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Front Page » Top Stories » Excel Miami plans 216 micro housing units near Metrorail

Excel Miami plans 216 micro housing units near Metrorail

Written by on March 28, 2023
  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
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Excel Miami plans 216 micro housing units near Metrorail

A new mixed-use residential development planned near a Metromover station will include more than 200 micro units among 424 residential units.

Owner-developer Clearline Real Estate plans the 26-story Excel Miami at 1550 NE Miami Place, north of the School Board Station, near the northwestern end of Downtown Miami, and west of the Arts & Entertainment District.

The city’s Urban Development Review Board has recommended approval of the project.

Miami 21 zoning allows micro dwelling units within Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) areas by process of a warrant. The site is within the TOD area created by the Metromover station.
The project is to include 128 off-street parking spaces.

Attorney Brian A. Dombrowski, representing the developer, said the property consists of a lot area of 37,263 square feet.

In a letter to the city Mr. Dombrowski wrote, “The proposed Project is an Urban Core infill project fronting two highly traversed streets, NE Miami Court and NE 16th Street. The Project seeks to develop the existing vacant site to provide multifamily housing.”

According to Miami 21, micro dwelling units are a minimum of 275 square feet and must be less than 400 square feet. The project proposes 216 micro dwellings.

In his letter, Mr. Dombrowski noted, in adopting the ordinance allowing micro units “the City Commission noted that Micro Dwelling Units have stronger occupancy rates than typical apartments and that individuals are attracted to Micro Dwelling Units because of a desire to sacrifice space for lower per unit cost and proximity to transit, employment, and vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods.

“The Property is perfectly located in an area with mass transit options and is within the rapidly developing Omni mixed-use neighborhood. As such, Micro Dwelling Units are appropriate at this location and should be encouraged, as the City shifts towards best practices regarding unit size, transit options, and parking reductions,” he said.

Mr. Dombrowski said the project will provide ground level residential uses to enhance the pedestrian realm and encourage walkability along a stretch with no retail frontages.

“The Project’s onsite parking is screened from view, while providing a level of parking appropriate for the tenant mix and the Property’s Transit Oriented Development designation,” wrote Mr. Dombrowski.

The developer is requesting waivers allowing for:

■ A decrease of required parking by 50% within the TOD.

■ Parking within the second layer, above the first story along the principal frontage with an art or glass treatment, and allowing parking within the second layer, above the first story along the secondary frontage.

■ Up to a 10% decrease in the minimum square footage for a one-bedroom residential unit.

■ Up to a 10% decrease in the minimum number of bike racks, providing for 384 bike racks.

■ Up to a 10% increase in the residential floorplate above the eighth story.

Arquitectonica is the architect.

Principal Bernardo Fort-Brescia said, “There are three frontages … Northeast Miami Place is our main lobby (location). We wrap the rest of the frontage with townhouses.”

He said they are creating their own alley, for internal arrival and departures of services to the building.

There will be amenities including a pool deck.

The artwork flanking or concealing the garage levels “is delicate, almost like a rolling curtain,” said Mr. Fort-Brescia.

Board member Gia Zapattini said, “It is a beautiful project, it’s very simple.”

Board member Fidel Perez said, “Beautiful project. The townhouse on the street level is a great idea.” He did suggest the developer consider losing a few units in order to open up the corridors to views and natural light on the east side.

“Very good job,” added Mr. Perez.

“I’d say the same thing … the façade fits in the arts district,” said board member Ligia Ines Labrada.

Board member Anthony Tzamtzis said, “I like the project very much.”

Chairman Ignacio Permuy said, “I like the playfulness of the framing of rectangles and squares … this building is more exciting and playful. I think it will be a good fit.”

The vote recommending approval was unanimous.

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