The Miami City Commission has approved Special District Zoning for the Miami Worldcenter, an unprecedented project (and one of the largest private urban renewal projects in the United States) that will transform the blighted Park West District of the Magic City. The Special District Zoning allows Miami Worldcenter to implement state-of-the-art urban planning principles in its development, including an emphasis on the pedestrian experience and improved design criteria. In addition to the Special District Zoning, the Commission also approved a Development Agreement ensuring the developer’s commitment to deliver open public space and help implement the city’s long-term vision over the next 20 years. “I am excited by this innovative project, which will revitalize our city and turn a neglected area into a world-class destination. This project is a perfect example of the City’s Miami 21 Zoning Code at work, and will help usher in the Miami of the 21st Century. I look forward to working with the developer and to creating jobs and opportunities for the residents of the City of Miami,” said City of Miami Mayor, Manny Diaz. With more than 12 million square feet of buildable area across 25 acres of prime real estate in an ideal downtown location, Miami Worldcenter is strategically situated within a robust intermodal transit hub accessible by air, rail, sea and road. Surrounding amenities include the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Bicentennial Park and the American Airlines Arena, all within walking distance. The project developers, Miami Worldcenter Group-a partnership between The Falcone Group and Marc Roberts Companies-will develop the nine-block area into a world-class destination with global appeal. The currently underserved and neglected district will be vastly improved by a thoughtful master-planned project adding to the existing successful residential projects and influx of significant amenities immediately surrounding its periphery. Working closely with master planner Elkus|Manfredi to design a ‘city-within-a-city’ that will transform the area, the Miami Worldcenter project is envisioned as a compelling blend of mixed-use development, major public spaces and parks, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and pedestrian-only thoroughfares in a currently neglected district. The project will be developed in stages, with the first phases to focus on hospitality, retail, and civic space.
Via South Florida Business Journal
News
November 18, 2008Estate of the Day: Key Largo
