Miami Beach Commission Approved Raleigh Upzoning
The city moved forward on plans to add density and square footage to the historic three-acre Collins Avenue site.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Commercial
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The Miami Beach commission granted initial approval to an upzoning request for the historic Raleigh hotel site, reversing an earlier vote during the same meeting. The project involves restoring the Art Deco property while adding over 66,000 square feet and two additional floors.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to increase the floor area ratio from 2.0 to 2.5, significantly altering the scale of the residential development planned for the 3-acre assemblage. This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts to balance historic preservation with the demands of luxury high-density real estate.
The development plan now allows for 52 condo units, down from a previously approved 84, while increasing total site capacity to 332,000 square feet. The developer has also committed $1.2 million toward local infrastructure improvements.
The players
Nahla Capital
An investment firm that acquired the historic Raleigh property for $270 million in October 2025.
David Suarez
A Miami Beach commissioner who cast the sole vote against the upzoning proposal during the recent meeting.
The details
The development plan, which requires a total investment of $1 billion, utilizes comprehensive plan and code amendments to expand the property. This process involves the careful restoration of the Art Deco-designed Raleigh hotel, which has remained closed since 2017. Following the successful reconsideration motion, the proposal to increase the allowable floor area ratio sets the stage for the planned addition to the residential tower.
Timeline
The Raleigh hotel closed in 2017.
Nahla Capital acquired the property in October 2025.
The commission granted initial approval for upzoning on October 14, 2026.
Commissioners will hold a second reading vote in November 2026.
The developer targets Historic Preservation Board approval by early 2027.
The Home Front
This project highlights the ongoing tension in coastal cities between preserving historic Art Deco architecture and incentivizing large-scale luxury residential redevelopment. It follows the established trend of utilizing code amendments to navigate site-specific density limits in Miami Beach.
Residents should monitor local municipal announcements regarding the upcoming November second reading vote to understand the final project scope. If you own property in the immediate vicinity of Collins Avenue, review upcoming traffic and construction impact notices as the 2031 completion target approaches.
The takeaway
The upzoning move marks a significant shift in the development potential for one of Miami Beach's most prominent historic properties. Keep an eye on public hearing notices if you are interested in the final density and infrastructure outcomes for the North Beach area.
What happens next
The Miami Beach commission is scheduled to hold a second reading vote on the proposal in November 2026.
Further reading
For more on large-scale development projects in the area, visit our Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Real Deal New York.
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