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Home My WebLink AboutCRA-R-16-0065 UI OMNI ParkOMNI PARK A temporary activation by the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency and the Perez Art Museum of Miami Prepared for Omni CRA Board Meeting November 22, 2016 Ver. Final (last updated 11.10.2016) Prepared by Brad Knoefler Mark Lesniak Urban Implementation A Florida Limited Liability Company 199 East Hagler Street Miami, FL 33131 info@urbanimplementation.net Omni Park is a temporary use project conceived and designed by Urban Implementation, a Florida limited liability company. Copyright a0i6. All rights reserved. TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1 Omni Park and Temporary Use 1 Section 2 The West Omni Neighborhood 2 Section 3 Design Parameters 3 Gateway Art Zone Zen Parcel Activity Area Section 4 Protect details 4 Concerts / Community Events Skate Spot Arts and Education Food and Wine Section 5 Operation and Maintenance 5 Site control and lease Construction and permitting Security and Maintenance Programming and Marketing Appendix A Site plan and Renderings A Appendix B Construction Budget B Appendix C Urban Implementation C Appendix D Poplife Activation Plan D OMNI PARK AND TEMPORARY USE Vacant, abandoned or underutilized property directly or indirectly contribute to neighborhood slum and blight in every American city. Temporary use activations - sometimes "pre -vitalization" or "interventions" - have been utilized throughout the world to reduce slum and blight by beautifying and activating vacant, abandoned or underutilized property. As these impermanent enhancements become more popular around the U.S. the data demonstrates they improve quality of life for residents, reduce crime, and are catalysts for economic activity. These temporary use activations often become important drivers for permanent solutions to slum and blight, leading to long-term economic development and job creation. Miami's own Grand Central Park project, created in 2011, was one of the largest temporary parks in the United States. The beatification and activation of nearly five acres of abandoned land in the central urban core was much appreciated by residents and businesses alike during its three-year lifespan. Grand Central Park has served as a case study in temporary parks to progressive urban planners around the world and in was featured prominently in "The Tactical Urbanism Handbook, Vol. 2," by Street Plans Collaborative.1 Omni Park will build on the lessons learned from Grand Central Park. Omni Park is a temporary activation by the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency and the Perez Art Museum of Miami in collaboration with the Miami Parking Authority, Florida Department of Transportation, and Miami Dade County Transit and Public Works. Omni Park will transform more than seven acres of slum and blight along Interstate 395 into a temporary park open to the public from dawn until dusk complete with meandering pathways, public art installations, skate park and community event space. Construction of the park will be completed in 60 days, with programming of educational and cultural events to begin immediately upon opening. The initial anticipated duration of Omni Park is two years and, by design, upon closure much of Omni Park will be re -purposed to another vacant parcel. 1See, Page 54, Tactical Urbanism Handbook, Vol 2, Street Plans Collaborative httos://issuu.com/streetblanscollaborative/docs/tactical urbanism vol 2 final (last visited: November 4, 2016) Omni Park : Page 1 of 5 THE WEST OMNI NEIGHBORHOOD The Omni area is historically a warehouse district serving the old Port of Miami (now Museum Park). It is roughly bordered by Biscayne Bay on the east, 1-395 on the south, the FEC right of way on the west, and NE 20th street on the north. The area has undergone significant changes over the past twenty years primarily due to real estate development resulting from the changing nature of the neighborhood from industrial to residential. The 1980's saw development along the waterfront with the construction of the OMNI Mall and residential buildings such as the Grand and the Venetia. The 2000's saw continued urban in - fill along the waterfront with residential developments such as Opera Tower, 1800 Club, and Quantum being added. Recent commercial and residential development along the Biscayne Corridor has resulted in thriving retail strip around the Publix on NE 19th street due to the addition of thousands of residents in the immediate