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Construction
Miami Worldcenter is planning to break ground on the site by the end of 2014 according to exMiami.
The first phase of construction will include the retail anchor stores Macy's and Bloomingdale's and have a 1 million square feet of retail.
The planned site will focus on pedestrian experience with walkways, restaurants and cafes.
The Forbes Company and Taubman Centers, Inc. are developing the mall portion while MDM Group is developing the hotel portion.
Site plans and renderings below.
PortMiami Tunnel
After years of work, the PortMiami tunnel had its dedication today at 10am that was attended by Gov. Rick Scott, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado and U.S. of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. The $1 billion dollar project was one of the most expensive transportation projects in South Florida history.
A 6,000 ton boring machine nicknamed "Harriet" began the mile long tunneling process in November 2011 towards the Port of Miami. It turned around and headed back to Watson Island where it popped out in May 2013.
The deepest part of the tunnel is 120 feet under sea level. Both entrances and exits have a 50 ton floodgate that will close in case of a hurricane or heavy flooding. The entrance portals were designed by Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica.
The many cargo trucks that will use the tunnel will not have to pay a toll and private vehicles are expected to be able to use the tunnel as well. 16,000 trucks and cars will use the tunnel daily and will help alleviate the traffic through Downtown Miami.
Hundreds of workers began the laborious task of putting together the finishing touches on the tunnel over the final few months. The construction workers got to walk out of the tunnel before the dedication.
75 workers will stay on full time to maintain and operate the tunnel.
Museum Park Overlooking Biscayne Bay
The landscaping is coming along quickly at Museum Park. They have added palm trees, grass, walking paths and benches to the park. It should not be too much longer until the park officially opens.
Museum Park overlooks Biscayne Bay and is right next to the Pérez Art Museum, which just opened in December 2013 and the Patricia and Phillip Museum of Science. The science museum is still under construction and is expected to be completed sometime in 2015.
It is interesting that while the science museum is being built, the Miami Herald Building is being knocked down right across the street.
Watson Island
The Miami Herald reports that Miami commissioners have voted for developer Flagstone to begin work on Island Gardens located on Watson Island.
Island Gardens is to include condos, retail, restaurants and a mega yacht marina, but this project has been stalled since 2001 for various reasons.
Last year, Flagstone partnered with Related Group with a bigger project than originally planned, but Related pulled out of the deal two months later.
The site is located on prime waterfront land with the best views of the city. Residents feel that this project will congest the MacArthur Causeway and cause more delays.
Flagstone has until June 2 to break ground or Miami commissioners will consider abandoning the deal altogether.
List of projects under construction, proposed and recently completed in West Brickell
For the past 8-10 years, Brickell has seen a major transformation with the addition of condos and offices, but it has only been recently that West Brickell is beginning to evolve with its neighbor on the other side of the metro rail tracks.
Whereas Brickell Ave. is comprised of many high rises, West Brickell houses many affordable mid-rise apartments. Many people pay top dollar to live on Brickell Ave., but there are lower cost options in West Brickell without having to be too far from all the action. With Mary Brickell Village and the completion of Brickell City Centre in 2015, Brickell is and will continue to become a desirable place to live.
Recently completed projects in West Brickell are City Heights, West Brickell View, Vista Grande, West Brickell Tower, Joe Moretti Development and the hotel Aloft Brickell. Projects that are currently under construction are Le Parc at Brickell, Homewood Suites Hotel, City Crossings, Broadstone Brickell Lofts, Brickell Ten and Brickell View Terrace. Projects that are being proposed are La Chanson Brickell and a very futuristic Walgreens.
Miami is under another construction boom and more projects will be announced, thus continuing the transformation of West Brickell.
West Brickell Overview
Vista Grande Construction Progress Photos
City Heights Construction Progress Photos
West Brickell View Construction Progress Photos
Vista Grande, City Heights & West Brickell Overview Photos
West Brickell Tower Construction Progress Photos
Brickell View Terrace Construction Progress Photos
City Crossings Construction Progress Photos
SkyRise rendering at Bayside Marina
exMiami reports that construction could begin on SkyRise Miami by June. However, a referendum still could take place in August and its fate could be left in the hands of voters.
exMiami states that, "FAA approval to build the tower up to a height of 990 feet above ground level will expire on June 12 if construction isn't underway by then."
SLS Lux Hotel and Residences Brickell Sales Center with Botero Statue
The sales center for the SLS Lux Hotel and Residences Brickell is rapidly taking shape.
Located on the corner of South Miami Ave. and SE 9th St. across from the popular Mary Brickell Village, the sales center is in the process of finishing the landscape and the building. They should be open in the next few weeks.
In the front of the sales center is a Botero statue that was originally located in Bayfront Park and was just moved recently.
Below are photos of the sales center.
