State Senator Gwen Margolis Endorses Portman-CMC Plan for Miami Beach Convention Center

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - July 2, 2013 - PRLog -- MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (July 2, 2013) – Today, Florida Senator Gwen Margolis announced her unequivocal support for the Portman-CMC Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) plan. Margolis represents the City of Miami Beach in the Florida Senate, where she serves as the Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations and is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce. The City Commission of Miami Beach is currently reviewing bids from two finalists, Portman-CMC and South Beach ACE.

“After studying both proposals, I am convinced the Portman-CMC project is the best project for the City of Miami Beach,” said Margolis in a public letter to Miami Beach’s elected officials and residents. “It will keep our community the best tourist destination in the world and greatly improve the quality of life for our constituents.”

Margolis has served for more than three decades in the State Senate. In making her endorsement, Margolis noted the significant economic advantages of the Portman-CMC plan.

“The Portman-CMC project will cost the public significantly less, as total public costs for the Portman-CMC project are estimated at $624.4 million as opposed to $700.0 million for South Beach ACE, a savings to the residents of Miami Beach of more than $75 million.”

Margolis was the 2012 State Legislator Honoree for the National Public Leadership in the Arts Award.  She cited Portman-CMC’s support for the arts and culture in making her decision.

“On this measure, there is simply no comparison between the two projects. The Portman-CMC project calls for spending $25 million for the arts compared to zero dollars under the South Beach ACE plan. In regards to cultural programming, Portman-CMC supports $45.3 million to ACE’s $6.3 million.”

Margolis expressed her hope that the City Commission will choose the Portman-CMC project. The commission is slated to announce its decision on Wednesday, July 17, 2013.

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About Portman-CMC

The Portman-CMC team is one of two development groups currently bidding to develop the 52-acre Miami Beach Convention Center District. The team is comprised of top talent from Miami and many of the world’s most qualified expert professionals, representing pioneers in their respective fields, including Portman Holdings, CMC Group, Bal Harbour Shops, Cirque du Soleil, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, John Portman & Associates, Fentress Architects, West 8 and Revuelta Architecture International. For more information, please visit www.PortmanCMCMiamiBeach.com.

As requested by the City, the development project calls for a renovation and expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center; the addition of a multi-purpose space/ballroom; the addition of meeting space; a new convention center headquarters hotel; outdoor public spaces; parking; restaurants; entertainment.