Miami's Legal Battle Over 'Citywalk' Redevelopment Plan

The City of Miami rejected Florida-based Concalpro's "Citywalk" plan, citing the market would not support the proposal for the 135-acre property adjacent to Miami International Airport. Concalpro has answered the rejection by taking legal action.

1 minute read

June 12, 2006, 6:00 AM PDT

By Mike Lydon


"Dubbed 'Citywalk,' the project was a proposed $110 million makeover for Miami's city-owned, money-losing Melreese Golf Course, which operates adjacent to Miami International Airport.

Among the planned improvements: Upgraded golf amenities such as a new clubhouse, nearly 160,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and entertainment space, a four-star hotel, and a sky bridge to make it all accessible to airport passengers.

Miami leaders considered an ambitious 635-page Citywalk submission for less than a week last year, then chucked the Michael Graves-designed plan in the trash.

The city initially said the market could no longer support a four-star hotel at the site. It now adds that the Citywalk layout itself was flawed. The property is located at 1802 NW 37th Ave.

Miami, which launched the bidding process in 2004, intends to start the process all over next week, asking interested companies for their ideas on how best to revamp the 135-acre property. But Concalpro, a company with roots in Venezuela that bases its Florida operations in Miami, is now suing the city, claiming Miami summarily tossed out its Citywalk proposal without cause."

Thursday, June 8, 2006 in The Miami Herald

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 30, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

Smoke billows out of a power plant.

25 states, cities sue the EPA over erased power plant emissions limits

The coalition also intends to sue the EPA for not regulating emissions from gas-fired power plants.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

Gavin Newsom speaks behind a podium and gestures with one hand.

Newsom vetoes giving CA tribes greater voice in water projects

In his veto letter, Newsom said the bill would add ‘uncertainty’ to the state’s fight to secure Californians’ water supplies.

2 hours ago - LA Times

The Leeland Dam, nestled between two buildings with pointed roofs. People watch the water.

Michigan Senate votes to revise 'lax' dam safety laws

A Bridge Michigan investigation found more than 100,000 Michigan residents live in the floodpath of a high or significant-hazard dam.

3 hours ago - The Associated Press

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design