Genting, Jorge Perez discuss development partnership

Unable to get Florida Legislature approval to build a destination casino since acquiring the former Miami Herald headquarters three years ago, Genting reached out to Jorge Perez to see if the Related Group would be interested in partnering on a mixed-use project at the waterfront site.

Perez told the Herald an executive with the Malaysian gaming giant recently reached out to him about a development partnership. Genting is believed to be pursuing a hotel, condo and retail project on the 14 acres in downtown Miami. The Related Group chairman and CEO described the discussion as preliminary.

“They called me to see if I’m interested in maybe developing together,” Perez said. “We’ll probably talk again. It’s a great site.”

Genting also refuted marketplace rumors that the company is looking to sell its downtown land. Christian Goode, president of Genting’s Resorts World Miami, told the Herald in a written statement the company is focused on developing the site.

Goode declined to address the company’s talks with Perez. [Miami Herald] — Eric Kalis