miami neighbourhood. As a Miamian living and working in the city, I am also excited to be working with a brand like citizenM that is redefining the guest experience through smart, efficient rooms and dynamic public spaces that will provide unique environments for travelers, for co-working, business meetings or communal gatherings with colleagues and friends.
D. Farmer-Gonzalez, IIDA, Assoc, AIA, Principal and Co-Managing Director of Gensler's Miami Office.
citizenM upended the rules of traditional hospitality by introducing the concept of “affordable luxury for the people.” The company’s approach starts with selecting well connected locations in the world’s most popular cities, so business and leisure guests spend the shortest possible time commuting. Each property offers a streamlined, luxury experience, including high-tech amenities, friendly and efficient service, comfortable guest rooms, and spacious and inviting living areas filled with contemporary art and iconic furniture brands from the 21st century, such as Vitra, all at an affordable price.
citizenM’s philosophy of “affordable luxury” is best experienced in the guestrooms at citizenM Miami Worldcenter. The rooms will be smartly furnished with “everything modern travelers need, and nothing they don’t.” All guestroom features are designed to be the very best: the beds will be XL king- size wall-to-wall with an extra comfy mattress and luxury bedding. An LED/LCD widescreen TV will offer a library of on-demand entertainment, plus streaming options via free super-fast Wi-Fi. A relaxing rain shower with full-size shower gel and shampoo (as well as giant fluffy towels) will soothe all long and short-haul travelers. An iPad will fully control the room’s ambiance from the blinds, the TV and even the lights with changeable colors.
Occupying 27 acres in the heart of downtown Miami, Miami Worldcenter is one of the largest private real estate developments underway in the United States. The ten-block project, now under construction, will include world-class retail, hospitality, commercial and residential uses in the center of Miami’s urban core. All told, the project is expected to account for $2 billion in new investment in downtown Miami.