Brickell Homeowners Association

Reprinted from BHA News, Fall 2002

BRICKELL BOOM: An Update on Development
To get an idea of how hot the Brickell area is, one need only take a brief visual survey of the neighborhood. Construction cranes, real estate advertisements and project signs seem to reside on every corner. The area is booming with new development, and the promise of a world-class, vibrant urban metropolis and a revitalized downtown seems within reach. With the current projects under construction, and the new ones in the planning and approval stages, Brickell residents will see an explosion in amenities offered, including stores, restaurants and entertainment, all within walking distance.

With the help of the Downtown Development Authority, BHA News staff compiled status reports for those developments currently under construction or in the planning stages in the Brickell area, from the Miami River south to 26th Road between I-95 and the Bay. The total investment in new development in this area is staggering, with the projects below representing more than two billion dollars in projected development costs. They'll add more than 9,000 new residential units, an estimated 800,000 square feet of commercial space and more than 400,000 square feet of retail space according to a rough tally of developers' plans.

It's significant to note that the list BHA News compiled below does not include projects in the Central Business District, or further north in the areas referred to as "Park West" and the "Media and Entertainment District," where multiple developments are planned or underway. These areas include significant projects that collectively aim to dramatically transform the heart of Miami into a thriving, culturally rich urban setting likened to parts of Manhattan and other major international cities. There's the $300 million One Miami project at the mouth of the Miami River, the $255 million Performing Arts Center, the $300 to $400 million redevelopment of of Bicentennial Park into Museum Park, the $47 million new Parrot Jungle on Watson Island, nightclubs, condos and many other projects that mirror the investment level south of the river.

The enthusiasm for Brickell is unmistakable and is reflected in the developers' comments we heard and highlighted below. Build it and they will come? The belief clear: If it's built in Brickell, they will.

Residential Projects
Courts Brickell Key
LOCATION: 801 Brickell Key Blvd.
DEVELOPER: Swire Properties, Inc.
STATUS: near completion.
PRICE RANGE: $250,000-$550,000
DESCRIPTION: Jim Scott Architecture has designed this 34-story, 318-unit condominium project. Conveniently situated adjacent to Brickell Key Marketplace, The Courts will feature a fitness center, pool, concierge, valet, racquet and tennis courts. The development is currently 80% sold.
A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER: "We believe the reason Courts Brickell Key has been so successful, even through this difficult market, is that it is perceived to be a strong product offered at an exceptional value," notes Megan Kelly of Swire Properties.

Two other developments on Brickell Key are in the early planning phases. One of the developments is planned to have an office component and the other will be situated on the southern tip of Brickell Key.

Jade Residences at Brickell Bay
LOCATION: 1331 Brickell Bay Drive
DEVELOPER: Fortune International Development and Swire Properties
STATUS: under construction
PRICE RANGE: $400,000 to over $5 million
DESCRIPTION: A 48-story residential tower on the bay, featuring 326 condominium units with sweeping vistas of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. A full-service business facility, concierge services, private bay-side cabanas, a 31,000-square-foot European spa and fitness center, infinity-edge pool, whirlpool and sundeck complete this luxury lifestyle property.
A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER: "Brickell's up-and-coming status for residential development has been years in the making," said Edgardo Defortuna, president of Fortune International. "We've created the ideal product for the niche buyer who's looking for an urban location and a luxury lifestyle."

Summit Brickell
LOCATION: 50 S.W. 10th Street
DEVELOPER: Bermello, Ajamil and Partners, Inc.
STATUS: Phase I complete and leasing office open
PRICE RANGE: $945 to $2,600 permonth
DESCRIPTION: A luxury apartment complex to include three phases of 405 units each and supporting ground level retail. Phase I, which just opened several weeks ago, is a 15-story structure which includes a pool, fitness center, 24-hour concierge, valet, parking garage and laundry facilities in each unit. The retail selections offer Mexican and Spanish cuisine, an ice cream parlor, a pizzeria and a hair salon. Phases II and III are currently in the planning stages.
A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER: "I am pleased that our leasing is ahead of schedule," said John Spatz, Summit Property Manager. "There is a lot of excitement about Summit because we're one of the first luxury hi-rise rentals to open in Brickell in 20 years."

