Developers study North Miami Beach’s tennis complex

The City of North Miami Beach gave local developers an opportunity to learn more about a 10-acre P3 development opportunity and explore creative ways to reimagine the space.

During last week’s private pre-solicitation open house for the proposed city-owned development site at Arthur I. Snyder Tennis Complex at 16851 W Dixie Hwy., city officials and staff presented to developers a one-of-a-kind proposition geared to improve economic development, add open green space and enhance the quality of life and place for residents and visitors.

“This is also an extension of the conversations that everyone has been having about how we solve affordable housing issues here in Miami-Dade County,” North Miami Beach Vice Mayor Mckenzie Fleurimond told developers during the event at the Julius Littman Performing Arts Theater. “The way you do it is by adding inventory. The way you do it is by working with the private sector. We welcome opportunities to talk with the private sector and creatives as to what the City of North Miami Beach will look like five and 10 years from now.”

An important phrase to keep in mind is “social entrepreneurship,” he said.

“Because that’s key and that’s very important. A lot of the conversations that we’re having in North Miami Beach are surrounded by locations that are very important to us and have a historical component that we want to keep,” the vice mayor added. “We want to make sure that whoever we decide to partner up with and work with, understand that and make sure that we preserve history. We can preserve green space, we can add amenities, and we can add opportunities for our city to flourish.”

When considering design plans, the city wants to feed off of and enhance visitation to the Ancient Spanish Monastery, which is right next door.

The city also invited Miami-based Architect Kobi Karp to give a generalized vision or ideas on how a mixed-used building might fit at the site.

“We want to have an open dialog, an open mind and open heart,” Mr. Karp said, “and basically create a place where the community can benefit and really give the 10 acres back to the community and improve it with the residential component or whatever component is that you desire to be placed back.”

The city is now issuing invitations to negotiate with the intent of obtaining responses from interested and experienced developers with a proven track record of undertaking and successfully completing mixed-use developments, said Phillip Ford, the city’s chief procurement officer.

“Now these developments can include but are not limited to commercial retail, residential units, hotels and green space,” he said. “Now within the efficient negotiating process, what we are looking for is a response and commitment from the developer that you intend to enter into negotiations and a subsequent contract with the city.”

The city is anticipating having all invitations to negotiate by mid-September.

“Again, that is not set in stone,” Mr. Ford said. “Then, we are going to advertise the information and negotiate anywhere from 45 to 60 days.”

Next, the evaluation process is to take place, which can take from three to four weeks.

“The first thing is we will be reviewing for responsiveness. Then subsequently those proposals will be forwarded to the evaluation selection committee,” Mr. Ford added.

The next step would be community engagement. Depending on how many businesses are shortlisted, this process might take up most of January 2023.

“We will then take it to our governing board as a recommendation,” Mr. Ford said, “and if all goes as anticipated, the next step is to enter into negotiations with the selected firm and subsequently have a contract.”