Miami's 1600 Edgewater Tower Gets Green Light with Design Tweaks

Key Points:

• Miami's Urban Development Review Board (UDRB) unanimously recommended approval for the 33-story 1600 Edgewater tower, with specific design modifications.​

• The 381-foot-tall development will feature 282 residential units, including 20 affordable housing units, alongside 6,615 square feet of commercial space and a 328-space parking garage.​

• Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design is leading the design, with 1600 NE 2nd Avenue, LLC, linked to the Sabet Group, as the developer.​

Miami's skyline will welcome a new addition as the 1600 Edgewater project progresses. Following a unanimous recommendation from the Urban Development Review Board (UDRB), this mixed-use tower is poised to enhance the Edgewater neighborhood with residential, commercial, and parking facilities. The approval comes with specific design enhancements aimed at improving the building's integration into the urban fabric.

Design Enhancements Recommended by UDRB:

• Prominent Main Entry: Elevate the design of the main entrance to make it more inviting and pedestrian-friendly.​

• Parking Structure Screening: Measures should be implemented to conceal the internal elements of the parking garage from external view, enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal.​

• FPL Door Relocation: To minimize visual impact, the Florida Power & Light (FPL) access door on NE 16th Street will be moved to a more discreet location.​

• Operable Windows with Juliet Balconies: Ensure that exterior windows in dwelling units are functional, allowing them to serve as Juliet balconies and promote indoor-outdoor connectivity.​

Project Overview:

• Height and Structure: The tower will rise to 381 feet, encompassing 33 stories.​

• Residential Units: A total of 282 units are planned, comprising 262 market-rate apartments and 20 affordable housing units. These will contribute to the city's efforts to increase housing accessibility.​

• Commercial Space: The development includes 6,615 square feet of commercial space, 5,539 square feet on the ground floor, and 1,077 square feet designated for rooftop use, which will enhance the pedestrian experience and local economy.​

• Parking Facilities: An eight-story garage will house 328 parking spaces, accommodating residents and visitors while maintaining efficient land use.​

Development Team and Site Details:

• Architect: Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design designed the project. They are known for integrating local cultural elements into their designs.​

• Developer: 1600 NE 2nd Avenue, LLC, reportedly linked to the Sabet Group, a firm with a growing presence in South Florida's real estate market.​

• Location: The development is planned for the former Miami Cash Register site at 1600 NE 2nd Avenue, a half-acre property currently occupied by a single-story commercial building.​

Regulatory and Permitting Status:

• Construction Permits: The project has entered the construction permitting phase, indicating progress toward groundbreaking.​

• FAA Approval: An application for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) height approval has been submitted to ensure compliance with airspace regulations.​

• Utilities Agreement: A utilities agreement has been finalized to secure essential infrastructure support for the development.​

Edgewater's Continued Growth:

Los Angelos and New York-based  Sabet Group marks another out-of-town company developing in Miami. With the UDRB's recommendations for design enhancements, 1600 Edgewater is poised to offer improved pedestrian experiences and aesthetic appeal. As the project advances through permitting and regulatory approvals, it stands to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Edgewater neighborhood and Miami's broader urban landscape.