With a focus on fulfilling every need for every occasion, Fontainebleau Miami Beach is set to unveil a transformative expansion with the opening of the Coastal Convention Center in November 2024. The state-of-the-art facility, spanning five stories and 45,000 square feet, was conceived by Fontainebleau Development and brought to life by Miami-based Nichols Architects and Jeffrey Beers International.
It is intended to accommodate various events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences. It aims to be a versatile and elegant space catering to diverse needs, elevating the resort’s status as a premier event destination.
From its inception, the vision for the Coastal Convention Center was clear: to captivate with a fusion of modern elegance and the timeless luxury that Fontainebleau Miami Beach is renowned for, all while paying homage to the architectural legacy of the original architect Morris Lapidus.
As the resort prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary, the Coastal Convention Center aims to usher in a new era of event hosting, solidifying Fontainebleau’s position as a leader in the hospitality industry. Jeffrey Soffer, Chairman and CEO of Fontainebleau Development, says the new convention center would be a “jewel in the crown of Fontainebleau Miami Beach and also this city’s tourism sector—a new, magnificent home for business and leisure events along the oceanfront.”
Nichols Architects and Jeffrey Beer International collaborated to meticulously design a versatile and visually stunning convention center that seamlessly integrates with the existing aesthetic of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, featuring components that echo the resort’s rich history. The design incorporates elements of historic decorative art and murals by Kevin Barry Art Advisory and Jean-Paul Philippe while also introducing contemporary touches.
Highlights of the design include a grand staircase resembling the famous “Stairway to Nowhere,” floor-to-ceiling windows bathing meeting rooms in natural light and ocean views. Standout features also include a 16,500-square-foot divisible ballroom with an outdoor terrace, a 9,500-square-foot junior ballroom, 15 meeting rooms, outdoor, street-level meeting spaces, a 7-000 square-foot flexible Tides Rooftop Terrace with scenic ocean views, 9,000 square-foot outdoors space and a 15,000-square-foot pre-function space at the Coastal Convention Center.
Among the world-class amenities, the convention center will also include award-winning catering to cover all culinary needs ranging from conference luncheons to elegant ballroom affairs.
The Coastal Convention Center is equipped with cutting-edge technology to enhance the experience for event organizers and attendees. The inclusion of advanced audiovisual systems and high-speed internet is essential to meet the demands of contemporary events. LED walls and wayfinders will be integrated throughout the facility to provide seamless navigation and dynamic content display.
This technological backbone ensures that event organizers can offer attendees a cutting-edge experience, enhancing the convention center’s overall functionality and appeal.
Sustainability is a top priority in constructing the Coastal Convention Center, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry. The facility is designed to meet LEED certification standards, which require a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable materials.
Insulated glass is a crucial component, helping control internal temperatures and reduce energy consumption. The implementation of a rainwater collection and recycling system improves water efficiency and minimizes the center’s environmental impact.
Made for connection
Situated just 12 miles from Miami International Airport and 28 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the Coastal Convention Center is easily accessible for both domestic and international guests. Engineers and architects worked closely to ensure that the new convention center would seamlessly integrate with the hotel by creating a pedestrian sky bridge over Collins Avenue to the hotel’s famed Trésor Tower.
The bridge, the only one of its kind in the area, significantly enhances convenience for guests, allowing them to move effortlessly between their accommodations and event spaces.
The meticulous planning and execution of this project involved several layers of complexity. From the selection of materials to the incorporation of advanced technology, every aspect was carefully considered by the development team to ensure the highest standards of quality and functionality.
The construction teams faced numerous challenges, including integrating new systems with the existing infrastructure and ensuring minimal disruption to the resort’s ongoing operations. Despite these challenges, the project stayed on course, reflecting the dedication and expertise of the teams involved.
As Fontainebleau Miami Beach prepares to open the doors of the Coastal Convention Center, the excitement is palpable. The new facility not only enhances the resort’s ability to host a wide range of events, but also reinforces its status as a premier destination in the global hospitality market. With its blend of historical homage, modern design and sustainable practices, the Coastal Convention Center is poised to become a landmark in Miami’s event landscape.
The Coastal Convention Center at Fontainebleau Miami Beach exemplifies the best of what the construction teams do: translating a visionary concept into a tangible, functional and beautiful reality. The meticulous attention to detail in design, the integration of advanced technologies, and the commitment to sustainability collectively ensure that this facility will be a beacon of excellence in the years to come.
The Coastal Convention Center marks a new chapter, promising to elevate the standard for events and hospitality in Miami and beyond. This milestone is not just a testament to the resort’s rich history but also a bold statement about its future.
The Coastal Convention Center, with its blend of historical homage, modern design, and sustainable practices, is poised to become a landmark in Miami’s event landscape. Stated by Jeffrey Soffer, the Coastal Convention Center “is the next evolution of our brand, further solidifying our role as a global hospitality leader, and we look forward to showing guests the world-class features and unparalleled service that are synonymous with the name Fontainebleau.”
The collaborative efforts of Fontainebleau Development, Nichols Architects, and Jeffrey Beers International have culminated in a facility that will undoubtedly set a new benchmark in the industry, reflecting the enduring legacy and forward-thinking vision of Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
