Developers Proposed Plans for Miami Courthouse Site

Russell Galbut and Moishe Mana submitted competing visions for the historic 1928 Miami-Dade courthouse property.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Commercial

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a scale model of an historic building and a modern tower, representing urban development. — Developers Russell Galbut and Moishe Mana have submitted competing redevelopment proposals for the vacant 1928 Miami-Dade courthouse property on Flagler Street. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local governments use new tower tax revenue to fund historic building preservation?

Developers Russell Galbut and Moishe Mana submitted rival proposals for the abandoned 1928 Miami-Dade courthouse site in September 2026. The site remains available as a previous auction failed to attract any bids at the county's $35 million minimum.

Why it matters

The site represents a significant redevelopment opportunity for Flagler Street, with developers debating whether to prioritize high-density residential growth or cultural preservation.

The proposed residential tower by Russell Galbut spans 70 stories and requires removing the courthouse's northern entrance. Meanwhile, Moishe Mana has offered $5 million to repurpose the historic structure into studios and cultural spaces.

The players

Russell Galbut

He is a prominent real estate developer who proposed a 70-story residential tower for the courthouse site.

Moishe Mana

He is a real estate developer who submitted a $5 million offer to convert the courthouse into cultural and studio spaces.

The details

Russell Galbut seeks to integrate the courthouse into a new residential development, using tax revenue from the 70-story tower to maintain the historic structure. Conversely, Moishe Mana proposes converting the building into a hub for galleries and cultural activity to revitalize the surrounding Flagler Street corridor.

The courthouse was originally constructed in 1928.
Russell Galbut submitted his development proposal on September 4, 2026.
Moishe Mana submitted his purchase proposal on September 18, 2026.
The ongoing courthouse auction is scheduled to end on October 25, 2026.

Roadmap

These competing proposals underscore a broader urban development strategy focused on maximizing the utility of aging downtown infrastructure. By balancing high-density residential needs with historical preservation, these plans signal a shift in how Miami approaches the modernization of its core.

Residents and business owners in the area will see significant changes to Flagler Street depending on which proposal, if any, is accepted by the county. These projects could alter local traffic patterns, increase density, or shift the cultural footprint of the downtown neighborhood.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding the courthouse auction highlights the difficulty of finding economically viable uses for historic, aging government buildings. Interested parties should monitor the October auction results to see if the property will finally move into private ownership.