
One of the central purposes of the project is to recover and celebrate the District’s natural environment by adding 9.4 acres of vibrant new public space. A 50% net reduction in asphalt and building area gives way to an inviting, lush parkscape honoring the site’s layers of cultural history. It features a custom planting palette showcasing Florida’s unique native flora and botany, ample trees for shading, a ballroom terrace and a network of pathways to increase the District’s accessibility and connectivity.
21st Street Park’s ecologically sensitive green spaces incorporates a new eco-edge along Collins Canal, protects existing trees and adds 550 black mangroves to restore the habitat and native vegetation. The design anticipates sea level rise by establishing a living sea wall, a new littoral shelf and retaining wall which functions as a modern seating element. The 100-year-old Miami Beach story was enhanced by restoring the Carl Fisher Clubhouse, which sits proudly within 7,500 sq/ft of magical butterfly gardens.
The formerly car-dominated Convention Center Drive and Washington Avenues are now contemporary boulevards, allowing pedestrians to stroll underneath a series of 30’ tall relocated original Royal Palms. Furthermore, the impressive collection of art pieces make every visit to the District a memorable experience.
Photography: Critical Path Construnction, Robin Hill