MiMo’s Vagabond Motel could get a second life

Developer Avra Jain has signed a contract to buy the gutted and long-neglected Vagabond Motel in Biscayne Boulevard’s MiMo historic district, according to the Miami Herald. Jain, who has partnered with Regalia Holdings on the deal, has submitted renovation plans to the city’s historic preservation office, which will consider the project at this Friday’s hearing. The back half of the motel’s property is not actually zoned for motel use, a restriction that the preservation office would have to waive if the project is to move forward.

The 50-room motel, which is located at 7301 Biscayne Boulevard, needs extensive renovation to become the boutique motel its developers are planning. “It’s a heavy first step,’’ said Dean Lewis, the project’s architect. “It’s just a shell.’’ [Miami Herald]