Plans for a modern aesthetic and design for the Coral Gables Mobility Hub continue to move forward despite criticism.
A motion initiated by Commissioner Rhonda Anderson suggesting having the city’s mobility hub design plans go back to the Board of Architects for a third time was rejected during Tuesday’s city commission meeting.
“I would think that the Board of Architects can review this under the prescription that it needs to be a modern design. That’s what we have on that block on Andalusia and Miracle Mile is basically modern architecture, some of it with a little bit of art deco flair, but we wanted was for certain prescriptive things such as we want lighting to be in there,” Ms. Anderson said. “We want clear airflow to be in there and not have fans running. They could add their technique as it has been historically done in the city because I just think we can do better.”
The Coral Gables Mobility Hub is set to be at 245 Andalusia Ave. and is projected to be completed by the first quarter of 2024.
During two previously special meetings, the Board of Architects suggested the hub should be a Mediterranean-type structure. The problem is that it is a parking garage, said City Manager Peter J. Iglesias. “It does require circulation. It does require a lot of issues that really don’t lend itself to the Mediterranean structure. We feel comfortable with the style and we feel it’s going to be a world-class building. We would like to proceed with the project.”
The city paid $2 million to a world-class firm, Gensler, to design the mobility hub and now there are talks of it being boring and simplistic, said Vice Mayor Michael Mena. “I just don’t understand the logic behind that. Like, if I go out and hire somebody that’s best in class at their job, I let them do their job… I think it’s a fantastic design.”
The city has already signed an agreement with Weitz Company to manage construction of the estimated $40 million mobility hub. Construction is to begin in September 2022.
The hub is to have an internal drive-thru lane for ridesharing services, retail and bicycle storage. It will also offer dockless vehicle parking, bike share docking stations, a wi-fi lounge, e-commerce logistics for drone package deliveries and pop-up coffee shops.
The first level is reserved for electric vehicles, with charging stations in all spaces. Intermediate levels will be self-parking that can accommodate self-driving vehicles in the future. The open-air rooftop is to feature landscaped areas, venue space, café restaurant, lounging areas and areas to practice sports.
“We’re talking about a mobility hub that’s going to serve our community and our downtown area,” the vice mayor said. “That checks so many of the boxes that we set out to check and that’s where I am with it. I am ready to proceed.”
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