Moishe Mana Proposed Courthouse Purchase in September
The developer submitted plans to transform the historic Miami-Dade Courthouse into a cultural hub for art and fashion.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Commercial
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In September 2026, Moishe Mana submitted a $5 million proposal to acquire the historic Miami-Dade Courthouse. The developer seeks to renovate the site for cultural use, positioning it against a competing $35 million residential tower proposal.
Why it matters
The proposal addresses the future of a prominent historic site that has remained vacant since the county closed the building in 2021. Mana views the structure as a liability and aims to integrate it into his broader efforts to revitalize the Flagler Street corridor.
The historic courthouse opened in 1928 and carries a historic designation. Moishe Mana, who already owns approximately 80 properties on Flagler Street, estimates renovation costs for the courthouse will reach between $30 million and $40 million.
The players
Moishe Mana
He is a prominent real estate developer who owns extensive property holdings in Miami and Wynwood.
Russell Galbut
He is a real estate developer known for pursuing high-density residential and commercial projects in the Miami area.
The details
Moishe Mana faces opposition from Russell Galbut, who proposed replacing the courthouse with a 70-story residential tower. Mana intends to repurpose the building for fashion and art, while also developing a membership club for attorneys near his existing Museum Tower.
Timeline
The Miami-Dade Courthouse first opened in 1928.
The county officially closed the courthouse facility in 2021.
A new justice center opened across from the old site in 2025.
Moishe Mana submitted his development plans in September 2026.
Culture Shift
This move highlights the ongoing friction between preservationist redevelopment and the demand for high-density residential housing in urban cores. It mirrors a broader trend of private developers seeking to reclaim and repurpose aging public infrastructure within Miami.
Residents may see significant changes to the Flagler Street district depending on whether the site becomes a public-facing cultural hub or a private residential tower. The outcome will influence the availability of local amenities and the architectural character of the downtown area.
The takeaway
The competitive bidding process for this historic site underscores the high value placed on central real estate following the opening of the new justice center. Developers continue to bet on the long-term potential of the Flagler Street corridor despite significant renovation requirements.
Further reading
For more background on property trends, see our Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Miami Herald.
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