Called simply Miami River, the mixed-use project would bring hotel rooms, apartments, retail stores, restaurants and offices to the southern bank of the river that meanders through the heart of the city.
The developers promise a big and beautiful public riverwalk and an improved city park, and say the project will connect booming Brickell with historic Little Havana.
City commissioners on Sept. 10 unanimously granted preliminary approval to three ordinances sought by Miami River developers, CG Miami River LLC.
The ordinances would:
•Amend policies of the “Interpretation of the 2020 Future Land Use Map” and “The 2020 Future Land Use Map Series” of the city’s comprehensive plan to establish the Miami River Residential Density Increase Area permitting up to 400 dwellings per acre.
•Allow the area to be master planned for greater integration of public improvements and infrastructure and greater flexibility as part of the Miami River Special Area Plan (SAP).
•Authorize the city manager to enter into a development agreement for the Miami River SAP.
The planning and zoning department recommended approval of all items, allowing Miami River to move forward.
The project promises to bring new life to mostly vacant land just east of I-95. The development is planned for an area bordered on the north by the river, on the south by Southwest Seventh Street, on the west by Southwest Third Avenue, and on the east by Southwest Second Avenue.
Along with its size – four towers 58 to 60 stories tall on 6.2 acres – this project stands out because the City of Miami is a partner.
As part of the proposed Special Area Plan under the Miami 21 zoning code, Jose Marti Park would become a part of Miami River.
That would result in an extension of the riverwalk west and under I-95, and improvements to the city park. A deal struck with CG Miami River LLC also ensures the public riverwalk will be extended east under the Second Avenue Bridge and past neighboring condo tower Latitude on the River.
The proposed SAP consists of a phased project divided into five parts that include 4,181,087 square feet of development consisting of 1,678 residential units, 330 lodging units, 66,541 square feet of office space, 176,350 square feet of commercial uses, 2,376 parking spaces, 17 boat slips, at least 35,964 square feet of civic space and at least 15,175 square feet of open space.
The city’s Urban Development Review Board and the Miami River Commission recommend approval of the large mixed-use project, with conditions.A final vote may come in late October.
(Ref. http://www.miamitodaynews.com/2015/09/15/4-riverfront-towers-of-58-to-60-stories-likely/)
