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

Terra And Crescent Heights Break Ground On Canopy Park In South Beach

Terra and Crescent Heights, along with development partner New Valley, have broken ground on Canopy Park, located at the gateway to South Beach at after winning approval from the Miami Beach City Commission last year. The developers are building a three-acre public park, named Canopy Park, alongside a new residential tower at 500 Alton Road. Terra is led by David Martin and Crescent Heights is led by Russel Galbut, both longtime local Miami-based developers.

The three-acre park, located between the 600 and 700 blocks of Alton Road, will include open green-spaces shaded by native tree species, pedestrian and bike paths, an outdoor gym and dog run, a MONSTRUM-designed children’s playground, and public art displays. Canopy Park will be connected to the South of Fifth neighborhood and the Miami Beach baywalk via a new pedestrian bridge over I-395. The pedestrian bridge was designed by artist Daniel Buren and has been dubbed the Miami Beach Canopy. Construction of Miami Beach’s newest world-class city amenity is now underway, with completion estimated for Summer 2021. Canopy Park is located at the site of the former South Shore Hospital which the developers recently demolished.

“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 design, art and planning visionaries who have led some of the most transformational projects in the world,” said David Martin, President of Terra. “The end result will be an active park and design experience that rivals public spaces in the world’s greatest cities.”

“World class cities and neighborhoods are defined by their public spaces, and Miami Beach is home to some of the most desirable parks and open spaces anywhere,” said City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “Our City’s newest public green space, Canopy Park, will quickly become a welcomed amenity for nearby residents and a favorite gathering spot for our entire community.”

The development team has enlisted an ensemble of artists, designers and architects who will bring the park to life, including architects Bernardo Fort-Brescia & Raymond Fort of Arquitectonica; landscape architect Laurinda Spear of ArquitectonicaGEO; design advisors Daniel Vasini of West 8, Anda Andrei of Anda Andrei Design, and Michael Gabellini and Kim Sheppard of Gabellini Sheppard Associates; and art advisor Lisa Austin. 

A major design component of Canopy Park will feature a “natural play” playground by Danish design firm MONSTRUM, which is famous for creating artistic and architectural playscapes around the world. Standout elements of the playground will include a giant butterfly, a mangrove forest and a caterpillar slide enabling children to jump, climb, balance, and express their inner imaginations.

The Miami Beach Canopy pedestrian 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 Canopy will become an instant icon for Miami Beach and a beloved work of public art that guides pedestrians along a rainbow of colorful shadows. Completion of the Miami Beach Canopy pedestrian bridge is anticipated for 2022.

Plans for Canopy Park also include an array of sustainability and resiliency features, including habitat restoration, vegetation, biodiversity, native plant communities, irrigation, water conservation and rainwater management. The park will also serve as an educational resource to inform and inspire the public about resilience and sustainability efforts being made by the city.

South Florida COVID-19 Update (Last Updated: 3/23/2020)

(Last Updated 10:39 AM 3/23/2020):

BREAKING: 

• Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach have ordered all hotels, motels and short-term rentals to begin immediately shutting down and vacate their guests, with full-closure by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 23. (3/21/2020)

• Miami-Dade Mayor Issues Executive Order Closing All Non-Essential Business 9 PM Thursday. (3/20/2020)

• All U.S. Citizens traveling around the world should return home ASAP or be prepared to stay abroad for an indefinite period. (3/19/2020)

Continue to check back for updates to below as we continue to track COVID-19 across South Florida:  

Unfortunately there is just no avoiding it, COVID-19, the deadly strain of Coronavirus is here in Miami and spreading. Across the United States, social distancing has become a top priority in the government’s efforts to slow down the spread of the virus. COVID-19 spreads through droplets that can extend out six feet from the body via cough or sneeze. The White House has advised the public to avoid gathering in groups of more than ten people and has asked municipalities where the virus has spread to close public places such as bars and restaurants.

The Cities of Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale addressed the public regarding new measures taken due to large and rowdy spring break crowds and ongoing concerns over COVID-19 outbreak. Miami Beach is closing beaches, limiting hours at restaurants and has enforced a curfew that will be going into effect in Miami Beach's entertainment district starting at 10 p.m.

