First look: Renderings of North Miami’s Chinatown

The proposed Chinatown planned for North Miami has a new look.

The city of North Miami released new renderings of the district to The Real Deal, which show modern, Chinese-influenced gateways, “supertree” vertical gardens, bridges over ponds that are inspired by those found in traditional Chinese gardens, and, of course, a pagoda gazebo.

The latest version of the city’s Chinatown plans include an upgraded streetscape and two gateways to the district, on the north and south, that will have a Chinese design. Urban design firm Keith & Schnars is handling the drawings.

The final master plan for Chinatown is expected to go before the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Advisory Committee in July.

Officials said Chinatown will pay tribute to the area’s largely Haitian population, as well as to American values that will be represented by a statue of George Washington. The details were revealed last week as North Miami residents, architects, planners and business owners gathered to get an update on the master plan for a new Chinatown in the Seventh Avenue corridor between 119th Street and 135th Street.

Property values are also expected to rise, officials said. By creating a Chinatown, the city is hoping to attract tourists and to lure technology companies and businesses focused on the culinary arts, among other types of businesses. It’s aimed at creating employment for residents of the district as well as nearby neighborhoods. – Katherine Kallergis