Category Archives: CBD: Jewelry District
Parkwest and Falcone Further Considered
The New Landlord of Parkwest
Under normal circumstances, Falcone’s plans for Parkwest would be astounding, but in Miami, normal circumstances are hard to come by. There are other projects that resemble Falcone’s vision for a city-within-a-city nearby: CitiSquare, Omni, and Midtown. In fact, his vision is simply the latest of Miami’s mega projects. This does not change the fact that his vision is unprecedented in scale and scope… Continue reading
Big Plans for Parkwest
I have spent a considerable amount of time evaluating Parkwest’s prospects. Its location in the heart of the CBD, proximity to the proposed Museum Park, new ultra-luxurious condos, among other things, makes the neighborhood an important piece of Miami’s urban puzzle. Boca Raton builder Art Falcone, the latest billionaire in the Miami development mix, has, according to the latest Herald article… Continue reading
Skyline Gap a Reminder of Miami’s Possibilities
Image: The empty gap between Parkwest’s towers on the right and the Financial District to the left (Firefox users right click to view larger image).
In 2005, the Parkwest side was flat. Today, four towers are jutting into the sky. Most skyscraper enthusiasts have been envisioning this “Parkwest Wall” since the towers were announced, but now that they are a reality, there is a pronounced gap between Everglades on the Bay and Marina Blue… Continue reading
Sacred Spaces in Downtown: Gesu Church and Rectory
The oldest of Downtown’s sacred spaces, the Gesu Church and Rectory is a beacon of faith in the heart of the CBD.
Image: Church pinnacle
Here’s why the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board considers it special:
“Located in downtown Miami, this imposing Mediterranean Revival style church houses the city’s oldest Roman Catholic parish… Continue reading
Filed under CBD: Jewelry District, Sacred Spaces
Under Utilization in the CBD: Part III (Un-designated Historic)
Continued from Part II of Under Utilization in the CBD
Historic but not Designated
In the last Under-Utilization post I discussed buildings that are designated as historic by the HEPB and the set of eight criteria used to officially distinguish them. It was noted that there are a few examples of impressive and well-known antiquated buildings that are not officially designated historic. In considering these un-designated but old structures, I will only refer to those that either are being well utilized or demonstrate favorable utilization/restoration conditions. Let’s consider some of them. Continue reading
The Powers Behind the Jewelry District
Image: Blue, white, and canary yellow diamonds, rose and white gold, and platinum bracelets; all found in the Jewelry District. Just in case Fat Joe is in town and in a spending mood. From Elias Akar’s collection (Seybold Building)
The name “Haimov” (pronounced: Hi – Moff) brings to mind notions of an underground industry, movement, and capitalistic culture steeped in secrecy and familial bonds. One of diamonds, gold, and pearls, and run by international, broken-English speaking, multiple-luxury-car-owning, young and wealthy businessmen. Continue reading
Filed under BoB Articles, CBD: Jewelry District
Your Crummy Building Has Ad Potential
Are vacancies keeping you down?
Under Utilization in the CBD: Part II (Historic Designations)
Image: The Related Group’s Loft II (left) and the historic Congress Building (right)
Historic Designations
Since the CBD is filled with antiquated structures, there are many that stand no hope of restoration and rehabilitation, but there are some examples of historic buildings with potential for adaptive reuse. I’ll defer to Chapter 23 of the City Code, which sets forth a set of 8 criteria for the designation of a historic structure/site worthy of preservation:
Continue reading
Under-Utilization in the CBD (PART I)
Continued from the introduction.
The Central Business District of a metropolis is expected to have an abundance of modern high rises. In Miami, only the basic requisites of that are satisfied. The impressive high rises are mostly concentrated along Biscayne Boulevard, near the bay, and intermittently within the Central Business District’s interior. For the most part, the CBD of Miami is a compilation of early twentieth century-built, mostly under-utilized, structures–few of them with restoration potential. However, the CBD Interior is gradually being surrounded by new construction on all sides except west. Restorations are already taking place in the heart of the interior, and new developments have penetrated deeper than ever into it. The status quo is going to change, but how will it with so many under utilized structures in the way? Continue reading
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