area. This area is generally referred to as "east" Omni. In addition, the late 1990's and early 2000's saw the opening of several bars and restaurants saw the development of NE 14th Street in the western Omni, turning it into a popular nightlife and entertainment destination. This area is currently known as the Media and Entertainment District, and generally referred to "west" Omni. Unfortunately, there is, in fact, very little connectivity between the east and west Omni, preventing the Media and Entertainment District from realizing its full potential. Several factors have contributed to this lack of connectivity, for example: • Developing large-scale projects in isolation of the surrounding neighborhood (e.g., PAC) • Up -zoning of the area incentivizing large lot assemblies for future developments resulting in the demolition of large swaths of west Omni • Disproportionate allocation of redevelopment subsidies to east Omni • Construction of Eminent domain proceedings by FDOT for planned signature bridge project has resulted in demolition of most buildings N of 1-395. Today in west Omni there are several large new residential projects under construction. Developers, small business owners, and residents are clamoring for more redevelopment dollars for the reduction of slum and blight in west Omni. Pre -vitalization projects such as Omni Park activate and beautify the neighborhood while promoting connectivity and holistic, incremental support to planned new developments and resident. Omni Park Page 2 of 5 DESIGN PARAMETERS Omni Park will be a publicly owned temporary park located on the FDOT parcels just North of the 1-395 right of way. The four parcels extend from the Arsht Center Parking lot on NE 2nd Ave to the parcel abutting the western side of N Miami Ave. This land is the future site of the new "Signature Bridge" that will replace the existing Interstate 395 overpass. However, construction is not slated to begin until 2018 and will be conducted in stages. In the meantime, the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency will use the land on a temporary basis to beautify, activate, and spur economic development in west Omni. Omni Park's overall design parameters run from an east -west perspective involving a "gateway", "art zone", "zen parcels" and "activity" areas. Activity levels progressively increase from east to west, culminating in the skate spot / concert / event space at the western end of Omni Park. Gateway: In order to address concerns voiced by residents and stakeholders regarding connectivity from Biscayne Boulevard to west Omni a parcel between NE 1st and NE 2nd avenues was added to the project. The idea is that this parcel will serve as a "gateway" for residents and Arsht Center patrons, as well as provide Metromover access, and connectivity to the PAMM. Several art pieces will be placed on this parcel as a "teaser", but the primary purpose in to lead people to Omni Park and west Omni by providing a clean, well lit, pedestrian gateway into the neighborhood. Art Zone: The PAMM has commissioned local artist Michael Loveland (michealloveland.com) to install art and collaborate with the design of the two easternmost parcels. His vision is to recreate a pastoral scene in the Everglades by using recycled materials (i.e., chain link fence) to duplicate "chickee huts" commonly constructed by the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes. The planted Bahia grass will be allowed to grow 2-3 feet to give the feel of walking through a country pasture and numerous "islands" will be created using native landscaping such as palmettos and slash pines to duplicate the hammocks commonly found in the wild of the Everglades. Zen Parcel: The parcel directly to the East of North Miami Avenue is designed as a calmer, peaceful relaxation area with minimal activities. Benches and a large clearing around the signature Banyan Tree in the center will allow for reading and relaxing. The grass will be maintained at lawn height to allow for picnics and Yoga classes. A future Kiosk built from a shipping container and numerous tables with umbrellas will allow park visitors to enjoy a coffee, beer or lite bites. This site is also earmarked for the future "restaurant showcase" project. The kiosk and restaurant showcase are subject to securing a third -party investor or sponsor. Activity Area: The westernmost parcel will be the culmination of the east - west progression of the park and the center of activity. A base -level of production equipment, including