Developers Proposed Plans for Historic Miami Courthouse
The city awaits the conclusion of a county-led auction for the abandoned 1928 property on October 25, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Commercial
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Developers Russell Galbut and Moishe Mana recently submitted competing proposals for the vacant 1928 Miami-Dade Courthouse. As the county-run auction remains open, the future of the historic Flagler Street landmark stays uncertain.
Why it matters
The site represents a critical piece of downtown’s revitalization, pitting a proposed 70-story high-rise against a plan for cultural studios. Residents are waiting to see if either bid meets the county’s $35 million minimum, as the courthouse currently faces no viable economic path.
Miami-Dade County set a $35 million minimum bid for the historic courthouse, significantly higher than the $5 million purchase offer submitted by Moishe Mana. Whether this gap is bridged before the October 25 deadline remains the central point of uncertainty.
The players
Russell Galbut
A developer who submitted a proposal to build a 70-story residential tower on the site.
Moishe Mana
A developer who submitted a $5 million offer to convert the courthouse into cultural space.
Miami-Dade County
The local government body managing the auction and the sale of the historic courthouse property.
The details
Russell Galbut proposed a 70-story residential tower that would require removing the courthouse’s northern entrance and steps, funded by tax revenue from the new construction. Alternatively, Moishe Mana offered $5 million to repurpose the site for galleries and studios. Miami-Dade County has extended the auction three times after receiving no initial bids, and the process is currently set to close late next month.
Timeline
The original courthouse was completed in 1928.
Russell Galbut submitted his development plan on September 4, 2026.
Moishe Mana submitted a competing purchase proposal on September 18, 2026.
The county-managed auction is scheduled to end on October 25, 2026.
Beyond the 305
This site remains a focal point for long-term Flagler Street revitalization efforts aimed at bringing more residents and businesses downtown. The current struggle to find a buyer follows years of attempts to make the historic property economically viable.
Residents in the downtown area should watch for the auction results on October 25, as the outcome will determine whether a high-rise tower or a cultural arts hub defines this block of Flagler Street. The site's status currently impacts the walkability and economic activity of the neighborhood.
The takeaway
The courthouse site currently lacks a path forward after failing to attract initial bidders at the county's price point. Keep an eye on the Miami-Dade County auction clock as the October 25 deadline approaches to see if a viable offer emerges.
Further reading
You can find more updates on the local market in our Commercial section.
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