Allen Morris Company Spearheads Private / Public Partnership with City of Coral Gables To Upgrade Ponce Circle Park

Allen Morris Co., a diversified Southeast real estate development firm developing Ponce Park Coral Gables and Ziggurat Coconut Grove, has revealed a public-private partnership with the City of Coral Gables and Agave Holdings, owner of The Plaza Coral Gables, for the redesign and cultural reactivation of Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park.

The $10+ million project is funded through a three-way public/private partnership among the Allen Morris Company, the City of Coral Gables and Agave Holdings. Allen Morris Company is also guaranteeing any cost overruns beyond the committed amounts, underscoring its commitment to delivering the project as designed.

“World-class cities are defined by their parks and public spaces,” said Mayor Vince Lago. “The transformation of Ponce Circle Park is another step in our commitment to creating exceptional open spaces that strengthen our downtown and enhance the quality of life for generations to come.”

"Every great city is remembered by its public spaces. They become the places where people gather, celebrate, reflect, and create memories across generations. Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park sits at the heart of Coral Gables, surrounded by many of the city's most important destinations, and we have a rare opportunity to help create a park that truly belongs to the community. Working alongside the City of Coral Gables and Agave Holdings, our goal is to create a place of lasting beauty—one that enriches daily life, reflects the character of Coral Gables, and serves as a source of pride for generations to come," said W.A. Spencer Morris, President of Allen Morris Co.

The initiative reflects Coral Gables’ long-standing tradition of public-private collaboration, where civic ambition and private investment combine to shape enduring public spaces.

"I am incredibly proud that Allen Morris Co. and the City of Coral Gables shared the transformative vision to reimagine Ponce Circle as a functional, timeless, and elegant public park. Chic, sophisticated, inviting, and European in spirit, the park reflects the magic that happens when great minds, thoughtful planning, and exceptional design come together to create a lasting legacy for residents, visitors, and everyone who lives, works, and gathers in our city," said Maricris Longo, Coral Gables resident, real estate investor, and community advocate.

Public art centerpiece

A defining feature of the renewed park will be Puffed and Inverted Star II, a monumental polished aluminum sculpture by Frank Stella, installed in a reflecting pool at the north end of the park. The sculpture was acquired by the City of Coral Gables following the recommendation of the Cultural Development Board. Stella passed away in May 2024 at the age of 87, making this a posthumous public installation of one of his final large-scale works. The sculpture will become an instant landmark, a defining visual element of downtown Coral Gables, and a destination.

A historic civic space reimagined

Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park, located at 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, has been a civic gathering place since the early development of Coral Gables in the 1920s under founder George Merrick. Originally designed by landscape architect William Lyman Phillips, the park has long served as a central point within the city’s historic urban fabric. This project marks the most comprehensive reimagining of the park in its history, positioning it for its next century as a civic and cultural anchor for the community.

Design team and ecological approach

The architectural and landscape vision for the park is led by Maria de la Guardia of de la Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists, a Coral Gables-based firm known for its context-sensitive approach rooted in classical architecture and urbanism, in collaboration with Andres Arcila of Naturalficial. Planting design is developed in coordination with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, ensuring a resilient, biodiverse, and regionally appropriate landscape strategy.

Integrated public realm improvements

In addition to the park redesign, the project includes a coordinated set of streetscape and infrastructure upgrades along Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Almeria Avenue to University Drive. Improvements include enhanced pedestrian crossings, raised crosswalks, speed tables, and a new stormwater drainage system, all designed to improve safety, connectivity, and walkability. Together, the park and streetscape interventions will create a more unified and accessible civic corridor.

The Odeon: a new cultural venue

At the center of the redesigned park will be the Odeon, an open-air performance structure designed to host year-round programming including concerts, theatrical performances, civic events, fitness classes, and cultural gatherings. When not programmed, the Odeon will function as flexible public seating, ensuring continuous activation of the space throughout the day and evening.

