Miami Beach Commission Approved Raleigh Upzoning
The board voted to increase density for the planned Art Deco hotel and residential project on Collins Avenue.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Commercial
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Miami Beach commissioners granted initial approval to an upzoning request for the Raleigh hotel development. The project, which involves restoring the Art Deco property, will now proceed toward a second reading in November.
Why it matters
The approval allows for an increase in density at the site, enabling the developer to add two floors and over 66,000 square feet to the planned residential tower. The project is a major investment on a 3-acre assemblage that has remained closed for nearly a decade.
The plan allows for a new floor area ratio of 2.5, up from the current 2.0 limit, and adds 66,000 square feet to the 3-acre development. Developers also committed to $1.2 million in infrastructure improvements for the site.
The players
Nahla Capital
The real estate investment firm purchased the Raleigh development site for $270 million.
David Suarez
The Miami Beach commissioner cast the sole vote against the upzoning motion during the recent meeting.
The details
Commissioners reversed an initial vote against the proposal during the same meeting to move the plan forward. The restoration project aims to revitalize the Raleigh hotel, which has been shuttered since 2017, into a site featuring 52 condo units.
Timeline
The Raleigh hotel closed in 2017.
Nahla Capital acquired the property in October 2025.
The commission granted initial upzoning approval on October 14, 2026.
Commissioners will hold a second reading vote in November 2026.
The developer targets Historic Preservation Board approval by early 2027.
Culture Shift
This project reflects the ongoing trend of Art Deco preservation and redevelopment in the Miami Beach Architectural District. The development follows the established pattern of private firms seeking density increases in exchange for the costly restoration of protected historic structures.
Residents in the area can expect $1.2 million in infrastructure improvements as part of the developer's commitment to the project. The revitalization of the long-closed property may change local traffic and construction patterns as the redevelopment moves toward a projected 2031 completion.
The takeaway
Large-scale historic redevelopment projects often face complex approval processes that balance preservation with modern density needs. Developers and residents should monitor future commission meetings for final legislative confirmation on infrastructure and zoning changes.
What happens next
The commission is scheduled to hold a second reading vote on the upzoning proposal in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local development trends, visit the Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Real Deal New York.
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