Brickell Bay Village
LOCATION: 2101 Brickell Avenue (Between The Atlantis and Bristol Tower.)
DEVELOPER: BCOM
STATUS: under construction with completion in Fall 2003;
DESCRIPTION: Bermello, Ajamil and Partners is the architect for the 37-story, 768,000-square-foot, 360-unit residential tower. The design incorporates a high-tech gymnasium, business center, onsite valet, party room, retail areas, pool deck with Jacuzzi and volleyball courts. A garage will contain 548 parking spaces. The public areas will be furbished in an upscale décor, to include marble and a sculptural water-wall feature. An on-site sales office will open November 15.

Park Place at Brickell
LOCATION: 1440 Brickell Avenue
DEVELOPER: Rilea Group
STATUS: Obtaining permits, construction to begin Spring 2003; completion in Spring 2005
DESCRIPTION: This expansive development, designed by Bermello, Ajamil and Partners, will feature 36- and 40-story residential towers encompassing 773 residential units. The towers will share a central garden plaza, but each building will have its own pool, racquet court and gymnasium. 1,200 parking spaces have been provided, 50 percent more that required by City Code. The developer planned for 20,000 sq. ft. of restaurant and retail space at the ground level, to support both the residents and the surrounding neighborhood.
A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER: "We chose a location at the south end of Brickell, away from the traffic," said Alan Ojeda, CEO of Rilea Group. "We like what is happening in this area; with the Jade, Four Seasons and Park Place, this area is beginning to feel to us like a Miami version of Rockefeller Center in New York City."

South Bayshore Tower
LOCATION: 1390 Brickell Bay Drive
DEVELOPER: Florida East Coast Realty, Inc.
STATUS: Obtaining permits, completion planned in Spring 2005
DESCRIPTION: A 39-story residential project to include 347 rental units, pools, valet, health club and supporting retail.

The Beacon
LOCATION: 801 Brickell Plaza
DEVELOPER: Renzi Development
STATUS: obtaining permits; groundbreaking planned for June 2003 with completion in June 2005
DESCRIPTION: This 39-story mixed-use project, designed by Behar Font, will incorporate 252 rental units with ground level retail/restaurant. Amenities planned include a convenience store, concierge, valet, 24-hour security, pool and spa. More parking than required by the City has been provided. Each residence receives two parking spaces, and additional spaces may be purchased if required.

The Sail
LOCATION: 170 SE 14th Street (to the rear of Fortune House)
DEVELOPER: Renzi Development
STATUS: obtaining permits; completion planned for Summer 2004
Price: $200,000 +
DESCRIPTION: Architects Collado & Molina, PA have designed this 29-story luxury residential and retail project to rise near the Bay. The development will feature 152 condominium units with amenities such as a media room, exercise room, valet, concierge, 24-hour security and a pool on the 10th floor with vistas of downtown and Biscayne Bay.
A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER: "We are proud to be serving the Brickell community by providing something affordable for those who want to live and work in the area," says Pascual Renzi, president of Renzi Development. "It's exciting, because there is a lot of synergy going on right now – with Mary Brickell Village and other projects in the works, Brickell is becoming a pedestrian friendly place."

Brickell on the River
LOCATION: 27 SE 5th Street
DEVELOPER: Brickell on the River, Inc. – Groupe Pacific
STATUS: obtaining permits for first tower; groundbreaking in Spring 2003
PRICE RANGE: $180,000 to 450,000 (anticipated)
DESCRIPTION: One of the first new residential developments planned on the Miami River, this two-phase project will entail two 42-story residential towers comprising 712 units, a library, spa, men's and women's fitness centers, billiards, pool, tennis courts and 872 parking spaces. Twenty 300- to 500-square-foot offices for owners who wish to live and work in the building. The developer is taking advantage of a 50-foot setback along the Miami River, where indoor/outdoor retail and restaurant space will be integrated amid European gardens and fountains.
A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER: "The beauty of this project is its lively urban setting," remarked Michael Bedzow, president and CEO of Groupe Pacific."The Miami River is the fourth busiest port in Florida. Residents can enjoy the excitement of the river at a human scale while strolling along the riverwalk."
"Another exciting element of this project is that it will be located right next to the Metroemover. This is true urbanizing of Miami. Residents can live and work in the same location, and then use public transit to reach Downtown, the Performing Arts Center or Dadeland Mall. We're gearing away from suburban sprawl entirely."