Project leadership and timeline

Allen Morris Company is serving as Development Manager for the project, overseeing design, permitting, and construction through completion. The Coral Gables City Commission has unanimously approved the project, and a Development Management Agreement has been executed between all parties. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with completion anticipated in the first quarter of 2028.

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ACE Padel Launches First Location In United States in Coconut Grove In Partnership With Aventura Asset Management

ACE Padel, the design-driven social sports brand redefining the U.S. padel experience, has announced its first-ever club in Coconut Grove, Miami, set to open in the first half of 2026. The club marks the debut of a national expansion that includes confirmed developments in Denver, Colorado, and Los Angeles, California - signaling ACE’s emergence as a cultural force in the evolution of sport and social connection across the United States.

The ACE x AAM partnership is a strategic joint venture uniting two complementary powerhouses. Aventura Asset Management brings deep expertise in real estate development, financing, and large-scale execution, while ACE leads on concept, design, brand experience, and cultural innovation. Together, they form a new blueprint for how premium sports and lifestyle spaces are created - smart, scalable, and emotionally resonant. AAM’s padel initiative collaborates closely with the ACE team to identify, design, and deliver world-class destinations that reflect ACE’s DNA. This collaboration is not about building courts; it is about creating living, breathing social destinations where architecture, sound, design, and energy combine to form a multi-sensory experience.

Additionally, ACE has expanded its long-standing partnership with Playtomic, the world’s leading padel booking and technology platform. Recently backed by a $70 million growth round, Playtomic connects millions of players across 110 countries. Through this collaboration, ACE will fully integrate Playtomic’s platform into its U.S. club ecosystem - streamlining booking, matchmaking, and member engagement, and creating a seamless experience for members across all ACE destinations.

“Padel is more than a sport - it’s a movement built on energy, connection, and creativity,” says Elliot Carnello, Co-Founder and CEO of ACE Padel. “We’re crafting clubs that go beyond performance - cinematic environments where people meet, exchange ideas, and recharge. My background in pro sports taught me precision and flow; my experience in business taught me vision and structure. Together with AAM, we’re blending that mindset into living environments that feel alive - premium, social, and deeply human.”

“We come from a world where emotion, and experience define everything,” says Peter Carnello, Co-Founder and Chairman of ACE Padel. “At ACE, we’ve built a multidisciplinary team - visionaries from sports, design, hospitality, and media - who share one belief: the future of sports clubs lies in storytelling and human connection. Together with AAM, we’re developing immersive environments that feel cinematic - from the architectural flow to the rhythm of the music, to the vibrancy that fills every corner. This is not just about padel; it’s about building destinations that move people, spark creativity, and unite communities across cultures.”

Miami will set the tone for ACE’s expansion, combining design, sport, and community. Located in Coconut Grove, the club will feature five outdoor courts - four of which will be covered by a 32-foot canopy for optimal play - developed in partnership with Mejor Set, the global leader in premium padel court construction. Mejor Set courts are designed and built to meet the highest standards of quality, innovation, and safety, with installations in over 70 countries and recognition as the official court provider of the Premier Padel Tour. These will be the first fully hurricane-proof and permitted padel courts in the city of Miami.

Following Miami, ACE will expand westward to Denver, where its new club in the city’s RiNo District will embody performance and community. The site will include eight courts - five indoor and three outdoor - featuring 30-foot ceilings ideal for padel’s dynamic play, alongside full locker rooms, a recovery zone, and an elevated viewing deck designed to foster engagement during matches. Located in Denver’s cultural and creative hub, the club reflects ACE’s vision of sport as both a lifestyle and a connector of people and ideas.

In Los Angeles, ACE’s presence carries extra resonance. The brand first made its mark with the LA Padel Invitational, a high-profile Pro-Am tournament launched in 2023 that unites professional athletes, celebrities, and tastemakers. The Invitational has run annually since and will return to Beverly Hills in April–May 2026. Building on that foundation, ACE’s Los Angeles club will be strategically located between Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, featuring six outdoor courts, premium locker rooms, and curated lifestyle spaces.

