1,000 Foot Bay Front Tower in Miami Proposed

In late November, a Miami developer announced his plans for an observation and amusement tower on the Miami bay front. The tower, referred to as the SkyRise Miami tower, would be 1,000 feet tall and include dining, observation decks, a ballroom and an assortment of amusement attractions. The building is designed as two structures attached at the top through a curve giving it a hairpin-like appearance. This unique design, which is open in the middle, allows the structure to withstand hurricane force wind.

If built, the tower would be the tallest building in Miami. The developer would like the new building to be like an Eiffel Tower for the city of Miami. The designer, Arquitectonica’s Bernardo Fort-Brescia, said it was designed with the idea of a jumping fish or wave in mind. The designers focused on creating a distinguished building that will provide entertainment in a way not done before. The tower boasts indoor and outdoor observation decks with views from the Gulf to the Everglades, as well as an outdoor amphitheater. It will also incorporate a variety of amusement features such as a “Tower-of-Terror” like drop, bungee jumping, and a flight simulation.

The project has been under wraps for quite some time and finally unveiled after completing design, engineering, and wind tunnel testing. It is estimated the building will cost $300 to $400 million (US), with the developer investing $50 million personally. He believes after completion the tower will be profitable with projections from consulting firms saying it could draw over three million people per year. Iconic skyscrapers, like the Empire State Building and Willis Tower, demonstrate the success an observation tower can have in a large city. The project has no projected start date and still must overcome a few factors, such as city approval and Bayside leasing legalities, to become a reality.