Commercial Projects

Mary Brickell Village
LOCATION: 900 S. Miami Avenue
DEVELOPER: Constructa
STATUS: breaking ground by the end of 2002, with completion in Summer 2004.
DESCRIPTION: With a flagship 28,000-square-foot, upscale Publix as the main anchor, this 192,000-square-foot leisure and lifestyle center will cater to the urban clientele who live and work in Brickell. The development, designed with an Old Florida ambiance, will feature a 350-unit luxury rental tower, 20,000 sq. ft. of office space, an 850-space parking garage and a unique mix of retail. Dining options will fit every taste and budget, with P. F. Chang's, Redstone Grill and OceanAire, a high-end seafood restaurant. Starbuck's, Latin and Sushi restaurants will round out the mix. Other amenities include an executive health club, day spa and unique local and European boutiques.
A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER: "We never swayed from our original plan of focusing on the daily needs of Brickell residents," said George Giebel, Sr. Vice President of Constructa. "From the beginning, the community has been very supportive of this project, and we are excited to meet their needs with such a unique concept."

One Riverview Square
LOCATION: 325 S. Miami Avenue
DEVELOPER: Panther Real Estate Partners
STATUS: under construction with completion planned for Spring 2003
DESCRIPTION: An office and retail development on the riverwalk on the north side of Miami River. The project will entail 155,000 sq. ft. of office space and 8,000 sq. ft. of retail, to include indoor/outdoor restaurant components on the riverwalk.

Brickell Plaza
LOCATION: 1421 S. Miami Avenue
DEVELOPER: Fortune International Development
STATUS: completion December 2002
DESCRIPTION: An 18,000 sq. ft. shopping plaza that will provide a dry cleaner, flower shop, pizzeria and other service-oriented retail along with 22 parking spaces.

Coral Station at Brickell Way
LOCATION: Brickell Way between Coral Way and S.W. 15th Road (next to Publix)
DEVELOPER: BVT Development Corporation & Taylor Development and Land Co.
STATUS: received MUSP approval; now in design development phase; completion planned for early 2005
DESCRIPTION: This mixed-use development, designed by Revuelta, Vega, Leon Architects, includes a 12-story, 180,00 sq. ft. office tower, a 28-story, 365 unit residential tower, 65,000 sq. ft. of retail and 800 parking spaces. The parking garage is hoped to ease parking congestion at the Publix across the street.
A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER: "This is a homeowner/developer project," said Harvey Taylor, president of Taylor Development and Land Co. "We worked closely with the homeowners on the design of this project."

Two favorite restaurants that have served Brickell residents for many years, Perricone's and Firehouse Four, are also further investing in Brickell.

Perricone's Marketplace & Cafe
LOCATION: 15 SE 10th Street
STATUS: under construction with completion in November 2002
DESCRIPTION: To better serve the market's growing customer base, 2,000 square feet of additional kitchen and food preparation space is being added to the existing restaurant.

Firehouse Four
LOCATION: 1000 S. Miami Avenue
DEVELOPER: New Spanish Concepts
STATUS: under renovation with completion in Spring 2003
DESCRIPTION: A new, upscale Spanish-cuisine restaurant will be housed in the historic 1923 City of Miami Fire Station. Upstairs guests will experience creative fine dining, while the downstairs will convey a casual European ambiance with a tapas and coffee bar that opens out to the street for al fresco dining.

Special Entertainment Districts
The City of Miami abolished the distance requirements between liquor license holders and created two specialty zoning areas. District A, the Brickell Riverside District, runs from the Miami River south to 8th Street, and from S.W. 1st Avenue east to Brickell Avenue. District B, the Brickell Village District, runs from 8th Street south to Coral Way, and from S. W. 1st Avenue east to Miami Ave.

