Donald Trump’s latest real estate project in Miami has everyone talking. The Doral City Council recently gave the green light to a massive $3 billion plan to build luxury condos and retail space at Trump National Doral, a sprawling resort known for its golf courses and high-end amenities. Called Trump Doral International Towers, the project includes nearly 1,500 residential units and promises to reshape the area. While some residents worry about traffic, others see it as a boost for Doral’s economy and prestige. This article dives into the details of the approval, what the project entails, and what it means for Miami. Let’s unpack this big development and what it could bring to the community.
The Big Plan: What’s Being Built?
The Trump Organization’s plan is ambitious: 1,498 luxury condos across four 20-story towers, plus 142,000 square feet of retail space for shops and restaurants. The project, named Trump Doral International Towers, will rise on a 56.4-acre plot at Trump National Doral, a 600-acre resort with a hotel and four golf courses, including the famous Blue Monster. The development won’t touch the golf courses but will replace parking lots with towers, a parking garage, and a public plaza. Designed by local architects, the project aims to attract wealthy buyers, with condos starting at $2 million. Construction will happen in phases, with sales possibly starting in mid-2025. It’s a bold move to blend luxury living with Doral’s golfing legacy.
Why the Name Trump Doral International Towers?
Originally called Doral International Towers, the project was renamed to include “Trump” to highlight the family’s brand. The Trump Organization, led by Eric and Donald Trump Jr., wants to emphasize the luxury and prestige tied to their name. Attorney Felix Lasarte said, “It always has been a Trump product,” signaling their long-term commitment. The name aims to draw high-end buyers, especially golf enthusiasts and international investors, who value the Trump brand’s reputation for upscale properties. This is their first self-developed project in South Florida since buying the resort in 2012.
What’s Included in the Development?
The project features four 20-story towers with 1,498 condos, ranging from 885 to 5,000 square feet, including villas with rooftop terraces. It also includes 141,694 square feet of commercial space for luxury shops and dining, plus 3,522 parking spaces. A 3-acre public plaza with a water feature will connect to the tallest tower via a bridge. The development aims to offer a high-end lifestyle, with access to the resort’s golf courses, tennis courts, and spa, making it a draw for wealthy buyers seeking exclusivity.
The Approval Process: How It Happened
The Doral City Council approved the project in a unanimous 4-0 vote on January 15, 2025, after a 3-2 preliminary approval in August 2024. The process wasn’t easy—initial plans for 2,300 units were scaled back to address concerns about traffic and overdevelopment. Eric Trump attended the final vote, calling the project “world-class.” The council reviewed the site plan, rezoning, and development agreement, ensuring the project fits Doral’s “downtown mixed-use” zoning. The Federal Aviation Administration also cleared the tower heights, confirming no interference with nearby Miami International Airport. The approval shows the Trump Organization’s persistence and collaboration with city officials to win support.
Why the Initial Vote Was Close
In August 2024, the council’s 3-2 vote showed division. Mayor Christi Fraga and Councilman Rafael Pinyero voted against it, citing traffic concerns and too many residential units. Residents like Richard Glukstad, who wore a “Dump Trump” button, argued Doral was already overbuilt. The Trump team revised the plan, reducing units to 1,498 and adding traffic solutions, which swayed Fraga and Pinyero for the final vote. Their willingness to adjust and engage with the community helped secure unanimous approval in January.
How the Trump Team Won Support
The Trump Organization, through Eric Trump and attorney Felix Lasarte, worked hard to address concerns. They met with officials, promised traffic improvements, and highlighted economic benefits, like $6 million annually for Doral and $11 million for Miami-Dade County from condo sales. Eric Trump emphasized the family’s long-term commitment, saying they’ll own the property “in perpetuity.” Their efforts, plus Trump’s political influence—his endorsement helped new councilor Nicole Reinoso win her seat—turned skeptics into supporters, leading to the unanimous vote.
Why This Project Matters for Doral
The Trump Doral International Towers could transform Doral, a city of 80,000 near Miami International Airport. The $3 billion project is expected to boost property values and bring high-end retail, attracting wealthy residents and visitors. It’s part of Doral’s growth as a luxury destination, complementing the resort’s existing hotel and golf courses. However, some worry about traffic congestion on roads like Northwest 87th Avenue. City officials, including Mayor Fraga, believe the project balances Doral’s need for upscale development with community concerns, ensuring the city remains a vibrant, growing hub.
Economic Boost for the Community
The project promises big economic benefits. The Trump Organization estimates it will generate $6 million a year for Doral and $11 million for Miami-Dade County through taxes and sales. The 142,000 square feet of retail space will bring high-end shops and restaurants, creating jobs and drawing tourists. The condos, starting at $2 million, target wealthy buyers, likely from out of state or abroad, boosting local businesses. This could elevate Doral’s status as a luxury destination, building on the resort’s fame.
