The Thor Equities and Touzet Studio's Wynwood Plant is up for review by the Urban Design Review Board in their mid-September meeting. The mixed-use building will feature 306 residential apartment units and 88,000 SF of commercial space while preserving the area's industrial past as a former Coca Cola plant along with Wynwood's artistic inspiration.
The Related Group Proposes Wynwood 29 Micro-Condos
The Related Group may scaling back on some projects, but it is cruising full steam ahead on others. They have teamed up with Metro 1 Development to propose Wynwood 29, a unique, first-of-its-kind project that offers micro-sized condo units in the heart of Wynwood. The project will be designed by Arquitectonica and will be 182 residential condo units that will range from 416 SF to 892 SF. The project will also features 19,726 SF of retail space, 26,600 SF of office space and 283 parking spaces. So far the only "micro" developments proposed in Miami are rental apartment units and hotel units. The Wynwood Design Review Committee will review the proposal in late September.
Photo via Haaretz.com
Mana Fights Back Against Wynwood Business Improvement District Allegations
Mana fought back against the Wynwood Business Improvement District over allegations that they were cutting close to $30 million in public benefits from their Wynwood project. They saw they will still provide $45 million of public benefits with few changes to their original proposal. They were cutting a $10 million cash payment to the commission that was in exchange for a height increase to 24 stories. They will still provide $7.5 million to the Overtown CRA and $2.5 million to the commission. They also fought back about claims that they would be changing the phases of the project and were sticking to their original plan.
Public Benefits As Per Mana:
The Mana Wynwood SAP will grow the arts and design community while preserving the community’s unique character. Beyond residences and commercial buildings, the Mana Wynwood SAP includes more than $45 million in public benefits to the Wynwood neighborhood and surrounding communities. The breakdown of public benefits and contributions includes nearly $7 million to the Overtown CRA, $5.5 million annually to the Omni CRA through tax increment funds, and $35 million to the Wynwood community — including $2.5 million in cash for bonus height to the Wynwood BID.
Benefits to the Wynwood community include:
- Nearly 2.5 acres of centralized, public open space — the Mana Commons.
- A unified and vibrant streetscape for an enhanced pedestrian experience within the SAP and bordering streets.
- Extensive road improvements, including drainage and road rehabilitation.
- A newly constructed fire station and rescue facility for the City of Miami.
- Renovated and upgraded infrastructure serving the SAP Area and Wynwood, including drainage, sewer, fire services, and water mains.
- Underground or relocated overhead FP&L power lines.
- A public transit stop, which will contain bicycle racks.
Moshie Mana and the Wynwood Business Improvement District at Impasse Over Last Minute Changes
Photo via The Real Deal
There has been a major shake-up between Moshie Mana and the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) as the developer aims to shave off $7.5 million in funds that were allocated for public benefits. The BID estimates that the public may loose out on close to $30 million in public benefits in total due to the last minute changes. The two parties have been in intense negotiations for months and it had appeared that they had reached an agreement. The developers were also seeking looser development, building and zoning restrictions.
“If the Mana team is determined to go through with these changes in their current form, I would recommend that we withdraw our support. That’s not to say that there aren’t other changes that can be negotiated. Perhaps they’ll come up with a new or modified plan.”
- David Polinsky, Chairman, BID Planning Committee
Photo via The Real Deal
The major parts of the development at risk are the order of development agreed upon, the Mana Commons public space and a $10 million pledge towards public benefits. Originally he would build at least 35% of the public cultural areas on the eastern half of the project which include the Mana Commons. Should he complete those milestones they would be able to build up to 24 stories in the west half of the project.
Official Release:
Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) Holds Special Board Meeting to Address Latest Zika Advisory and Attempt by Developer Moishe Mana to Deprive Wynwood of Millions of Dollars in Public Benefits
Dr. Lillian Rivera of Florida Department of Health to Address State’s Zika Response
Wynwood Community Dismayed that Developer Moishe Mana has Reneged on his Commitment to the Neighborhood
WHAT: The Board of the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) will host a special board meeting in which Dr. Lillian Rivera of the Florida Department of Health will discuss the latest advisory regarding Zika cases and how the government is addressing the issue in Wynwood.
The Wynwood BID will also seek answers from representatives of real estate developer Moishe Mana’s eleventh-hour changes to his Special Area Plan (“SAP”) proposal for a major Wynwood development project that may result in the neighborhood losing out on close to $30 million in public benefits, including more than $7 million in previously-agreed-to funds for the greater Wynwood area. These last-minute changes come after a year of negotiations with the Wynwood BID and at a time when the neighborhood is suffering significantly due to Zika-related issues.
WHO: Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) Board
Dr. Lillian Rivera, Florida Department of Health, Miami-Dade Office
Representatives, Mana Wynwood project
WHEN: Wednesday, August 24, 2016
2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Wynwood BID Offices
310 Northwest 26th Street, Suite 1
Miami, FL 33127
Thor Equities and Touzet Studio Wynwood Mixed-Use Proposal
Thor Equities and architects Touzet Studio plan to pay homage to the former Coca Cola plant, which previously stood on the site of their proposed mixed-use Wynwood development including 306 apartments and 88,000 SF of commercial space. They aim to preserve the areas industrial past while incorporating Wynwood's art theme. They announced in Instagram they will use local artists to inspire the city's culture.