Mixed-Use Projects

Brickell View
LOCATION: 1200 S. Miami Avenue
DEVELOPER: Bermello, Ajamil and Partners, Inc.
STATUS: under construction with completion in Spring 2004
DESCRIPTION: A luxury development encompassing 600 rental units, 25,000 sq. ft. of retail and 843 parking spaces within walking distance of the Metrorail and Mary Brickell Village.
The project is being developed in two phases, with one tower of 323 units currently under construction and another tower with 277 planned for future development. All amenities will be situated on the eighth floor, where residents will find an infinity-edge pool, a fully-equipped gymnasium, spa, media room with theater-style seating, business center and a wine vault.

Brickell Bay Plaza
LOCATION: 1200 Brickell Bay Drive
DEVELOPER: Florida East Coast Realty, Inc.
STATUS: under construction with completion in Summer 2004
DESCRIPTION: A 43-story project featuring 645 apartment units, a health club, a restaurant and supporting retail.

Millennium
LOCATION: 1441 Brickell Avenue
DEVELOPER: Millennium Partners
STATUS: under construction with completion in Summer 2003
DESCRIPTION: A mixed-use complex featuring a 222-room Four Seasons Hotel, 186 luxury condo units, 220,000 square feet of Class "A" office space, a 40,000-square-foot fitness spa, retail areas and 1,000 parking spaces.

Espirito Santo
LOCATION: 1395 Brickell Avenue
DEVELOPER: Estoril, Inc.
STATUS: under construction with completion in Summer 2003
DESCRIPTION: A 36-story mixed-use project that includes 300,000 sq. ft. of office space, 203 luxury hotel rooms, 117 condo units, a recreation center, 20,000 sq. ft. of retail and a 960-space parking garage.

Brickell Station
LOCATION: 1101 SW 1st Avenue
DEVELOPER: KV Brickell Partners, Inc.
STATUS: construction document phase; completion in June 2005
DESCRIPTION: A mixed-use development consisting of two residential towers with 359 units each. The project, across the street from the Metrorail station, will be complimented by 17,500 sq. ft. of visible ground level retail to serve residents and passersby.
A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER: "Brickell Station will tie in nicely with Mary Brickell Village, which will certainly be one of the premier urban villages in the country," says J. Kevin Reilly, president of KV Brickell Partners. "Being positioned across the street from the Metrorail and one block from the Village makes us particularly well-situated."

Brickell City Center
LOCATION: 901 Brickell Avenue
DEVELOPER: Planet Realty
STATUS: planning phase; no completion date as of yet
DESCRIPTION: A large, mixed-use complex featuring two residential towers together with a commercial complex. Phase I will involve a 42-story tower with 450 residential units. Phase II will involve a 50-story tower with 500 residential units. Amenities include a restaurant, fitness center, pool and parking garage.

The Miami Flatiron Building
LOCATION: Between S.E. 10th & 11th Streets on South Miami Avenu
DEVELOPER: Currently seeking developer
STATUS: conceptual design phase
DESCRIPTION: A unique mixed-use development designed by Morris Borges Architects on the former Brickell Emporium site. The current concept calls for a building with character, possibly a "Clock Tower" type of landmark as is often found in northern cities. The proposed mix incorporates high-end, loft style condominiums with French balconies and ground level retail. Steve Perricone will be creating the restaurant concept for the ground level. The project will create further excitement in that the People-mover system will run right through the center of the building.

"We are looking to bring a developer to the table that shares our vision," said real estate maven Edie Laquer, one the partners for the project. "Miami needs a building with personality. I want to hear people say 'Meet me at the clock'. We hope this becomes a landmark where people congregate to enjoy each other's company and a great sense of place. I'd love to see this building become the location where Miami 'drops the ball' on New Year's Eve, just like they do in Times Square."

Brickell Village
LOCATION: along South Miami Avenue from S.W. 8th Street to the Miami River
DEVELOPER: Millennium Partners
STATUS: preliminary design phase
DESCRIPTION: An expansive 12-acre, mixed-use development encompassing four million sq. ft. of residential and retail space.

Public Projects

Brickell Avenue Streetscape Projects
FINANCIAL DISTRICT: Brickell Avenue from SE 5th Street to SE 15th Road
DEVELOPER: DDA, FDOT, Miami-Dade County and City of Miami
STATUS: conceptual plan completed; now in design and funding phase
DESCRIPTION: Architect Glatting, Jackson, Kercher, Anglin, Lopez, Rinehart has developed a $10 million streetscape design which includes landscaping, lighting, sidewalk paving, street furniture and crosswalks. Construction is planned to begin in early 2003.

