Making headway with changes to South Miami, the Ludlam Trail officially starts and our congratulations…
W/D ON SCHEDULE
The approved redevelopment plan for the Winn/Dixie site is moving along on schedule according to one of the partners of the project.
Following the City of South Miami Commission decisive vote on June 2, 2020 to unanimously approve the redevelopment of the parcel where is situated the Winn Dixie market on SW 73 Street, the ownership team of Helios Capital and AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has been fully engaged in bringing the project online. The height of the project is 118.5’, providing for 248 hi-end residential units, parking for 399 vehicles and a 32,800 sq.ft. market.
The COVID-19 pandemic has set the planning back by a few months. The City’s Environmental Review and Preservation Board (ERPB) will now be reviewing the schematic design plans which the ERPC had prior commented with other recommendations. ERPB approvals are expected in the first quarter, with construction design beginning in January and completed by June 2022. AvalonBay Communities team has developed a more efficient use of space in the market area and with their expertise the final product will be masterfully considered.
The entire design team has been brought on board, and the architectural firm of Corwill has retained all the design professionals. Engineering and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) are in preparation for submission. The General Contractor has yet to be retained.
The remaining question: what market will be chosen to occupy the 32,800 sq.ft.? A decision on the selection of the grocer is anticipated shortly. There are a few companies, and some outside of Florida who have been in serious discussions about the project.
(see SOMI Magazine, XVI, No. 1 for background on the proposed redevelopment).
LUDLAM TRAIL GROUNDBREAKING
On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava led a groundbreaking ceremony for the new trailhead for the developing Ludlam Trail Corridor project. The Mayor was joined by Miami-Dade County District 6 Commissioner Rebecca Sosa, Miami-Dade County Parks Director Maria I. Nardi and Parks staff at the trailhead site located at A.D. Barnes Park (Leisure Access Center), Miami. The trailhead development will consist of connecting trails, landscaping hedges and trees, an ADA walkway, and an ADA parking spot.
The developing Ludlam Trail Corridor project will create a 5.6-mile trail from NW 7 Avenue to SW 80 Steet in Miami (along the former Florida East Coast railroad,) with safe, dedicated, direct pathways for biking, walking, and running, to encourage active lifestyles and the use of green non-motorized modes of transportation; and enhance connectivity to schools, parks, transit stops, residences, and places to shop and dine. The trails will form part of the “Miami Loop” in the county’s network of bikeways, which also includes Perimeter Trail, the Miami River Greenway, and the Underline/East Coast Greenway.
OUR CONGRATULATIONS!
TO BAPTIST’S NEW PRESIDENT
Succeeding Brian Keely will be Albert “Bo” Boulenger, current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, who has already taken over the day-to-day operations after Baptist Health’s board unanimously selected Boulenger.
Boulenger began his career with Baptist Health in 1985 at South Miami Hospital. In 1994, he was named CEO of Homestead Hospital, and in 2006 he became CEO of Baptist Hospital. In 2018, he assumed his current role as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Health.
TO THE VALLS FAMILY
who recently celebrated 50 years for their famed Café Versailles. The family owns SOMI’s own CasaCuba, an always popular venue.