A developer plans a new skyscraper for Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, Edge House Miami, a 56-story building containing 608 hotel units, 296 parking spaces, and related amenities.
At a recent meeting of the city’s Urban Development Review Board, many Edgewater residents spoke against the project.
After a lengthy review, the board recommended approval of the project with these conditions:
■Add landscape to ground level to screen blank wall and vault on north and west façades (suggested incorporating palms).
■Study a vehicular drop-off on the north/west side of building.
■Identify appropriate traffic calming opportunities around project perimeter as allowed by with public works department.
■Explore breaking up the massing and verticality of the podium screening, perhaps with horizontal design gestures.
The motion to recommend approval passed on a 6 to 1 vote, with Anthony Tzamtzis voting no.
Of the opposing residents, many complained of added traffic in an area already adversely impacted by high traffic volume. Others were critical of short-term rentals, claiming it will be an Airbnb.
One opponent said the tower is “way too big for this site,” and another agreed stating, “I don’t understand how we can have a building so large come in, and not address the (city’s) infrastructure,” noting flooding in the area.
Carlos R. Lago, and attorney representing Meridian TC Real Estate Group LLC, said the irregularly shaped site fronts Northeast Fourth Avenue to the west and to the north.
The property abuts a 10-foot-wide platted alley to the east and an existing multi-family residential building to the south.
The property is within a designated Transit Oriented Development (TOD) area as it is within less than half a mile from the Adrienne Arsht Center and School Board Metromover stations.
In a letter to the city Mr. Lago wrote: “The project will transform currently vacant land located in a vibrant and flourishing part of the city, significantly enriching the urban fabric of the area.”
Edge House was designed by Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design.
Mr. Lago wrote, “The project features a modern architectural design, characterized by a slightly curved superstructure with prominent horizontal lines that add a sense of vertical rhythm to the building’s shape.
“The proposed podium is covered in vertical metallic elements that provide a striking contrast to the predominantly glass façade of the upper floors.
“The design incorporates a subtle, wave-like pattern that runs vertically along the tower, adding a unique texture and a nod to the property’s proximity to Biscayne Bay.
“With a thoughtful design that places a strong emphasis on improving the pedestrian experience, the project ensures that foot traffic is not only accommodated but prioritized at the ground level.”
Mr. Lago said the landscape design contributes to this goal by offering an inviting public sidewalk space, which is further enlivened by a variety of active, habitable uses.
He wrote, “This thoughtfully crafted space promises to become a bustling, interactive hub that encourages community engagement and fosters a lively atmosphere, making it an integral addition to the neighborhood.”
In his comments to the board, Mr. Lago began by noting the project is being built “as of right,” without variances, exceptions, or waivers.
He said the project fully complies with the Miami 21 zoning code.
Board member Gia Zapattini said the project is “a high-end product.” She said she liked the proportion and praised the proposed 3D screening façade on the parking podium.
Board member Francisco Perez-Azua said it was important to note the project is “fully by right … this meets everything in the code. No waivers. I appreciate that.”
He asked about added traffic-calming devices in the area.
Kobi Karp said the team is working with the city’s public works department on possible additions to calm traffic.
Board member Ignacio Permuy said it has a very elegant design. “The tower works very well with its surroundings. The pedestrian realm is very well handled,” he said.
Mr. Permuy was critical of the mass of vertical lines in the design and suggested adding more horizontal lines or elements to break up the dimension of the podium.
Newest board member Manuel S. Gallardo said, “I agree regarding the podium, it seems brutal … it emphasizes the vertical lines.” He suggested a different pattern to somehow break up the massing.
Board member Agustin Barrera said, “Exceptional job, very elegant, and on a challenging site.”
But he also was critical of the massing and vertical lines.
“The vertical slats do nothing to break up the mass … I agree it needs horizontal elements,” he said.
Board Chair Ligia Ines Labrada praised the proposed construction materials, but she was also critical of the overall massing.
She said the vertical fins “makes it look monolithic.”
The post 56-story Edgewater 608-unit hotel tower advances appeared first on Miami Today.
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