RESIDENTIAL BRICKELL: S.E. 15th Road to 26th Road.
DEVELOPER: City of Miami
STATUS: conceptual design completed by Wallace Roberts Todd. Pending funding to go before the City Commission November 2002.
DESCRIPTION: Decorative street lighting, entryways, paving and other enhancement options to improve safety and ambiance of the Brickell neighborhood.

EDITOR'S NOTE: We thank the Downtown Development Authority for their assistance with helping us identify the various projects in the area and putting us in touch with the principals involved. The DDA keeps tabs on all that's happening in the area, and helps to attract new activity on an ongoing basis.

Getting Around Brickell
The volume of new development throughout Brickell has many concerned about the impact on traffic in the area.

The ill-managed delays caused by construction earlier this year have been handled much better with some changes in signalization, better coordination within City Hall departments and police oversight. But neighbors wonder what lies ahead.

The City of Miami is conducting computer modeling to forecast what can be expected when new residences and new businesses come online. Changes to streets that are one-way such as South Miami Avenue and Eighth Street are being considered. Converting the traffic circulation system at the DuPont Plaza that causes bottlenecks is being studied. Plans call for finding ways to encourage more traffic over the less traveled Miami River Bridge. And, a tunnel under the Miami River at Southwest First Avenue is being considered. Many of the traffic improvements could be funded with the municipal portion of the Transit Surtax Plan, if it passes November 5.

Despite of the increased density, it is anticipated that various strategies might actually bring about a reduction in vehicular traffic. There's discussion of expanding the Brickell Shuttle service to provide a convenient connection between the Central Business District to the north of the Miami River with the Brickell territory to the south.

Reprinted from BHA News, Spring 2001
BHA Continues Objections to Proposed High-Density Project
Brickell Homeowners Association has adopted a resolution opposing the project under review for the Brickell Bay Village Property located between Bristol Tower and Atlantis Condominiums in the 2000-2100 blocks of Brickell Avenue.

The project as designed imposes an extreme traffic burden on an already overtaxed roadway system, the impact of which will be to reduce the quality of life of the residents in the area, create additional traffic jams during morning and afternoon rush hours and cause hazardous conditions to arise due to vehicles entering and leaving the project. In the absence of a traffic control device, the only route for traffic exiting the property will be northbound, and for those heading south, a traffic-stopping U-turn.

The project as conceived with 359 rental residential units and 520 parking spaces with a maximum of two curb cuts within a 200-foot frontage will create a hazardous condition for those residents needing to go south, who will be forced to first head north, and then make a U-turn to reverse their direction.

As residents in rental units tend to be in residence all year round, the impact or intensity of use will be greater than that of a condominium of the same density, where the owners in residence at any one time are generally fewer than one finds in a rental property.

The design of the building and its density on only 200 feet of frontage creates a negative impact on the entire Brickell Corridor. It is the only building on Brickell where so many units will have been squeezed into only 200 feet of frontage. The number of residents in such a building, their vehicles and the traffic created, impose a significantly greater burden (intensity of use) than any other building in the area.

The resulting negative impact on the quality of life for the residents of the area will negatively impact the City of Miami from an economic standpoint. Brickell Avenue right now offers the City its highest ad valorem tax base. A building such as this, which aggressively uses the property for a greater density and impact than others in the neighborhood, will negatively impact property values in the area due to a decline in the quality of life caused by the traffic degradation, crowding and congestion. These are key elements for causing a drop in demand for properties in the area, and consequently lowering property values.

For all of the foregoing reasons, the members of the Board of Directors of the Brickell Avenue Homeowners Association have resolved to oppose the pending application for approval of a Major Use Special Permit, and urges all Departments of the City of Miami and the Miami City Commission to reject the application.

Reprinted from BHA News, Summer 2000
Retail/Hotel Development on Track
Developers closed on the final purchase of land at the end of July for the open-air retail and hotel development planned for the 900 block of South Miami Avenue. Constructa Development Manager Phillip LaBarre said they are now in the "design development phase," but still plan to break ground in October. The project has been renamed to "Mary Brickell Village." Plans include stores, restaurants and a 12-story hotel tower.

