Revitalizing Lincoln Road: A New Chapter for Miami Beach
Once a staple of Miami Beach, Lincoln Road has seen better days. This street, often likened to “South Fifth Avenue,” was originally designed by Karl Fisher and later transformed in the 1950s by the renowned Morris Lapidus. Unfortunately, for years, empty shops and businesses geared toward tourists rather than locals have marred the pedestrian mall. However, the ongoing redevelopment plan, which has garnered $4 billion in new investments, seeks to create a vibrant, walkable area connected to some of the city’s latest high-end apartment buildings.
“Lincoln Road used to be the heart of Miami Beach,” reflects Pietro Belmonte from the Douglas Elliman team, which is selling a $125 million penthouse at the upcoming Ritz Carlton Residences along with 29 other appealing condos. He adds, “Morris Lapidus envisioned a Lincoln Road that flowed into the ocean, but that never materialized.” Nowadays, Lincoln Road intersects Collins Avenue and ends at a lackluster cul-de-sac, just shy of the beach, right outside the Ritz-Carlton South Beach Hotel.
That’s changing thanks to Ritz developer Sobe Sky Development, which is investing in a $12 million public/private Beachwalk project featuring a Lapidus-inspired entrance. This initiative will bring Lincoln Road further towards the ocean for the first time, along with a piece of public art. The city is also enhancing the area with new landscaping, seating, sidewalks, and even an amphitheater. Construction is underway for new office buildings on side streets, including a colorful project by Robert Livani of Black Lion, which will host a bar, restaurant, and an outpost of Los Angeles’ Monarch Athletic Club. Additionally, Playboy has committed to a 10-year lease for the penthouse in Livani’s project, intending to create a members-only club. Meanwhile, the historic Delano Hotel just a block north is set to reopen early next year.
In 2024, a penthouse sold for $120 million as part of the Shore Club, a redevelopment of an iconic Art Deco building just a couple of blocks from Lincoln Road. This project, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, will feature an Auberge Resorts Collection hotel along with 49 residential units. While the 18-story tower is nearly sold out, four move-in-ready homes are still available. The original Art Deco buildings on the site will house condos ranging from four to five bedrooms, priced starting at $9 million.
The Shore Club is also a great investment opportunity, offering a 15-story, 30-unit Ritz with prices beginning at $4.25 million. Located behind the former Sagamore Hotel at the corner of Lincoln and Collins, the $125 million penthouse—combining two units—will boast 13 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and two pools, tailored for sunrise and sunset enjoyment. “We’re attracting clients who bring sophisticated stores and acclaimed chefs,” notes Belmonte about the wealthy buyers he and Douglas Elliman team leader Fredrik Eklund are aiming for. “Jose Andres is involved at the Ritz-Carlton, and Auberge and Delano are about to announce a significant chef.” After many ups and downs, Lincoln Road appears to be on the verge of becoming an essential neighborhood once more.
