The Miami Planning and Zoning Appeals Board signed off on plans for Wynwood 26, a mixed-use apartment project to be developed by The Related Group and Block Capital Group.
The board voted 8-0 to allow an increase in the development site’s lot coverage from 40,000 square feet to 52,540 square feet, at a meeting Wednesday evening. It also granted three parking waivers, including reducing the number of spaces by 30 percent.
Miami city planner Joseph Eisenberg said staff recommended approval because 94 of the proposed 174 apartments are micro units that will help alleviate the city’s affordable housing crisis. He also explained that the massive rezoning overlay for Wynwood approved in 2015 allows developers to reduce parking onsite because the eliminated spaces can be shifted to nearby garages.
Wynwood 26 at 51 Northwest 26th Street, is located just a couple of blocks north of a new garage being developed by Goldman Properties.
“Staff finds that there are multiple facets of this project that support the neighborhood,” Eisenberg said. “A majority of the units are micro units which are more affordable. In the context of Wynwood, we are looking for properties to do that.”
In addition to the 174 apartments, the project will have 35,800 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor which could accommodate a single large tenant like a grocery store. The Arquitectonica-designed five-story building will feature Juliet balconies, which means the balcony doors open up to a railing; a courtyard; a paseo and murals. The development site is located on 26th and 27th streets on 1.2 contiguous acres.
Wynwood 26 joins a wave of new mixed use residential projects planned for the neighborhood. Related acquired a 50 percent stake in the development in December 2015. Block Capital is a joint venture between Miculitzki family and Cabi Developers.