The iconic oceanfront resort, Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, at 455 Grand Bay Drive in Miami, is preparing for an extensive $100 million renovation project. Originally designed by Nichols Architects, the hotel opened in 2001 (the first luxury resort built in South Florida in over thirty years) and has been a popular destination for travelers and locals, hosting weddings, spa days, and tennis matches. Temporary Workforce Reduction Starting between May 1 and May 14, the resort will temporarily suspend operations for 425 staff…

By Lisa J. Huriash, from South Florida Sun Sentinel The fast-growing city of Pompano Beach is poised to grow even bigger — with a $2 billion, 75-acre revamped downtown envisioned to lure people with new residences, stores, offices as well as a water feature that could span as far as 12 city blocks. An artist’s rendering shows the extent of what’s possible: Many new multi-story buildings would flank a pedestrian-friendly, community-oriented grassy area that is centered around the waterway, with ample…

Miami-Dade could soon rename the Park West Metromover station. The new name of the station is proposed to be the Miami Worldcenter Metromover Station. A memo from county staff notes that Worldcenter is a massive development spanning multiple blocks and a mix of uses. Renaming the Park West Metromover Station as the Miami Worldcenter Metromover Station “will promote and identify this landmark which is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of our local economy and tourism industry.”…

Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management has taken a major step toward strengthening its leadership with the appointment of a new chair and three distinguished industry executives to its Executive Advisory Board. As of February 20, 2025, the school announced that Richard Brilliant, a respected alumnus and hospitality executive at Carnival Cruise Lines, would assume the role of board chair. Joining him on the board are John Boettger, managing director at Westmont Hospitality Group; Jorge L. Rodriguez, president of Latin America and the Caribbean at SUBWAY®; and Mutluhan…

Nichols Architects are excited to announce we’re starting a new chapter—just a couple of blocks away, in Coral Gables. Our new home holds special meaning for us: it’s The Alhambra, a building our team designed in the 1980s. Part of a transformative project that helped shape the Gables’ architectural landscape; it was the first under the Mediterranean Ordinance that today is a signature of the city. The Alhambra consists of the 14-story Alhambra Plaza tower and the seven-story Alhambra West…

Opal Sol has officially welcomed its first guests! 🌊☀️ Following its soft opening on February 14th, the newest luxury resort on Clearwater Beach is now accepting reservations. Designed by Nichols Architects, Opal Sol offers 248 rooms, three pools, multiple dining options, a spa, and 57,194 square feet of event space—all seamlessly connected to its sister resort, Opal Sands, via skyway bridge. With both resorts combining for over 106,000 square feet of event space, Opal Sol is ready to host unforgettable…

The World Architecture Festival (WAF), a prestigious networking, awards, and trade show event, is making its U.S. debut this year. Miami Beach has been selected to host this major international gathering in November 2025, with the season kicking off at a launch event on February 5th at The Bass Museum. Amid cocktails and vibrant energy, the Nichols Architects team had the opportunity to learn more about the event and connect with new and familiar faces. What sets WAF apart is…

A new chapter in Miami’s dining scene has begun. Wyn Wyn is now open, bringing fresh, sustainable cuisine to the heart of Wynwood. With a menu centered on locally sourced ingredients, superfoods, and clean eating, the restaurant offers a variety of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetable-forward options. Designed as an immersive, nature-inspired space, Wyn Wyn sets the stage for lively connections and unforgettable dining experiences. Located within Arlo Wynwood, the first hotel in the nation’s largest street art gallery, Wyn Wyn…

Every year, Miami becomes the epicenter of dance music when DJs, producers, and industry folk descend on the city to escape the winter weather, network, and party. Because spring break overlaps with this event, thousands of dance music fans also make the trek to Miami to enjoy sets by their favorite DJs. Officially called Miami Music Week, the parties take over venues and hotel pools in Miami and Miami Beach, with the 2025 dates falling on March 25-30. You can expect to hear dance…

Vacationing in St. Pete-Clearwater is always a bright idea. Quite literally. The destination, a peninsula that includes more than 20 communities on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is the world record holder for the most sunny days in a row—768 to be exact. Holding the title of the Sunshine State’s sunniest spot means St. Pete-Clearwater is a paradise for anyone looking to spend time outdoors, any time of year. Beaches and water fun Take advantage of the area’s 35 miles of beautiful beaches with a dip in winter,…