How Trump’s Villa ‘Asterix’ may not be an island, but it could help Miami’s economy
The Trump International Hotel in Miami could be an anchor for an ambitious redevelopment of the historic Villa Azur, which once hosted a nightclub and casino.
Trump Hotels has not commented on the proposal but in December, the Trump Organization awarded a contract to the firm to construct a new hotel, a $4.5 billion project.
The project, which could be completed by 2024, would add 150 luxury suites to the hotel and expand the resort’s footprint to more than 2 million square feet, the Miami Herald reported.
The Trump Organization is also planning to build a new sports arena in the city, a project which the Trump organization said would benefit Miami-Dade County residents.
But the new hotel and stadium would be less than half the size of Villa Azuar, which sits just a few blocks from the historic villa marina in the upscale Miami neighborhood of Villa Marina.
The property was once home to an exclusive spa, but the resort and casino was razed in 2005 after the hotel’s owner was convicted of corruption.
Miami-dade Commissioner Carlos Gimenez said the plan for the villa has been in the works for a number of years, but only recently received permission to proceed with the development.
“We’re very optimistic about this,” Gimenez told reporters.
“And I don’t think this is a huge project.
I think it’s a really exciting opportunity for the city.”
The Villa Marinas is the only part of Miami- Dade County that has been redeveloped since Hurricane Andrew ravaged the area in 1992, and the city has struggled to rebuild.
In addition to the Villa Marins, the island is home to two other islands, the Biscayne Bayfront and the Boca Grande.
The city also has a major hotel, the Marriott Miami Beach, which opened in 2014.