Miami’s Urban Development Review Board gave the thumbs up to three mixed-use projects in Brickell, Coconut Grove and Little Havana.

The board voted 4-0 to recommend approval for Zom’s new apartment tower in the Brickell neighborhood. The board’s Wednesday vote allows the Orlando-based developer to now seek the go-ahead from Miami planning director Francisco Garcia for Maizon, a 262-unit residential building with 15,258 square feet of ground floor retail space.

“Very nice work,” said board member Jesus Permuy of the project’s design. “I like the articulation of the building.” Agreed his colleague Anthony Tzamtzis: “It is a very good project.”

Permuy did recommend a few minor design changes such as improving the landscaping in the building’s setback areas as well as the facade by adding a three-dimensional element.

Zom, which has a contract to purchase land owned by Maria Ramon and Alberto Cabrera, would demolish low- to mid-rise apartment buildings at 1100-1142 Southwest Second Avenue and 221-237 Southwest 12th Street and replace them with the new tower. The project will consist of 424,258 square feet with 366 parking spaces and 24 bicycle spaces. It will also include open courtyard areas, an amenity deck and pool on the ninth floor, and an onsite residential leasing center.

Zom sought approval recommendations of four waivers, including a 30 percent reduction in parking, a 10 percent reduction in a driveway width and to replace the required commercial loading zone with two residential loading zone.

The development review board also approved plans for Cassa Grove, a 116-unit, 200,000-square-foot project at 2900 Southwest 28th Lane that is located near the 10-mile long Underline. “This building has a lot of potential in redeveloping this area,” said boardmember Felix Perez. “This is the type of project that this park needs.”

The 12-story project is being developed by Miami-based MEC Development Associates and B Developments and New York-based Abington Properties. The transit-oriented development features luxury apartments ranging from 652 square feet to more than 1,300 square feet, a 3,600-square-foot commercial component, and shared workspaces for residents. It will also feature a public plaza on the ground floor and a sky deck.

In order to make the project work, the developers sought four waivers, including a 10 percent reduction in parking. ALFA SF Equity and B Developments bought the 1-acre property for $6.1 million. “We are trying to make a nice, high-end apartment building,” said B Development principal Miguel Angel Barbagallo. “We are very committed to linking with the Underline. I think it is a great public space.”

The board also approved Eight and First Development’s plans for a 12-story, 96-unit residential building at 45 Southwest Eighth Avenue in Little Havana. The property owners, Ana V. and Pedro O. Rodriguez, submitted plans for the mixed-use project to include 44,525 square feet of commercial space, 311 parking spaces and 15 bicycle parking spaces. The retail space will be anchored by a 35,930 square foot Presidente Supermarket.
– See more at: https://therealdeal.com/miami/2016/10/06/miami-urban-development-review-board-green-lights-three-major-projects/#sthash.bIqs2i0t.dpuf