Gil Dezer, president of Dezer Development, spoke with Fox News Digital about what to expect from Trump’s presidential library near the historic Freedom Tower in Miami.
South Florida developer Gil Dezer, who has partnered with former President Donald Trump on several luxury real estate projects, says it’s no surprise Trump chose Florida for his presidential library — and he believes Miami is “ready” to shoulder that legacy.
“How cool is it that we’ve got it here? Of all the different cities and states he could have chosen from, I mean, Florida showed him a lot of love and he’s showing it back to us,” Dezer told Fox News Digital. “So we’re very proud to have it in Florida, in Miami.”
Earlier this month, Florida officials approved plans to build Trump’s presidential library on a prime parcel in downtown Miami, next to the city’s iconic Freedom Tower.
Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, and the Florida Cabinet Voted to transfer 2.63-acre parcel on Biscayne Boulevard to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation, on the condition that construction begin within five years – about a year after the President completes his second term.
Trump has long maintained a presence in nearby Palm Beach and made history during the 2024 presidential election by winning Miami-Dade County by 13 points — the first Republican to do so since 1988.
The plot of land allotted for the Trump Presidential Library in Miami, Florida is right next to the Freedom Tower. (Getty Images)
“It’s great to have his imprint on the city of Miami. It’s great to have something of the White House here in South Florida,” said Dezer, developer of the Porsche Design Tower, Bentley Residences, Trump Towers, Trump Royale and Trump Grande. “It will bring jobs to the area, construction, obviously, and it’s going to create a beautiful building, whereas right now … it’s just a parking lot out there.”
The Miami site is currently used as an employee parking lot for Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus and is located next to the historic Freedom Tower, which serves as a resource center for Cuban refugees. who fled communism In the 1960s and 1970s. The centuries-old building is widely seen as a symbol of the city’s vibrant immigrant heritage.
According to local reports, the parcel was valued at more than $66 million, but The New York Times, citing a real estate consultant, reported that it could sell for more than $360 million.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Breakwater Hospitality Group CEO Amy Guerra spoke with Fox News Digital about the city’s preparations ahead of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dezer suggested that the library’s design should blend Trump’s signature style with Miami’s terracotta influence to complement the Freedom Tower.
“I don’t think you want a huge difference with a new modern building there,” he said, “but something that will be timeless and elegant, the way (Trump) does all his stuff … I think it’s important to incorporate things about the history of the city.
He said, “I think an actual library … that we missed, where you can actually get a book and check the book out with a library card, a place to read, a quiet area, I think is absolutely needed in the downtown area.” “We had classes about the Dewey Decimal System growing up, which my kids never bothered to learn today, because everything is online. So getting back to ‘what is a library,’ and putting real important books in there that kids should read, is absolutely vital for Miami.”
Protesters hold signs demonstrating against plans to build a Trump Library near Miami’s Freedom Tower on September 29, 2025 in Miami, Florida. getty images
Dezer said he doesn’t expect major planning or market constraints when it comes time to break ground, though he acknowledged There may be political opposition.
“It’s always political challenges. You always have people who don’t want it,” he said. “What he’s shown us is that he’s a master at raising money. He raised money.” to build a ballroom Next to the White House, which hasn’t been done in over a hundred years. And so he’s shown that if anybody’s going to get it done, he’s the guy to get it done.”
Dezer added, “He’s going to drive it forward and make sure it’s on time and on schedule, and is going to be amazing.” “For most presidents, these things are a legacy. They want it to be remembered for the next 200 years... He’s putting a stamp right on (the) dead center of Miami that everyone will be looking at for years to come.”
Fox News Digital spoke to Gil Dezer, president of Dezer Development, and Nick Perez of Related Group about their Bentley and Pininfarina designed residences under construction, respectively.
The Trump Presidential Library Foundation did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the project’s design or timeline.
Under the Presidential Libraries Act, such libraries are typically funded by private donations and later transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for long-term maintenance. Trump’s foundation has not yet released formal architectural renderings or budget details.
We’ve become a world-class city over the last 10 years, 15 years, and this is the added cherry on the cake, if you will. Like I said, he could have picked anywhere to go and he could have put it anywhere, but Miami is quite mature and ready for a project like this,” Dezer reflected. “So we should be very proud that Trump elected us, and it’s always going to be here.”
Fox News’ Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