“It simply can’t be business as usual in our City,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “COVID-19 is a threat as much here as anywhere. We simply cannot endure these kinds of gatherings and crowds. Our measures are intended to send a clear message that Spring Break is cancelled and that everyone, even young people home from school, need to embrace these health and safety concerns. We are proud of our hospitality industry, and concerned with the toll it will have on our businesses and workers but we cannot elevate those concerns above very real health risks.”

“I want to be clear, this isn’t an overreaction, but a way to stop further cases of COVID-19 in our community,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantails said. “We must all do our part to save the lives of our residents, visitors and first responders.”

Remember, the majority of infections are mild. 81% will experience flu-like symptoms, 14% will experience severe symptoms and only 5% will need intensive care. The mortality rate is below 3%. The most important thing you can do is think about the others that you may affect if you become a carrier. If you suspect you have been exposed to someone with the virus or are showing symptoms, then you should self-quarantine yourself immediately for 14 days. You should limit your exposure to the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions. Governor Ron DeSantis previously acknowledged that Florida is experiencing "community spread," so taking the time to limit your exposure to others will help keep you healthy, others healthy and curb the nations growing public health crisis.  

"It is a very uncertain time, especially in the real estate world. You having so many moving parts, whether it is lost time and rising construction costs in development or commission based pay many that realtors rely on getting held-up as society grinds to a halt," said Demetri Demascus, Editor of PROFILEmiami and a local real estate investor, developer and broker. "Everything is a chain reaction. If tenants cannot pay their rent, will a landlord be able to pay their employees or their own bills? We have to be extremely cautious about how we proceed across all aspects of life and business right now.” 

While many businesses with lots of interaction between the staff and customers have had to shutter for the time being in order to protect customers and employees, in other cases, local business’ have been taking measures to keep business as usual while also keeping their office and employees safe, sanitary and healthy.

"We are monitoring the Coronavirus situation closely, and will continue to do so as the situation evolves. In the meantime, we have asked our team to put their health and safety first as not only will this help keep our team safe, but our families as well. We have also asked for all non-essential travel plans to be delayed, all team-members to practice good hygiene, stay home if they are sick and we have increased sanitization frequency of our office," said Jacques Bessoudo, Managing Partner of Galium Capital, a Miami-based Private Equity group focused on investing in commercial real estate.

Stats:

• Number of Cases in Florida: 830+ (3/23/2020)

• Fatalities in Florida: 13+ (3/23/2020)

• Number of Global Cases: 351,000+ (3/23/2020)

• Global Fatalities: 15,321+ (3/23/2020)

• Number of U.S. Cases: 35,075+ (3/23/2020)

• Fatalities in the U.S.: 458+ (3/23/2020)

Miami-Dade County:

• Miami-Dade County # Cases: 177+ (3/23/2020)

• BREAKING: Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach have ordered all hotels, motels and short-term rentals to begin immediately shutting down and vacate their guests, with full-closure by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 23. (3/21/2020)

• BREAKING: Miami-Dade Mayor Issues Executive Order Closing All Non-Essential Business (3/20/2020)

• CONFIRMED CASES IN BRISTOL TOWER BRICKELL & SOHO BEACH HOUSE (3/19/2020)

• Officials have ordered the closure of all restaurants, bars, movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, clubs, gyms, arcades, bowling alleys, etc. which will go into effect 11 PM Tuesday. All grocery stores, pharmacies, take-out and delivery services will remain open at this time (3/17/2020)

  • All bars and nightclubs will be closed for 30 days.

  • Restaurants will only be able to operate at half capacity.

  • Exceptions granted if they have a capacity of 10 people or less.

  • Mayor Carlos Jimenez signed the emergency order, but remains in self-quarantine after being exposed to a Brazilian government official who tested positive following a visit to South Florida.

• Miami-Dade Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)

  • Miami-Dade Public Schools have closed this week and next. (3/16/2020)

• Key Biscayne and North Miami Beach have implemented curfew between 10 PM and 5 AM (3/19/2020)

• Officials have closed the beach from 5th to 15th Street, including Lummus Park.

• All city parking garages are closed to non-residents.

• In addition, all non-essential retail stores will be required to close at 10 p.m. daily. (3/16/2020)

  • Businesses excluded from this directive include: Pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, private offices, banks, hotels, hospitals, medical service providers, medical supply stores, hardware stores, gasoline service stations and automotive supply and repair centers.