a 16' x 20' stage and sound system sufficient for small concerts and local community events, will reduce programming costs allowing for more activation. There will also be a skate spot open to the public dawn -to -dusk, a local radio station, and a neighborhood barbershop. Omni Park Page3of5 A key aspect of the success of Omni Park is activation. As was learned from Grand Central Park, beautification alone will not ensure activation and thus will minimize rather than maximize the economic and community benefits, both temporary and permanent2. In contrast, Omni Park has several "activation poles" for residents and visitors: Concerts / community events: One of the simplest means to bring life to abandoned and underserved neighborhoods is through concerts and community events. Reduction of cost barriers and partnerships with key organizers with a long track record are two key elements in bringing a wide range of events to Omni Park and the west Omni neighborhood. The purchase of staging and audio equipment along with the installation of temporary power meters from Florida Power & Light will drastically reduce production costs and barriers to entry for event and concert promoters. Skate Spot: Skateparks are the "new town squares." Like town squares of old, today's skate facilities around the world are able to foster integration and understanding among different socio-economic and racial groups. Everone, black, white, latino, old and young are only concerned about one thing, skating. Omni Park will partner with Skate Free, a community organization dedicated to providing and improving skate facilities in the City of Miami. Skate Free is breaking ground in early 2017 on a permanent skate park in Miami at the "Lot Eleven" skate spot. As a result, Skate Free will provide the ramps from "Lot Eleven" as well as events and skate boarding -related activities. Apart from being a sorely needed community asset in the City of Miami (which will have no legal skating facility when the pop-up "Lot Eleven" skate park closes for construction in 2017) skate parks provide constant activity and "eyes on the ground" that deter petty crime, automobile break-ins, etc. It is also encouraged by police and property owners for providing a safe harbor to skate boarders away from the public right-of-way. Art and education: Public art and education are another way to deliver a different experience and further activate Omni Park. The Perez Art Museum (PAMM) will contribute a custom installation in partnership with Michael Loveland, a local Miami Artist. Mr. Loveland, who is well known for creating art with recycled materials will construct Seminole Indian "chickee huts" out of fencing and materials on the site, and will create "everglades hammocks" using native plants and trees on the site. PAMM will further invest in the educational component of this concept, bringing students and patrons to the site. The concept of an urban refuge mimicking the peaceful native environment of the Everglades will communicate the importance of understanding our past while continuing to preserve our environment for future generations. Food and Beverage Omni Park will seek a community partner to open a container kiosk on the park providing light bites, beer, wine, snacks and refreshments. Omni Park will also seek partnerships with local chefs and restaurants to open a sit-down open-air restaurant on the park. Any facilities will be portable from site -to -site (park -to -park). MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS Site control and lease 3 Because of the high production costs, Grand Central Park was only economically viable for large-scale events, therefore, while tens of thousands of people attended events at Grand Central Park, daily on -going programming often was too expensive and therefore deficient. Omni Park Page 4 of 5 The four parcels, currently owned by FDOT and slated for the Signature Bridge project, will be leased by the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) for use by the Omni CRA as a temporary park. The current agreement allows possession of the parcels until August 2017, rolling over to a month to month lease thereafter until construction begins and the parcels are turned over to the contractor. In addition, the OMNI CRA has initiated discussions with all three contractors bidding on the project with the view of continuing the operations of the park during the construction process. All contractors have been amenable to coordinating with the OMNI CRA to allow for continued