"With Miami positioned as our premier entry into the padel world, we acquired land in a part of the city where courts and clubs do not exist,” says Tyler Fan, Managing Partner of Aventura Asset Management. “Our development experience has helped us navigate complex zoning and permitting challenges to deliver a world-class club that will be an integral part of the neighborhood for years to come.”

Rooted in a global mindset, ACE Padel blends Swedish safety (reliability, structure, quality), Spanish warmth (passion, hospitality, joy of life), and American momentum (innovation, boldness, speed). This unique DNA shapes every aspect of the brand - from design and operations to the member experience - creating spaces that feel safe, inspiring, and full of life.

Together, ACE and AAM are not just building clubs; they’re building a movement - a new model for how sport, culture, and human connection can come together. Each destination reflects ACE’s commitment to creating environments that inspire play, spark collaboration, and foster belonging.

City of Miami Beach, Terra and GFO Investments Hold Groundbreaking For Daniel Buren-Designed Pedestrian Bridge

The City of Miami Beach, in partnership with developers Terra, led by David Martin, and GFO Investments, led by Russell Galbut, have broken ground on the colorful pedestrian bridge that will soon welcome millions of visitors who enter Miami Beach along 5 Street. Construction for the new Daniel Buren-designed landmark began in January and is expected to be completed by the summer or fall of 2026. The striking piece is being developed as part of a public-private partnership between the city and the Five Park development team. In 2022, Martin and Galbut delivered the Canopy Park to the community under a similar arrangement that paved the way for the adjacent 48-story Arquitectonica-designed condo tower that opened late last year.

“Our new pedestrian bridge isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about safety, accessibility, and walkability," said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. "By providing a secure and enjoyable way to cross one of our busiest roadways, we're making Miami Beach safer and more connected.

“This project represents a transformative milestone for Miami Beach, blending world-class public art and practical connectivity to enhance the urban experience,” said Martin, CEO of Terra. “Daniel Buren’s visionary design elevates a simple pedestrian bridge into a work of art, while providing much-needed accessibility and connectivity between some of our city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. We are proud to partner with the City of Miami Beach and GFO Investments to deliver this landmark as part of the Five Park development.”

More than a bridge, the Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge is the crowning gem that will complete the area's circulation network, linking the South of Fifth and West Avenue neighborhoods. This elevated crossing will connect the city’s popular Beachwalk amenity in South Pointe Park to the coming Baywalk amenity. Once completed, the bridge will enhance bicycle and pedestrian travel for residents and visitors alike.

Buren, an internationally acclaimed French conceptual artist, is celebrated for his work at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain as well as his work at the acclaimed international cultural exhibition in Italy, the Venice Biennale. The Miami Beach project is expected to redefine the city’s urban landscape, becoming a signature architectural and artistic achievement.

Known for creating some of the world’s most iconic public art installations — such as the black-and-white marble columns at the Palais Royal in Paris and the vibrant sails of colored glass at the Louis Vuitton Foundation — Buren’s 158-foot enclosed pedestrian bridge will feature a mosaic of vibrant, translucent panels, which transform sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors, casting dynamic patterns across the walkway and street below.

Designed with accessibility in mind, the bridge will feature elevators and stairs that are thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding landscaping and greenery, ensuring ease of use for all residents and visitors.

Upon completion, the bridge will offer effortless access to Miami Beach’s premier attractions, including world-class dining, luxury retail, wellness centers, arts venues and elevated nightlife experiences, further enhancing the city’s vibrant appeal.

The project was partially funded by a General Obligation Bond approved by City of Miami Beach voters in 2018.

