1,374-residence, 42-story towers planned for downtown Miami

A large double tower mixed-use residential development is planned for Northeast First Avenue, in the heart of Downtown Miami.

Namdar Group proposes one structure made up of two 42-story towers at 222/234 NE First Ave. and 50/60 NE Third St.

A project simply known as 222, the towers are to be home to 1,374 residential units. The project includes about 8,000 square feet of ground floor retail uses, 336 parking spaces and more than 1,300 bicycle racks.

The city’s Urban Development Review Board recommended approval of the project.

Project architect is Behar Font Partners P.A. Board member Robert Behar recused himself from the dais during this presentation.

Brian Dombrowski, attorney for the developer, wrote a letter saying the property consists of about 52,004 square feet or 1.194 acres of lot area after required right of way dedications.

The property now holds a one-story commercial structure and surface parking.

The site fronts Northeast First Avenue on the east, the property’s principal frontage. It has secondary frontages on Northeast Second and Northeast Third streets.

Mr. Dombrowski said the property is zoned T6-80-O with a Comprehensive Plan designation of CBD.

There are multiple Metromover and Metrorail stations within 1,000 feet.

“The property is also located one block from the Brightline Station. The property is well served by bus and trolley routes as well,” wrote Mr. Dombrowski.

He told the board the new structure will wrap around an existing building.

“That building projects out. Waivers will push massing away from that structure … we are being very mindful of that building,” he said.

“The landscape plan incorporates native trees into the proposed landscaping plan. The proposed project will line the sidewalks with trees, providing shade and a greater pedestrian experience,” he wrote.

The developer is requesting waivers from the Miami 21 zoning code, asking to:

■Reduce the secondary frontage setbacks above the eighth story to 9 feet for lots having one dimension less than 100 feet.

■Reduce the side and rear setbacks above the eighth story to 20 feet for lots having one dimension less than 100 feet.

■Match the dominant setback of the block and its context.

■Reduce the podium setbacks 10% along Northeast Second and Third streets from 10 feet to 9 feet.

■Extend parking into the second layer, above the first story, along the primary frontage. Miami 21 permits this where an art or glass treatment is provided for 100% of the encroachment. The art or glass treatment must be approved by the planning director, upon recommendation of the Urban Development Review Board.

■Extend parking into the second layer above the first story along the secondary frontage.

■Substitute two commercial loading berths for one industrial loading berth.

■Reduce tower-to-tower separation 10% above the eighth story from 60 feet to 54 feet.

A representative of the developer said the towers will be rental apartments.

Board member Dean Lewis said, “I like the way you layered the façade … stronger verticality.”

Board member Gia Zapattini said, “It’s a beautiful building, very elegant, clean and simple. Very well executed.”

Board Chair Ignacio Permuy said, “I commend the development team. An exceptional job.”

Board member Willy Bermello said, “I am so impressed with some of the details … my hat’s off. When we approve this, let’s do so with all of the bells and whistles.”

Mr. Permuy added, “This is a beautiful project. It would be very disappointing if it’s not built to what we have here,” referring to site plans and renderings provided.