MIAMI—After weeks of silence, South Beach ACE is speaking out about the state appeals court striking down a referendum on renovating the Miami Beach Convention Center. The court ruled that Miami Beach must offer voters more detailed terms of the $1 billion plan before seeking approval.

The news sent shock waves through the community after a high-profile public relations battle between ACE and Portman-CMC. ACE ultimately won the bid for the project. But Commissioner Jonah Wolfson, who led a group called Let Miami Beach Decide, didn't like either plan and was party to a lawsuit that ultimately led to the appeals court watering down ACE's victory.

Some have questioned if ACE would back out of the project due to sheer frustration with the process. But Dan Tishman, principal partner with South Beach ACE, is putting those rumors to rest.