Terra and Grass River Property, two of the deepest-rooted development firms in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood, have completed construction of a new mixed-use multimodal complex that exemplifies smart development in South Florida. Grove Central, located at the intersection of US-1 and SW 27th Avenue, includes a 23-story residential tower with 402 multifamily, workforce and co-living units, a new 1,250-space public parking garage, and approximately 170,000 square feet of neighborhood retail. Retail anchors include Target, Sprouts Farmers Market, Total Wine & More, Five Below and Club Studio. The transit-oriented development connects to the adjacent Coconut Grove Metrorail Station and integrates directly with The Underline linear park, Miami-Dade’s bus system, and the City of Miami’s popular trolley network.

Grove Central has been designed to create a transit-oriented hub offering a seamless pedestrian experience that encourages Metrorail ridership and urban living. The project was developed as part of a Miami-Dade County initiative aimed at improving connectivity between residential living, commercial development, and mass transit through private development on County-owned land.

The development, which marks the second successful public-private partnership project to deliver under Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s tenure, represents a significant economic impact for the community generating more than 1,600 construction jobs, nearly 500 permanent full-time and part-time positions, tens of millions of dollars in lease revenue to the County, and the collection of property tax revenues for the first time in the site’s history.

“Grove Central is an exciting milestone and a shining example of a what mixed use transit-oriented development can do for a growing community like Miami-Dade,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Projects like this are the future of Miami-Dade, and a key part of making our community more livable and walkable.”

The development’s retail component is opening in phases, with an exciting roster of tenants including anchors Target, Sprouts Farmers Market, Club Studio, Total Wine & More, and Five Below. Additional retailers expected to open over the next year include Black Sheep Coffee, Mattress Firm, Chipotle, T-Mobile, Panda Express, Woof Gang Bakery and Pacific Dental.

Meanwhile, Grove Central’s residential tower is now open for occupancy as leasing gets underway and renters officially begin to move into the building. The development’s 402 multifamily apartments range from 400-square-foot studios to expansive five-bedroom apartments measuring up to 2,170 square feet in size. Rental rates range from approximately $2,000 to $3,350 per month.

“Grove Central is a premier location for a transit-oriented community, and a model for the future of smart development and mobility across South Florida,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra. “The development’s carefully curated list of retailers complements the needs of residents and the surrounding community, as well as the neighborhoods along the Metrorail from Downtown Miami to Coral Gables and beyond.”

“Grove Central is a preeminent example of a multimodal transit-oriented development that combines daily-service retail space and Class A attainable housing product that amenitizes the Metrorail and Underline while promoting ridership and alternative modes of transportation for residents and locals,” said Peter LaPointe, President of Grass River Property. “We are grateful to have partnered with Miami-Dade County on this transformative development, which serves as a model for what is possible when the public and private sectors come together.”

Grove Central was designed by Touzet Studio, a Miami-based design firm led by Carlos and Jackie Touzet, in collaboration with architecture firm RSP Architects and Walter Meyer of New York’s Local Office Landscape Architecture (LOLA). The focal point of the development is a tree-lined public plaza connecting the project and improving pedestrian flow to and from the revamped Metrorail station and the adjacent Underline, a 13-mile linear park running from South Miami-Dade to Downtown Miami. Water resilient plantings designed as rain gardens are used to absorb storm water, and a large cistern captures roof runoff for reuse. With Florida Green Building Certification, Grove Central also embraces and exceeds the City of Miami’s sustainability, efficiency, and green building requirements.

Apartments at Grove Central boast plank flooring, contemporary finishes and fixtures, modern Italian kitchen cabinetry, smart energy efficient stainless-steel appliances, full-size washers and dryers, in-unit high-speed WiFi technology, spacious living and dining rooms, walk-in closets, en-suite bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies with views of Coconut Grove, Biscayne Bay, and the Downtown Miami skyline.

Extensive building amenities include a resort-style rooftop pool deck, a grilling terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay, a party room with a karaoke lounge, a double level fitness center with a dedicated yoga studio, a resident herb garden, and a co-working center with private conference facilities. Additionally, residents can enjoy a pub room with billiards table and ice box pantries, a coffee bar, an arcade and game room, a golf simulator, and a theater room with plush tiered seating. A dedicated residents-only entrance leads to a private double-height lobby and staffed reception desk, with 24-hour security. Technology features include smart-lock entry points with mobile app functionality, electric vehicle charging stations, and high-speed mesh networked WiFi.

Located at the entrance to one of Miami’s most popular neighborhoods, Coconut Grove has long been known for its enviable waterfront along Biscayne Bay and the lush tree canopy. In addition to the building’s many on-site amenities, Grove Central residents are an easy bike-ride or walk from dozens of parks, art galleries, trendy shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife options in and around Coconut Grove.

Images via Terra