In January 2025, the Doral City Council gave the green light to a massive new project at Trump National Doral—five 20‑story condo towers that will completely reshape the area. This $3 billion investment marks a major move for the Trump Organization, its first big residential development in South Florida. Let’s dive into what this approval means for the city and its future.
🏗️ What Was Approved?
- Five towering buildings: The plan includes five condo towers, each 20 stories tall, housing up to 1,498 luxury residences. miamiherald.com+9insurancejournal.com+9bloomberg.com+9hawkinscre.com
- Phase construction: Starting in 2025, the project will roll out in five phases, with roughly 300 units in the first phase. credaily.com
- Commercial and open space: Over 141,000 sq ft of retail and office space will join the condos. The design also features green areas with parks, pools, tennis courts, and bike trails. floridapolitics.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1
- Parking for residents: More than 3,500 parking spaces are included to accommodate residents and guests.
The design ensures the existing golf course remains untouched—condos will be built on the parking lots to the southeast of the resort. credaily.com
Why It Matters for Doral
1. Economic boost
This development means more property tax revenue, local fees, and job opportunities. Doral city officials view this as a “revenue growth” tool that aligns with the city’s 2023 Strategic Plan. hawkinscre.com+4floridapolitics.com+4finance.yahoo.com+4
2. Increased visibility and status
This is the first Trump‑owned residential build in South Florida. Already known for licensing its name, the Trump Organization taking on full development in Doral sends a signal—to buyers, businesses, and investors—that the area is trending upscale. en.wikipedia.org+11credaily.com+11floridapolitics.com+11
3. Controlled growth
The project was scaled down from 2,300 condos to roughly 1,500, a response to concerns from local residents and officials. Notably, the mayor ensured the golf course stayed intact.
Community Impact & Concerns
A. Traffic and infrastructure
More than 4,900 new residents may soon live here. That many people can strain roads, utilities, and public services. While city officials asked for improvements like wider streets and better transit, there are always questions: Will existing infrastructure be enough waiting–to–see.
B. Neighbor relations
Doral officials praised the Trump Organization’s transparent planning, noting they “bent over backward” to address community worries. insurancejournal.com But some residents still warn of over‑development, fearing crowded streets or hidden fees.
C. Political spotlight
This approval came when Donald Trump was about to be sworn in as president, and his son Eric spoke at council meetings while returning from Mar‑a‑Lago. insurancejournal.com+1reuters.com+1
These staging and timing of appearances raised some eyebrows: Was it local planning—or political influence, or both?
What It Means for Miami’s Growth
1. Boosting upscale housing
Miami’s real estate has surged, but development in suburbs like Doral has lagged behind. These luxury condos—priced starting around $2 million—answer the demand for high‑end housing outside the city center.
2. Encouraging commercial hub growth
With more retail and office space, Doral could become more of a standalone city for living, shopping, working and leisure.
3. Setting a model for future projects
The public review process, adjusted plans, and developer cooperation may serve as a blueprint for future developments—balancing city goals with developer needs.
Broader Implications
A. Trump Organization’s comeback
This marks a return to large‑scale projects for the Trump Organization after a long pause. With legal and financial challenges in New York, focusing on Florida—where Trump’s brand is strong—signals a strategic pivot. reuters.com
B. National conflict‑of‑interest conversations
This project adds to a list of Trump‑branded developments occurring while he’s in office. Critics point to potential conflicts, as reported by watchdog groups. citizensforethics.org+1floridapolitics.com+1
Still, local officials emphasized that review processes stayed local and transparent.
C. Doral as a model suburban city
Fast‑growing Doral has evolved into a business hub with international ties. The Trump condos will further position it as a self‑contained, upscale suburb—not just a resort town.
Looking Ahead
- Construction will start in 2025, taking a few years across phases.
- Watch for infrastructure projects, like new roads and utility upgrades to support the influx.
- See how the first 300 condos sell—strong sales could drive future phases or inspire similar projects nearby.
Final Thoughts
The Trump Miami Development Approval signals more than just more buildings—it symbolizes Doral’s transformation. It brings economic opportunity, higher taxes for city services, a fresh look at suburban growth, and questions of political influence.
As the towers rise, Doral will test its vision of growth that’s both ambitious and sustainable. For residents, the success of these condos will depend on whether new streets, parks, and shop fronts feel like welcome additions—or crowded attempts to catch up with a booming city.
That balance—in planning and community relations—will define whether this development becomes a celebrated milestone in Doral’s evolution or a cautionary tale of fast change in a suburban city.
