Terra & Lion Development Win Approval for 48-story Midtown Miami Tower with Extended Retail Use

A new residential skyscraper is set to transform the north end of Midtown in Miami. Terra and Lion Development Group have proposed Midtown 1, a 48-story mixed-use tower featuring 400 residential units, over 26,000 square feet of commercial space, and a parking podium with a capacity of up to 500 vehicles. The project is planned for a vacant site at 3501 NE First Ave.

Approval and Conditions

The city’s Urban Development Review Board recommended approval of the project with two conditions: the incorporation of transparent glazing on the northeast corner of the ground floor to enhance retail use and the substitution of shade trees for palms where possible.

Project Details

Brian Dombrowski, representing the developer, highlighted the rapid growth and expansion in the Midtown neighborhood. The site is a portion of Tract I of the Midtown Miami East Plat, bordered by Northeast 36th Street, Northeast First Avenue, and Northeast 35th Street, with the FEC rail line to the east.

Design and Structure

Designed by Arquitectonica, Midtown 1 will stand at 598 feet and encompass approximately 606,856 square feet. The building will house 400 condominium units ranging from 868 to 2,200 square feet, including a penthouse. The structure's façade is designed to screen the parking areas with active liner uses.

Gardens and Amenities

The tower will feature various garden spaces at different levels. The second story will have a Rainforest Garden with outdoor space and lush garden areas. The third story will include the Library Garden with landscaping, pathways, and seating areas. The fifth story will have a Sculpture Garden with enclosed amenity spaces. The seventh story will feature a Healing Garden with seating areas and landscaping.

Zoning and Permits

Midtown 1 requires a Class II Special Permit for new construction within the Midtown Overlay District. The developer is also requesting a permit to maneuver trucks within the public right of way for off-street loading and a 10% increase in the maximum height of the parking structure.

Unique Design Features

Arquitectonica principal Bernardo Fort-Brescia detailed the unique design elements, including an elevated drop-off area on the second floor, which frees up space for ground floor retail and minimizes street-level car presence. The façade will incorporate greenery and active liner uses to enhance pedestrian experience.

Feedback and Recommendations

Board members praised the project for its design and integration of retail and greenery. Agustin Barrera appreciated the pedestrian-friendly scale and the separation of pedestrian and vehicle circulation. Robert Behar and Gia Zapattini supported the project but suggested improvements, such as adding more glass to the prominent northeast corner and incorporating shade trees instead of palms.

Midtown 1 is poised to become a significant addition to Miami's Midtown area, combining residential, commercial, and green spaces in a thoughtfully designed structure. The project has received positive feedback from the review board and is expected to enhance the urban landscape of the district.