park operations as long as possible during the construction. It is intended to relocate OMNI CRA assets to another site to continue community benefits indefinitely thereafter. Construction and permitting All construction and materials on the site will be non -permanent in nature by design. A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) will be issued by the City of Miami as required. The TUP is typically reviewed by all relevant City Departments (Building, Police, NET, Zoning, etc.) for any issues and concerns regarding the overall design, construction, and operation of the project. As there is already a precedent for a temporary park TUP (i.e. Grand Central Park), it is not anticipated that there will be any complications or issues. Security and Maintenance Upon completion and delivery of the Park construction by Urban implementation, LLC, the OMNI CRA will ensure operations and maintenance of OMNI Park. It is intended that security be provided by the Downtown Development Authority's Ambassador program. The Ambassadors will open and close the park every day, and ensure security during opening hours. The OMNI CRA will contract for maintenance services (trash removal, landscape maintenance, etc) directly. Activation operations will be managed through separate agreement with Poplife Entertainment Group, LLC. Poplife will be responsible for all programming, marketing and Public Relations for OMNI Park as per contractual agreement with the OMNI CRA. Food and Beverage operations will be subcontracted out at a future date to third parties as per yet to be negotiated agreements and sponsorships. Proaramming and Marketing Poplife Entertainment Group, LLC, a marketing event company with over 15 years' experience in the neighborhood has developed a comprehensive plan for programming and managing the Activity Area. The programming is designed to appeal to a wide range of constituents and audiences, ranging from large quarterly concerts to Friday night free jazz to food / wine and theater events. A detailed description of proposed programming is included in appendix D. Omni Park I Page 5 of 5 APPENDIX A Omni Park I Appendix A: Site Plans and Renderings View facing east from the community event space and skate spot. Omni Park i Appendix A: Site Plans and Renderings View of the Gateway facing west from the Adrienne Arscht Center. Omni Park I Appendix A: Site Plans and Renderings Bird's eye view of Omni Park. Omni Park I Appendix A: Site Plans and Renderings A01: Architectural Drawing of Omni Park. C1 4 N z = (j z 4 r PUBIC = PARKING iri = PUBLIC PARING K 2 w z PERFORMING ARTSCTR • ' ..euc Z:r �� 1' .--... NE 13 ST __-- -g3I�116" _ — _ ^ • ,—,.� arc t,*� - - I m+ PERFORNING ARTS CTR PARKING LOT 1-395 -�� }r l7 ,_.111a 116_:ya �- sue— TEMPORARY URBAN PARK DOWNTOWN MIAMI, FL 1-395 o ,00 100% Final - per Noon meeting comments 10-12-2016 (for review) TEMPORARY URBAN PARK OVERALL SITE PLAN SCALE : 1:50 A-01 Omni Park I Appendix A: Site Plans and Renderings A02: Architectural Drawing of Activity Area and Portion of Zen Parcel. 500 CAPACITY EVENT SPACE SKATE PARK JOLT RADIO THREE FOOD RETAIL CONCESSIONS PARK OFFICE WILL CALL BATHROOM 1-395 BLOCK-6 115377 sq.fl, CLpsEO SLR STREET 67,122 3,249 eq.&L. 100% Final - per Noon meeting comments 10-12-2016 (for review) TEMPORARY URBAN PARK BLOCK A - SITE PLAN SCALE : 1:20 Omni Park I Appendix A: Site Plans and Renderings BLOCK-B 115377 sq.ft. BLOCK-B1 CLOSED BLOCK. B2 45.008 901. STREET 87,122 sq.ft. 3,249 eq.tL A04: Architectural Drawing of Gateway 0R7 PARK BENCHES UNDER BANYAN TREES FUTURE RETAIL OR RESTAUANT BAY DECKING (W/O CANOPY) FAUX WAREHOUSE WALLS PAMM INETALLATON BAT1R007 100% Final - per Noon meeting comments 10-12-2016 (for review) TEMPORARY URBAN PARK BLOCK B - SITE PLAN SCALE :1:20 Appendix A: Site Plans and Renderings A04: Architectural Drawing of Gateway FAUX WAREHOUSE WADS PAMM INSTALLATION BENCHES TREE PLANTED SQUARE AREA ,�' 100% Final - per Noon meeting comments 10-12-2016 (for review) TEMPORARY URBAN PARK BLOCK C - SITE PLAN SCALE: t:20 Omni Park I Appendix A: Site Plans and Renderings APPENDIX B Omni Park f Appendix B; Construction Budget ()\INI PARK CONSTRUCTION BUDGET t ail nil labor L1,B 1R I'n,jey1 niaaagrr hr Na. 1 ails halt atr 11110 STI(M1.U141 Subtotal S33000.00 til'rF;tllliu Parer -la \.1:. Rullduu•r&ulrtxllor FLttIee Sl[MMM1Al 1 S1IXMN1.IN1 t)ml alera Ku. S700.0II , la SIII.d11.IM1 Frure•paialing \]luyiaur 8101.100.1141 1 SII101MI.I0 latndsraping Sq 1 1. SO.Li 25IMM10 S62:i(X1.