North Beach
Current events have placed special emphasis on the future and where we go from here. The verdict – at least in North Beach and nearby North Bay Village – is development on the foundation of community.
Residents and city planning officials have been coming together to discuss needs and strategy for developments and activations in North Beach over the past several years; both impassioned and dedicated to growing in a beautiful and sustainable way.
North Beach continuously encourages development through planning and cooperation between the city and residents. Proposals like the North Beach Master Plan and organizations such as the GO Bond program highlight the efforts to lovingly improve the vibrant North Beach neighborhoods from North Shore to Biscayne Point.
One exciting project to bring special attention to is the construction of the 72nd Street Community Complex. The Community building site is just one mile East of 2005-2023 Calais Dr.– currently a city-owned parking lot - and will include:
a rooftop competition pool and warm-up pool
a library
media center
community room
a fitness center complete with running track and green space
The facility will also provide parking with a multi-level garage. The projected completion is 2023.
The new Community Complex is made possible in large part by funding and leadership from the GO Bond Program which is dedicated to improving parks, infrastructure, and public safety for the North Beach community. The structure is designed with resiliency and sustainability in mind and considers the experience of residents and pedestrians. The finished property will feature public art structures and pedestrian connections to surrounding attractions.
Coming Up or Already In-Progress
The community complex is just one of the public structures and activation programs planned for the North Beach area. There are strong themes of accessibility, sustainability, and safety running through all projects.
Ocean Terrace
Plans have been approved to repurpose beachfront property with pedestrian-friendly walkways, a public plaza, shade structures, dining terraces, volleyball courts, and other recreational amenities.
Ocean Terrace is the home to buildings constructed as early as the 1940s including Broadmoor and Ocean Surf hotels, both being restored.
North Beach Oceanside Park
$10.66 million in investments has been put towards improvements from 79th street to 87th street including; new pathways, lighting, entry gates, and the completion of the existing beach walk.
The Park itself contains walking trails, manicured greenspaces, picnic areas, shade trees, and is dog friendly.
Rue Vendome Plaza
Construction of an open, pedestrian-friendly plaza, enactment of community activation programming, shade trees, and lighting.
The plaza, before development, was a 9-space parking lot, transformed into a 3,565 sq. ft. patterned asphalt plaza which has been used for farmer’s markets and smaller local events like art-fairs, live music, and large-scale chess games.
Already Completed
Altos Del Mar Park
Back in July of 2014, the Miami Beach Commission agreed to move forward with a redesign of Altos Del Mar Park and $2.9 million in improvements. The city workshopped ideas with residents and the area was revitalized. The results were a five-million-dollar investment into improvements to 76th street and Collins Ave. A five-acre oceanfront park, with restrooms, volleyball courts, and an open field overlooking the ocean.
Normandy Isle
The Normandy Isle area was recently revitalized by the city and improvements are ongoing with projects like the approved Rue Vendome Plaza. The Normandy Isle development made space for organizations like the Normandy Fountain Business Association to create events and programming – a trend that should continue as more areas are revitalized and connected to local businesses.
The North Beach Bandshell
The renovation of the North Beach Bandshell was recently completed with the addition of its canopy. The project, which began back in 2011, was an historic revitalization of the original 1961 structure. Since receiving the keys to the bandshell in 2015, the Rhythm Foundation has showcased concerts and cultural events which have made the bandshell a stand-out venue.
Residential Development
In complement to the continued community growth are new residential structures. Many of these structures are being built with a multi-purpose mindset to allow space for community growth and retail opportunities.
A few of the residential structures slated for construction have already been completed including, the Nobe Marina along the Tatum Waterway, L’Atelier, on the ocean at 69th Street, and the newly finished Eighty-Seven Park luxury residence designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.
