Category Archives: Maps and Illustrations
Under Utilization in the CBD (INTRO)
Image: Under utilized buildings near the BOA tower are highlighted.
The Purpose
Boom or Bust focuses much of its efforts on tracking the new construction that has consumed Miami. But, what about the older, neglected, and under-utilized properties in the Central Business District? No one seems to care about them unless they’re being demolished to accommodate a new tower or revamped in grand style, yet knowing the level and forms of under-utilization is vital in helping to understand the development challenges facing Downtown. This week’s aim is to demystify under-utilization in the urban core by answering these fundamental questions:
- What constitutes an under utilized building?
- What current uses are derelict buildings lending themselves to?
- What are the use alternatives?
- What is the effect of under-utilization in the CBD?
- What role do these buildings play in shaping the social and economic environment of the CBD?
- What is the current proportion between vacant land, new construction, and under utilized properties?
- What are the under-utilized structure age patterns?
- How many of them have restoration potential?
These are just some of the questions that are to be addressed this week as we delve into the nitty gritty of the matter. I have developed a color coded chronological development map to assist in the study.
Image: Portion of the Chronological Development Map. The color codes will be explained in the 2nd installment.
The chronological map, which will be explained later, will be used to illustrate when certain areas of the CBD were built out. In the end, the Central Business District’s historic nature, restoration potential, and level and effects of under utilization will be addressed and tied into surrounding new construction trends and Miami 21 zoning.
(To be Continued) Continue reading
Miami Map Index
We’ve added a Miami Map Index Page to BoB. The purpose of the index is to list useful Miami maps. The index includes many map types, for example, some pinpoint art galleries, new construction developments, zoning boundaries, demographic patterns, master … Continue reading
Filed under BoB Articles, Maps and Illustrations
If Google Maps Street View Could Look Up
Wouldn’t it be nice if Google Street View could look up? Pardon me for complaining despite the revolutionary break through the feature represents, but there is always a way to improve. Let’s consider this random thought for a moment: Continue reading
Filed under BoB Articles, Maps and Illustrations
Developer Pinpoint Map
One can see some interesting patterns when map-plotting developer activities. The purpose of this map is to identify which developers are the most influential in the different areas of Miami’s urban core. This map has several colored placemarks. Each one represents a project either built, under construction, or planned by one of four (4) developers: Continue reading
Filed under BoB Articles, Maps and Illustrations
Map/Satellite Imagery No Substitute For Being On the Ground
In analyzing the urban transformation of Miami, using tools such as Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth, and Google Maps/StreetView is extremely useful. However, when making final determinations, there is no substitute for surveying the reality on the ground–venturing out into the city, street by street. To illustrate this further, let’s take a look at these images: Continue reading
Filed under Maps and Illustrations, Urban Tech
The Landlords of Parkwest: Leviev/Boymelgreen and Daniel Kodsi
PARKWEST LAND ACQUISITION MAP: RED: Daniel Kodsi BLUE: Leviev/Boymelgreen Lev Leviev and Shaya Boymelgreen are the biggest land owners in Parkwest, but Daniel Kodsi is stepping up to the plate. Leviev and Boymelgreen’s parcels are smaller than Kodsi’s large parcels. … Continue reading
Filed under CBD: Parkwest, Maps and Illustrations
New Miami Skyline: Height/Density Distribution Charts
The Charts below are designed to track both the distribution of density and height of Miami’s proposed, under-construction, and recently topped off high-rise developments among three urban neighborhoods: Brickell Village, the Central Business District, and Uptown. Chart A, below, includes 97 of the newest and tallest projects in Brickell Village, Uptown, and the Central business District (CBD). Continue reading
Is the CBD Shifting to Brickell or Uptown? (Continued)
Data can be misleading at times, whether it is in this case will soon be determined. I have employed the use of bar graphs that are designed to visually represent new building density in three neighborhoods, which will be the subject of this analysis: Brickell Village, CBD, and Uptown. According to the bar graphs (scroll down to view all), the current CBD seems to be in for an uphill battle, especially versus Brickell Village. BV has more new development taking place. The neighborhood’s newest buildings are going to be averaging the mid-500ft. level in height. There will be 7 buildings at, near, or above 800 feet in height. To put that in perspective, the once city’s tallest Wachovia tower is shorter than all of them. Already, the city’s current tallest, the Four Seasons is in Brickell Village. Density is spreading west from Brickell Avenue towards South Miami Avenue and west along the Miami River. There are impediments to the growth, however. Continue reading
