A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME
On May 21st SOMI paparazzo just happened on the installation of the FOX’s sign being installed at its old home. The original sign has been refurbished and given current code restrictions has been placed at the rear of the building (and actually the frequent entrance to the lounge).
As with many projects over the past year, there have been delays in completing the restoration of the iconic location. Get ready for a re-opening party later this summer. (See SOMI Magazine “Last Call: article in Volume X August/September 2015, and an introduction to the planned renovation in the June 2021 article “The Return of FOX’s”).
NOW TRUE TO ITS NAME
When the parking garage was built in 2007 as a joint venture between the city of South Miami and a private developer, it was named SOUTH MIAMI MUNICIPAL GARAGE. It was more a private development located at 5829 SW 73rd Street with the entrance at SW 58th Court.
Now the City of South Miami has acquired the garage for $4 million. The South Miami Parking Garage is under new management and is poised to provide residents and visitors with a new and improved level of convenience and safety. The new operator of the garage is the City of South Miami, and there are a lot of improvements to make parking in town even better. It is five stories of well- lite, covered, centrally located parking that offers the ideal location for leaving the car and enjoying our SOMI town center.
The garage, with its estimated 400 spaces is a Pay-by-Phone locating ONLY with the garage location number: 33674. Contact the city’s finance department at 305.663.6343 for monthly parking information and other parking matters.
NEW RESIDENCES OPEN IN TOWN
Along 74 Street off of US1, a new mixed-use development is ready to greet new residents and businesses to South Miami.
A quality project by Bower SOMI, construction was started on March 1, 2021. The residential component consists of 16 units: 8, 2-bedroom apartments, and 8 3-bedroom units. The office building address is 6000 SW 74 Street and has three office floors and ground level retail/restaurant space.
NEW SUNSET INN OPENS IN HISTORIC DJ RED BUILDING
South Miami’s first and only inn or hotel in the hometown business district is now open for business. Located at 5850-5852 Sunset Drive in the historic DJ Red Building, the Sunset Inn occupies the upstairs area with 8 newly renovated and remodeled studios that are available to guests with a minimum of 2-night stays required. On land originally platted in 1915, The building was first constructed in 1923.
The studios reflect the charm and warmth of this beautiful, historic building while incorporating modern touches. The first guests experiencing the inn seem to concur as the 10 of 10 rating on the Expedia Network Travel sites might indicate. It’s a fantastic in town location with proximity to the UM, local hospitals and Metrorail.
Book stays at the SUNSET INN at https://soflavacations.com/book-now-sunset-inn/
SAY “CHEESE”
With locations in Cape Cod, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie and St. Augustine, this fast-food concept is opening soon in SOMI on East Sunset at 1575 Sunset.
As Jeffrey Thompson, founder and “Chief Unicorn Officer” proclaims: “Grilled Cheese Gallery is elevated comfort food with a touch of Motown and a hint of magic.”
Stay tuned for more information on their opening.
OPENING DELAYED
Our readers first met Chef Ped in our last issue as his new restaurant greeting visitors to SOMI at the entrance to our restaurant and retail district was gearing up for a planned opening in late March. His colorful neon SIM sign is there for all to see; however, his food is yet to enjoy. The County’s DERM (Department of Environmental Resource Management) has been holding up his final permit for the last four months!! After all the time, money and effort put into the restaurant, the county has issues with the old building’s plumbing.
CASHING IN ON “NIL”
Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 224 lbs, Tyler VanDyke, the ACC’s 2021 Rookie of the Year and 2021 ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, is now a third-year sophomore and on the roster as UM QB.
With the new NCAA allowing collegiate athletes to be compensated for their “name, image, and likeness” Tyler has become the celebrity for Moocho. SOMI publisher met up with him recently at the Moocho promo at Publix. Yep, he’s 6’4”!