• An entertainment district curfew will go into effect at 11 p.m.

• All restaurants are asked to keep occupancy at 50% or less, and have under 250 people in each establishment at any given time.

• Ultra Music Festival has been cancelled.

• Miami Music Week has been cancelled.

• ArtScape Concert has been cancelled.

• The Miami Open Tennis Tournament has been cancelled. 

• University of Miami & FIU have moved classes online until the end of the spring semester. (3/20/2020)

• University of Miami Spring Commencement postponed until December. (3/20/2020)

• The Hardrock Seminole Hotel & Casino has suspended entertainment operations. 

• Calle Ocho Festival has been cancelled.

• Mayor Francis Suarez has confirmed that he has COVID-19.

Broward County:

• Broward County # Cases: 180+ (3/23/2020)

• Broward County Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)

• Officials have closed the beach from Harbor Beach to Oakland Park Boulevard.

• Restaurants and bars must close by 10 p.m.

• Restaurants and bars are asked to operate at 50% capacity and have no more than 250 people at any time.

• The Tortuga Music Festival, which was set to run from April 17-19, has been postponed.

• The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is closed until further notice.

• The listed measures will remain in effect until April 12.

Palm Beach County:

• Palm Beach County # Cases: 59+ (3/23/2020)

• Town of Palm Beach implements curfew until further notice from 9 P.M. - 6 A.M. (3/18/2020)

• Palm Beach County Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)

• Beaches will be closed on Tuesday 3/17/2020

• Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities are closed to visitors.

• Drive-through testing underway at FoundCare (2330 S. Congress Ave, West Palm Beach - call 561-967-0365 to see if you qualify and for appointments)

National:

• United States of America # Cases: 35,075+ (3/23/2020)

• United States of America Fatalities: 458+ (3/23/2020)

• Income tax filing deadline moved to July 15 (3/20/2020)

• BREAKING: The Federal Government has announced it will issue stimulus checks to qualified families and individuals.

  • $1,200 Per Adult Making Under $99,000 or $2,400 for Families Who File Jointly (Less Than $1,200 For Those Making More Than $75,000)

  • $500 Per Child

• BREAKING: All U.S. Citizens traveling around the world should return home ASAP or be prepared to stay abroad for an indefinite period. (3/19/2020)

• Foreclosures and HUD evictions have been halted for 60 days.

• CDC recommends ban on events of 50+ people. 

• The Players Championship was cancelled & PGA Tour is suspended.

• NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS have suspended their seasons. 

• All ski resorts have closed.

Health & Safety Tips:

• Social Distancing: Keep a Six Foot Distance From Others

• Try to Stay Home as Much as Possible

• Postpone or Cancel Meetings

• Wash Hands Frequently for 30 Seconds and Use Hand Sanitizer 

• Support Local Businesses: Buy Gift Cards to Use for Later

• Wipe Down Gym Equipment Before & After Use

• Take Vitamin C and Other Immune Boosters

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands after.

• Do Not Stock Up On Toilet Paper. It is a domestically manufactured good.

• Only Wear a Mask If You Are Infected.

Pininfarina Wins Red Dot Award For Design Concept of 2019 For Pininfarina Bus Shelters For City Of Miami Beach

Internationally-renowned Italian design studio Pininfarina has received the Red Dot Award for Design Concept of 2019 with their Pininfarina Bus Shelter for the City of Miami Beach. Seeking to enhance the transit experience and improve the quality of existing architecture and functionality, the City of Miami Beach proposed to adopt a new bus shelter design for city commuters, with the City Commission unanimously selecting Pininfarina’s boundary-pushing concept design as the winning bid. Beginning in 2005, The Red Dot Awards recognized the need to identify and celebrate new design concepts and innovations, the precursors of tomorrow’s great products.

“We are delighted to receive this award for the City of Miami Beach,” said Paolo Trevisan, Head of Design for Pininfarina of America. “Our bus shelter system is the solution to the City of Miami Beach’s transportation needs, and we’re honored to be part of the evolution of the city’s identity.” 

