In Coconut Grove, Tigertail building’s strange geometry

A new mixed-use residential project is coming to Coconut Grove, at 2835 Tigertail Ave. Residences in the Grove will offer 174 dwellings, ground floor commercial, and basement parking.

The site is north of Tigertail, on the corner of Mary Street.

The city’s Urban Development Review Board unanimously recommended approval.

Iris Escarra, an attorney representing the developer, explained the project is gaining 43 dwelling units via a Transfer of Development Density, allowed by the Miami 21 zoning code.

The new building will be five stories. The lot coverage will be 69,463 square feet or 79%, she said.

The code requires 334 parking spaces, and the developer is providing 344. Racks could hold 178 bicycles.

The rooftop will have outdoor covered areas, a pickleball court, and a swimming pool.

The height is limited by the zoning; T5-O Urban Center Zone and NCD-3 Coconut Grove Neighborhood Conservation District.

The property now has a three-story hotel.

Ms. Escarra said the first of three buildings there was constructed in 1967, and in 2014 the buildings were converted into a hotel.

In a letter to the city, she said the property contains about 2.202 acres, or 88,020 square feet.

The property has been under common ownership since at least 2006, and is bound by Mary Street on the west, the property’s principal frontage.

Tigertail Avenue is on the southeast and serves as the secondary frontage.

Multi-family residential buildings abut the property on all other sides, wrote Ms. Escarra.

“As detailed on the Plans, the Project is being built ‘As of Right’ without Variances, Exceptions or Waivers,” she said.

“Vehicular and Loading access is from the Secondary Frontage, Tigertail Avenue. The Project meets all Setback and Lot Coverage requirements and exceeds the required 10% Open Space. The Project exceeds the parking requirements,” she wrote.

Ray Fort, of Arquitectonica, the project’s architect, noted there are a number of taller buildings in this area, including an eight-story structure across the street, and two 20-story buildings nearby.

He said the site has a strange geometry, and the design of the building reflects sharp angles and corners.

The massing strategy was to “pull back the building to create multiple courtyards along the frontage,” he told the board.

Chairman Ignacio Permuy called it a good project.

Board member Anthony Tzamtzis called it “a breath of fresh air for this area.”

Board member Ligia Ines Labrada said, “Very efficient layout … and a good experience for pedestrians. Beautiful.”

Board member Gia Zapattini said, “It’s one of the best projects we’ve seen in a very long time. I hope it wins lots of awards. It’s beautiful.”