The former Confidante Hotel in Miami Beach, owned by Sunstone Hotel Investors, is currently undergoing renovations under the guidance of Cumming Group. The property is expected to reopen in March 2025 under a new name: The Andaz Miami Beach.
Hotel Business caught up with Jonathan Weislow, Cumming Group VP and project manager on the renovation, and Malcolm Berg, founder/president/design director, EoA Group, which handled the architecture and design for the project, to discuss the renovation process.
As the project manager of the Andaz Miami Beach transformation, what were your company’s responsibilities?
Weislow: The role encompassed comprehensive oversight of budget management, scheduling and team coordination. This entailed establishing and maintaining stringent budget controls, processing contractor payments and diligently monitoring contingency funds. A master schedule was meticulously developed and continuously updated to synchronize all trades and consultants, ensuring seamless progression of work according to the established plan. A pivotal aspect of the project’s success was the careful selection and management of qualified consultants and contractors. This process involved leading regular progress meetings, reviewing technical submittals and requests for information (RFIs), and facilitating coordination among design teams, contractors and ownership to maintain alignment with project goals and requirements. The permitting strategy required extensive coordination with city departments, including managing permit submissions across various jurisdictions, scheduling inspections and resolving any code compliance issues that arose during construction. Maintaining regular communication with city officials and inspectors was essential to ensure smooth progression through regulatory requirements.
What was the inspiration for the renovation?
Berg: We have a natural tendency to be skeptical of what we don’t understand and fear what we cannot control. As a shoreline community, we’re understandably nervous about what rising oceans might mean to us. That uncertainty is what led us to confront the issue—at a human level. To that end, the concept brings the ocean to us, bringing the water into our life as an inextricable quality of being. A figuratively biomorphic evolution takes place, where the architecture and interiors embrace the ocean and allow the ocean forces to mold their very shape and intention. We followed the water’s flow, its erosion and its intuitively organic predisposition. The ocean itself has an inherent connectedness, a symbiosis of spaces. Previously disconnected areas have therefore become fully connected—visually, physically, experientially and emotionally.”
Were there any challenges the designers faced during the renovation process?
Weislow: The Andaz Miami Beach transformation presented a series of intricate technical and logistical challenges that the design team adeptly navigated. Adhering to Miami Beach’s stringent flood elevation requirements necessitated structural adaptations, all while preserving the architectural integrity of the historic property. A particularly complex endeavor involved the relocation of a 1930s-era house situated on the premises. This operation required meticulous coordination between structural engineers and house-moving specialists to safeguard the building’s historic fabric. A standout feature of the project is the innovative movable pool floor system installed in the upper pool area. This cutting-edge technology allows the pool to transform seamlessly from a traditional swimming area to a flat surface or runway at the touch of a button, offering unparalleled versatility for various events and functions. Integrating modern systems within the historic framework demanded creative solutions, ensuring that contemporary amenities harmonized with the property’s classic elements. Additionally, unforeseen supply chain disruptions required the team to swiftly identify and implement alternative materials to maintain the project’s schedule. The construction phase was notably unimpeded by adverse weather conditions, as no named storms impacted the extensive outdoor work during the hurricane season, contributing to the project’s timely progression.
How was the lobby redesigned?
Weislow: In order to emphasize the connection to the environment and to water, the lobby placement had to be reconsidered. The previous lobby was situated at the lower level, directly adjacent to the porte cochere, isolated and lacking completely in context. The new lobby (now called the Andaz Lounge) was shifted to the second floor where it could benefit from a commanding view of the property and the ocean beyond. The lower-level lobby bar was relocated adjacent to the lounge, slightly elevated to provide a commanding view. A large, organically shaped lobby terrace was added to the exterior, extending the lounge and bar experience towards the ocean. The pools were raised and brought closer to the building for an intimate connection to the terrace. The terrace itself is dotted with skylights flooded with water—shallow, glass-bottom oval basins that allow shimmering sunlight to filter down to the restaurant below.
How was the restaurant redesigned?
Weislow: The restaurant was relocated to be closer to the kitchen. Due to the popularity of the exterior spaces, much attention was given to the adjacent outside area directly under the Andaz Lounge Terrace. The bar was placed outside as a focal point to the lower dining terrace, surrounded by outdoor tables and banquettes. The flooded skylights filter shimmering light onto the islands of tropical plants, the banquettes flanking them in a protective posture.
