Miami Jewish Health Systems nabs approval, breaks ground on Buena Vista campus

The Miami Jewish Health Systems broke ground on the redevelopment of its Buena Vista campus on Friday, a day after securing approval from the Miami City Commission for its special area plan.

The commission approved the plan for a linear park on Northeast Miami Place and 50th Terrace, according to a press release from Greenberg Traurig. The SAP will also allow property owners of nine or more acres to develop a master plan that includes rezoning for taller buildings in exchange for improvements to public and private infrastructure, including streetscape. Attorney Iris Escarra represented the developer, which just broke ground on the first phase.

Before breaking ground, the nonprofit had to rezone the property at 5200 Northwest Second Avenue from low-density multifamily residential to zoning that allows for major mixed-use development. The early stages of the project met opposition from some neighbors who complained they had not been properly briefed on redevelopment plans.

Altogether, the Miami Jewish Health System’s campus covers more than 20 acres. The $200 million renovation and expansion involves tearing down six of the 10 existing buildings and adding new structures, including a three-story complex for housing Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and accompanying garage. The four-phase project also calls for a five-story, 140-key hotel and conference center. Amenities include a hair salon and a theater that will allow patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia the freedom to move around in a controlled, safe environment. – Amanda Rabines