Archives

  • www.xinsurance.com
Advertisement
The Newspaper for the Future of Miami
Connect with us:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
Front Page » Arts & Culture » Climate cloud may hang over Wynwood

Climate cloud may hang over Wynwood

Written by on October 1, 2019
  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
Advertisement
Climate cloud may hang over Wynwood

Plans for a woonerf on Northwest Third Avenue in Wynwood have evolved to include gateway art, possibly in the form of a “climate cloud” that would be suspended above Northwest 29th Street, and a meandering layout intended to slow traffic down.

Jennifer Bolstad and Walter Meyer, co-founders of Local Office, the Brooklyn-based firm that designed the streetscapes for Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza in Coral Gables, presented their latest design iteration to directors of the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) Sept. 11.

The plan is to close one lane of traffic and make the curb-less street one-way traveling south from Northwest 25th to 29th streets. Cars and pedestrians would share the space, which would be outfitted with street furniture, native plants and trees, lighting fixtures, and other amenities.

“The design shouldn’t compete with everything that’s going on in Wynwood,” Ms. Bolstad said. “It’s not floral; it’s much more gritty. We wanted to create a place that’s filled with life, and that serves as a frame for the imagery that’s already here.”

The asphalt sidewalks will be a mixture of light and dark greys, along with other neutral tones, which don’t get as hot as darker asphalt, Mr. Meyer explained. “It’s really an outdoor living room, similar to Giralda Plaza, which is the closest thing to a woonerf in Miami.”

“Thank you for your patience and your willingness to evolve,” said Albert Garcia, BID vice chair and managing principal of Wynwood Ventures. Local Office redrew its plans in April after some stakeholders said the design was too suburban and out of touch with Wynwood’s urban, art-forward vibe.

“I love it,” said BID board member David Charette, founding principal of Britto Charette. “I’d like to see Wynwood greening up, have a riot of trees.”

He said he’s concerned about pedestrians, but Mr. Meyer explained the design is meant to curb traffic.

“Wynwood could be the first place to implement pedestrian safety measures, and that could spread to the rest of Miami,” Mr. Charette said.

“Local Office did an amazing job of capturing everyone’s comments and retaining the flexibility this street demands,” said BID board member Marlo Courtney, senior managing director of Goldman Properties.

“It will be great to have art at the entrance to Wynwood,” said BID board member Jon Paul Perez, vice president of Related Group.

Mr. Garcia said he will meet with Local Office principals before they present the plan to City of Miami officials, which they anticipate will be in about a month.

3 Responses to Climate cloud may hang over Wynwood

  1. D.C.

    October 2, 2019 at 10:20 am

    A “riot of trees” will hide the murals. A “climate cloud” hanging over the street is a brilliant idea since it could shade and cool the street without obscuring the murals or hiding its gritty appeal– the stuff that makes Wynwood what it is.

  2. Lynn Hackney

    October 11, 2019 at 10:00 am

    Love it. Miami needs to focus on walkability big time.

  3. Stanley

    October 21, 2019 at 6:01 pm

    More walkability and shade spots, immersed in urban city designs and nature go hand in hand! Tulum has created similar pedestrian and immersive art and nature into one cohesive design. Add it with the colorful murals of Wynwood and you have best of both worlds. Wynwood should be a proof of concept for the possibilities in the rest of Miami and other forward looking cities in the US.

    Right now, cars have priority and this is not climate forward, not tourist friendly. On top of that walkability and running zones, stimulate a healthier and more lively environment adding to more safety living.

    Wynwood to me is the culmination of art meets elegance and immersive design. I can’t wait to the result and hope the council and board accelerate decision making and start construction on the ground. It’s highly necessary.

  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
Advertisement