Yesterday I went to the presentation of the mall which is going to be located at the entrance of South Beach, between 5th and 8th and Alton and West. In total it’s an 8.7 acres vacant lot which corresponds to 3 blocks. It is definitely time to do something in this muddy vacant lot….
The developer, Russell Galbut and his company, Crescent Heights, had asked 3 architectural firms to come up with projects of how they envisioned this piece of land. Let me underline that nothing has been approved yet by the city of Miami Beach. At this time the height restriction is 8 stories but he is asking for a variance since the 3 projects included a high-rise condo right in front of the Publix/Staples mall. The architectural firms had all in mind four priorities which were to enhance esthetically the entrance to South Beach, to improve the crossing at 5th and Alton, to limit the arrival of too much traffic in to the tiny south beach streets, to get some new retail stores and to create a pedestrian friendly environment for the residents.
What I really appreciated is that the projects included a rooftop park, a pedestrian bridge to cross over 5th street and link the two boardwalks, and of course some real estate condos to sell! The only drawback is for the residents of the Icon since the tower would block their view but let’s not worry yet since nothing has been approved.
Miami Real Estate Blog 
Deo
May 16, 2012 at 10:28 am
I purchased at the Bentley Bay due to the fact that nothing will block my view of South Beach and the sunrise in the mornings. If they are allowed to build a high rise, what will stop others from asking for exemption all around the area. South Beach will then become a tangle of high rise buildings like downtown Miami!!!
miamicondoideasblog
May 31, 2012 at 5:29 pm
I totally agree with you and that’s why I really doubt that the city of Miami Beach will allow this. However if they allow it I don’t think your view will totally be ubstructed. It’s more the Icon residents that are going to be very frustrated.
Miami Real Estate
February 18, 2013 at 9:54 am
I am not sure of the plans of this anymore since it is 2013, so if you can provide an update that would be great. My problem is this….coming over the 395 there is already enough traffic. The construction is going to add to the already numerous delays in that spot.
miamicondoideasblog
March 5, 2013 at 2:38 pm
In January 2013 the planning board approved the following:
-440 rental apartments
-60,000-square feet of retail space
-underground parking for 1073 cars
Construction in November 2013, and construction would take 24 months.It will still need to be approved by the Miami Beach design review board.