Stephen Muss, the developer credited with reviving Miami Beach, passed away on August 23 at the age of 97, The New York Times reported. His leadership and investments helped transform the city from a fading retirement destination into a global resort hub, rescuing the Fontainebleau Hotel from bankruptcy and leaving an indelible mark on its history.

Stephen Muss’s contributions went beyond individual projects—he championed civic initiatives, helped expand the Miami Beach Convention Center, and pushed forward public amenities that shaped the city’s identity.

At Nichols Architects, we had the privilege of building upon this legacy. In 1999, we designed the Loews Miami Beach, the city’s first convention center hotel, and in 2002, we performed a full renovation of the Fontainebleau after its acquisition by the Soffer family. These projects, while not Muss’s own, were made possible by the path he paved for Miami Beach’s resurgence.

His passing is a moment to reflect on the enduring impact of visionaries who not only built properties but also redefined communities.