Concerns About Traffic and Growth
Not everyone’s thrilled. Residents worry the 4,975 new residents could clog roads, especially Northwest 87th Avenue. Doral’s already busy, and adding 1,498 units might strain infrastructure. Mayor Fraga acknowledged the impact but said the Trumps worked to reduce it, offering traffic solutions like better road access. Some, like former candidate Juan Carlos Esquivel, wanted more land dedicated to road expansions. The city plans to study traffic flow to minimize disruptions, balancing growth with livability.
The Trump Brand and Its Role
The Trump name carries weight in real estate, especially in South Florida, where luxury buyers seek prestige. While earlier plans downplayed the Trump branding, calling it Doral International Towers, the final name embraces it. Eric Trump and attorney Felix Lasarte say the project targets golf enthusiasts and international buyers who value the Trump brand’s luxury appeal. The family’s $250 million renovation of the resort since 2012 shows their commitment to quality, aiming to make this a standout development in Miami’s hot real estate market.
Why the Trump Name Matters
The Trump brand is synonymous with luxury, and this project leans into that. Attorney Felix Lasarte noted it’s aimed at wealthy buyers, especially international ones, who want access to the resort’s golf courses and spa. The Trump name draws attention, as seen in past projects like Trump Grande in Sunny Isles Beach. By branding it Trump Doral International Towers, the family ensures it stands out in Miami’s competitive luxury market, appealing to those seeking exclusivity.
A Family Affair
The Trump Organization, run by Eric and Donald Trump Jr., is deeply involved. Eric attended the council meeting, emphasizing the family’s long-term vision. Donald Trump Jr. is listed as the principal of Trump Endeavor 12 LLC, the entity behind the project. Their hands-on approach, from securing approvals to planning phases, shows this isn’t just a quick deal. Eric’s promise to own the property “in perpetuity” signals the family’s stake in Doral’s future, tying their legacy to this development.
Challenges and Controversies
The project hasn’t been without pushback. Some residents and officials, like Mayor Fraga initially, worried about overdevelopment and traffic. Others, like Richard Glukstad, opposed it due to Trump’s polarizing image. The close 3-2 vote in August 2024 reflected these concerns. There were also debates about Trump’s political influence, with his endorsement of councilor Nicole Reinoso raising eyebrows, though she denied it swayed her vote. Scaling back from 2,300 to 1,498 units and addressing traffic concerns helped ease tensions, but the project still sparks debate.
Resident Pushback and Concerns
Residents like Richard Glukstad voiced frustration, calling Doral overbuilt and citing traffic woes. At the August 2024 meeting, some wore anti-Trump gear, showing personal opposition to the Trump name. They worried 1,498 new units would worsen congestion and strain resources. The Trump team’s revisions, like fewer units and traffic plans, won over critics like Fraga, but some residents still feel the city’s growing too fast. The council’s promise to monitor traffic impacts aims to address these concerns.
Political Influence Questions
Trump’s political clout played a role. His endorsement of Nicole Reinoso, who won a close election, raised questions about influence, though she insisted it didn’t affect her vote. Opponent Juan Carlos Esquivel, who supported the project, still criticized the lack of infrastructure planning. Trump’s team navigated these politics carefully, engaging with officials and residents to build support. The unanimous final vote suggests they overcame skepticism, but the project’s ties to Trump’s political profile keep it in the spotlight.
What’s Next for the Project?
With final approval secured, the Trump Organization is gearing up for construction, likely starting in 2025 after permits are finalized. Sales could begin by spring or summer 2025, with condos priced from $2 million. The project will roll out in five phases, with about 300 units per phase, allowing flexibility in unit types like condos or townhouses. The Trump team is working with the city to finalize traffic plans and ensure the development blends with Doral’s growth. This could set a new standard for luxury golf resort communities in South Florida.
Construction Timeline and Phases
The project will be built in five phases, with roughly 300 condos per phase, starting as early as 2025 if permits are approved. Each phase will include a mix of condos and possibly townhouses, with the first units likely available for sale by mid-2025. The full build-out could take years, given the project’s size—5.66 million square feet total. The Trump Organization aims to maintain quality, with Eric Trump calling it a “world-class” development that will enhance Doral’s appeal.
How It Fits Doral’s Future
Doral is growing fast, and this project aligns with its shift toward upscale, mixed-use developments. The towers and retail space will complement nearby areas like Downtown Doral, attracting high-end residents and businesses. Mayor Fraga sees it as part of a balanced approach, alongside efforts for workforce housing. The project’s public plaza and amenities like bike trails could make Doral a hub for luxury living, though the city must manage growth to avoid overwhelming infrastructure.
Final Thoughts on Trump’s Doral Project
The Trump Doral International Towers mark a bold step for the Trump Organization and Doral. With 1,498 luxury condos, retail space, and a $3 billion price tag, it’s a game-changer for the area. The unanimous approval shows the Trump team’s ability to address concerns and win support, despite initial pushback. While traffic worries linger, the economic benefits and prestige could elevate Doral’s status. As construction looms, this project will test Doral’s balance between growth and livability, all under the Trump brand’s spotlight. Keep an eye on this one—it’s set to reshape Miami’s luxury scene.