Reprinted from BHA News, Winter 2000
Brickell Area to Get New Entertainment & Shopping Venues

Cocowalk-like Development Planned
Terremark and Millennium Group unveiled a new development that they envision "as a true retail and entertainment destination for the area."

Named "Brickell Commons," the complex will include an open atrium surrounded by three stories of shops, entertainment, restaurants and movie theaterssimilar in design to Cocowalk in Coconut Grove.

Located on the west side of South Miami Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets, the project will be built in two phases and will include a 20-screen theater, entertainment, retail, parking structures and residential towers. It will include specialty stores such as Tower Records and Barnes & Noble, plus 1,000 spaces for parking in the first phase.

Terremark Executive Vice President Ed Jacobsen presented the renderings and plans to BHA directors at their January meeting. The developers are currently pursuing the required "Major Use Special Permit" and hope to break ground by the end of this year.

Upscale "Villa" to Enhance South Miami Avenue

An open-air retail center in a village-like setting is another development underway in the Brickell area. This "lifestyle center for the home, family and community," as described by George Giebel of Constructa, will be located in the 900 block of South Miami Avenue.

The center will feature amenities that revolve around the home and family. It will include furniture, bed and bath stores, a gourmet supermarket, bookstore, three to four white tablecloth restaurants..."an upscale tenant mix," Giebel said. He said the developers are focusing equally on public spaces, with their renderings depicting low-rise villa-like buildings in lush green settings, complete with an aviary and fountains. A restaurant will surround a banyan tree and they plan to maintain the mature oak trees that dot the area. The block currently contains small businesses and residences.

The second phase of the project will include a moderate priced hotel tower of about 12 stories with 280 to 290 rooms. There will be underground parking for 300 vehicles plus 800 spaces above the two levels of retail. n

Reprinted from BHA News, Winter 2000
2101-2105 Brickell Bay Development

The Atlantis Condominium Association and at least one resident have filed lawsuits against the proposed development asking for the court to set aside the City's approval of the plans.

Reprinted from BHA News, Fall 1999
Development at Brickell Bay Village on Hold

The developer seeking to create a larger rental apartment building with 421 units at 2101-2105 Brickell Avenue, the current location of Brickell Bay Village, is reworking plans after objections by neighbors were raised about the scope of the proposed building. Originally, a 29-story rental apartment building was proposed but plans are with the architect for redesign.

The chief concerns stem over the proposed density and design of the building. Next-door neighbors to the south living in Bristol Tower with 147 units, and to the north in The Atlantis with 96 units, said the density was incompatible with the character of the neighborhood and would add more congestion and traffic to an already troubled area.

Neighbors are awaiting the newest draft of the plans.

Reprinted from BHA News, Spring 1999
Neighbors, BHA Cry Foul Over New Building Plan

Just days before the City of Miami Commission meeting at which the developer's request for a Major Use Special Permit would be voted on, the developer withdrew his proposal for a 29-story rental apartment building with 421 units. Plans are going back to the architect for redesign.

Strong opposition from throughout the Brickell neighborhood had lined up. Both neighboring condominium associations hired legal representation to oppose the development which would replace the low-rise Brickell Bay Village. The chief concerns stem over the proposed density and design of the building.

Next-door neighbors to the south living in Bristol Tower with 147 units, and to the north in The Atlantis with 96 units, said the density was incompatible with the character of the neighborhood and would add more congestion and traffic to an already troubled area.

With the first six stories as a pedestal for a 632-car, above-ground parking garage, it would be the only building with a visible parking garage along Brickell Avenue.

"This project will definitely have an adverse effect on our beautiful neighborhood," concluded the petition that was circulated among residents.

Why So Big?

Many neighbors questioned how the proposed development with density far in excess of any building in the area could get so far along in the process without public disclosure or input. Adjacent property owners scrambled to get legal representation when they heard about the plans in April.

Many folks were dismayed to find out that the developer committed to make a contribution to the Low Income Housing Trust in exchange for an increase in allowable development for this property. The developer obtained as much as a 45% increase in size without the need to obtain a zoning variance.

While BHA officials acknowledge that affordable housing is a high priority for the Greater Miami community, they did not feel that need justified allowing a developer to "buy" density for a contribution that would benefit some other neighborhood.

