SPRING IS CERTAINLY HOPPING IN SOMI
When the Winn-Dixie site was scheduled for redevelopment a few years ago, it signaled the coming of a transformation for the area. With The Fresh Market now open and the upscale apartments above being populated, one gets a real and visual sense of what the transformation means – and that is just the start.
Now we are seeing the Dorn Avenue streetscape fenced off as Avalon II was approved for a sixteen-story apartment mixed-use complex occupying the entire city block. We are experiencing South Miami’s “quaint and charming hometown” being transformed into a new urban “district.’
SoMi is hopping and will be in this “Decade of Development.” There are five major prospective developments on both sides of US1. Cranes will reach high over us for the next several years.
On the west side of US1, on the books within the next couple of years we have a residential project now under construction on Sunset Drive next to Mack Cycle, and in the block to the north, “luxury student housing” on the site of the Roadway Inn. Also, there are designs for the South Miami city hall campus with further mixed-use development.
Back on the east side of US1, we know Sunset Place will be realizing its massive redevelopment with the stunning Thomas Heatherwick urban plan, and there is some discussion with the Chicago-based Wirtz family (bank property and parking lots) about the development of their properties between 73rd and 74th Streets.
And so, a new SoMi is coming about. Our urban core from 62 Avenue to 57 Avenue will essentially become a new city within the city, for the next generations to enjoy.
In this issue of SOMIonline, you’ll look at the renderings for the new high-rise development on Dorn Avenue and the US1 corridor. Other projects mentioned will be discussed in subsequent issues.
And speaking about bringing energy to everyday urban space, how about those lovely “ladies-in-waiting” on the corners of the city’s municipal garage. Read about Alex Mijares’ new work in this issue, with a look at the installation party and an appreciation of his work as part of South Miami’s art in public places long history in a special feature: A Look at Public Art in South Miami. This new work brings bold visual energy to everyday urban space, transforming a functional structure into a cultural landmark. And we say, “nicely done!”
In this issue we also track the ongoing construction of “the SOMI mile” on The Underline, Miami’s urban transformational project turning 10 miles of barren space under the Metrorail into park, trail and community happening places. And thanks to Nikki Spoelstra for sponsoring The Underline’s “Play Foret” adjacent to the city hall campus. The Underline is scheduled to be completed late this year.
There’s so much to catch up on in this Spring edition, from What’s New in Town, to our special wellness features, the closing exhibit off The Wirtz Gallery. And we have a special shout out to South Miami Sr. High School’s band director, Jennifer Jimenez, who received a Grammy this February and named USA music teacher of the year. Thanks for your seventeen years of working with the youth in our community – congratulations! And see you at the Parade of the Elves this December – SOMI magazine is proud to be a sponsor the Marching Cobras!
Enjoy Springtime with SOMI,
All the best,
