Cassa Residences, a development by The Lojeta Group and Miami Off Center Associates, was recently approved for a 17-story tower in Aventura. The multifamily high-rise proposed at 2850 NE 187th Street will replace a low-rising retail building from the early 1980s. The developers sought multiple code exceptions, including conditional use approval to allow greater height and density, a reduced floor area minimums for one-bedroom units, and various variances like a change in required setbacks.
While full plans such as elevations or a site plan have yet to be submitted, the project is expected to include 208 residential units, approximately 12,000 SF of ground-floor retail, and 456 parking spaces. The 17-story tower will rise to 174 FT in height, not including architectural ornaments or mechanical elements. Designed by Cohen Freedman Encinosa and Swerdoe Architecture, the tower is thoughtfully positioned with the front facing NE 187th Street, while a screened parking garage will face NE 28th Street, minimizing visibility from the public realm.
In exchange for the requested code deviations, the developers have proposed several public benefits. These include 12 designated Hero Housing units intended for essential workers such as firefighters, teachers, and healthcare professionals. In addition, the development team will contribute $1 million toward capital costs for the construction of a new charter school, along with an additional $1,000 per Hero Housing unit: totaling $12,000.
The vote, in a joint meeting with Aventura’s City Commission and Planning Board on July 1st, reached almost a unanimous approval for all items presented, with the sole no vote being Commissioner Clifford B. Ain. A primary concern voiced in the meeting is the future concern of the Live Local Act. The Live Local Act has rendered cities like Aventura unable to control development that exceeds city-approved density and height. This approval, in hand, theoretically reduces the possibility of a future taller, denser building on-site.
Although an official construction timeline has not been released, progress is expected to be relatively smooth given the development team’s experience and the minimal demolition required on-site. According to Aventura requirements, building permits must be consistent with submitted drawings unless changes are made through an administrative site plan approval.