Yet to come are the luxury residential developments like the Monaco Yacht Club currently under construction on the bayside at 6800 Indian Creek Dr, Nobe Island along the Tatum Waterway, and several mix-use properties in Town Center:
Seventy-Second Park – a mixed-use 22-story tower featuring 283 residential units and 12,500 sq. ft. of commercial space.
7140 Abbott Avenue – Mixed-Use 14 story tower featuring 232 residential units and commercial space.
7140 Collins Avenue – A structure with 187 hotel rooms, 24 full-time residential units, and 28,000 sq. ft. of commercial retail space.
Choosing to emphasize the construction of mixed-use properties allows for planning that brings balance and public access to beachfront areas and otherwise private spaces. Current and future plans for North Beach support a cohesive design for all residents of the community while still supporting elements of privacy and serenity for renters and homeowners.
The North Beach neighborhoods enjoy a separation from the heightened night-life of South Beach – a truth residents don’t want to sacrifice. The city planning and activations bring attention to residential events and amenities; offering connectivity, additional programming, and constructions that match the existing attitude and feel already in play.
North Bay Village
2020 marks the 75th anniversary of North Bay Village, and community leaders have been discussing the issues and community improvements that will shape the next 25 years.
Meetings and presentations have been taking place heavily for North Bay Village development, where charrettes have been held consistently since 2019, conducted by the North Bay Village Master Plan Committee and city officials. The “NBV100” meetings addressed in depth; progress, livability, sustainability, resiliency, and prosperity. Plans and ideas were workshopped in meetings with city planning officials, stakeholders, and residents.
North Bay Village is a culturally diverse community with a lot to offer its residents. So how will residents be bolstered and revitalized by community development?
North Bay Village Planned Improvements
Pirates Alley Transformation
Pirates alley is a somewhat walkable alley street in the heart of NBV’s commercial district in Treasure Island. NBV plans to develop the alley into an urban food and entertainment destination through community activations and constructions. The newly rehabbed Pirates Alley would be outfitted with pedestrian-friendly amenities, lights, and walkways.
Elevated Plaza Development
The elevated plaza would be a mixed-use space accommodating pedestrians and providing passage courts to commercial, residential, and retails spaces. The plaza will also have the capacity to host gathering spaces and event venues.
Kennedy Causeway Improvements
Streetscape improvements will be made through a fully slated transformation of the Kennedy Causeway into Kennedy Boulevard. The improved boulevard will add safe walkways and bike lanes through mixed-use, multi-modal street development.
Harbor Island Pocket Park
There is an overall connection between the development plans of North Beach and North Bay Village to incorporate nature into planning. Structures are being mindful of complimenting the natural integrity of the area with their architecture, sustainability, and connective feel. A big part of this is the addition of parks and open public spaces.
Harbor Island Pocket Park, though small, will add lush greenery, beautiful bay views, and be dog friendly. Officials hope the open space in the park will inspire local recreation and community events.
Galleon Street Neighborhood Center
Similar in concept to the North Beach Community Complex, the Galleon Street Neighborhood Center is a complete redesign and construction which will include:
a civic building
residential space
library
community hall
multi-level parking garage for accessibility
The structure will support additional community activations and programming to NBV residents.
Island Walk Construction
Nothing creates synergy like a connective walkway. The Island walk construction will give waterfront access through pedestrian walkways along private developments; allowing enjoyment of the water and surrounding structures to be experienced by the public.
Bus Shelters and Roundabouts
Practical, but much-needed bus shelters will be constructed with intentional design inspired by local history – bringing culturally significant elements into the everyday structures of the community.
Roundabouts will be built both for traffic management and with the intention of serving as gateways to public points of interest. Asphalt art will incorporate color and culture, while narrowed turning radii will give way to greater pedestrian islands and crosswalks.
Continued Communication
The North Beach and North Bay Village communities are approaching development from many facets and continue to engage residents through meetings and public forums.
At Urban Resource we are dedicated to the positive growth of our community. Reach out to us for more great information on neighborhoods, improvements, and residences.
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