Ken Griffin, the billionaire founder of Citadel, caused quite a stir when he announced the relocation of his hedge-fund giant from Chicago to Miami. This move marked the most significant shift of any financial institution to the Miami scene. However, nearly two years down the line, the waterfront property Griffin secured for his planned $1 billion headquarters remains barren.

Citadel’s employees continue to toil away in temporary offices in the financial district, awaiting the fruition of their grand relocation plans. Nevertheless, the vision for Griffin’s Miami headquarters is gradually taking shape. Foster + Partners have been entrusted with the design, aiming to erect one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. Renderings seen by The Wall Street Journal reveal plans for a luxury hotel atop the building, reflecting Griffin’s ambition to leave an indelible mark on Miami’s skyline. Gerald Beeson, Citadel’s chief operating officer, sees this as a pivotal opportunity to craft an iconic edifice befitting Citadel’s future.

Miami, often touted by Griffin as “Wall Street South,” is slated to be the firm’s primary hub, with expansions planned for New York City and London. Griffin’s conspicuous presence in Miami has drawn parallels to the impact LeBron James had on the city, attracting both businesses and wealth, and igniting pockets of growth in the real estate market. Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, Griffin founded Citadel in 1990, propelling himself into the upper echelons of the financial world. With approximately $58 billion in assets under management, Citadel stands as one of the globe’s foremost hedge-fund managers. Griffin’s high-profile acquisitions in Miami, including a record-breaking purchase of a sprawling estate in Coconut Grove, further underscore his commitment to the city. Before publicly announcing his relocation plans in 2022, Griffin quietly acquired a prime waterfront parcel on Brickell Bay, setting the stage for his envisioned headquarters. However, his collaboration with Sterling Bay, the initial developer, came to an abrupt end amid concerns about their ability to see the project through. Citadel’s subsequent search for an experienced developer with a solid track record in South Florida ensued.

Amidst uncertainties surrounding the fate of Citadel’s future headquarters, the company appointed Paul Darrah, formerly of Alphabet’s Google, as its chief workplace officer. Darrah, renowned for his role in developing Google’s corporate campus in Manhattan, aims to establish a temporary space within the 830 Brickell building. This interim solution will provide Citadel with a platform to experiment and refine its vision for the ultimate headquarters, a decision facilitated by the flexibility of the lease agreement. Griffin’s real estate endeavors, however, face challenges, with several acquisitions made but development hindered by existing structures, notably a condo building. Despite these hurdles, Griffin’s determination to establish Citadel’s presence in Miami remains unwavering, signaling a continued evolution of the city’s financial landscape under his stewardship.