Mixed-Income Housing Revealed at River Parc According to Preliminary Plans
The ‘Related Urban Development Group’ has announced plans to build hundreds of new homes at River Parc, a revitalized public housing community in Miami. As per a recently filed pre-application request, the developer indicated that they will take advantage of the newly assigned SMART Corridor Subzone and the recently enacted Live Local Act to increase density and height. Currently, the site has 1,379 units and 659 parking spaces. Conceptual plans suggest that plans call for nearly double that, adding 1,038 additional units to create a total of 2,417 homes. It’s uncertain if all the new units will be designated as affordable and workforce housing, or if some will be market-rate. However, the Live Local Act dictates that at least 40% of the units must be affordable. The plans also feature 1,500 additional parking spaces, raising the total amount of parking to 2,159 spaces. With nearly one parking space per unit, it’s likely there will be some market-rate component this time around. Additionally, there will be 22,527 square feet of commercial space added along both the Miami River and NW 7th St. Elevations reveal plans for three new towers. The two tallest will be situated along the Miami River, both reaching 21 floors or 246 FT tall. The shortest proposed tower will stand at 145 FT, measuring 14 floors along NW 7th St. The rental towers will be developed in phases, with the two tallest being built in two separate phases. Site improvements include a riverwalk that will extend up to 28 feet and new green spaces, such as a small park preserve. The site’s location is 800 NW 13 Ave, Miami. It’s well within multiple transit modes including the MetroMover and multiple bus stops.
Redevelopment Plans Revealed for Miami’s Abandoned INS Building
Miami’s former Immigration and Naturalization (INS) building at 7880 Biscayne Blvd has a new plan: a 12-story building designed by Stantec. Originally left abandoned in 2008, the INS building was planned to be the “Triton Center” by Chinese developers. When plans fell through around 2021 because of permit inactivity and funding issues, the property was already more than a decade vacant, creating visual and safety problems for local residents. LGE 79, LLC is planning to breathe new life onto the lot with 35,044 SF of commercial space, 355 units, and 589 parking spaces. Units will all be market-rate and range from studios, 1 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms, and 3 bedrooms. The project aims to exceed the maximum lot coverage through the flexible lot coverage program, however, it complies with the rest of Miami code standards. In addition, the developer is seeking multiple waivers including a 10% reduction of guest parking, commercial parking, and residential parking. Because of the project’s proximity to mass transit (Metrobus routes 3 and 203), Miami code allows for a reduction in parking to promote walk-ability and transit use. The tower’s configuration is designed to minimize impacts to local residents. The site’s location is within two major thoroughfares with a multitude of retail space and car traffic, allowing for high density without proximity to single-family homes. Likewise, the project adds much needed housing, walk-ability, and retail space for the area. The different heights and facade coloration’s were designed to create the “feel of a multitude of buildings”. According to elevations, the mid-rise will measure 167 FT to the upper roof level, encompassing 12 floors. Site plan drawings showcase commercial space fronting 79th street, NE 5th Avenue, and Biscayne Boulevard. The largest space is a 21,017 SF grocer commercial space designed for a small grocery store or a large retail store. Palm trees and native greenery will line the sidewalk. Sidewalks will extend around 20 FT to the tower’s facade, including multiple visibility zones for drivers. The site’s location is 7880 Biscayne Blvd.