Drawing inspiration from the City of Miami Beach’s playful, dynamic and energetic atmosphere, Pininfarina’s shelter design is inspired by natural shapes and a color palette that captures the vibrant personality of Miami Beach. The bus shelters feature innovative modular designs and contemporary technology that highlight Pininfarina’s goal of creating a modern, airy, accessible and comfortable user experience, where beauty is never sacrificed for functionality. The bus shelters feature state-of-the-art technology and amenities that enhance the passenger experience, key design highlights include a solar panel system, estimated bus and trolley arrival signs, passenger security systems, and a tempered glass frame with additional awning to protect customers from the elements. 

“Our bus shelters will display the highest design quality and functionality,” expressed Dan Gelber, Miami Beach Mayor. “This prestigious award represents the ultimate seal of approval when it comes to an exquisite design, enhancing our Miami Beach brand worldwide.” 

“If cities are to increase public transit ridership, its leaders must strive to improve every aspect of the experience,” added Ricky Arriola, Miami Beach Vice-Mayor. “Pininfarina’s iconic bus shelter design contributes to our mission of sustainability by taking what is typically a drab infrastructure afterthought and transforming it into a functional, artistic masterpiece that will entrance drivers away from their pollutive commutes.” 

Crescent Heights Strikes Deal With The City Of Miami Beach To Build A 42-Story Tower On Alton Road

According to new reports Crescent Heights has finally struck a deal with the city of Miami Beach to redevelop the former South Shore Hospital site, the three-block lot between Alton and West Avenue from 5th to 7th streets, into a 42-story tower. The tower, which will be located on 5th Street, is designed by Arquitectonica and will feature a 13,900 SF floor-plate. Crescent Heights has agreed with the city to limit the residential unit count to 400 as well as reduce the commercial intensity by 50%. The proposal includes a single story commercial plaza on the Alton Road side of the 6th street parcel which would feature retail, cafes, etc., as well as parking. The commercial structure would buffer the park which in exchange to build a high-rise, Crescent Heights will donate a 2.5-acre street-grade park to the city. Original proposals included parking to be located under the park. The developer will also give an easement on 5th Street for the city to build a pedestrian walkway over 5th Street as well as build an extra turning lane.

The currently approved project on the site rises 5-7 stories and features 510 apartments. Mayor Dan Gelber worries about congestion due to an influx of new residences in addition to a "wall effect" that is created by the low-rise buildings. With a high-rise condos, a selection of owner-occupants will not live in Miami full-time while apartment rentals would be operating at near 100% occupancy.   

The terms are still under negotiation and the plans have not yet been approved by the city. Mayor Gelber plans to ask the City Commission to pursue a development agreement and draw up a term sheet for Crescent Heights's proposal. Should the proposal be approved the timeframe of the project is expected to be 2 years. 

Airbnb and Illegal Rentals in Miami

In the dense tourist neighborhoods of South Beach, Miami, lie a variety of different hotels, however, some tourists opt to - intentionally or unintentionally - illegally rent out Airbnb or other properties available through home-sharing platforms like Vacayo, Booking.com or Expedia’s HomeAway. It’s a common activity that occurs in the residential areas of Miami Beach, where properties are not allowed to be rented out for less than six months and a day.

Unfortunately, uninformed renters are given the boot by the city and asked to leave the next day or relocate as soon as possible. Residents cite quality-of-life complaints like: noise, parties, and disregard of safety standards, zoning rules, and taxes, in regards to illegal home-sharing activity, according to dozens of public records and interviews. Miami Beach has had a law against illegal short term rentals for years, but the $1,500 fine was insufficient to deter non-complying residents, so the city increased the first violation fine in 2016 to $20,000, all the way up to $100,000 for the fifth.

"The easiest way to stop all of this is if the home-sharing platforms simply didn't send people into these neighborhoods," says Dan Gelber, mayor of Miami Beach. "It's just that simple. They're the ones who do it and they claim they have no responsibility because, 'oh, we're just an internet platform.' But they're not." Home-sharing companies like Airbnb have had a bad track record of complying with local laws and generally shrug off responsibility, despite being able to limit how long guests are able to rent out properties.

According to CNBC.com, Miami Beach “will investigate more than 1,000 complaints of illegal rentals this year, up from more than 800 in 2017.” But Airbnb blames the city for not wanting to cooperate, ignoring the fact that the zoning map can easily be found in public record, which outlines where short-term rentals are allowed. Both property owners and companies get cited and fined for violating Miami’s Code of Ordinances, Section 33-28.

Article By: Katya Demina & Moustafa Abouzied | Photo via CNBC.com