Inside The Vision to Transform Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium Marinas On Miami's Virginia Key Into A Publicly Accessible Waterfront Destination
Nearly a decade after the City of Miami held a competitive public process to revitalize its aging marinas on Virginia Key and create more access to Biscayne Bay, Miami voters will have the opportunity to move that vision forward this November. The proposal by Virginia Key LLC would transform approximately 27 acres encompassing the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium Marinas into a modern, environmentally responsible waterfront destination for all.
Nearly a decade after the City of Miami held a competitive public process to revitalize its aging marinas on Virginia Key and create more access to Biscayne Bay, Miami voters will have the opportunity to move that vision forward this November. The proposal by Virginia Key LLC — a joint venture between RCI Group and Suntex Marinas — would transform approximately 27 acres encompassing the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium Marinas into a modern, environmentally responsible waterfront destination for all. The plan replaces aging infrastructure, improves marina operations, restores the property as a public asset, and activates the Biscayne Bay waterfront as a destination for residents and visitors.
Virginia Key LLC would fund more than $80 million in improvements through private investment – with no taxpayer dollars needed – and the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium Marinas would remain City-owned. Public benefits include:
Over 1,200 linear feet of landscaped waterfront promenade, giving Miami residents and visitors more access to Biscayne Bay.
Public space to walk, run, bike, paddle, and enjoy Virginia Key – whether or not you own a boat.
Additional waterfront dining options that will welcome families year-round.
Improved access to water recreation, with opportunities to paddle, row, gather, and enjoy more of Virginia Key.
More shade trees and landscaping, including an expanded tree canopy and improved pedestrian areas.
A new, modernized marina, including 750 dry slips and 202 wet slips, upgraded boater amenities, indoor hurricane-rated dry storage and improvements to replace aging facilities.
Environmental and resiliency improvements, including a commitment to pursue Florida Clean Marina designation and LEED-certification.
From a Marina for Some to a Waterfront for All
Virginia Key LLC’s plans to revitalize the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium Marina property date back more than a decade through two competitive City procurement processes. In 2017, the City of Miami issued a public RFP seeking proposals to redevelop and operate the property. A City selection committee ranked Virginia Key LLC — the RCI Group and Suntex Marinas team — as the top-ranked proposer and the City Manager approved the recommendation. After years of litigation, the courts ordered the City to place Virginia Key LLC’s proposal before Miami voters. Most recently, a Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge rejected an effort by the current operator of Rickenbacker Marina and others to block the November referendum.
RCI and Suntex bring decades of experience developing, improving, and operating marinas in Florida, as well as a track record of managing publicly owned facilities. Their South Florida portfolio includes Miami Beach Marina, Bayshore Landing, Bahia Mar, and Haulover, with marinas in their portfolio meeting Florida’s Clean Marina standards — unlike the current operator, whose Rickenbacker Marina is not designated as a Florida Clean Marina. That experience gives the team the expertise and resources needed to deliver significant upgrades long envisioned for Virginia Key.
RCI Group has been family-operated for more than 50 years and is led by boating enthusiasts Robert Christoph Sr. and his son, Robert Christoph Jr. Since establishing a Miami presence in the 1980s, the company has played a hands-on role in developing and managing residential, commercial and marine properties across the U.S., including five marinas in Florida.
“My best memories growing up involve being on the water with my family. Biscayne Bay is special, but there are too few places in Miami where families can truly connect with the water. It’s time to open more access to the Virginia Key waterfront,” said Robert W. Christoph Jr., president of RCI Group. “For decades, this incredible public asset has been underutilized and difficult for many Miami families to fully enjoy. We have an opportunity to change that with more than $80 million in improvements funded entirely by private investment — not a single dollar from Miami taxpayers. Our team will create a destination where families can walk along the bay, friends can meet for lunch, and people can kayak, paddleboard, or simply enjoy the view.”
Suntex Marinas is one of the nation’s largest owners and operators of marinas, with more than 30 properties in Florida. The company specializes in the development and management of marinas, with extensive experience investing in and revitalizing publicly owned properties.
“As a City of Miami resident, I know how blessed we are to have Biscayne Bay in our backyard,” said David Filler of Suntex Marinas. “Virginia Key should be a place where more people can enjoy that waterfront. The Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium Marina should be world-class and accessible, rather than off-limits, outdated, and underutilized. Our plan will create a place where families, residents and visitors can enjoy the bay, walk the waterfront, and experience Virginia Key. The marina will remain the anchor for our project, with the waterfront becoming accessible to far more people than it is today.”
1,280 New Jobs and More Than $200 Million in Revenue for the City of Miami
If voters approve the referendum, Virginia Key LLC will enter a 45-year lease with the City of Miami that will generate significantly more revenue for the City. The agreement guarantees Miami at least $2.2 million in annual base rent — more than six times the current operator’s base rent. In addition, the City will receive 6 percent of all gross revenues generated by the improved Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium Marina, bringing projected annual rent to approximately $3.8 million — more than double the current rent. Over the initial 45-year term, Miami will receive more than $200 million in revenue, while the project will create 1,280 jobs during construction and long-term operations.
The November ballot language reads as follows:
Shall City lease approximately 27.62 acres on Virginia Key to Virginia Key, LLC, for:
45-year initial term with two 15-year renewals;
Minimum annual guaranteed rent to City of $2,200,000 (with escalations) totaling approximately $203,980,000 over the initial term plus 6% of gross revenues;
Approximately $80,000,000 privately funded investment to redevelop existing Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium Marina in an environmentally sensitive manner, including boat storage, restaurants, retail, and public parking?
