Miami Approves Countys Tallest Building

By Deserae del Campo
Developers of the $2.2 billion Brickell CitiCenter won city approval last week to erect the county’s tallest building among three towers on either side of South Miami Avenue.

One tower is to have 72 floors, the second 69 and the third, which will rise 808 feet, 76. The tallest building in the county now is the Four Seasons on Brickell Avenue, at less than 800 feet.

The 5.6-acre site at 700 and 701 S. Miami Ave. is to house 2,424 multifamily residential units, 133,721 square feet of office space, 87,438 square feet of retail and restaurant space and 2,808 parking spaces.

Developer Kevin Reilly said he plans to start construction within a year but has not set a price for the residences.

City commissioners cleared the way by accepting a modification of part of the Brickell Commons major use special permit they approved in March 2000.

"It was modified from the old major use special permit," Mr. Reilly said. "I did some changes to it, but overall, everything is the same."

In June, attorney Tony Recio, representing owner Miami Retail Partners LLC and contract purchaser Brickell CitiCenter LLC, applied to modify the major use special permit. In July, the Miami Planning Board voted 6-0 to approve the alteration.

Amenities for Brickell CitiCenter are to include wide sidewalks with ground-level plazas along South Miami Avenue, swimming pools, lap pools, exercise lawns, spas, cafÈ lounges, bar and grills, fitness centers, party rooms and multi-media centers.

"The development and economic impact of this project is very high," said Commissioner Johnny Winton. "It’s bringing in almost 1,984 temporary jobs and 75 permanent jobs to the city."

Brickell CitiCenter is expected to bring the city $12 million in annual taxes.