By Mathewos Michael, PE Principal |Charlotte, NC

FROM PRESERVATION TO INNOVATION: MANAGING THE AMAN HOTEL REDEVELOPMENT

Redeveloping a historic structure is rarely a straightforward process. Doing it in a hurricane-prone beachfront district, with historic preservation requirements and an evolving construction schedule, adds layers of challenge and meaning.

For the past three years, I’ve helped manage the multi-phase structural transformation of the former Versailles Hotel into the future Aman Hotel Miami Beach. It’s one of the most technically and logistically complex efforts I’ve been part of, and a project that has demanded complete alignment between engineering precision and preservation intent.

It’s a project where history, complexity, and precision all meet on a site with almost no margin for error.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Set in the heart of South Beach’s Faena District, the Aman project involves the full redevelopment of the 1940s-era Versailles Hotel into a 56-suite Aman-branded luxury hotel, along with the construction of a new 16-story private residences adjacent to the hotel (not in KLINE’s scope). The project spans over 340,000 square feet and is led by OKO Group with design by Revuelta Architecture and construction by Suffolk.

Keep in mind that this is not your average new construction. The Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board requires that the original façade of Versailles be preserved and integrated into the new hotel. That directive shaped the project’s complexity from day one.

Our approach: Structural Engineering from Start to Finish

KLINE has been involved from the ground up, and quite literally, below it. Our scope evolved over multiple, distinct phases that include two critical scopes:

  • The demolition of the internal structure of the historic Versailles building

  • The design of the new hotel structure, including two basement levels and 15 post-tensioned concrete floors above

PHASE 1: Historical Assessment and Preservation

After an in-depth assessment of the job site, our team stabilized and reinforced the original structure using concrete framing, CMU walls, and detailed repair techniques to safeguard its integrity. This work helped identify key repairs and preservation methods aligned with historic requirements.

PHASE 2: Advanced Bracing and Shoring Design

We then developed and implemented a temporary bracing system, engineered to resist hurricane-level wind loads, to protect the historic façade during demolition and new construction. This system enabled the safe removal of the remaining structure while preserving the envelope.

A custom lateral bracing system with steel plates at column lines and outrigger beams, bolted to main bracing towers, temporarily supported the perimeter walls during demolition of the internal concrete slabs, columns, and beams, and throughout underpinning work to replace foundations and structural supports.

This system remains in place today, visible to anyone passing along Collins Avenue, as it continues to do its job while the new structure rises behind it.

PHASE 3: Demo Planning and Structural Holding

With the façade temporarily stabilized, we moved into demolition planning and procedures. The east side of the Versailles building, along with all internal beams, slabs, and columns, was removed floor by floor. What remains are the three preserved façades— (North, West, and South), essentially the skin of the original building, held in place by our bracing system while the internal structure was dismantled and the foundation was replaced.

PHASE 4: Foundation Innovation - (on going)

Our team designed the new foundation that will support the new hotel project. Existing concrete columns were removed to 10’-0” NGVD and rebar exposed from 10’-0” to 14’-0” NGVD to expose rebar for accurate splicing. Structural integrity was maintained through the use of newly installed micro piles, robust pile caps, and precisely poured columns. Structural columns were reintroduced, tied to the new foundation system.

This required detailed sequencing and close collaboration with the contractor to ensure the stability of the preserved structure was not compromised.

PHASE 5: New Hotel Structural Design

Today, we’re in the midst of finalizing the structural design for the new Aman Hotel, including two levels below grade and 15 levels of post-tensioned concrete above. This structure will tie into the preserved façade and connect with new amenity spaces and subgrade tunnels. Our design not only supports the architecture’s vision but also meets the rigorous demands of oceanfront conditions and high-end hospitality standards.

Project Manager Perspective: The real challenge 

People often assume that the hardest part of a project is the technical design. But in my experience, the real challenge lies in managing sequencing, coordination, and keeping everyone aligned, especially as the scope evolves and site conditions shift.

When KLINE was awarded the restoration design for the Aman Hotel in Miami Beach, there was no off-the-shelf playbook to follow. The scope was daunting: preserve the perimeter wall bracing mandated by the City of Miami, remove the Cupola from the upper roof, and carefully deconstruct the existing slabs and interior columns, leaving only the perimeter columns standing.

Early on, we explored several strategies for achieving the final exterior steel bracing. Initially, we looked at “donut hole” option. These involved cutting a central opening in the slab to excavate two basement levels and build a new shear wall, all while bracing the perimeter before removing the remaining slabs and interior columns. But after reviewing the impact of the scope of work on the schedule and cost, the owner asked us to explore alternatives.

Our next option involved interior steel bracing. However, discussions with the contractor and ownership quickly revealed significant drawbacks: it would severely limit mobility and usable space, particularly in the basement levels.

Ultimately, to maximize the space between the preserved perimeter walls and allow excavation for new basements, we proposed a third solution: exterior wall bracing. It proved the most viable path forward and was implemented under the direction of KLINE’s Florida team.

Currently, I’m managing the underpinning phase, which involves replacing deteriorated deep foundations and perimeter wall columns. We’ve sequenced this work around hurricane season and performed detailed lateral analyses on our steel bracing models to limit vertical movement to under ½ inch. We’ve also developed precise connection drawings between new and preserved columns on the first floor. One of the more innovative elements has been integrating a post-tensioned girder to transfer loads from two columns, enabling the construction of a tunnel that connects the east basement levels

Throughout this project, we’ve faced countless tests of adaptability and communication, from preserving columns in impossibly tight spaces to resolving unforeseen demolition conflicts. We even had to categorize which columns could be replaced during hurricane season and which had to wait.

One key lesson I’ve learned is that success on a project like this isn’t just about knowing the codes, it is about knowing your team. I’ve been fortunate to work side by side with talented colleagues like Nick Szarzynski, P.E. and Jaime Chirinos, who have been in the trenches with me from the early phases.

And special credit goes to Layth Hussein, P.E., whose leadership in the early assessments and preservation design laid the foundation—both literally and figuratively—for everything that followed.

Looking Ahead

We’re targeting completion in 2026. There’s still plenty of work ahead, but I’m proud of what our team has accomplished so far. For me, this project has become a case study in how preservation and innovation can work together, and how structural engineering can be more than just a technical service. It can be a storytelling partner in development.

And that’s what I’m most proud of: engineering that doesn’t just solve problems but tells a story.