Images via City of Miami Beach, Terra and GFO Investments

Messi Mania: Construction Begins on Miami Freedom Park and Inter Miami CF Stadium

Inter Miami CF has begun construction began on Miami Freedom Park and The Inter Miami CF stadium, following the closing of one of Miami’s last remaining pubic golf courses, Melreese Country Club: Miami International Links. Construction is now underway on Miami Freedom Park, a 131-acre privately funded entertainment district development anchored by a new 25,000-seat fútbol specific stadium and 58-acre public park. Miami Freedom Park scheduled to open in 2025 and the official groundbreaking ceremony will take place later this year.

Crews and heavy equipment are now on site, performing earthwork and sitework that will move across the 131 acres concurrent with vertical construction. This multi-phase effort will see the stadium, public park, entertainment, hospitality, retail, and new infrastructure that make up Miami Freedom Park’s first phase all progress rapidly.

Miami Freedom Park will feature a full range of entertainment and commercial offerings including office space, hotel, shops, restaurants, the stadium and additional experiences and attractions. Recreational components of the project include a new 58-acre public park featuring soccer and youth athletic fields for the community.

"With Inter Miami my family set out to build something truly transformational. In just four years we have changed the perception worldwide of American soccer. As we commence construction of Miami Freedom Park that same vision guides us,” said Jorge Mas, Inter Miami CF Managing Owner. “In creating a multi-faceted space we will set a new standard of what sport complexes can be. We look forward to delivering a food and entertainment destination for families to enjoy year-round. I can’t wait to welcome our fans to our state-of-the-art stadium and hear the chants as Messi and your Inter Miami players take the pitch for the first time in 2025.”

Leasing and commercial partnership efforts are underway to attract best-in-class partners, tenants, and retailers, including established and emerging brands and companies that will enhance this iconic new destination for Miami.

Earlier this year, Inter Miami CF ownership brought on experienced megaproject and sports-anchored real estate investment and development veteran Devon McCorkle to lead the effort as President of Miami Freedom Park. Devon has further curated a team of best-in-class design, engineering, project management and construction firms to bring Miami Freedom Park to this milestone and move the project into the execution phase following completion of the planning and approvals phase.

“The level of attention and the influx of inquiries we are receiving have been incredible, a testament to the positive impact of Lionel Messi on Inter Miami CF and the City of Miami,” said Devon McCorkle, President of Miami Freedom Park. “Everyone wants to be part of what we’re creating, a new entertainment district that will be the centerpiece of family activities and experiences in Miami. We are in discussions with stadium sponsors, hotel brands, major attractions operators, restaurant groups, cultural institutions and many other exciting potential partners. We will deliver an incredible home for them at Miami Freedom Park.”

Miami Freedom Park’s design team team includes Miami-based architecture firm Arquitectonica, global arena and stadia design firm Manica, and industry-leading large-scale stadium project managers CAA Icon. Following delivery of the stadium and initial retail and entertainment offerings in 2025, Miami Freedom Park will deliver additional retail, hotel and commercial phases through 2030.

Miami hit Messi mania following the international soccer superstar and World Cup champion’s announcement he would join the American Major League Soccer team Inter Miami FC in a blockbuster mega-deal announced on July 15. Inter Miami CF, owned by David Beckham, Jorge Mas and Jose Mas, became one of the most-Googled soccer teams in the world surrounding Lionel Messi’s debut with the team this summer, garnering over 8.4 million searches in two months and searches for both Inter Miami CF jerseys and tickets up over 1,000%. Ticket prices jumped from below $50 on average to nearly $500 for the cheapest ticket to see Messi play live, similar ticket price spikes occurred for his first game with Inter Miami CF in Orlando as well as in New York. Following Messi’s announcement he would be joining Inter Miami CF the team’s Instagram account would jump from 175,000 followers to over 4.4 million.

