Art Basel Host Committee Members Support Portman-CMC Plan

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - June 27, 2013 - PRLog -- MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (June 27, 2013) – Art Basel Miami Beach Host Committee members, Eveline Pierre and Sheila Elias Taplin, have thrown their support behind Portman-CMC’s plan for the redevelopment of the Miami Beach Convention Center district, giving the developer additional momentum just weeks away from the city commission’s July 17 developer selection date.    

Art Basel Miami Beach is a globally recognized event that brings the world’s leading artists to exhibit their work at the convention center and throughout the city. It draws more than 50,000 visitors each year and is considered one of the most prestigious and significant shows to use the convention center.

Pierre supports the Portman-CMC because of its greater emphasis on cultural investment.

“As an arts educator and enthusiast, I support the Portman-CMC plan for the Convention Center because it emphasizes cultural investment and provides expanses of green space, all while offering affordable options for tourists seeking accommodations in the area,” said Pierre.

The differences between the two plans in the area of cultural investment are stark. Portman-CMC’s plan invests $25 million for the arts and $18.5 million for the renovation of The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theater. South Beach ACE’s plan invests zero dollars in either area. Portman-CMC’s plan also allocates $45.3 million for cultural programming compared to ACE’s $6.3 million.  

Taplin felt it was the best plan for Art Basel Miami Beach.
“It is my belief that the Portman-CMC plan is the best plan to continue the Art Basel show in all of its glory,” said Taplin. “Their design allows for a wonderful flow of exhibition space, both inside and out, and doesn’t include the risk of any temporary structures.”

Unlike the South Beach ACE plan, the Portman-CMC plan uses no temporary structures whose construction would detract from cultural events and shows like Art Basel Miami Beach. It also completes the redevelopment of the entire district 19 months faster than South Beach ACE, leaving a renovated, expanded and much greener space completely available to convention goers and the public that much sooner.

“We spent a lot of time thinking through the functionality of our designs and how it can work with existing businesses and cultural events, as well as how the designs can help attract new events to Miami Beach,” said Jack Portman, Vice Chairman of Portman Holdings. “It’s very satisfying that our plan resonates so well with those who work closely with one of the most important events hosted at the convention center.”

Other Miami Beach residents associated with the arts that have expressed their support for the Portman-CMC plan include Judy Drucker, Director of the Great Artist Series; Bruce Orosz, President of ACT Productions; Harvey Burstein, Director of Burstein Family Foundation; and many others. A larger list of endorsers can be found under the “Endorsements” tab at www.PortmanCMCMiamiBeach.com.

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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.