HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-00-002212/23/99 14:42 FAZ 6179513 GATEROUSE 14002
THE GATEHOUSE
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MARC S. PtONAKIRR
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December 22, 1999
Via Facsimile
Donald H Warshaw, City Manager
City of Miami
P4 Dox 330708
NEami, FL 33233-0708
Re: Miami River Park Apartments
Deer Mr. Warshaw:
I am westing to update you on the status of the Miami lover Park Apartments development. 1 am
pleased to report that we have made significant progress in reaching a consensus with
representatives of the preservation community on conceptual re -design of the project. These re-
design changes successfully integrate historic houses into the community and cram a
neighborhood streetscape that is more compactible with its surroundings.
On December 20'', our fust meeting was held with representatives of the City of Miami, Ms.
Arva Moore Parks.McCabe, Mr. David Ferro of the SHPO's office, and Mr. Richard
Heisenbottle of the Dade Heritage Trust. At that meeting, a completely revised "South Parcel"
plan was presented which received a very positive response. However, participants expressed
deep concern and skepticism about the "North Parcel" plant, which includes a 14 -story high-rise
structure and three -stony parking garage. However, we were provided an opportunity to work on
the North Parcel plan and make another presentation on December 22nd,.
On December 22nd, we pzesented a completely redesigned North. Parcel plan, which included the
use of townhouses to wrap around the parking garage structure. In additiam, the fkWe treatment
of the high rise was substantially enhanced with the addition of lower level balconies, revamped
window plan, a "stepping effect" and many other changes. The response was one of
overwhelming supportfor the conceptual plan by the City, Ms_ Arva Parks. and the Dade
Heritage Trust
111'CONGR898 5TRI61
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Mr. Do++ldH_ Warshaw
Page
]Based upon this community support coupled with Cvmrnissioner Teele and Commissioner
Winton a unanimously accepted motion of support, we have notified Florida Housing of our
intention to retain the tax credits for this development.
However, much remains to be done. The working group setup another meeting for January 12°i,
2000. At that time, detailed schematic drawings will be reviewed and the final terms of a
Memorandum of Agreement will be discussed.
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing us now is securing the additional fundin i necesmy to pay.
for these major enhancements. The City Commission voted on December 14 to direct staff to
find the funds necessary to offset up to ;104'/0 of'these additional costs (which could exceed $2
million). With agreement on a conceptual plan having been reached, it is now time to act upon
the City's comniAn st to this development.
Timing is critical at this stage. A. commitment from the City for these additional funds is
urgently needed at this time. We would be available to present the results of all of the hard work
which your city staff~ the preservation community and developer have expended, at the City
Commission meeting on January 13th. We would respectfully request that you pl= us on the
agenda for that meeting. It is important that the Commission consider committing these funds at
that time. Any significant delay Umteans the viability of this project,
Obviously, we have come a long way. We believe that the result of these intensive meetings has
Produced a great model for urban in fill in the context of an historic district. Ms. Arva Parks,
who is a member of the Presidents Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, even suggested
that she would urge that the project receive stational recognition for integrating these elements.
We are grateful'to the City and
its Commission for initiating the process of soliciting the input of
the preservi don community. Their input has helped create a neighborhood in which woe= all
celebrate its historic heritage and its fon.
Sin ly,
AmarmS. Plotrier
President `
Co., Commissioner Johnny L. Winton.
Commissioner ArtltuT E_ Teele, JY:
.Commissioner Wifredo Gort
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Tomas Regalado
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Via -Facsimile
Mr. Donald H. Warshaw
City Manager
City of Miami
444 S.W. 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33128
A T r n n N k Y 9 A T i, A W
December 23, 1999
Re: Request for Placement on January 13, 2000 City Commission Agenda
Dear Mr. Warshaw:
10
This letter serves as a follow up to the attached letter which was submitted by my client,
The Gatehouse Group, Inc ("Gatehouse"). Gatehouse is requesting to be placed on the January
13, 2000 City Commission agenda to request fiords for the redesign of the development to
incorporate the historical preservation of the structures.
Please confirm if this item will be scheduled for said City Commission agenda.
Very truly yours,
Adrienne Friesner Pardo
cc: Mr. Mike Spetko
Ms. Gwendolyn Warren
Lucia A. Dougherty, Esq.
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