Sunset Harbor Residences

The war zone over on Purdy Ave. will not be coming to a close any time soon as Miami' Beach's Land Use & Development Committee approved Deco Capital Group's request to raise height restrictions. In partnership with New York developer RWN Real Estate Partners, the mixed-use Sunset Harbor Residences will reach up to 90 ft, extending on the previous 50 ft limit. This ordinance is only applicable to owners with over 200 ft. of frontal space on Purdy Ave. Deco Capital aims to build 15 luxury condos atop their premium retail space that they purchased in 2014. Sunset Harbor Residences will be 3-bedroom layouts and approx. 2,000 SF. The building will overlook Purdy Ave & Maurice Gibb Park and include covered retail spaces and indoor/outdoor cafes in a covered promenade. Owners at the Lofts at South Beach are pressing Deco Capital Group for financial compensation due to lost views attributable by the approved increase in height restrictions ordinance, which will block views North from the Lofts at South Beach.   

The Sunset Harbor area is undergoing massive and fast redevelopment and is blossoming into one of the most expensive and walkable neighborhoods in Miami Beach, only rivaled by South Pointe. Retail, dining, entertainment amongst other attractions have moved into the area which has been transformed from auto-lots and junkyards to high-priced luxury real-estate. The project looks to capitalize on the development style that has found success in Sunset Harbor to this point, bringing in mixed-use developments, pedestrian walkability, covered retail spaces and indoor/ outdoor cafes. Sunset Harbor serves as the entrance to Miami Beach via Venetian Causeway and is just minutes from Lincoln Rd. 

Venetian Causeway to Reopen February 29

Over the past 90 years, the city of Miami has grown to love Venetian Causeway. Over the years mixed with the harsh, aquatic environment, the structure weakened before a bus got stuck in a hole on the roadway in March 2014. Metal plates had been used to patch the roadway until the decision to rebuild the span was made in early 2015. Since closing to the public in June 2015 following a bridge deck failure in April have, the Venetian Causeway has experienced over $12.4 million in renovations as it aims to reopen in February 29. Most of the upgrades came to the westernmost 730 feet of West Venetian Bascule Bridge on the Downtown Miami side.   

Since its closure Miami and Miami Beach have seen tremendous traffic backing up Alton Road and MacArthur Causeway. Additionally runners and bikers have been held off of one of Downtown Miami and Miami Beach's most scenic stretches across Biscayne Bay. Venetian Causeway residents have bared the brunt of the closure, lacking the quick and easy connection between the two cities in which they chose to live. Despite this, in an email to residents of Venetian Causeway, the city of Miami claims that:

“Over the past seven months, significant construction has been accomplished that will result in a completely new bridge superstructure, substructure, approach roadway and lighting."

The project is still on schedule and on budget.

Brightline Railway System Coming to South Florida

Soon you will be able to travel at speeds of up to 125 mph by train between Miami and Orlando, connecting the Eastern coast of the state of Florida like never before. The $2.5 billion, privately funded Brightline will soon provide easy access for residents of South Florida to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando.  All three South Florida stations are currently under construction as this project inches closer to reality. Brightline is expected to provide its first ride for public passengers in late 2017. 

The Brightline will feature everything that the modern traveler needs, including free Wi-Fi and charging stations at the seats. There will also be food and beverage service aboard. There will also be designated pet areas and three ticket options at all different budgets and privacy allotments. As opposed to the standard steel cars that have moved people for over a century, Brightline will feature a Floridian spin, with passenger cars being an artistic pink, red, orange, green or blue. Designer David Rockwell has said that he wants to keep the train cars and station design transparent and welcoming, which led to the moniker "Brightline." Matched with the massive amounts of development going on in South Florida, the Brightline should further help connect the people and economies in South East Florida!

Underline Miami

New York got the High Line, fittingly Miami will get the Underline. From James Corner Field Operations, co-designer of Manhattan's High Line, Miami's Underline will be built in the shade below the Miami-Dade Metrorail along the South Dixie Highway. The project is expected to cost around $120 Million, but will transform Miami's public space offerings and provide one with ample shade for mixed-use recreation. Currently this endeavor is fully backed by Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez along with the city of Miami, Coral Gables and South Miami.  

Underline will transform the barren, cracking sidewalk that currently sits beneath the Metrorail. James Corner Field Operations new build out will feature gardens, dog parks, workout stations, sports courts and recreational areas, a skate park, event space, food kiosks and many other recreational areas. The project will span 36 roadway intersections with at least 5 featuring pedestrian and bike bridges. 

Underline will break ground in 2016 when it undergoes its "Demonstration Phase," where a 3/4 mile stretch in Brickell will be built out to include a dog park, outdoor gym, picnic areas and  recreational areas including a climbing wall. This project is sure to add excitement and provide Miami-Dade residents with improved recreational areas to enjoy.