The second phase of what will be dual mixed-use residential towers in Miami’s southwest area cleared the city’s Urban Development Review Board with a recommended approval for Merrick Parc Phase II and a suggestion to consider replacing some palms in the landscaping plan with shade trees.
This second phase will see construction of a 20-story mixed-use building with 225 residences, related amenities, about 8,000 square feet of commercial use, and parking for 263 vehicles, at 3898 Shipping Ave.
Developer Merrick Parc LLC received approval for Phase I in 2023. That phase offers a 20-story building with 247 residential units, related amenities, 9,485 square feet of commercial and office space at 3191 SW 39th Ave.
Merrick Parc is planned as a multi-million-dollar multi-family development near The Shops at Merrick Park in Coral Gables.
The project is being designed by architectural firm Behar Font & Partners.
Review board member Robert Behar recused himself from hearing the presentation and stepped away from the dais.
Mario Garcia-Serra, an attorney representing the developer, said the 1-acre property has frontages on Southwest 39th Avenue, Southwest 38th Court and Shipping Avenue.
In a letter to the city Mr. Garcia-Serra wrote: “It is important to note that this project is next door to a similar already approved mixed-use building to the south which is being developed by the applicant and was approved (by the city). The intent of the applicant is for both buildings to be complementary to each other and interconnected.”
He said the project is perfectly located in an area with mass transit options and is within a rapidly redeveloping neighborhood.
He said the project, which is in a Transit Oriented Development area, will utilize the Transfer of Development Density program established in the city code for up to a 50% increase above allowable density in a T6 transect zone for properties within three-quarters of a mile of a transit station.
Mr. Garcia-Serra wrote: “In addition, the project will utilize the city’s Public Benefit Program to increase its height to 20 stories and the FLR (floor lot ratio) by 30% … the applicant will provide a contribution to the Miami 21 Public Benefit Trust Fund to qualify for the benefit.”
“The proposed increase in density, height and FLR will allow the project to be consistent with the commercial and residential uses in the surrounding area, including the new multi-family residential towers at the nearby Douglas Road Metrorail Station as well as create a much-needed mix use project consistent with similar development in the city and Coral Gables just to the west of the property,” he wrote.
The developer is requesting waivers to the zoning code to allow:
■Reduction in parking aisle width from 23 feet to 22.
■A 10% increase of required maximum residential floor plate above the eighth story.
■Increase in building length above eighth story by 10%.
■Reduction of front setback above the eighth floor.
■Reduction in required parking spaces for properties within one-half mile of transit; up to 30% reduction in parking.
■Vehicular entrances separation of less than 60 feet.
■Shared access waiver. The code allows parking facilities on adjoining lots to share access points, driveways and parking subject to a recorded covenant running with the property on which the facilities are located, with approval of a shared access waiver.
Mr. Garcia-Serra wrote: “The property shares access points and driveway along its southern boundary line with the abutting property. The two properties are intended to be developed with cohesive projects.”
He said this area of the city, abutting Coral Gables and geographically separate from the rest of the City of Miami by US 1 and Bird Road, has been in transition for some time.
Mr. Garcia-Serra wrote: “It is no longer a forgotten industrial area of the city. At present, the prevailing trend of new mixed-use developments with significant residential components holds great promise for the renewal of this area.
“The construction of a new mixed-use building in this neighborhood will be a great addition that will create a smooth and logical transition between the city and neighboring Coral Gables and make this area of the city a great place to live, work, and play,” he wrote.
An architect from Behar said Phase II includes a four-story podium for parking with studio unit liners along Shipping Avenue. The roof of the podium will be an amenity level with a swimming pool, gym, and social areas.
Board member Francisco Perez-Azua said, “I enjoy seeing the articulation of the façade, the corner balconies, the canopies at the base level around the commercial (space). Great project.”
Board member Gia Zapattini said, “I agree. I think it has the same language as your existing Phase I. You’re basically mimicking the first phase.
“What I would love to see is those palm trees, if you could turn them into (shade) trees. I hate palm trees. I don’t know if you can or not. I think Coral Gables is a city of beautiful trees. So, if it’s possible … it would make it better.”
The architect responded, “We are very close to Coral Gables. I understand. We can work on it.”
Board Acting Chair Dean Lewis said, “Agreed, that would be helpful. I have no further comments.”
The vote recommending approval was unanimous.
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