Riverside Wharf

Miami developer Alex Mantecon of MV Real Estate Holdings (MVREH), in conjunction with Driftwood Capital, one of the country’s leading hospitality sponsors, is pleased to announce the Riverside Wharf, a hospitality-driven entertainment complex along the historic Miami River poised to push the limits of what Miami knows as hospitality today. The 200,000-square-foot, two-tower development will anchor a fully immersive Miami experience with the highly amenitized 165-key Dream Miami luxury hotel. The complex will feature the rebirth and expansion of The Wharf Miami; 16,000 square feet of signature restaurants; a 12,000-square-foot event hall; a world-class 30,000-square-foot nightclub and rooftop dayclub; and a private marina capable of accommodating megayachts.

“Riverside Wharf will be a destination for entertainment unlike any Miami has seen, bringing together world-class entertainment and hospitality offerings to a unique waterfront destination with direct Intracoastal access to the ocean,” said Mantecon. “We are excited to finally bring to fruition the dream and vision Miami has had for its riverfront entertainment district which until now has historically sat vacant and underutilized.”
“Miami is a top international destination for world-class hospitality and entertainment, and continues to set the bar with exciting new experiences for travelers unlike anything else in the world,” said Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez. “Dream Miami at Riverside Wharf will be an unparalleled development in the heart of Miami for visitors and locals alike, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it become a reality.”

At 10 stories, the $185 million mixed-use development will rise on the current site of The Wharf Miami and the abutting vacant parcel. The 1.5-acre assemblage follows the vision established in the City of Miami’s 2016 voter referendum approval, obtained by MVREH, for waterfront food and beverage. The roughly 600 linear feet of water frontage will preserve the publicly accessible Riverwalk, connecting Riverside Wharf between Downtown Miami and Brickell. The project brings together MVREH and Driftwood Capital’s partners, including Dream Hotel Group’s track record in highly amenitized luxury food-and-beverage hotels, and Breakwater Hospitality Group’s high-volume entertainment venues.

Live music, lifestyle programming, and themed installations will provide unparalleled entertainment on race day and beyond. Life-size games will nod to nostalgia for adults while keeping young guests engaged. Partnerships for revolving culinary pop-ups will appeal to every appetite — each visit is designed to stay fresh for locals and visitors alike.

“There is a natural synergy between Dream Hotel Group and the city of Miami,” said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein. “Our founding lifestyle brand Dream Hotels continues to expand quickly, just like Miami, offering international hospitality, vibrant entertainment and one-of-a-kind lifestyle experiences sought by residents, as well as business and pleasure travelers from across the globe. As an authentic and progressive hospitality brand, it is inherent that we share in the revitalization of this developing district in an iconic American city. We are thrilled to take part in this extraordinary project and can’t wait to open our doors in 2025.”

Added Carlos Rodriguez Sr., CEO of Driftwood Capital: “As Miami continues to attract new capital, new world-class tech and financial firms, and new talent from other parts of the country, the demand for one-of-a-kind destinations combining elements of luxury, nature, outdoor adventure and unique dining experiences is poised to escalate rapidly. We’re pleased to be able to contribute several decades of hospitality development and operational expertise to this truly unique development which will enhance Miami’s skyline and elevate the entire Miami River District.”

Riverside Wharf will transform the storied Miami River district while paying homage to the neighborhood’s historic fishing culture — celebrating the area’s beloved Garcia’s Fish Market with a pop-up seafood market on the grounds. The project was slated to break ground in 2022 with completion targeted for 2025. It is designed by Jon Cardello of Cube3 architects with landscape design by Savino-Miller Design Studio.