MIAMI—The battle just intensified between the two leading firms hoping to win a contract to redevelop the Miami Beach Convention Center. Portman CMC, a group that includes Portman Holdings and CMC Group, is now committed to renovating the Jackie Gleason Theater. The company had initially suggested tearing down the landmark.

“The Miami Beach community has been very vocal in public meetings, in the media and online,” Jack Portman, vice chairman of Portman Holdings and John Portman & Associates, said in a statement. “The residents made it clear that The Jackie Gleason Theater is an important landmark they want to keep. We listened, we heard, an we've found a way to adjust the master plan in order to keep the theater in place while still achieving our other objectives, creating a win-win for all.”

Tearing down the South Beach icon was never part of the proposal from South Beach ACE, a group featuring Tishman Hotels Group and Robert Wennett. Wennett developed 1111 Lincoln Road. South Beach ACE took the opportunity to pounce on Portman CMC after the announcement.