First and Fifth Back to the UDRB with a New Design Following Board Rejection
When multiple developers geared up to showcase their projects to Miami’s Urban Development Review Board last year, approval was not only on the minds of developers: but also architects. One of which was First and Fifth, designed by ODP Architects and led by Oak Row Equities. Yet when presentations concluded, the board rejected the project with the ultimate concern being the lack of cohesiveness between the podium and the building’s main facade. The podium, drawn by inspiration from Salvation Army Citadel’s Venetian Gothic Style, was described as “not even close to that” by Anthony Tzamtzis, a board member of the UDRB. ODP is now back to the drawing board with an updated podium, completely dismantling the tower’s unique arches along the podium. “The simplified arches of the historic building have been reimagined to carry a modernized orthogonal geometry in our proposed design”, “the metal screen’s design abstracted from the historic windows of the Citadel, serves both aesthetic and practical purposes” reflected by Kurt Dannwolf, president of ODP architects. The colors and materials used on the new garage screen create a visually cohesive development, drawing inspiration from Miami’s historic past while still retaining separate identities between the old and the new. Despite minor changes in the design, the skyscraper includes the same plans: a height of 517 FT measuring 45 floors. Likewise, it’ll include 526 units, 161 parking spaces, 530 bicycle parking spots, and 6,637 SF of commercial space, virtually unchanged from the previous submission. Elevations on the other hand have changed to reflect the newly unified podium and facade, as well as showcasing the tower’s homage to the Salvation Army Citadel. The project will subsequently face the board again on January 15th, 2:00PM with hopes of approval. However, it’s worth noting UDRB approval isn’t vital to a project’s overall approval. The project’s location is 49 Northwest 5th St, Miami.
‘One W12’ Moves Forward With Submission to Miami’s UDRB
Property Markets Group is progressing with plans for One W12, a residential tower set to redevelop an entire block of vacant land in Overtown, previously used to house construction equipment for nearby infrastructure projects. The property was originally granted a City Center MUSP for a 25 floor tower containing 412 residential units and 23,000 SF of retail space. Presently, developers will amend the MUSP to instead feature a 22 floor tower with 372 dwelling units, 208 micro units, 816 parking spaces, and 380 bicycle parking spaces. The development will additionally include an immense array of ground floor uses including town home-style units, bike storage, amenity space, a lobby, and 4,892 SF of commercial space. The original MUSP included three waivers that will be continued onto this project. Of the waivers, most notably is a waiver for a 30% reduction in parking. However, the developer is using none of the benefits because a 30% reduction in parking would mean 196 parking spaces required: the developer is adding more than 800. Elevations feature a 246 FT highrise, shorter than previously approved. The tower’s podium will measure 8 floors of the 22 existing floors. Likewise, the design of the podium is attempting to break up its immense mass by adding a diverse selection of materials, colors, and visual breaks pictured below. Large sidewalks along the project will adorn native greenery and reduce the imposing effect of the podium. Miami planners originally called for balconies, but the architects politely declined, citing balconies reducing the overall feel of the project. The site is located at 1129 NW 1st Court with proximity to the metrobus, the metrorail, the metromover, and the brightline station all within walking distance. Cube 3 is the main architect on record.