MIAMI — Resorts World Miami has completed the first stage of the $3.8 billion development by purchasing the Omni Center in Miami. The Omni Center contains a 527-room Hilton Hotel, a 2,500-space car park, 300,000 square feet of office space and 600,00 square feet of decorator ready retail.
Additionally, Christian Goode has been selected as president of Resorts World Miami, who will oversee development, construction and operations for the project. He has experience with the Resorts World Group brand, as previously he was the chief financial officer for the $880 million Resorts World New York City.
“With over 350 employees, Resorts World Miami is starting to become a reality,” said Goode in a statement. “These employees are the first of the 19,000 employees to be employed if and when the Destination Resort Act is passed and Resorts World Miami secures one of the three destination resort licenses.”
A groundbreaking is expected to occur in early 2012, with completion slated for the fall of 2014. Plans for the project, which were announced in September, include four hotels with a total of 5,200 rooms and two residential towers with 1,000 units.
Additionally, the towers will sit atop eight stories of commercial uses, including a 250,000-square-foot luxury retail galleria; more than 50 restaurants, lounges, bars and nightclubs; 700,000 square feet of convention and meeting space; a 200,000-square-foot ballroom and a multimedia entertainment area showcasing the music and culture of Florida and South America. A casino will be added in the retail space at The Omni Center if Florida’s legislature and governor approve it.
Goode adds, “We will now work with local officials, business and civic leaders, and urban planning and architecture experts to ensure Resorts World Miami complements Miami’s existing business landscape and the state’s expansive tourism infrastructure. Beyond the significant job growth and billions in inbound investment spurred by destination resorts, these projects will further enhance Florida’s standing as a global destination.”
Miami-based Arquitectonica is the architect for the project. Resorts World Group is a member of The Genting Group, which operates properties in Malaysia, Singapore, Manila, New York City and the United Kingdom.
— Savannah Duncan