Take a look at the hotel coming to Jungle Island

Jungle Island, one of Miami’s best-known attractions, invites visitors to take a walk on the wild side. And in the future, it hopes to invite visitors to expand on their stay with a new hotel and attractions.

Last month, The Real Deal reported that the Miami Planning and Zoning Appeals Board approved a proposal from Jungle Island owner ESJ Capital Partners for the development of a 300-room hotel, attractions and a retail complex. Passing 5-2, the proposal was a special area plan, allowing for dense projects that have public benefits. ESJ also requested that the zoning designation be changed to restricted commercial.

ESJ hopes to obtain building permits by 2023 as required by its lease. The approval is one step forward for the Aventura-based company, which had to submit an SAP proposal after previous zoning applications were delayed for more than a year.

ESJ’s plans for Jungle Island, which sits on 18.5 acres on Watson Island, include an eight-story hotel on top of a four-story parking garage with a sculpted garden on the rooftop. Matching Jungle Island’s theme, the garage would feature vines and green walls. Two buildings already on the property would be renovated and expanded to encompass 40,000 square feet of meeting rooms, retail and restaurant space.

If approved by the city commission, the improvements are set to benefit the city. Rent will increase to $1.2 million a year and 5% of gross revenues when the hotel is operating. Another benefit would be $650,000 for affordable housing.

Check out renderings of the proposed changes below.

Renderings courtesy of EoA

You May Also Like
2025 Motorcar Cavalcade Concours Returns

Dress your best; hats and picnic blankets are encouraged.

Read More
Motorcar Cavalcade Celebrates the Art and Evolution of the Automobile

Experience history, art, culture and beauty.

Read More
Motorcar Cavalcade
2nd Annual Boca International Jewish Film Festival Announces 2025 Line-Up

Over 70 feature films and shorts are featured.

Read More
Jewish Film Festival
South Beach Wine & Food Festival Nears Return

Tickets remain for the much-anticipated event.

Read More
South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Other Posts
Global Champions Arabians Tour Debuts Americas Circuit With Exclusive Miami Beach Event

The tour will also be making a stop in the Magic City.

Read More
Global Champions Arabians Tour
Las Olas Oceanside Park Transforms Into Holiday Wonderland

Experience the holidays in a sun-kissed paradise.

Read More
LOOP Festive Wonderland
Ritz-Carlton South Beach and Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour Join Forces for Holiday Season

The partnership allows for an unforgettable holiday gathering.

Read More
Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour
South Florida Strawberry Festival Returns to Boca Raton

Enjoy three days of kid-friendly, family fun.

Read More
Strawberry Festival