Downtown Miami is going to look very different in the not too distant future thanks to Miami Worldcenter Associates' project that looks to transform the city’s urban core.
A new 27-acre mixed-use development that will feature public promenades and plazas and a pedestrian-oriented streetscape that will act as the retail focal point (anchored by a 120,000-sf Bloomingdale’s and a 195,000-sf Macy’s) is set to break ground in early March as a collaborative effort between Miami Worldcenter Associates, The Forbes Company, and Taubman. The promenade will run north and south from northeast 10th street to northeast 7th street and between northeast 1st and 2nd avenues. Surrounding the promenade will be residential towers, a hotel and exposition center, and numerous dining and entertainment options.
According to Nitin Motwani, Managing Principal for Miami Worldcenter Associates, this "High Street" retail concept is looking to take advantage of downtown Miami’s rise as a walkable and very connected neighborhood. The open-air concept looks to fit right in with surrounding streets while also developing its own unique experience to draw visitors from around Florida and from around the world.
A High Street retail model is defined by a mass of shops and boutiques in a pedestrian-oriented setting. And around the country, in areas such as San Francisco’s Union Square District, New York’s SoHo, and Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, it is proving to be very successful. Downtown Miami has become one of the country’s fastest-growing urban centers and, in recent years, its streetscape has become increasingly pedestrian-friendly. Miami Worldcenter looks to continue that progress.
Other aspects of Miami Worldcenter include a 700-foot-tall Paramount condominium, an 1,800-room Marriott Marquis hotel and expo center with 600,000-sf of meeting, exhibition, and convention space developed by MDM Group, a 429-unit luxury apartment building developed by ZOM, and two apartment towers built atop street-level retail along northeast 7th street. Additionally, the project calls for upgraded streets, expanded sidewalks, and improved pedestrian and vehicle flow. There will also be direct links to public transportation options to encourage mass transit.
The central space Miami Worldcenter's developers hope will evoke New York's Rockefeller Plaza. Its use is intended to swing with the seasons, ranging from a farmers' market to a super-tall Christmas tree for the holidays. Rendering courtesy Miami Worldcenter Associates
A street-level view of Miami Worldcenter's retail pedestrian promenade. Retailers have the option of either single story, two-story or possibly three-story spaces depending on their preference. Rendering courtesy Miami Worldcenter Associates
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Accor North America launches green hotel pilot program
Accor North America, a division of Accor Hospitality, has announced that it will pilot the Green Key Eco-Rating Program within its portfolio in the United States in 2010. Green Key is the first program of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts based on their commitment to sustainable "green" practices; the Accor North America pilot will involve 20 properties.
| Aug 11, 2010
CTBUH changes height criteria; Burj Dubai height increases, others decrease
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)—the international body that arbitrates on tall building height and determines the title of “The World’s Tallest Building”—has announced a change to its height criteria, as a reflection of recent developments with several super-tall buildings.
| Aug 11, 2010
Jacobs, Arup, AECOM top BD+C's ranking of the nation's 75 largest international design firms
A ranking of the Top 75 International Design Firms based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
See what $3,000 a month will get you at Chicago’s Aqua Tower
Magellan Development Group has opened three display models for the rental portion of Chicago’s highly anticipated Aqua Tower, designed by Jeanne Gang. Lease rates range from $1,498 for a studio to $3,111 for a two-bedroom unit with lake views.
| Aug 11, 2010
Architecture Billings Index flat in May, according to AIA
After a slight decline in April, the Architecture Billings Index was up a tenth of a point to 42.9 in May. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings.
| Aug 11, 2010
Construction employment declined in 333 of 352 metro areas in June
Construction employment declined in all but 19 communities nationwide this June as compared to June-2008, according to a new analysis of metropolitan-area employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The analysis shows that few places in America have been spared the widespread downturn in construction employment over the past year.
| Aug 11, 2010
Casino Queen breaks ground on $2.15 million entertainment venue
The Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Ill., is raising the stakes in its bid to capture a larger share of the local gaming market with the start of construction on a new $2.15 million sports bar and entertainment venue that will enhance the overall experience for guests.
| Aug 11, 2010
Outdated office tower becomes Nashville’s newest boutique hotel
A 1960s office tower in Nashville, Tenn., has been converted into a 248-room, four-star boutique hotel. Designed by Earl Swensson Associates, with PowerStrip Studio as interior designer, the newly converted Hutton Hotel features 54 suites, two penthouse apartments, 13,600 sf of meeting space, and seven “cardio” rooms.
