HomeMy WebLinkAboutIDRC Comments (10.28.05)C I T Y 0 F M I A M I
PLANNING DEP ARTMENT
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
MAJOR USE SPECIAL PERMIT
NIRVANA
BISCAYNE BLVD. & NE 63RD ST.
10/28/05
The following comments were generated following the UDRB meeting on October 19, 2005 representing the
Planning Department and UDRB member's final conditions for Major Use Special Permit approval. Comments
are specified in an effort to develop projects to their highest potential and contribute to improving the quality of
our built environment through sound architecture, planning and urban design principles.
COMMENTS:
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. City of Miami Vision Statement: 'To Be an International City which
Embodies Diversity, Economic Opportunity, Effective Customer Service and a Highly Rated Quali0 of Life"
Site & Urban Planning
• Parking facing 63rd and 64th Streets at the ground level is unacceptable.
• The 63rd Street building shall include liner uses facing the street. Consider the same application of liner style
units proposed along the northern courtyard facade. As suggested by the UDRB staff would be amenable to
treating all of these liner units as shown in the rendering A-402 with the addition of alternating 1" floor
entrances/living space and 2nd floor entrances/living space. Liners facing 63rd Street would have front door
entrances off the street and private courtyards. Consider a lower metal mesh fencing using materials similar
to those shown in the renderings for the courtyard space.
• The 64th Street building similar to 63rd Street should replicate the liner uses proposed on the interior
courtyard to the exterior facing 64th Street. (See comment above)
• The two previous comments also address the UDRB comment to remove the CMB wall around the
property and replace with landscaping and a transparent fencing. Consider a lower metal mesh fencing using
materials similar to those shown in the renderings for the courtyard space.
• Additional levels of parking should be explored underground as a half level underground and 1" floor liner
units would have raised stoops with landscape screening the 1/2 floor garage, but allow natural ventilation of
the garage.
• Is the walkway along Biscayne Bay proposed from 62nd to 64th to be open to the public? The pier, pool area,
etc. should be delineated and described as I assume the private areas will be gated.
• The cul-de-sac on 63rd street seems to be privatized by adding a guard gate in the public right-of-way. In
order to vacate a public right-of-way there must be a public purpose provided. Please contact Public Works
if public right-of-way is to be vacated.
Architecture
• In the Biscayne Boulevard building, please further describe the perforated panel treatments and colors
shown on A1-201? The differentiation breaking the two buildings down and the use of color is appreciated;
however photo montage A-401 does not show the entire color palette used. The stairs and elevators are
expressed as a blank wall from the ground vertically along Biscayne Boulevard. Can these be glass block,
clear or frosted glass?
• Colorful perforated panels can be applied as architectural elements, however the proposed clear glass
balcony railings with aluminum top rail seems to be a more cohesive and functional choice for a balcony
applications allowing individuals sitting to see the street.
• All mechanical equipment shall be hidden from public view.
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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