Magic City Innovation District (MCID), a 17.7-acre Innovation District in Miami’s Little Haiti and Little River neighborhoods, has commenced renovations on 17 of its 21 commercial buildings. The project's first phase of commercial development features 200,000 SF of leasable space spread through several modernized warehouses. Designs for the commercial spaces, which range from 300 to 14,000 SF, are spearheaded by a variety of local design firms, including McKENZIE and ELM Architects. MCID anticipates being ready to receive office, retail and other commercial tenants as early as September 2018. Metro 1, South Florida’s leading real estate brokerage, management and development firm, will handle leasing efforts for the 17 spaces, geared toward creative-style tenants that align and shape MCID’s atmosphere and further promote foot and auto traffic throughout the neighborhood.

“The majority of our team has been working behind the scenes for over a decade, and now, it’s finally a reality,” said Tony Cho, founder and CEO of Metro 1 and a MCID founding partner. “Soon you will be able to walk through Phases 1 & 2 of Magic City and experience how the vision behind the property interacts and attracts a true innovation ecosystem to Miami, while preserving Little Haiti’s unique character.”

MCID spans 6 city blocks and intends to redevelop the Little Haiti and Little River neighborhoods to create a walkable, campus-like neighborhood where individuals from all demographic backgrounds can enjoy a high-quality live, work, play lifestyle. With an emphasis on technology, sustainability, health and wellness and art and entertainment, MCID will contribute to the economic vitality of the area and enhance the appeal of the community. Phase two of the MCID development is the Forest of Curiosities park created in partnership with Lune Rouge, the Montreal-based enterprise founded by Cirque de Soleil founder, Guy Laliberté. The park promotes innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship and will have a central role in the curation and creative direction of Magic City’s arts and entertainment venues. 

“Magic City’s long-term development schedule and unique large-scale format makes the leasing process totally different from what you’d typically see at a new construction project elsewhere in the city. We’re looking for retail partners who not only share our desire to reinvigorate the surrounding community with new energy, but also complement the area’s existing vibe,” said Andres Nava, Vice President of Commercial Leasing at Metro 1. “Finding the right balance can be challenging, but we’re determined to fulfill our promises and create something that will benefit the entire community, not just the development team.”

MCID is also offering short-term lease opportunities, with spaces ranging from 300 SF to 30,000 SF. One of the few large-scale event venues in the City of Miami, these spaces are now available to host local community events as well as large-scale national/international conferences.