Legion, a multi-phase Special Area Plan, has been proposed for Miami's Upper Eastside. Global City Development has submitted their proposal to the UDRB as they seek to obtain a Special Area Permit due to the 9-acre minimum requirement under Miami 21 zoning code in order to combine their land with the city owned Legion Park. Stantec is the proposed architect on record and a letter from Global City Development's legal team explained the two phase project proposal:
"Phase 1 of the Project incorporates the redevelopment of the 3.58 acre property, including the main structure and surrounding areas, that have been used by the American Legion to provide support services to U.S. veterans. Specifically, Phase 1 proposed the development of a 5-story building consisting of approximately 237 residential units and 435 parking spaces, along with the creation of a significant civic space type. As part of Phase 1, the existing American Legion use will remain at the property and will include new facilities that will allow the American Legion to continue to perform these important Civic functions.
Phase 2 of the Project seeks to redevelop the vacant land and existing apartment building that were originally constructed between 1940 and 1976 to the west of Phase 1 with a new mixed—use building consisting of three residential towers ranging between 115 feet to 176 feet in height with 476 residential units, 30,300 SF of ground floor commercial, uses, covered plazas and other civic-space types. The Project will also ultimately integrate the abutting Legion Park and the proposed ground floor plazas, restaurants and retail uses through the creation of a new Thoroughfare (NE 65th Street) and the optimization of the NE 7th Avenue and NE 64th Street Thoroughfares to activate the pedestrian environment, promote walkability and connectivity to the Waterfront, and improve vehicular circulation throughout the area. The inclusion of the abutting Legion Park will also permit the Applicant to further enhance the public open spaces and green areas for the residents of the neighborhood."
