Mixed-use tower planned at busy Coral Way corner

A new mixed-use residential development is coming to a high-profile corner of the Coral Way neighborhood in Miami.

Owner-developers 27th Avenue and Coral Way LLC and 27th Avenue and Coral Way 2 LLC plan the 10-story building at 2200 SW 27th Ave., where it intersects Coral Way.

The building will be home to 166 residential units, about 10,100 square feet of retail, and 291 parking spaces.

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

Attorney Ben Fernandez, representing the developer, said the property is at the southwest intersection of Southwest 27th Avenue and Coral Way, between Coral Way and Southwest 22nd Terrace.

The site has a gross lot area of 48,927 square feet and a net lot area of 48,657 square feet or 1.12 acres.

The property is currently developed with a gas station and an office building, which will be removed. It is just north of a Publix Super Market.

Mr. Fernandez said the structure, designed by Anillo Toledo Lopez Architecture, will feature modern architecture, and is designed to complement the developing Coral Way architectural mosaic.

In a letter to the city Mr. Fernandez wrote, “Both the Coral Way and SW 27th Avenue frontages are completely lined with habitable area and the loading area is fully internalized. The Project also activates and promotes pedestrian activity at street level with new retail space.

“There is a total of approximately 305,793.75 square feet of floor area; where 244,635 square feet of floor area are permitted as of right, and an additional 61,158 square feet are permissible through the inclusion of Public Benefits. The Applicant intends to contribute … to the Miami 21 Public Benefits Trust Fund to obtain this increase in floor area,” he wrote.

He said the project will provide 10,000 square feet of neighborhood-serving commercial use.

“The Applicant anticipates that the project’s residential use and pedestrian friendly retail ground floor will help to create a better, environmentally cleaner, synergy between the neighborhood and the Property than the existing office building and gas station,” wrote Mr. Fernandez.

The property is subject to a rezoning covenant that limits the height to 10 stories, and requires that vehicular access be provided from Southwest 27th Avenue.

The developer is requesting waivers allowing for:

■ A reduced driveway width by 10%, from 23 to 22 feet.

■ Parking in the second layer beyond 50% of a secondary frontage (along Southwest 22nd Terrace), and parking to extend into the second layer above the first story along Coral Way (primary frontage).

■ A modification to non-conforming accesses along both Coral Way and Southwest 27th Avenue.

■ A 10% increase in maximum lot coverage from 80% to 86.25%, 10% increase in maximum tower length above the eighth floor from 180 to 198 feet, and 10% increase in maximum tower floor plate above the eighth floor from 15,000 to 16,500 square feet.

■ A substitution of a commercial loading berth with two residential berths.

■ An extension above maximum heights for ornamental building features, decorative elements, or similar structures.

■ A 10% reduction in the required façade along the setback line of 27th Avenue from 70% to 66.1%.

Mr. Fernandez noted the property is along two major roadways and serves as an important gateway to both Coral Way and Coconut Grove.

Carlos Jimenez, of the architectural firm, said this project will serve to reactivate an important corner in the city. He said there will be an amenity deck with a pool, and a roof terrace for residents of the building.

“Beautiful work,” said Board Chairman Ignacio Permuy.

Board member Anthony Tzamtzis said it is a very important location.

“You made an effort to accentuate the corner, you made it round … I would have celebrated that corner more,” he said.

Board member Ligia Ines Labrada said, “I’m also very familiar with this area. This is obviously a huge improvement. The elevations on both streets are great.”

Board member Fidel Perez said, “I feel you’ve done a great job.” He did suggest improvements to the corner of the building and adding one additional material to improve the look of the west elevation.

“Great job overall,” he added.

Board member Gia Zapattini said, “It’s a beautiful project. I wouldn’t add anything. I like the totality of the colors. It’s a very timeless project.

“The scale from the pedestrian level is very nice. It feels like a building you want in your neighborhood,” she said.

Ms. Labrada made the motion to recommend approval with a recommendation that the developer add more palm trees and shade trees.

It passed 5-0.