COVID-19 wasn't the world's first pandemic, and it likely won't be our last either, experts say.
In Florida, developers are bracing for the world's next pandemic with construction of a new 55-story, $500 million skyscraper.
The building is called Legacy Tower at Miami Worldcenter, and it's being billed as "the world's first COVID-Conscious, Pandemic-Ready, all-in-one, residential, hotel and medical center skyscraper," according to a press release. It involves a partnership between Adventist Health, Accor Hotels, developer Royal Palm Companies, and human longevity research organization Blue Zones.
"During the best of times, our travelers, residents and members get to experience a true luxury lifestyle hotel and residences with the perks of being attached to a state-of-the-art Blue Zones medical and wellbeing center," Royal Palm Companies CEO Daniel Kodsi told Insider.
"And during the worst of times, Legacy will be one of the cleanest-designed buildings you can shelter safely in during pandemics - with access to health professionals, a pharmacy, medical- grade air quality and cleaning, food delivery and more. If you do get sick, advanced medical help is just downstairs from your room for a safe place to quarantine while you recover, close to family and loved ones staying nearby in the building," he added.
As far as its living spaces go, the tower will feature 310 Microluxe residences and 219 hotel rooms, as well as amenities like lounges, restaurants, shops, and a rooftop infinity pool.
The building's "pandemic-ready" features include disinfection robots, voice-activated elevators, medical imaging facilities, surgery rooms, and an on-site pharmacy, lab, and medical team.
Here's what the tower is expected to look like when it's finished: