52-story Miami Worldcenter tower adding to project as it rises

The plan to build a new hotel and condo tower in Miami Worldcenter, already under construction, is changing due to the purchase of an adjacent property.

Miami Worldcenter Legacy Hotel will rise at 938 NE First Ave. with 52 stories, home to a 218-room hotel and 308-unit residential condominium, along with office space for a medical facility.

The project was first approved by the City of Miami’s Urban Development Review Board in late 2021.
The board recently reviewed the latest plan and recommended approval unanimously.

The project will also include a second level 7,500-square-foot shul, which will help serve the religious needs of the surrounding community.

Developer Royal Palm Companies says the project includes a full suite of wellness amenities, multiple swimming pools, hotel ballrooms, and a sky lounge.

Marissa Neufeld, an attorney representing the developer, said the project includes a vibrant mix of uses, integrated both horizontally and vertically.

The ground floor program includes hotel and condominium lobby areas, retail, dining, and an exciting pedestrian hardscape program, she said.

Along with the tower the project will have about 50,000 square feet of commercial-retail and parking for about 430 vehicles.

In a letter to the city Ms. Neufeld wrote, “Subsequent to the prior approval, the applicant received a unique opportunity to acquire an additional parcel of adjacent land and incorporate it into the project. The adjacent parcel is currently developed with a blighted structure that will be demolished as part of the redevelopment of the property and improved as part of the overall Miami Worldcenter District.”

She said the majority of the project remains unchanged from the prior approval. However, the inclusion of the additional parcel creates an opportunity to expand the much-anticipated medical office.

In her letter Ms. Neufeld notes the developer is seeking warrants and special district permits, due to the unique configuration of the development site.

Warrant requests would allow:

■Outdoor dining along the eastern frontage of the project.

■No setback above the podium. Miami 21 zoning allows a zero setback above the podium where lots have one dimension measuring 100 feet or less. The developer is introducing a dedicated civic space with both an indoor and outdoor component on the corner of Northeast Ninth Street and Northeast First Avenue, which creates three frontage lines measuring less than 100 feet.

■Up to a 20% reduction of the requirement to locate the frontage at the front setback, from 70% to 56%. This would allow the placement of a key element of the development program, the hotel drop-off, along the Northeast First Avenue frontage.

Ms. Neufeld wrote, “After multiple discussions with staff as part of the prior approval, the applicant incorporated several additional elements into the drop-off area in order to address staff’s comments.

“Specifically, the plans were revised in order to provide a flush curb throughout the drop-off area, decorative bollards, an enhanced landscape median, and the reduction of pinch points.

“All of these design elements were revised in order to mitigate any potential negative impacts on pedestrians traversing through the drop-off area,” she wrote.

The developer is proposing to program the outdoor component of the civic space with a mix of landscape, hardscape and public art elements to create a fluid pedestrian experience between the project and existing dedicated open spaces to the east.

Special district permits would allow: A 3.1% increase in the maximum lot coverage from 80% to 83.1%; and a 3- to 4-foot reduction in the required driveway spacing.

The project’s architect is Kobi Karp.

Ms. Neufeld said the architectural features incorporated into the project are some of the most unique, high-end design elements featured within the city.

“The visual enhancement continues upward through the project, and includes multiple elements that contribute to a sleek, art-deco feel. The pinnacle of the project is the soaring spire feature, that will certainly become a focal point on the downtown skyline,” she wrote.

“This is a beautiful project. Very well balanced,” said Board Chairman Ignacio Permuy.

Board member Robert Behar said, “Congratulations. Very nice project.”

Board member Ligia Ines Labrada called it a very sophisticated project.

“Good job,” said board member Dean Lewis.