Tibor Hollo and Family Celebrate Grand Opening Of 'Tibor and Sheila Hollo Park" in Brickell

Tibor and Sheila Hollo have celebrated the opening of the coveted 35,500 square foot park that so many urban Miamians have grown to love and enjoy with their families. Located at 1814 Brickell Avenue, the heavily landscaped park includes enhanced playground equipment, shade structures, beautiful views, decorative fencing, modern lighting, meditation benches, and a dog park. The park also features a memorial created from one of the last remaining steel beams unearthed from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

A ceremony took place on Monday, May 1st at 11 a.m., including the Hollo family, friends, and team members. Dignitaries from the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County officially honored Tibor and Sheila Hollo as another example of the vast amount of time and resources that they have invested in the redevelopment of the Brickell corridor. Representative Carlos Gimenez recognized Mr. and Mrs. Hollo with a key to the city and a proclamation, stating that May 1st is now “Tibor and Sheila Hollo Day” in Brickell.

“We love the vibrant Brickell area and the hustle-bustle of its live-work-play environment, but there is always room for a restful, quiet greenspace for the public to enjoy,” said Sheila Hollo, philanthropist, community leader, mother, and grandmother.

In 2014, the Tibor and Sheila Hollo Charitable Foundation donated the funds necessary to acquire the land and pay for park improvements. Former City of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff pushed to get the park redesigned and constructed for the Brickell community at the time.

The Hollo family, founders of Florida East Coast Realty (FECR), were early visionaries of the redevelopment of Brickell, Downtown Miami, and the Omni District. Founded over 60 years ago by Tibor Hollo, Florida East Coast Realty (FECR) has built more than 60 million square feet of construction, consisting of landmark residential and commercial high-rises, single-family homes, government buildings, marinas, high-end retail centers, warehouse complexes, and telecommunications centers. The company has developed, owned, and managed a wide array of properties, with sustained growth in multiple real estate sectors. With new ideas and ambitious projects on the drawing board, the Hollo family and the entire FECR team are eager and ready to continue innovating, pushing boundaries, and reshaping the Miami skyline for many years to come.

ZOM Living Opens The First completed Section Of Ludlam Trail Linear Park And Phase 1 Of MiLine Miami Apartments

ZOM Living, one of the nation’s leading developers of multifamily housing, in a joint venture partnership with Mattoni Group, Scout Capital and AEW Capital Management, have announced the completion of the first phase of the transformative development MiLine Miami. Phase one includes the delivery of 338 luxury, mid-rise apartments, 4,600 square feet of retail space featuring a brewery and two restaurants, and 1,300 linear feet of the Ludlam Trail for residents and the broader community to enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as walking, biking and hiking.

With direct access to the Ludlam Trail linear park, MiLine Miami’s first phase is comprised of a six-story, upscale apartment building featuring large-scale art murals and a range of street art throughout the property. The first residents are beginning to move in, with studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment options available ranging from 580 to 1,700 square feet. The residential community’s lifestyle-driven amenities include a pool deck with cabanas and grilling area, Zen courtyard, fire pit, social room, membership-quality fitness center, aqua lounge and coworking spaces.

MiLine Miami will feature other one-of-a-kind amenities, including a local brewery named Thorn by the founders of Lincoln's Beard Brewing Co. that will occupy the retail space. The beer garden will be anchored by two additional restaurants to be announced soon. Residents will benefit from having 50,000 square feet of outdoor amenity space, which includes the walking and biking trail, a dog park, an event lawn, and outdoor public and private plazas perfect for recreation and gatherings.

“ZOM is excited to deliver phase one of our MiLine Miami community, including welcoming Lincoln’s Beard brewery Thorn to the property and delivering the first segment of the Ludlam Trail, which will create an exceptional outdoor pedestrian experience for residents and the surrounding community,” said Kyle Clayton, Senior Vice President of ZOM Living. “Our team is already beginning work on the remaining phases of the project that will expand this section of trail to a full half mile, add another 600 apartments and more amenities to the community.”

The Ludlam Trail is being redeveloped into a beautiful linear park that spans six miles, adorned with colorful, public art. The trail path will connect four parks, three waterways, two Metrorail stations at Dadeland North and South and five schools.

