The Delmore: Luxury or Disrespect? Miami's $15M Floating Pool Condos Stir Controversy
Friday, February 14, 2025
The Delmore: Luxury or Disrespect? Miami's $15M Floating Pool Condos Stir Controversy
By Joe Hillner | Guaranteed Home SalesA Mansion in the Sky—With a Controversial Past
A $15 million ultra-luxury mansion in the sky, complete with a floating pool and private butlers. But there’s a catch—this extravagant project is being built on the site of the tragic Surfside condo collapse, where 98 people lost their lives.
What’s Being Built: Introducing The Delmore
Dubai-based DAMAC International is making its U.S. debut with The Delmore, an ultra-exclusive Miami condo unlike anything the city has ever seen.
- Two sleek towers connected by a 75-foot-long floating pool
- Only 37 “mansions in the sky” priced at $15 million and up
- Expansive units ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 square feet
- Private elevators and personal butlers
- Interiors designed by Zaha Hadid Architects
Unparalleled Amenities
The Delmore goes beyond luxury, offering amenities that rival five-star resorts:
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Indoor lap pool and jacuzzi
- Expansive meditation garden
- Exclusive beachfront access
The Tragic History of This Location
On June 24, 2021, at 1:22 AM, the Champlain Towers South collapsed, killing 98 residents in one of the worst building disasters in U.S. history. Investigations revealed the cause—decades of structural neglect and corroding support beams.
After the collapse, the site remained empty for months, a somber reminder of the lives lost. In 2022, DAMAC purchased the land for $120 million in a court-ordered sale.
New Beginnings or Insensitive Development?
DAMAC’s Senior VP, Jeffery Rossely, says The Delmore is a “new beginning” that will honor the victims. But many families of those lost see it differently.
- Some believe it’s disrespectful, a billionaire playground built on tragedy.
- Others argue it’s too soon—especially since the final investigation report won’t be released until 2026.
- Safety concerns remain: Can a high-rise truly erase the past structural failures?
Why Miami’s Ultra-Rich Are Still Buying In
Despite the controversy, The Delmore is attracting Miami’s wealthiest buyers. Here’s why:
- Location: Nestled between Bal Harbour and Indian Creek Village, home to billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Ivanka Trump.
- Luxury Market Boom: Douglas Elliman reports a surge in demand for ultra-high-end properties.
- Exclusive Beachfront: Oceanfront property in Miami is scarce, making this location highly desirable.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Future or a Tone-Deaf Development?
DAMAC promises that The Delmore will bring renewal to Surfside. But for many, no amount of luxury can erase the pain of what happened here.
Would you live in a $15 million mansion built on the site of a tragedy?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is The Delmore?
- The Delmore is a luxury Miami condo development by DAMAC International, featuring 37 ultra-high-end residences.
- Where is The Delmore located?
- It is being built on the former site of Champlain Towers South, which collapsed in 2021.
- How much do units at The Delmore cost?
- Prices start at $15 million, with residences ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 square feet.
- Why is The Delmore controversial?
- The project is being built on the site of a tragic collapse, where 98 people lost their lives, raising concerns about sensitivity and safety.
- Who is behind The Delmore?
- DAMAC International, a Dubai-based luxury real estate developer, is leading the project.
