Between West avenue and Bay road -14 and 16th streets , Miami Beach
Todd Glaser has an ambitious goal to turn 15.5 acres in Miami Beach between West Avenue and Bay Road from 14th to 16th Streets into a world class place to live, work, and play. What is perhaps unique about his vision is that in doing so he wants current residents to stay and be part of the end product.He talks excitedly about a “city of the future but done in a way that is friendly to the locals," resilient in its construction and elevation, that includes green space with tropical plants and pavers but no curbs, and a promenade that meanders north to south along the three blocks with a central plaza and a fountain where kids could play with motorized boats while parents “read their newspapers and get a cup of coffee” in a café. Small retail spaces – think art galleries – would face Bay Road and West Avenue leaving the inside for comm
unity spaces. A 1.5 acre park would connect the two streets from east to west.
Plans are “loose” right now and consist mainly of Glaser’s ideas. DOMO Architecture + Design has created an overview of the area with “a general master plan portraying his vision,” wrote Francisco Llado Neuffer, Principal, in an email. A “more detailed urban planning design and mixed use zoning buildings that will promote a local pedestrian friendly neighborhood feel to this area” are forthcoming, he said. The rendering (top and below) displays generic white boxes that show “the potential code implemented allowing properties to be combined for a more pedestrian friendly experience avoiding breaks between buildings.”Glaser, an early investor in the Design District and Wynwood with Scott Robins and David Lombardy, sold his interests there to concentrate on building high-end single-family homes. I am excited about this proposal!!!