Magic City Innovation District Set To Transform Little Haiti After Receiving Final Approval

Magic City Innovation District (MCID), a 17.7-acre Innovation District in Miami’s Little Haiti and Little River neighborhoods, has received a unanimous final approval from the Miami City Commission. 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.

Renovations and construction commenced in August 2018 on 17 of MCID’s 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 is overseeing lleasing 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 developers will also contribute $31 million to the Little Haiti Revitalization Trust which will be overseen by the city

When complete, the Magic City Innovation District Will feature 3.8 acres of public civic space, 2.18 acres of landscaped pedestrian promenade dubbed the Promenade du Grand Bois, 2,630 residential units, 1,987,686 SF of office, 101,669 SF of expo space, 432 hotel rooms, 344,538 SF of retail, and 6,081 parking spaces. The first 4 tenants to commit to MCID were revealed in Sprinf 2019 including Diana Lowenstein Gallery, Manmar Entertainment (marketing), Ecovie (recycling start-up), and COOL Creative (advertising).

Unique, On-Trend Hospitality Brand Selina Enters U.S. Market in Miami

Selina, a global community of boutique destinations that also provide co-working spaces, local experiences and other recreational offerings, is set to open its first U.S. location in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood this September. It embodies today's in-demand millennial trends by providing accessible hotel housing, co-working space, and tastefully curated art from the local community. In order to introduce U.S. customers to the brand, Selina has teamed up with local retailer Brothers and Brawlers to launch Selina Brawlers, a concept store in the Wynwood Arts District that will offer a mix of curated goods including eyewear, motorcycles, vintage and modern décor and productsdesigned by Selina’s Creative Director, Oz Zechovoy, and Brothers and Brawlers's Sebastian Ramirez.

Set to open in June, the store will also offer co-working space with complimentary Wi-Fi adhering to the Selina model, which aims to promote gathering and community in a comfortable environment. “Miami was the perfect location for Selina’s U.S. expansion because of the city’s energy and flavor, it’s rich history, mix of cultures, the list goes on,” said Steven Ohayon, Head of Business Development for Selina. “There’s the sand and surf that Selina guests know and love, but also a huge art scene, a growing wellness community and endless things to do. Tourism in Miami is booming, and we’re excited to host travelers and show them a holistic look at the city.”

The store’s concept came to fruition via regular inquiries from guests to purchase items on display in the hotels, which are usually crafted in collaboration with local artists and designers in the region the hotel is located. The brand is currently operating in Latin America and the Caribbean and aims to cater a holistic experience to the adventurous, nomadic traveler. Selina’s hotel will be located in the former Tower Hotel, which is currently being remodeled with local artisans in order to “bring new life to old spaces around the world."

Article By: Katya Demina

The Citadel, Mixed Used Retail/ Entertainment Venue in Little Haiti, to Open Next Year

Little Haiti continues to evolve and develop as the area has really heated up in recent years. The Citadel will be yet another major shake-up to the neighborhood as Conway Commercial Real Estate and Urban Atlantic Group's 60,000 mixed-use development. The project will include a 10,000 SF food hall that will feature over 20 vendors including Stanzione, Bianco Gelato and Smashing Avo's. There will also be a retail mezzanine with a focus on service-oriented retailers, office space/ studio space and a rooftop bar. The Citadel is expected to open in early 2018.

Little Haiti's Proposed 15-Acre Innovation District Dubbed Magic City

A 15-acre site in Little Haiti will be the future location for the proposed Magic City "Innovation District." The project will be a live, work and play style community for "innovators" and entrepreneurs with a walkable "campus-style" neighborhood targeted at attracting retailers and technology companies. The $1 billion project will be initially be self-funded and will be developed over several years and multiple phases. The first phase will include renovating and repurposing an exisiting dilapidated factory on the lot. The existing 170,000 SF of industrial space will be converted to commercial and retail. The Magic City proposal also includes and office tower, amphitheater and residential apartments. Tenants are slated to include The Salty Donut. Magic City is be a collaboration between investment powerhouse Dragon Global and real estate developers Metro 1.