Paul Cejas is advancing plans for a 212-unit mixed-use project near Miami Beach’s pedestrian promenade after city commissioners approved initial zoning amendments for the development.
Cejas, a former U.S. ambassador to Belgium under Bill Clinton, secured unanimous approval from the city for his development at 1600 Washington Avenue, near Lincoln Road, the Miami Herald reported. The development would require increasing the maximum building height from 100 to 150 feet.
Cejas first requested rezoning last year, when he proposed to replace the 15,300-square-foot commercial building on the property with a multifamily development, The Real Deal previously reported.
The apartments will span nearly 217,000 square feet, including 7,000 square feet of retail space, a pool deck, 36 studio units, 144 one-bedroom units and 30 two-bedroom units. Units will range from 560 to 1,100 square feet.
The project will create a walkable mixed-use district in the area, which is the “single-most important thing” for the city, Commissioner Joe Magazine said.
He said the development would take cars off the road and clean up underperforming areas.
“I want sidewalk and corner cafes watching the World Cup, just like in Paris and Barcelona, rather than vape shops,” he said.
Despite their support, commissioners requested several revisions to the proposal, including standards for average apartment sizes, retail design and pedestrian areas, the publication said.
The proposal will require a second vote of approval in September.
Cejas told commissioners he would work with the city rather than relying on Florida’s Live Local Act, which would potentially allow him to bypass zoning restrictions and enjoy tax breaks for including below market-rate housing.
“I could withdraw the petition right now and go to the state and build over 20 stories,” Cejas told commissioners. “I’m coming to you because I love the beach. I love that building, and I want to do something with you.”
Cejas said he’s owned the 0.4-acre property for nearly 30 years. It’s located on the edge of Lincoln Road, Miami Beach’s renowned pedestrian promenade. The investor bought the majority of the Lincoln road block for $14.5 million in 1997, property records show.
—Grace McClung
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