Property owner’s plan to put 212 apartments by South Beach’s Lincoln Road advances

Miami Beach admin June 30, 2026 0 Comments

Property owner’s plan to put 212 apartments by South Beach’s Lincoln Road advances

The Miami Beach City Commission has advanced zoning changes that would allow more than 200 apartments to go up at the gateway to Lincoln Road, advancing a project that city leaders say could help ease the city’s housing shortage while revitalizing Washington Avenue.

Commissioners voted 6-0 last week to advance amendments allowing a mixed-use development at 1600 Washington Ave. The proposal, which will need a second vote of approval in September, calls for about 212 market-rate rental apartments above ground-floor retail space. The project includes 36 studio apartments, 144 one-bedroom units and 32 two-bedroom units.

The apartments could not be converted into condominiums, used as short-term rentals or operated as transient lodging.

The proposed development, led by longtime Miami Beach property owner and former U.S. ambassador to Belgium Paul Cejas, would require raising the maximum building height from 100 feet to 150 feet.

“I believe creating a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use district in this area is the single-most important thing that we can do for our city,” Commissioner Joseph Magazine said. “It will take cars off the road, creating a walkable district, and it cleans up underperforming blighted areas. I want sidewalk and corner cafes watching the World Cup, just like in Paris and Barcelona, rather than vape shops.”

Former Miami Beach Mayor Neisen Kasdin, who represents Cejas and property owner 420 Lincoln Road Development, said adding permanent residents is essential to supporting Washington Avenue businesses throughout the year.

“The missing component is residential,” Kasdin said. “This becomes the beating heart of the city of Miami Beach.”

Although commissioners expressed broad support for the proposal, several requested additional safeguards before a final vote.

Mayor Steven Meiner asked city staff to explore requiring developers to obtain all necessary approvals within a specified timeframe before receiving the zoning incentives. He also requested options to establish minimum average apartment sizes to avoid an overabundance of smaller units.

Commissioners also discussed Florida’s Live Local Act, which allows qualifying housing developments to bypass certain local zoning regulations. Magazine asked whether Cejas would agree not to pursue a Live Local project after receiving the city’s zoning incentives.

Cejas said he chose to work with the city instead of relying on state law.

“I could withdraw the petition right now and go to the state and build over 20 stories,” Cejas said. “I’m coming to you because I love the Beach. I love that building, and I want to do something with you.”

Cejas said he has owned the property for nearly 30 years and has invested millions restoring the neighboring office building and parking garage.

“I’m not a developer. I’m an investor,” he said.

Commissioners also directed staff to review the project’s ground-floor retail design before the next vote. Commissioner Alex Fernandez requested additional standards for average apartment sizes, retail design and wider pedestrian areas along Washington Avenue.

“The city does need this type of housing,” Fernandez said. “The city needs rental housing. We don’t need more condominiums, and we don’t need more luxury inventory.”

The proposal now moves to a second vote and public hearing scheduled for Sept. 10, when commissioners are expected to consider the requested revisions before taking the final vote.