Portman Fires Back in Miami Beach PR War

MIAMI—It's almost like watching a boxing match. Except it's a competition for a project that will influence the cultural dynamic in South Beach for decades.

Portman CMC, a group that includes Portman Holdings and CMC Group, and South Beach ACE, a group featuring Tishman Hotels Group and Robert Wennett, are duking it out in a media tit for tat. Although the PR wars have been ongoing, South Beach ACE threw down the gauntlet last week after Portman changed its mind on tearing down the Jackie Gleason Theater as part of its Miami Beach Convention Center redevelopment plans.

“The type of major changes that the Portman team is now proposing to their plan raises serious questions about whether they really have an understanding of the site, and whether they have been listening to the needs and wishes of the community and the convention center stakeholders since the beginning of this process in the same way we have,” South Beach ACE's statement last week said.

Portman didn't take it lying down. According to Portman, not only does its plan show that the firm listened to the community, but that it has been able to integrate community feedback to create a plan that is fully tailored and wholly unique to Miami Beach.

“To say otherwise, the firm suggests, couldn't be further from the truth. The Portman-CMC approach and philosophy has always been focused on developing a world-class convention center, providing connectivity and activating this expansive area,” Portman said in a statement.

“Our solutions are real and actionable and will help to strengthen and grow the local economy. Moreover, our plan reflects the ongoing dialogue we've held with the City and community, resulting in a true collaboration--which is what this process is all about. The focus has not been Trojan horse designs that can't be executed, flash for flash sakes or PR stunts.”