North Bay Village's Skyline Set to Transform with Sunbeam's 'Isle of Dreams' Tower

Key Points

• 39-story, 450-foot tower planned at 1400 79th Street Causeway in North Bay Village. 

• 246 residential units with 23,043 sq. ft. of restaurant and retail space. 

• Public waterfront promenade featuring Ipe decking, native landscaping, and seating areas. 

Sunbeam Properties has submitted plans for a striking new development in North Bay Village: the 'Isle of Dreams.' This 39-story, sail-inspired tower is poised to redefine the area's skyline and waterfront experience. As the first phase of a larger 13-acre mixed-use project, the development promises to bring residential, commercial, and public spaces together in a transformative way.​

• Developer: Sunbeam 1400, LLC, an affiliate of Sunbeam Properties.

• Architect: Arquitectonica, known for innovative designs.

• Location: 1400 79th Street Causeway, North Bay Village, FL.

• Height: Approximately 450 feet (466 feet above sea level).

• Units: 246 residential units.

• Commercial Space: 23,043 sq. ft. of restaurant and retail space.

• Amenities: Four pools (including an Olympic lap pool), spa, gym, golf simulator, pet grooming facilities, and nearly 100,000 sq. ft. of amenity space.

• Public Spaces: An 18-foot-wide waterfront promenade with Ipe decking, native landscaping, and seating areas.​

Design and Community Impact

The 'Isle of Dreams' tower is designed to avoid the "walled-off" effect typical of some waterfront developments by stepping the building mass away from the shoreline. This approach preserves open view corridors and enhances public access to Biscayne Bay. The development includes a publicly accessible promenade, part of the broader 'Island Walk' initiative, aimed at improving pedestrian connectivity and waterfront enjoyment.

Regulatory Considerations

Sunbeam Properties is seeking exceptions to several Miami-Dade County shoreline development criteria

• Shoreline Setback: Proposing a 35-foot setback instead of the 75-foot requirement, justified by the inclusion of a public easement for the promenade.

• Visual Corridors: Providing a 68-foot-wide visual corridor, exceeding the 57-foot requirement, though a one-story café within this space necessitates an exception.

• Side Setbacks: Variations in side setbacks due to the site's irregular shape and dual frontages, with exceptions sought accordingly.​

These exceptions are argued to align with the project's goals of enhancing public access and integrating the development seamlessly into the community.

Future Phases and Development Plans

The 'Isle of Dreams' is the inaugural phase of Sunbeam's extensive redevelopment plan for North Bay Village, encompassing:​

• Total Area: 13 acres.

• Planned Units: Approximately 1,936 residential units, including workforce housing.

• Additional Components: Office spaces, retail outlets, a hotel, and public amenities like a dog park and ferry access.​

The project's phased approach aims to transform North Bay Village into a vibrant, walkable urban center, enhancing both the skyline and the community's quality of life.