HomeMy WebLinkAboutIDRC Comments (1.31.06)C I T Y 0 F M I A M I
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PRE -APPLICATION DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
MAJOR USE SPECIAL PERMIT
600 BRICKELL
600 BRICKELL AVENUE
NET DISTRICT: DOWNTOWN
1-31-06
City of Miami Vision Statement: To Be an International Ciy avhich Embodies Diversiy, Economic Opportuniy, Effective Customer
Service and a Highly RatedQualiy of Life"
COMMENTS:
The following comments were generated following the UDRB meeting on January 18, 2006 representing the Planning
Department and UDRB member's final conditions for Major Use Special Permit approval.
The City of Miami strives to achieve diverse pedestrian -friendly distinct neighborhoods, promote transit connections,
and provide contextual, safe, and comfortable buildings, blocks, streets, and parks that contribute to a prosperous city
for all residents to enjoy.
Urban Design
• As discussed in the December 13 meeting, the applicant should consider creating a stronger visual and physical
connection between the project and the adjacent Metromover stop.
Parking Garage
• The committee appreciates the details in the architecture of the complex of buildings and articulating street
frontages to activate the ground floor, however the Department is concerned that this public plaza being
created has no active uses above the first floor taking advantage of the value created and produce a great place.
Great public spaces and projects such as Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Reston Town Center, City Place,
Mizner Park and others nationally or internationally are always surrounded by active space. (See examples
below: Figure 1)
o As stated in our comments from December 2004, August 2005, and November 2005, December 2005
and currently, liner uses should be provided. The current proposal of 10 levels of unlined parking in
Phase I and eleven levels of unlined parking in Phase II is unacceptable as proposed. Habitable space
facilitates an active street and plaza usage. Brickell Avenue and the new plaza are prime space. The
current proposal incorporates 1915 parking spaces versus 1290 spaces required. The incorporation of
active liners will not affect the parking podiums or requirements. This great new public space as
proposed will be surrounded on three sides with parking garages.
o Please reconsider at least 3 levels of liner uses around the plaza and produce an exceptional artistic
treatment to areas that are not to be lined with habitable space. These liner units will not only be
extremely attractive office or residential spaces, but they will serve to enhance the central theme of the
project, the public plaza. Liner uses may include conference rooms, internal project management
offices (security, maintenance, etc.), realty management, etc. or as a last option on upper floors small
random balconies accessed off the parking garage.
o The applicant should reduce parking due to the urban context of the project and its proximity to
public transportation. Additional parking should be provided underground if necessary.
• The Phase II West Garage Elevation is currently unacceptable and should be articulated architecturally.
Possibly following the punch window look, using louvers, grills or other materials recessed into the stucco
finished framework or other architectural treatment.
Streetscape/ Landscape
• The applicant shall provide a double row of large species palm trees along the Brickell Avenue upper plaza
entrance, as discussed in the December 13th meeting. These palm trees will continue the pattern of shade trees
It is our intention with these comments to aid in expediting Special Permit applications with your
voluntary efforts in making the necessary changes; thereby, avoiding any preventable delays particularly
prior to a project's submission to the Large Scale Development Committee or the Urban Development
Review Board.
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and serve to accent the entrance to the public plaza while still allowing clear visual access to the activities taking
place beyond. (See example, Figure 2)
• The committee appreciates the detail and program in the lower plaza. Provide more information on the
program of the public plaza's upper tier, as the committee continues to be concerned by the large scale and
sparse articulation of the space. Please provide a statement of usage as stated at meetings with staff to show
how the plaza is to be activated.
• Provide a tree disposition plan indicating which trees are to remain, be removed or be relocated.
• The committee appreciates the inclusion of sheets L1.01-L1.03 which communicate the character of the
landscape plan. However, it is essential that the applicant submit a detailed landscape plan that specifies the
species (common and botanical names), sizes (height x spread and/or container size) at time of planting,
quantities, and proposed locations of all plant materials, sculptures, lighting, other public elements. The
landscape plan shall include planting details and planting specifications.
The Planning Department reserves the right to comment further on the project as details and/or explanations are
provided and may revise previous comments based on this additional information.
*** Please note that the Planning Department reviews Special Permit proposals based on architectural design, site
planning and urban design issues. The project still needs to be reviewed and comply with other department's
requirements.
Figure 1: Great Plaza
Rockefeller Plaza- New York City
Ground View- retail, offices above, tower in rear. Aerial View- Complex of buildings form space
overlooking plaza.
It is our intention with these comments to aid in expediting Special Permit applications with your
voluntary efforts in making the necessary changes; thereby, avoiding any preventable delays particularly
prior to a project's submission to the Large Scale Development Committee or the Urban Development
Review Board.
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Figure 2: Pedestrian Walkway/ Plaza interface
Knight Ridder Parcel and Baywalk- Miami
View through palms defining the street into plaza.
Plan view of palm and shade trees
pattern along the street frontage.
continuinw the
Hardscape plaza includes statuary, decorative lighting, seating areas, green landscape areas incorporated, mix of shade
and sunny spaces for occupants, invites or pulls individuals into the space. This plaza is also approximately the same size
with a sweeping curve.
It is our intention with these comments to aid in expediting Special Permit applications with your
voluntary efforts in making the necessary changes; thereby, avoiding any preventable delays particularly
prior to a project's submission to the Large Scale Development Committee or the Urban Development
Review Board.
Page 3 of 3