65-story residential project advances in Miami Worldcenter

A new skyscraper is coming to the assemblage changing Miami’s skyline as part of Miami Worldcenter, bringing more than 700 residential units.

Owner-developer Naftali Group LLC has proposed a 65-story tower, referred to as MWC Block A, at 1016 and 1044 NE Second Ave.

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

The tower will be home to about 723 dwellings, about 2,187 square feet of commercial use, a parking podium for up to 615 vehicles, and related amenities.

Brian Dombrowski, an attorney representing the developer, said the property consists of 42,602 square feet or 0.978 acres post-dedication, and is currently improved with surface parking and a commercial structure that will be demolished.

The site has frontages on Northeast Second Avenue on the east, Northeast 11th Street on the north, and Northeast 10th Street on the south.
The property is within a half mile of a Transit-Oriented Development area centered on the Eleventh Street Metromover Station.

The city’s Miami 21 zoning code requires a warrant or special approval for the development of a new building within the Miami Worldcenter District.

The purpose of the warrant is to ensure conformity of new buildings within the Park West Commercial-Residential District, and the Miami Worldcenter Development Standards.

In a letter to the city, Mr. Dombrowski said the project satisfies the goals and guiding principles of the Park West Community Redevelopment Plan by creating jobs within the community, improving the quality of life for residents, and ensuring strategic transportation routes.

As part of the developer’s request for a warrant, it would permit:

■Up to 20% deviation in the maximum lot coverage for the project.

■Up to 20% deviation in the minimum open space for the project.

■A reduction of the required loading spaces pursuant to a shared service management plan.

Mr. Dombrowski wrote, “In addition to requiring a significant right of way dedication, the property is both uniquely shaped and uniquely located. The property’s curved shape and location abutting the Metromover tracks/station allows for an increased lot coverage at the property while not impacting the pedestrian experience.”

He said the project proposes significant landscaping and hardscaping improvements within the setback area and below the Metromover in order to create a seamless pedestrian experience within the first layer and public realm.

“By doing so, the project enhances the pedestrian realm despite the increased lot coverage. A lot coverage of 90.96% is proposed. To help offset the increased lot coverage, the landscaping program has been increased. Onsite water retention will be maintained,” wrote Mr. Dombrowski.

He said the new tower will be centrally located within the growing Miami Worldcenter District, which will have a variety of retail, civic, and restaurant uses near the project.

“With Metromover and Metrorail Stations within walking distance, the entirety of Miami is accessible from the property without the need for a car.

“The property is located within a short walk of Maurice Ferré Park which provides recreational options, and Bayside provides dining and retail options within walking distance,” he said.

The new development will provide ground level retail, which the existing surface parking lacks.

“This will enhance the pedestrian realm, activate the ground floor, and encourage walkability in the area which currently has no retail frontages,” wrote Mr. Dombrowski.

Ray Fort, of project architect Arquitectonica, offered details of the designed tower to the board.

He said the tower will have a large outdoor terrace to the south, and two swimming pools.

Mr. Fort said the garage levels will be screened with perforated metal and carve-outs, champagne color, and part of level two will become a greenwall.

“It’s a beautiful design,” said Board Chairman Ignacio Permuy.

Board member Ligia Ines Labrada said while she likes some aspects of the design, the overall building seems very massive.

“I like the placement of the drop-off facing south (and) I like that you’ve integrated landscaping into the podium,” she said.

Board member Anthony Tzamtzis said, “I’m very impressed with the building, with the project, and your presentation … I’m astounded to see this building – it’s fascinating.”

Board member Gia Zapattini said, “I think it’s spectacular … it’s very beautiful, elegant, timeless.”

Board member Dean Lewis agreed, noting, “Yes, overall for sure, another great job.”

Board member Agustin Barrera said, “I really like the tower and the layering. It really softens the project.”

He did say the façade of the parking levels seems too solid.

“I know you’re trying to break up the massing with punch-throughs and some vegetation but maybe reconsider (the design or material) so it’s not so monotonous,” said Mr. Barrera.

“I really like the seductive curves on the balconies … very elegant,” said board member Robert Behar.

The vote recommending approval was unanimous.