$300 million mixed-use project planned near Miami Shores

By Suzanne Schmidt and Armie Margaret Lee
   A New York developer is planning a $300 million mixed-use development on 14 acres along Biscayne Boulevard north of Miami Shores.
   The property, in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, is part of 21 acres the developer wants rezoned to allow a higher density. The area, on the west side of Biscayne, now includes a mobile-home park, vacant land and other buildings.
   Brad Zackson, owner of the property, is a former manager at the Trump Organization, under Fred Trump.
   Mr. Zackson said Monday that he is interested in the area because he sees a strong future in bridging development between Miami Shores and Aventura and welcomes the opportunity to build a new neighborhood.
   Operating locally as Dynamic Biscayne Shores Associates Ltd., Mr. Zackson said he hopes to start the project in 18 months and complete it in 2007.
   The developer plans to help move residents who would be displaced if the project is approved by Miami-Dade County officials, said Stephan Nostrand of Codina Realty Services and project manager for the development.
   The developer said he plans to upgrade an existing 7-acre county park next to the site as part of his rezoning proposal.
   The Coral Gables office of Dover Kohl & Partners will lead design plans. Principal Victor Dover said the number of residential units for the project has not been decided.
   "We can't get into the logistics on the building heights and details of what the design will be," said Mr. Nostrand. "More facts will be known in August."
   "My goal is to make this development the centerpiece of the area," Mr. Zackson said, "as the land is lighted and will turn to gold."
   Dover Kohl is recruiting residents and business executives to help plan the project.
   At a Monday meeting at Miami Shores Country Club, Victor Dover, principal of the company, discussed international architectural styles and armed those in attendance with disposable cameras. Interested residents and business owners were deputized to photograph buildings and landscapes in preparation for the next meeting, July 20.
   The 14-acre development is envisioned to stretch from Northeast 112th to 115th streets and Biscayne Boulevard to Northeast 14th Avenue. The property is in unincorporated Miami-Dade County.
   A garden nursery on the property is being moved to the east side of Biscayne, said Stephan Nostrand of Codina Realty Services, project manager for the development.
   Brad Zackson, CEO of developer the Dynamic Group, said the community will help plan details and name the facility.
   The next meeting will focus on gathering community opinion by placing attendees in small groups to discuss potential designs.
   "By working in tables, we expect a lot of overlap in opinions and at the same time a collaborative effort," said Mr. Dover. The community is gathering to construct a desirable habitat, he said.
   The results of the meetings are to be announced at the August meeting, Mr. Dover said, with public hearings planned for September.
Details: (305) 520-2506.