If you’ve been around Miami long enough, chances are Parrot Jungle or Jungle Island is part of your core memories. You’ll also know that in this city, the only constant is change. Now, this iconic stretch of land between Downtown and Miami Beach is preparing to trade its tropical birds and eco-adventure rides for two luxury condo towers and a reimagined 13.3-acre public park.

The plan seeks to unify Watson Island’s north and south sides, which are currently anchored by Joia Beach Club on the northern tip, Jungle Island in the middle, and the marina at the southeastern tip. With continuous pedestrian pathways and interconnected green spaces, the redevelopment plan hopes to reposition the island as a new civic destination between Downtown and South Beach, all the while adding luxury residential on a coveted piece of waterfront land.

— From Theme Park to Waterfront Residences

At the center of this massive shift is Ecoresiliency Miami LLC, a joint venture between Terra Group and ESJ Capital Partners, which was approved to acquire 5.4 acres of city-owned land at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail. 

The $135 million deal, approved by voters and the Miami City Commission this July, clears the way for a 40-story Watson Island luxury condo development with up to 600 residential units, spread across two towers.

The first phase of construction will include the initial tower, parking, and essential infrastructure. A second tower and up to 25,000 square feet of commercial space will follow. Altogether, the project aims to replace the eco-theme park with high-end residences and publicly accessible waterfront green space, aligning with Miami’s current growth trajectory.

— A $37M Waterfront Park, Designed and Delivered by Developers

To sweeten the deal, the developers have agreed to return 13.3 acres of prime Watson Island land to the city and invest $37 million to design and build a waterfront park. The future park will offer a mix of active and passive recreation areas, biodiversity education initiatives, and essential amenities such as public restrooms and a harbormaster facility. Once completed, the park will be handed over to the city for management and promotion of public use.

Watson Harbour Promenade. Credit: BH3 Management, Merrimac Ventures.

—Community Contributions and Long-Term Commitments

As part of the broader community benefits package, the Terra–ESJ joint venture has committed to more than $34.6 million, including $15 million for affordable housing, as well as annual park maintenance payments, infrastructure upgrades, support for small and disadvantaged businesses, and to pay off a longstanding $22 million federal HUD loan tied to the original Jungle Island park.

They’ve also pledged to promote local employment, and help fund a Watson Island master plan, signaling their intent to help shape the long-term vision of this prized bayfront site.

— Watson Harbour: A Parallel Vision on the Island

Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, another Watson Island pre construction project has been gaining momentum. BH3 Management and Merrimac Ventures are working on a separate but equally ambitious plan dubbed Watson Harbour. This mixed-use development, also approved by voters, will occupy 3.2 acres purchased from the city for an estimated $25 million. 

Watson Harbour will include 105 condos, nearly 221,000 square feet of office and retail, and two hotels. In return, the developers will contribute $9 million toward affordable housing and infrastructure, extend their site lease by 24 years, and expand the bayfront promenade for improved pedestrian access along Biscayne Bay.

— Community Concerns and Solutions

While the idea of new construction, brand-new public use amenities, and millions in community benefits is generating excitement, many locals are concerned about the fate of the nearly 3,000 bird, animal, and plant species that call Jungle Island home.

The top concern voiced by community members is whether the developers have prepared a proper rehabilitation plan to ensure the welfare of these animals. In an interview with WPLG Local 10, Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo stated that the animals were originally assembled from various sanctuaries and, under the redevelopment plan, will be returned to their respective homes.

— Prime Location for a Rare Development Opportunity

Watson Island is opportunely positioned between Greater Downtown Miami and South Beach, connected via the MacArthur Causeway and boasting cinematic views in every direction. For years, it has sat out major development waves, anchored by its family-friendly attractions, a superyacht marina, and scattered municipal uses.

Now, with the city and voters aligning, and two heavyweight developer teams on board, Watson Island is poised for a comeback. The redevelopment of Jungle Island can't just be labeled as luxury condo play—it’s a signal that Miami’s development boom is expanding into long-overlooked corners of the city.

As Watson Island Miami new construction projects move forward, this long-overlooked bayfront is set to evolve from a weekend theme park into a sought-after residential address. Between Downtown and Miami Beach, the island’s redevelopment signals not only new luxury condos but also a civic gateway designed to connect the city’s cultural core with its resort coastline.
 

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