A long-planned and long-delayed megayacht marina on Watson Island, owned by the city of Miami, could become a reality within the next year. That is, if Miami city commissioners approve a waiver granted by the state of Florida.
The Watson Island project was initially approved by voters in 2001, and Miami city commissioners granted a 75-year lease and a construction permit to the developer, Flagstone Property Group. Planning and obtaining permits took a few years, but in 2006 Flagstone Property Group finally released details. Dubbed Island Gardens, the project included residences, a hotel, shops, and 50 slips capable of handling megayachts more than 450 feet LOA. The latter would make the Watson Island marina the only one in the United States dedicated solely to this market.
Completion was anticipated for 2010, but changes in design and lawsuits aimed at stopping development delayed ground breaking. Additional permit problems contributed to delays as well. Flagstone Property Group received several extensions for construction from city commissioners from 2007 through 2009. Last autumn, Miami city commissioners and Flagstone Property Group settled on new terms for rent and construction deadlines.
However, Flagstone Property Group could not start the project right away. A new waiver was needed from the state. The original waiver, granted in 2004, was required because the state gave Watson Island to Miami for public use in 1949. Therefore, commercial development needed a state sign-off. The new waiver was needed because of the extensive changes to the initial plans for Island Gardens.
No timeline has been announced for when Miami city commissioners will vote on the new waiver. However, Flagstone Property Group anticipates breaking ground within the first half of next year if all goes well.
UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 26: The city commissioners approved the state waiver earlier this month by a 4-1 vote. Flagstone Property Group still anticipates starting construction in early 2012, once financing is obtained.
marcellus kelley
I would love to see this built;after all,I live on ‘Watson street’.