“Our vision has always been to engage and activate the Ludlam Trail and have this project be a catalyst for creating a unique mixed-use neighborhood in Miami,” said Ricardo Caporal, Founder and President of Mattoni Group.

The MiLine Miami community also offers convenient access to Miami’s sights and landmarks with its proximity to the Biltmore Hotel and the University of Miami, plus a variety of dining and entertainment options such as the open-air shopping district Miracle Mile and Shops at Merrick Park.

“The transformative and human-centered nature of this mixed-use development fits well with our strategy to invest in real estate projects positioned for sustained, long-term growth,” said Jess Bissey, Chief Sustainability Officer of AEW Capital Management.

Uniquely designed, the apartment units at MiLine Miami are equipped with a smart home system that allows residents to use voice commands to control the unit’s lighting, see who’s at the front door and let them in, set the home’s temperature and play their favorite tunes – all with the touch of an app. Unit interior finishes include exposed concrete ceiling, quartz counter tops and hard-surface luxury flooring throughout the apartment.

The three-phase, mixed-use development of MiLine Miami spans an 11.4-acre site with a mix of uses that include approximately 975 apartments and 23,000 square feet of retail space. The second phase will comprise 337 apartments including 32 townhome units and is slated to start construction by the end of the year. The third phase will deliver an additional 300 apartments and 18,000 square feet of retail space.

ArquitectonicaGEO-Designed Canopy Park Opens To Public On Alton Road In Miami Beach

Canopy Park, Miami Beach’s new three-acre community park situated between the 600 and 700 blocks of Alton Road, is now open to the public. Park-goers can enjoy open greenspaces shaded by native tree species, pedestrian trails and bike paths, an outdoor gym and dog run, a MONSTRUM-designed children’s playground, and public art displays. Designed with sustainability in mind, Canopy Park reflects how landscape architecture can serve as a green resiliency solution for coastal communities with a host of environmentally conscious features including a Maritime Hammock, bioswales, and a 25,000-gallon cistern to conserve and manage rainwater.

Additionally, Canopy Park will connect to Miami Beach’s popular South of Fifth neighborhood and complete the Miami Beach Baywalk via a new signature pedestrian bridge designed by Daniel Buren spanning the MacArthur Causeway/5th Street, creating a safe and seamless connection running from South Pointe Park north to the Lincoln Road District and east to the beachfront.

“Instead of a massive wall of rental units, we now have this exquisite greenspace in a neighborhood where no one has a backyard,” said City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “This park will quickly become a welcomed amenity for nearby residents and a favorite gathering spot for our entire community.”

Canopy Park was developed by TCH 500 Alton, LLC, a partnership between two of Miami Beach’s deepest-rooted real estate developers: David Martin and Russell Galbut. The development team, which is also behind the neighboring Five Park residential tower, constructed and donated the park to the City of Miami Beach’s Parks & Recreation Department as a gift to the community’s residents and visitors.

“Canopy Park will be a gateway for the City of Miami Beach, a destination for visitors, and an everyday amenity for residents, so we’ve taken the time to assemble a team of visionaries who have led some of the most transformational projects in the world,” said developer Russell Galbut of TCH 500 Alton, LLC. “We’ve created a vibrant community asset that brings people together while providing a design experience that rivals public spaces in the world’s greatest cities.”

A major design component of Canopy Park, which was imagined by landscape architect Laurinda Spear’s ArquitectonicaGEO, is a “natural play” playground by Danish design firm MONSTRUM, which is famous for creating artistic and architectural playscapes around the world. A standout element of the playground is an eye-catching slide paying homage to pioneer developer Carl G. Fisher’s cultural mascot Rosie the Elephant, an instrumental historical figure known for putting Miami Beach on the map as a luxury destination and “America’s winter playground” in the early 1920s. Infused with art and design, a distinctive sculpture by Miami-based artist Mark Handforth also enriches the outdoor space.

