A decade after the ambitious SkyRise Miami project was approved, the site remains an abandoned lot, raising questions about the future of this prime waterfront property. Initially envisioned as Miami's version of the Eiffel Tower, the entertainment complex was set to soar over 1,000 feet and feature restaurants, bars, and adventure activities, promising to attract millions of visitors and create thousands of jobs.

In 2014, the project received overwhelming voter support, with 70% approving a 99-year lease of the city-owned land. However, the developer, Jeff Berkowitz, soon sought $9 million in taxpayer funding, contradicting the original promise of a fully privately funded project. This request sparked controversy, leading to a lawsuit from Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado and her father, then-Mayor Tomas Regalado, who argued that public trust had been violated. The court ruled in their favor, forcing Berkowitz to withdraw his funding request.

Despite initial optimism, Berkowitz struggled to secure private financing, and by 2019, he officially abandoned the project. The site, once a parking lot, has deteriorated into a wasteland filled with trash and overgrown vegetation, with only minor groundwork completed. Activists have criticized the project for failing to deliver on promises to benefit local communities, particularly in terms of affordable housing contributions that ceased after 2019.

As the city grapples with the future of the site, Bayside Marketplace, which now holds the lease, has announced plans for cosmetic improvements and potential new developments. However, the fate of what was once a symbol of Miami's aspirations remains uncertain, leaving residents to question the long-term vision for this valuable piece of real estate.