Sky-High Plans: Related Group and Macklowe Plan Two 43-Story Towers at 8000 East Drive, North Bay Village

High-rise development in North Bay Village shows no signs of slowing down. The Related Group and Macklowe Properties have recently proposed plans for a pair of 43-story towers to North Bay Village’s planning board. Designed by Arquitectonica, the glass-clad towers are the latest in a growing trend of high-density proposals in the area. Like several recent projects, the development is seeking a Special Area Plan, which allows for a more unified site plan and can enable zoning exceptions that wouldn’t typically be allowed under existing zoning regulations.

Although plans may evolve, the current proposal calls for 364 residential units, 201 in the northern tower and 163 in the eastern tower. Units will be offered in one, two, three, and four-bedroom layouts, with an average size of 2,138 SF. To accommodate residents, the developers have proposed 798 parking spaces. Although this is below the recommended count, the developers have assured planners that, based on their extensive experience, the proposed number is actually optimal for a project of this scale.

Among other plans, the development also includes a 25-foot-wide Island Walk for the public, along with enhanced landscaping that contributes to a total of 9,000 SF of waterfront public park space. It’s worth noting that Island Walks are a required feature under North Bay Village development regulations, aimed at improving waterfront access and connectivity for island residents.

On the other hand, the tower’s occupants have access to more than 100,000 Gross SF of amenities, spread between the development’s deck, ground floor, and level 5 of both towers. While the exact plans for the amenity space haven’t been released, the site will also have access to over 40 boat slips along the Biscayne Bay, complemented by a marina dockmaster.

According to the project’s elevations the two towers will rise 497 FT to the 43rd floor. This height does not include the mechanical roof, which brings the total height to well over 500 FT. Such height would not be allowed under traditional zoning but is made possible through the Special Area Plan (SAP). Through massing studies, the development team found that by consolidating the project into two taller towers, rather than three shorter ones, view corridors and open space will be preserved. City staff agree with this assessment.

Elevations also grant insight into the towers’ design: while the buildings appear nearly identical, the northern tower is the widest, followed by a slimmer eastern tower. Likewise, the facade will primarily consist of curtain glass wrapped in glass balconies, though this treatment will not extend across the entire structure. The rear of the towers will feature what appears to be stucco with artistic patterns, although the design isn’t finalized.

City staff has recommended approval of the project, contingent on resolving a few minor issues. However, a staff recommendation does not guarantee approval. While the North Bay Village Commission considers staff recommendations during the final decision-making process, it ultimately isn’t the final say during the approval or denial process.

If approved, the developers will have two years to obtain a master building permit as a general requirement, with a maximum of two one-year extensions possible. Failure to secure the permit within that timeframe will render the project’s approval null.