{0 1'huheen\a & higriagr \lltaaanrr S NI.IMM1.1MI 1 S'tINMN1,lN1 Ligleling .\lhaaaeur 14101.10 1 S311110.lM1 Curry Ka. S'H11M1.110 ,I SI5011 .00 i Klerlrirul emaelnil \Itueeanrr 3I01I 1 S3I100.011 F11..Tentl,Eleelrival \Irlrr Ea. 21MN1 1 S204M),IMI 1\alt•. how,. \IloWaurr S201N1.1NI 1 SAMNI.IMI 1 I P114l:1.I. 1 . I:ennlnanih Feral Spar. Sklar Part 1lluxanrr S21MM10110 1 S2R1011. M1 Slap , Ka. S1:dNN1.IK1 I S15001101 • 11 pnpupmrnl llloeanrr Sa(10101X1 1 S510011,00 ' Storage 1llanaan• S2000.00 1 S21100.011 Ullilr Radio gal ion .1114maurr S13001.IM1 1 S1iIII10.I10 Trask revrptlraI, KM. S22N1.1N1 1 S8010I Subioial S938110.09 . %e-tl Sparr Funtilun• Trash rerrptil•xla Subtotal S 118000.110 S3001.1.IM1 1 Sre(NNl.1Kl • S2lUl.I0 li S12011.I0 Subtotal S6200,00 . 1'\Rl:11.:I. ; - ihature 1.111111t S'i'iIMMi,IXI Sl'I'I? 1t l lib. S111MMM1.IN1 CR 1 kssiz::s S1INNNMu o I. :on li ugene3 III'. S28101.(K) \larkrling lit. nding.111cmaner for dr+,l•lopuu•nl 0l'1\rbsite aid Social \lydiu (l Art %N IT:ED :11 \I' I( 11 pimp: S 10,001).00 $119100.00 Subtotal SO.00 Omni Park 1 Appendix B: Construction Budget Omni Park AppendixB: Construction Budget APPENDIX C Omni Park I Appendix C: About Urban Implementation URBAN IMPLEMENTATION A Florida Limited Liability Company 199 East Flagler Street, #377 Miami, FL 331.31 Urban Implementation is a pre -vitalization urban redevelopment consulting firm based in Downtown Miami. Urban Implementation designs, builds and implements projects that reduce slum and blight through the temporary use of vacant and/or dilapidated land, public art installations, and re -purposing public property to promote main street businesses. Urban Implementation's principals, Brad Knoefler and Mark Lesniak, have been designing, building and implementing temporary parks, public art projects and other interventions in Downtown Miami since 2009. Our projects have been featured in the NPR, Miami Herald, Tactical Urbanism Handbook, the Downtown Miami Art Guide, among others, and include: Grand Central Park A 5-acre temporary park on the site of the former Miami Arena. Constructed in ninety (90) days. Largest temporary park constructed in the United States. The completed park included two hundred and fifty (250) native species of trees, a three -and -a -half -acre lawn, and a sloping amphitheater -shaped berm made with re -purposed debris of the demolished Miami Arena. Designed as a multi -use public space capable of generating revenue for rent, staff, maintenance and improvements. During its two-year term Grand Central Park hosted numerous community events and ticketed concerts drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Downtown Miami generating millions of dollars of economic activity in the area. Featured as a key redevelopment driver in Tactical Urbanism Vol 2 (hops://issuu.com/streetalanscollaborative/dots/tactical urbanism vol 2 final, pg 54) Downtown Skate Spot A 60,000 square foot pop-up D-I-Y skate park built completely by the volunteer efforts of the local Miami skate boarding community. Initial construction was completed in one week, additional D-I-Y structures and modifications were added over time. The completed skate spot included a half pipe, quarter pipes, a faux pool wall, platforms, planks, and rails of all lengths, heights and dimensions. During its term it was a magnet of activity with dozens of skateboarders and passersby a day utilizing the space. It also provided safe harbor to dozens of young people otherwise subject to arrest for skate boarding. Miami Murals _ A 100,000 square foot mural installation spanning 12 buildings in Downtown Miami. Installed in 2 weeks. The completed installation featured work from several artists, who installed a piece after the building was "beautifully destroyed" by Risk. The most recognizable piece from the installation is the "Peace and Justice" installation NE 14 Court by Risk and Shepard Fairy. The murals have attracted thousands of visitors to the area by providing a walkable public art attraction visible from the Metro Mover and shared hundreds of thousands of times on social media. Weed Bombing Weed bombing is a tongue -and -cheek form of public protest art. We identified high traffic areas in Downtown Miami where the sidewalks had become overgrown by weeds. In some places, notably by the federal courthouse, weeds had overtaken so much of the sidewalk it was near impossible to walk. Along with volunteers and local artists and armed with left over cans of spray paint, we (very carefully) painted the weeds in myriad colors to beautify the sidewalks