“Canopy Park was designed with beautiful aesthetics in mind but also serves a broader environmental purpose,” said developer David Martin of TCH 500 Alton, LLC. “The park’s innovative sustainability and resiliency attributes will benefit not only the future residents of the adjacent Five Park tower, but also the entire surrounding neighborhood.”

Canopy Park’s sustainability and resiliency features include:

• Vegetation, Biodiversity and Native Plant Communities: Canopy Park boasts lush, sustainable landscaping comprising nearly 40 different plant and tree species. There have been 221 trees and 121 palms newly planted in the park, of which 80 percent are native, and 100 percent are low maintenance and tolerant of drought. The incredibly varied plant biodiversity not only beautifies the area, but also performs incredibly important roles that will help balance ecosystems, mitigate soil erosion, decrease urban heating effects, provide habitats for threatened animals, and protect watersheds from destructive floods.

• Maritime Hammock and Habitat Restoration: In addition to the extensive tree canopy throughout the park, a Maritime Hammock, consisting of 2.6 times the required ground cover by code, anchors the north end of the park. The hammock offers crucial shade from the year-round sun, captures carbon and toxins from the air, and diminishes the urban heat island effect, cooling the surrounding area. It also restores natural habitats, regenerates roosting areas, and provides feeding opportunities for birds, bats, native bees, and other pollinators. Canopy Park aims to replicate the original tropical forests once found in Miami Beach to reinforce an original and stable ecosystem in the area.

• Irrigation, Water Conservation, and Rainwater Management: A weather-based irrigation controller and rain sensors limit watering during the rainy season. A 25,000-gallon cistern captures excess runoff during major storm events and irrigates plantings throughout the year, with a capacity to irrigate the park completely on collected rainwater for one week before needing replenishment. Green infrastructure solutions like bioswales and rain gardens allow for proper site filtration and management for all of the rainwater that enters the site. The resulting effect is that 90% of the stormwater is captured and diverted before it ever reaches Biscayne Bay, protecting wild grasses and native species from harmful debris and pollutants.

• The Million Orchid Project: In addition to the stunning greenery, Canopy Park is home to hundreds of vibrant, native orchids as part of The Million Orchid Project. Once an abundant, natural flower proliferating across Miami Beach, orchid numbers have dwindled as the City of Miami Beach has developed and expanded. To address this problem, The Million Orchid Project, the National Orchid Garden, and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – alongside local volunteers and the park’s development team – joined forces to propagate and plant over 600 wild orchids throughout the park grounds to reinstate the majestic flower in Miami Beach.

• Next door, development is currently underway at Five Park, an iconic 48-story luxury residential tower that will offer unparalleled five-star amenities, including Miami Beach’s premier resident-only members club, The Canopy Club. The project is estimated to be completed in 2024.

• Approved plans for the site also include The Miami Beach Canopy Bridge, a signature pedestrian bridge spanning 5th Street designed by international artist Daniel Buren. The Miami Beach Canopy Bridge – subtitled Walking Under, Along, and On the Colors: work in-situ by Daniel Buren – will complete the Miami Beach Baywalk, creating a safe and seamless connection running from Southpointe Park North to the Lincoln Road District and East to the beachfront. The Miami Beach Canopy will become an instant landmark for Miami Beach and a beloved work of public art that guides pedestrians along a rainbow of colorful shadows. Construction of the pedestrian bridge is expected to get underway in 2023.

Images via World Red Eye

MG Developer Adds New 'Coral Carpet' Public Art Installation To Balboa Plaza in Coral Gables

Balboa Plaza, one of the most original parks in Coral Gables, where the stone bench named “A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is located, has a new decorative Coral Carpet, which now completes the “living room” setting at the popular outdoor park.

In 2018, MG Developer celebrated the first installation of the original stone bench at Balboa Plaza for an inaugural dedication event for the City’s Art in Public Places, Public Art in Private Development program.

