The city of Miami, located in the southeast of Florida, United States, has begun a transformation of its urban landscape with the start of construction on the first “supertall” skyscrapers, buildings that exceed 300 meters in height. With this move, the city aims to position itself as the new vertical capital of the southeastern U.S. The boom in this type of construction originates from more flexible building regulations and a massive influx of investors from New York.
The leading buildings in these projects are the Waldorf Astoria (the first 100-story building in Florida), 888 Brickell (Dolce & Gabbana), and the Tower by Foster + Partners. These constructions must comply with the strict height limit imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), apply advanced engineering to build on Miami’s limestone bedrock, and ensure that the buildings are protected from hurricanes.
Supertalls arrive in Miami
The city of Miami is carrying out plans to build the first supertalls, that is, skyscrapers measuring more than 984 feet (300 meters). The city did not have any until now, but there are more than six on the way. These projects reflect the city’s intention to become the new vertical capital of the southeastern United States. Among the projects underway that will change the city’s skyline are:
- Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences. It will be the first to be completed (by 2028). It will have 100 floors and will be the tallest residential building in Florida, and the tallest on the U.S. East Coast outside of New York. Its design is based on 9 stacked and staggered glass cubes.
- 130 Biscayne Boulevard (Foster+Partners). A design by the prestigious architectural firm of Norman Foster in collaboration with Revuelta Architecture, standing 955 feet (291 meters) tall. It would replace three existing mid-rise mixed-use buildings (414 condominiums, 144 hotel rooms, and commercial areas).
- 888 Brickell (Dolce & Gabbana). With around 90 floors and 1,049 feet (320 meters). It will include ultra-luxury residences and a hotel under the Italian fashion brand. It reaches the maximum height allowed by the FAA aviation limits.
- One Brickell City Centre. Poised to be the tallest office tower in Florida at 1,000 feet (305 meters).
- Okan Tower. Features a tulip-inspired aesthetic, with 70 floors and 908 feet (277 meters).
Moment of expansion
Growth is being driven by massive demand from high-income individuals and capital coming from cities like New York and from abroad. Miami has become a stage for investors who are already accustomed to this type of tower in other major metropolises and want to bring that design to the city. Additionally, changes in regulations and rules in the Downtown and Brickell areas have made it easier to build buildings with more units in the same space, and also near transportation corridors like the Metromover. As for the real estate market, Miami is experiencing a transformation where economic interests have shifted, so supply has to adapt.
Aspects to consider
When building this type of completely new buildings in the city, companies need to take several factors into account:
- Special foundation. The constructions require soil engineering to ensure stability against hurricane winds and Miami’s limestone ground.
- Airplanes. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) sets a strict height limit of 1,049 feet to avoid interfering with flight paths. That’s why almost all buildings are exactly that height.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ‘supertall’ skyscraper and how many will there be in Miami?
A supertall is a building that exceeds 300 meters (984 feet) in height. Currently, there are more than six projects of this type underway in the city.
What will be the tallest building and when will it be ready?
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences will be the first to be completed (by 2028). It will have 100 floors, becoming the tallest residential building on the East Coast of the U.S. outside of New York.
Why can’t buildings exceed 1,049 feet in height?
Because the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) enforces this strict limit to avoid interfering with airplane flight paths and to ensure air safety.