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A large vacant lot in Overtown that was once considered for a professional soccer stadium is now being developed into a large residential and mixed-use district.
The massive project is a joint venture between 0101 Miami Properties LLC, led by brothers Jorge and Jose Mas, and 8th Street Connections Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Terra.
The site, which will consist of two blocks at 650 NW Eighth St., will be built in four phases. The overall project will feature multiple 12- and eight-story buildings, more than 1.8 million square feet of floor space, providing approximately 1,219 residential units, approximately 17,000 square feet of commercial space and 1,800 parking spaces.
The City of Miami's Urban Development Review Board recommended approval of the project as presented.
The lot is approximately 8.381 acres and is bounded on the west by Northwest 7th Avenue and on the east by Northwest 6th Avenue, which make up the property's primary frontage. Eighth Avenue on the north and 6th and 7th Avenues on the south branch off the property.
The property is located approximately one block north of the Miami River and the 5th Street Bridge.
Attorney Brian Dombrowski is representing the developer. In a letter to the city, he wrote: “This project will reduce housing costs and maintain housing affordability in the neighborhood by introducing a new type of housing to the neighborhood. Additionally, this project will introduce commercial uses throughout the neighborhood, creating jobs in the neighborhood that are not available in the current vacant lots.”
He said the housing units will range from studios to two-bedroom units large enough for families, and unit types will be consistent throughout the project, with smaller, more affordable units not limited to just the lower floors.
Dombrowski wrote, “The project includes ground-level revitalized façades along all frontages. The introduction of ground-level commercial uses on all frontages enhances the pedestrian realm and provides a 'street-eye'.”
“We've doubled the open space that the city requires. They're required to provide about 10 percent, and we're providing 20 percent,” Dombrowski told the review committee.
The project was designed by Arquitectonica, whose principal, Bernardo Fort-Brescia, gave a detailed presentation to the board.
“We want to create more of a village than a building,” he said.
He said the buildings are related in design but differ in height, style and size.
“There's an opportunity to create some movement in each building,” he said.
“The goal here is to provide housing,” Fort Brescia added.
“Firstly, I want to commend the development team and the developer. I think after so many years we finally have a really good option, a great solution for these two blocks,” said board member Robert Behar.
“It's something that's much needed in the area. Everything you see in the pictures is just amazing, it's so lovely. I love that the garage is completely covered – you can't see it at pedestrian level.”
“I really love the open feel of this unit and I think it will be a very successful project for the area,” he said.
“We like the presentation. Our only real concern is that the courtyard in the north tower is too small. Other than that, we like the details of the project, the scale of the neighborhood and the layout,” board member Augustin Barrera said.
“I think it's a very elegant and sophisticated project. I love the mix of materials. It's very well executed. I think it does a good job of presenting the different buildings and being mindful of the pedestrian level,” board member Gia Zappattini said.
“I love how they used wood to create shaded areas and give it a really warm feel. I really like the detail of adding vines to some of the façade, it adds another layer of texture,” she said.
She cited a lack of open space and wondered where residents would walk their dogs and where children would play.
Dombrowski responded: “There is a lot of open space between the small buildings and the surface parking on the south block. We have twice as much open space as we need.”
“I think it's a really iconic project. I would love to see a project of this magnitude completed. It's a great job,” said board chairman Ignacio Permuy.