This new installation of art furthers MG Developer’s commitment to creating enclaves that reflect the city's tradition of being the most desired living destination in South Florida and reigniting George Merrick’s vision of Building Beautiful in the city.

Now, the new inlaid, terrazzo piece at Midnight Summer’s Dream that has been installed complements the stone sofa and the lush green landscaping throughout the park. The predominant coral color of the carpet also pays homage to the City’s traditional European vibrant charm that can be found throughout the Gables while the pattern in the carpet features a flower pattern that appears to be blooming, pulsating, or dancing through a coral field of flowers that represent the city’s people and rich culture.

The 30 foot long sofa and carpet act as an extension of a home at the park, together with the giant banyan tree that overlooks the living space, which creates an enormous amount of shade for those that want to lounge on the bench, also reflects the canopy-lined streets of Coral Gables. Additionally, two statuesque lamps that stand on each side of the sofa, frame and illuminate the living area at Balboa Plaza every night. Created by artists Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt.

PMG and Miami Parking Authority Announce New Green Initiative for Downtown Miami

Miami-based developer PMG announced a collaboration with the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) to create a new green community initiative in Downtown Miami. The two blocks of green space, located steps away from PMG’s recently launched Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami, will function as a transition from the city hardscape to a lush oasis that will exude nature, warmth and beauty, as well as encourage walkability. PMG and MPA have collaborated with international landscape architecture company Enea to curate the space design. 

“The new Green Initiative is part of PMG’s continued commitment to the city of Miami. We’re creating an inviting sanctuary in the center of this dynamic, energetic downtown,” said Ryan Shear, Managing Partner of PMG and developer of Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami. “The environment will be reflective of the welcoming experience we hope to instill throughout Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami and the surrounding neighborhood.”

Sponsored by PMG, the green space will beautify the centerline of Biscayne Boulevard, where a series of interconnected MPA parking lots currently sit along 3rd and 5th Streets. Aimed at enhancing the well-being of the Downtown community, the green installation will integrate parking with native trees and shrubs, inviting benches, decorative lighting and pavers. The design plans also include an elegant teahouse with beverages, pastries and other prepared food. 

“This project is a quality-of-life enrichment expected to foster a sense of place for the enjoyment of the community,” said Alex Argudin, Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Parking Authority. “We are pleased to collaborate with a world-class design team to create a green-space intervention that will foster social interaction and a healthier lifestyle.”

This announcement follows the commencement of sales of the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami, which is the brand’s debut in the Miami market. Developed by PMG, Toronto-based private equity firm Greybrook Realty Partners and S2 Development, the hotel and residential tower will rise 1,049 feet as the tallest U.S. residential and hotel tower south of New York City. The property will consist of 360 private residences as well as 205 guestrooms and suites within the five-star hotel and an array of signature spaces and culinary establishments. Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami will be located at 300 Biscayne Boulevard. 

By Katya Demina

Brightline And Disney Announce Plans To Build A Train Station In Walt Disney World Connecting To Orlando International Airport And Miami

Brightline has recently announced a plan to build a new train station at Walt Disney World in Orlando, connecting directly to Orlando International Airport and Miami. Brightline, who currently operates trains between Miami and West Palm Beach, has been seeking expansion to Orlando since launching in 2018. The next stop will be Orlando International Airport, expected to be completed by 2022, with future plans to extend to Walt Disney World. The new Disney station will open in the Disney Springs complex, a popular spot for dining and entertainment such as live music and shows. 

Millions of people visit Disney World every year. Brightline’s new train will make easy access for Disney tourists flying into Orlando International Airport, and also will allow visitors from Miami to travel directly to Disney World without a car for the first time. The train service from Miami to Orlando International Airport is on schedule to begin in 2022, but there is no set timeline for the Disney World station yet. Brightline is also currently working on engineering a future expansion to Tampa. The Brightline was developed by Florida East Coast Industries.