and call attention to the lack of care for the pedestrian right-of-way. The project was featured in several local news outlets and the areas targeted are well maintained today. Avenue D Beautification A street level beautification project to address public health and safety problems, as well as to enhance curb appeal, along North Miami Avenue and the FEC railroad right-of-way. The clean-up was completed in three phases: (1) repaving 7th street; (2) clearing debris from the railroad and pressure washing sidewalks; (3) installing deterrent landscaping in the railroad right-of-way and vacant parcels across the street. The clean- up resulted in a marked reduction in petty crime and vagrancy on the block. Omni Park 1 AppendixC: About Urban Implementation APPENDIX D Omni Park I Appendix D: PopLife Activation POPLIFE's VISION FOR OMNI PARK PROGRAMMIN To activate the "live" portion of the Omni Park with a diverse array of music and community driven events and activities. Branding and Marketing Develop basic branding and logo. Establish simple website, online event calendar and social media accounts. Permanent Park Activations Park Life by Skate Free A free skate park designed by Miami's own Skate Free a children's organization committed to promoting the sport of skateboarding to the youth community as a safe and healthy form of physical activity. In addition to being a readily available skate park, Skate Free will also organize special events to drive youth from new neighborhoods to explore the park and it's activations, with the possibility of creating a summer camp program. Omni Park Radio / Cafe The concept is to create two operations in one container. Half of the container will be an online radio station facility as well as an on the air component to the site of the park. The programming will consist of some of Miami's current thriving independent radio stations and radio programs. The rotating broadcasts between Klangbox, Jolt Radio, WVUM 90.5FM, Shake FM, etc. will be sure to create marketing impact with brand awareness of the park, it's events, as well as traffic to the site. The other half of the container will be a convenience store/cafe that will service not only the skate park and park attendees in general, but also serve as revenue stream to upkeep and cover some of the costs that operating the radio station will incur. Concerts and Events Front Yard Theatre, November - April In the tradition of Shakespeare in the Park but with a Miami spirit, the OMNI park would be home to the Front Yard Theatre Collective, a local theater and improv collective producing Miami inspired plays, improv shows, and events. The collective will produce monthly free theater presentations, and will invite other local improv and performance groups to participate. Jazz at Omni Park, January - December Monthly live music series featuring some of the best Miami has to offer in the live Jazz, Motown and Afro -roots genres. The target audience will be primarily families and local residents and workers in the immediate area. Our goal is to drive an attendance of 200-300 people per event. Omni Park Live (Quarterly concerts, 4 times a year) January, March, July, November These will be high impact events to further create brand awareness and community involvement. The goal is to bring 1500-2,000 people from surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the immediate community to enjoy the park. Some of these events will be subsidized in part by sponsorships and in part by tickets sales (discounted for the local community). Picnic and Pictures in the Park, November -April Omni Park Appendix D: PopLife Activation Monthly Movie + Picnic series to take place at the park under the stars. Patrons can bring their own blankets and picnic baskets, wine, and snacks. Pre -made picnic baskets to be sold on site as well. These events will be produced and promoted in coordination with 0 Cinema, Secret Celluloid Society and film schools in the community. Omni Eats, January - December Taking a page from the cookbook of the hood Union in London, we'd like to activate the park with food vendors, a pop-up bar, and evening musical component once a month. This will allow local restaurants, food trucks, and start up food vendors the opportunity to reach a wider audience and to operate beyond normal business hours (8PM-12AM). Also featured would be a bar serving up bold elixirs curated by different neighborhood bars, such as The Corner, Beaker and Grey, Gramps, etc. Omni Park I Appendix D: PopLife Activation