BHA residents are awaiting the next round of plans from this developer, with the hope that the next design is more in keeping with the character of the luxury neighborhood.

Reprinted from BHA News, Spring 1999
No Shortage of Plans from Developer Harvey Taylor

The man who brought Brickell Avenue the popular Publix Village Market, has another Publix on the drawing board for the area, along with more mixed-use developments, retail space and even a baseball stadium on the Miami River for the Florida Marlins.

Harvey Taylor also has plans for improvement to the S.W. 13th Street Publix, which is usually packed with cars. The current parking lot is to go underground. In the area around the Publix, Mr. Taylor is planning retail and residential development with a village-like ambiance, complete with cobblestone streets.

Traffic Safety Note: The 14th Street rear Publix entrance converges at the intersection of 15th Road and 2nd Avenue with traffic going in five directions. Taylor Development picked up the tab for a traffic engineer to study the intersection; the engineer concluded that the current rear Publix entrance should be dead-ended. Instead, new access on the Metrorail right-of-way is planned that will bypass 14th Street and connect directly into 15th Road. Watch for improvement there.

Reprinted from BHA News, Fall 1998
Brickell Business Group Reports Full-Scale Boom

Brickell's business group, the Brickell Area Association, reported in its September newsletter that 2,500 dwelling units, nearly one million square feet of office space and 1,200 hotel rooms have been formally proposed for development in the Brickell area. The biggest project on the drawing board is a mixed-use building, the Millennium Tower, which is planned at 86 stories high.

Reprinted from BHA News, Spring 1998
Culture an Important Ingredient in the "Brickell Boom"

News has been good in the Brickell residential and business districts, as seen with increasing newspaper articles about new development in the area. High rise, multiuse buildings are replacing what have been long-vacant parcels of land, taking advantage of the beauty of the area and the convenience of location. While often not without some disagreement and inconvenience, most agree that the new surge in development activity is positive for area residents, property owners and businesses. New shopping venues, restaurants and other amenities greatly enhance the quality of life.

Brickell residents are also fortunate to have a number of cultural attractions within minutes of their doorsteps, offering a place for family outings, activities for children and cultural events for adults.

Following is a sampling of area attractions.

Miami Art Museum, 101 West Flagler Street, downtown. Members and children under 12 free, adults are $5, seniors and students $2.50. Tuesdays are free with contributions welcome. Telephone: (305) 375-3000. This Museum offers a variety of continually changing exhibitions, programs and events for art lovers and casual observers alike.

Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium, 3280 South Miami Avenue. Adults are $9, students and seniors $7 and children 3-12 $5.50. Members and children under 3 are free. Open every day. Telephone: (305) 646-4224. This venue offers interactive activities for every age, from star gazing in the Planetarium to playing virtual hoops basketball in the galleries. Smithsonian Expeditions exhibit, Wildlife Center, changing traveling exhibits, live science demos and more. www.miamisci.org

Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway. Telephone: (305) 361-5705. Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Adults: $19.95, Children 3-9 $15.95, plus tax. Just over the bridge, this marine attraction features shows all day long ideal for the entire family. The Seaquarium offers a summer camp program with six week-long programs, three day-long camps and one overnight adventure to choose from, July 17 to August 28. Children can learn whale training technique, enjoy excursions along the shores of Biscayne Bay and join in efforts in conserve oceans or even become a marine researcher.

Simpson Park, 55 Southwest 17th Road, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Telephone: (305) 856-6801.

Vizcaya, 3251 S. Miami Ave. Open to the public daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telephone (305) 250-9133. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is an Italian Renaissance-style villa and formal gardens built in 1916 as the winter residence of industrialist James Deering. The house has 34 rooms of antique furnishings and decorative arts and the grounds include over 10 acres of formal gardens and fountains.

The Wallflower Gallery, 10 NE 3rd Street, downtown. Open weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Telephone: (305) 579-0069. With the goal of making "capricious yet 'good art' available to an appreciative audience" this private gallery begun in 1977 prides itself in creating eclectic and innovative exhibitions. The styles of work range from African to figurative sculpture to pop and impressionism in a variety of mediums: painting, printmaking, charcoal, watercolor, copper foil and photography.