Russell Galbut and David Martin Refine Vision for “Park on Fifth” in Miami Beach — A Transformational Mixed-Use Development Anchored by a Tower, Retail, and a 3-Acre Public Park
In a bold step forward for the future of Miami Beach’s West Avenue corridor, renowned developers Russell Galbut and David Martin have unveiled refined plans for their highly anticipated Park on Fifth project. Encompassing the 500 to 700 blocks of Alton Road, the new proposal is set to bring a modern mix of residential, retail, dining, and green space to a previously underutilized area of the city.
The updated plans will be formally presented to the Miami Beach Design Review Board during its upcoming meeting on June 4, marking a significant milestone in a development process that has been years in the making.
A Towering New Landmark
The centerpiece of the project is a stunning 519-foot residential tower, set to rise on the 500 block of Alton Road. Designed by acclaimed architecture firm Arquitectonica, the tower will feature sleek, modern lines and a sculptural silhouette that reflects Miami Beach’s evolving skyline. While the final unit mix and interior designs are still forthcoming, the tower is expected to offer luxury residences with expansive views of Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami, and the Atlantic Ocean.
This high-rise will stand as one of the tallest buildings in the area, redefining the entry point to South Beach and introducing a new level of architectural sophistication to Alton Road.
Retail, Dining, and Activation on the 600 Block
In addition to the residential tower, Park on Fifth will transform the 600 block into a vibrant pedestrian-friendly hub. Plans include a carefully curated mix of commercial retail and restaurant space designed to attract top-tier operators and enhance the neighborhood experience for both locals and visitors. The developers have emphasized the importance of creating an activated streetscape, with wide sidewalks, lush landscaping, and outdoor seating that invites community interaction and promotes walkability.
This portion of the project aims to seamlessly integrate into the surrounding neighborhood while serving as a catalyst for economic revitalization and placemaking in a rapidly changing area of Miami Beach.
A 3-Acre Park, Donated to the City
Perhaps the most community-celebrated element of the Park on Fifth vision is the inclusion of a three-acre public park, to be donated to the City of Miami Beach. Situated between the residential and retail components, the park is set to become a green oasis amid the urban fabric—offering open lawns, shade trees, native landscaping, walking paths, and spaces for art installations and community programming.
In a city where open green space is at a premium, this park represents a meaningful contribution to the public realm. It aligns with broader efforts to improve livability, resilience, and environmental sustainability in the face of climate challenges and population growth.
The park will also create a visual and physical link between Alton Road and the adjacent West Avenue and South of Fifth neighborhoods, enhancing pedestrian circulation and unifying formerly disconnected parcels of land.
Clearing the Path: The South Shore Hospital Demolition
To make way for this transformative project, the long-abandoned South Shore Hospital building was imploded in April, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the site. The implosion was carefully orchestrated and completed without incident, removing a longstanding eyesore and freeing up valuable real estate for new development.
The demolition drew attention not only for its scale but also for the symbolic message it sent: Miami Beach is moving forward, with bold plans for growth that respect the city’s history while embracing innovation and sustainability.
Architectural Vision by Arquitectonica
World-renowned architecture firm Arquitectonica, based in Miami, is leading the design efforts for Park on Fifth. Known for their futuristic forms and commitment to integrating buildings with their environment, the firm has released updated renderings that reflect the refined vision for the project. The imagery showcases a harmonious blend of sleek glass facades, green rooftops, and inviting public spaces.
These renderings demonstrate how the project will not only bring architectural excellence to Miami Beach but also prioritize community, connectivity, and environmental sensitivity.
Looking Ahead
As Park on Fifth prepares to go before the Design Review Board in June, the city is watching with anticipation. With the combined experience of Galbut and Martin—two of South Florida’s most influential developers—the project promises to be a benchmark for what smart, inclusive, and forward-thinking development can look like in one of America’s most dynamic coastal cities.
If approved, construction is expected to begin following permitting, with the potential to reshape this key gateway into Miami Beach for generations to come.
Adi Zilberberg – Miami Luxury Real Estate Expert