Past PROFILEmiami articles about Suntex Marinas & Virginia Key:
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Google and Alphabet Co-Founder Sergey Brin's 124.08-Meter / 466' Lürssen Motor Yacht Dragonfly Docks In Miami's Museum Park
Google and Alphabet co-founder Sergey Brin’s 142.08-meter / 466’ Lürssen motor yacht Dragonfly has docked in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park. Built in 2024, the superyacht is among the largest yachts in the world by length and volume.
Google and Alphabet co-founder Sergey Brin’s 142.08-meter / 466’ Lürssen motor yacht Dragonfly has docked in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park. Built in 2024, the superyacht is among the largest yachts in the world by length and volume. Dragonfly was designed by German Frers, with naval architecture by Lürssen and interior design by Nauta Design. Despite its size, Dragonfly matches performance with efficiency with a Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion system and can reach a top speed of 24 knots powered by two MAN diesel engines. The superyacht features four decks, two helipads, multiple swimming pools, luxurious guest suites and multiple indoor and outdoor areas with cutting edge entertainment. Dragonfly reportedly cost roughly $450 million and was originally commissioned by Russian billionaire Leonid Mikhelson. Sergey Brin is the co-founder of Google and Alphabet and is worth an estimated $164 billion.
An Unforgettable Charter Experience Aboard the 133' Benetti Superyacht 'Contigo' In Nassau, Bahamas With Ikonic Yachts
In March 2025 PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to embark on an extraordinary journey aboard the exquisite 40.8m / 133’10” Benetti motor yacht, Contigo, courtesy of Ikonic Yachts. Nestled in the enchanting Nassau, Bahamas, this experience was a sublime blend of luxury, adventure, and unparalleled service that redefined our perspective on yacht charters.
In March 2025 PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to embark on an extraordinary journey aboard the exquisite 40.8m / 133’10” Benetti motor yacht, Contigo, courtesy of Ikonic Yachts. Nestled in the enchanting Nassau, Bahamas, this experience was a sublime blend of luxury, adventure, and unparalleled service that redefined our perspective on yacht charters.
As I stepped aboard the tender—a meticulously outfitted 42’ Scout center console—I was immediately greeted by the attentive staff of Ikonic Yachts as well as their Co-Founder AJ Blackmon. Our adventure began with a sumptuous lunch prepared with a local flair, setting a tone of relaxation and indulgence for the days ahead. The Contigo boasts a veritable treasure trove of water toys that heightened the excitement; from waverunners to hydrofoils and even a full inflatable beach club, every desire for thrilling adventure was catered to.
Exploring the Waters of Nassau
After lunch, we ventured out into the azure waters surrounding Nassau, where the tantalizing sunset provided the backdrop for our island cruise aboard the tender. As we navigated through the beautiful waterways and serene coves, the atmosphere was elevated to sheer bliss. Upon returning to the Contigo, a lavish steak dinner awaited, paired with expertly crafted cocktails, truly marking the end of a perfect day.
A Haven of Comfort and Elegance
The interiors of Contigo left me in awe. Designed by the renowned Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture, the yacht’s elegant spaces were not only beautifully decorated but also designed to provide ample room for relaxation. With five luxurious suites, each offering a sanctuary-like atmosphere, including a full-beam master suite complete with his and her bathrooms, there was more than enough space for accommodation and comfort.
The outdoor decks were just as inviting. With spacious lounging areas and tropical sanctuary vibes, I relished every moment spent next to the pool and indulging in the top-deck jacuzzi. These spaces quickly became my favorite spots after a day filled with excitement, where I could simply unwind and soak in the exquisite surroundings.
Culinary Delights
The next morning kicked off with further explorations on the waverunners, exhilarating rides that made me feel alive as I raced through the turquoise waters. Following our thrilling escapades, the onboard chef prepared an incredible Seabass lunch, showcasing the culinary expertise available aboard, fresh ingredients and the local catch. Dining at sea with such exceptional quality added depth to the overall experience.
Performance, Privacy, and Personalization
What truly elevates the experience aboard Contigo is not just the yacht's remarkable design and features but also the dedication of the crew. With a professional team that can cater to every need, my luxury yacht charter felt personal and attentive. The crew consistently went above and beyond, ensuring that each detail was handled with precision and care.
The yacht itself features a full-displacement hull made of GRP, providing stability at anchor and a cruising speed of 14 knots thanks to twin MAN engines. With a remarkable range of up to 4,000 nautical miles, Contigo is truly equipped to take you on adventures around the globe.
The Ikonic Yachts Difference
My experience aboard Contigo was a testament to the philosophy of Ikonic Yachts as the first yachting family office advisory firm. They redefine luxury yachting by combining comfort, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability while crafting bespoke journeys that exceed expectations. AJ’s hands on attention to detail is evident from the moment you enter the Ikonic Yachts experience, which is highly curated based on their long time experience in the industry working with clients. Their commitment to excellence shone through every aspect of my adventure, from personalized service to investment-level advice.
Overall, my weekend aboard Contigo was nothing short of spectacular. With its luxurious interiors, vast array of onboard facilities, and highly trained crew, I found every moment aboard to be an extraordinary adventure led by the team at Ikonic Yachts. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape or exhilarating adventures, Contigo offers everything you could desire—and more. For anyone considering a luxury yacht charter, there is nothing quite like experiencing the unique, thrilling and rejuvenating offerings of Ikonic Yachts aboard the magnificent Contigo to escape into luxury yachting.
You can visit Ikonic Yachts website here and learn about chartering the Contigo with Ikonic Yachts here.
Images via Ikonik Yachts
Nearly a decade after the City of Miami held a competitive public process to revitalize its aging marinas on Virginia Key and create more access to Biscayne Bay, Miami voters will have the opportunity to move that vision forward this November. The proposal by Virginia Key LLC would transform approximately 27 acres encompassing the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium Marinas into a modern, environmentally responsible waterfront destination for all.