Miami voters approve hotel construction in Jungle Island, new renderings were released

After approval by voters to build the hotel in Jungle Island, ESJ Capital Partners, an Aventura-based developer, has released new images of the project, in which they would transform the theme park of Watson Island in a complex oriented towards ecological adventure.

Approximately 60% of Miami voters leaned towards a lengthening of the lease contract for the attraction until 2099, to allow the construction of the hotel that will have 300 rooms on public property. ESJ recently submitted plans to the city of Miami for construction of the project.

Elie Mimoun, an ESJ managing partner, revealed that this new hotel would be built atop a parking garage already existent. As seen in the renderings, the hotel would have landscaped gardens and a rooftop bar with views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami.

“This is what we wanted to do. This is three years of studies that we felt would mesh the best with the spirit of our park,” Mimoun said. “Even if you’re in South Beach, Downtown Miami, it will mesh like it is a cruise ship.”

Last year, ESJ closed the initial $60 million lease transfer of the 18-acre Watson Island theme park. The park has been opening in phases after the damages caused by Hurricane Irma last year.