FIRST COMPREHENSIVE REVITALIZATION PLAN FOR LITTLE HAVANA IS RELEASED

NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION, PLUSURBIA DESIGN & PARTNERS ISSUE REPORT WITH INPUT FROM OVER 2,700 STAKEHOLDERS

With the goal of promoting the revitalization of the Little Havana neighborhood for current and future residents, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and PlusUrbia Design today released a master plan focused on building a healthy, equitable and resilient neighborhood community in Little Havana. 

The plan, put together over the course of more than two years and with the input of over 2,700 neighborhood residents and stakeholders and several local partners, brings together best practices and the latest thinking from a range of fields—from public health to urban planning to architectural design and historic preservation.

It is the first plan of its kind to focus specifically on revitalizing and improving the quality of life for people in Miami’s most iconic neighborhood.

The revitalization plan includes input from a collection of civic and non-profit organizations currently working in Little Havana, including: The Health Foundation of South Florida, Live Healthy Little Havana, Urban Health Partnerships and Dade Heritage Trust.

--National Trust for Historic Preservation.

https://plusurbia.com/project/little-havana-master-plan-2/

LITTLE HAVANA ME IMPORTA

WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT CALLE OCHO?

Check out the videos linked below to learn more about how special Calle Ocho is and what it means for people in Miami!

PlusUrbia’s Principal, Juan Mullerat, was happy to contribute to the video to express why he and his family value Calle Ocho and Little Havana so much. 

Also sharing their love for one of Miami’s iconic main streets are local developer and owner of the popular bar Ball and Chain in Calle Ocho, Bill Fuller, and Viernes Culturales Executive Director, Pati Vargas.

Thank you, Christine Rupp, Executive Director of Dade Heritage Trust for putting together these videos to show how wonderful Calle Ocho is and how important it is to preserve its vibrancy, heritage, and character. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Es5l8gFLVE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9ib1MLwlY0

https://plusurbia.com/whats-not-to-loveabout-calle-ocho/

TROPICAL TRAILER PARK PARKLET

Miami Urban Design Firm Creates a Portable Parklet for Park(ing) Day 2018

By Sean McCaughan – The Big Bubble Miami

Park(ing) Day, the annual event when urban activists around the world turn parking spaces into public parklets, is almost upon us.

This year, Park(ing) Day is on September 21. 

PlusUrbia, the Miami-based urban design firm headed by Juan Mullerat, is creating a movable parklet for parking day this year, by putting it onto a flatbed trailer.

This way, instead of creating a temporary parklet that will be gone the next day, the project, called the ‘Tropical Trailer Park,’ will move to various sites around Miami as needed.

‘The Tropical Trailer Park’ idea was a Miami Foundation Public Space Challenge 2016 winner.

Currently under construction, the parklet will debut on Park(ing) Day this year at the corner of NE 3rd Avenue and NE 1st Street in Downtown Miami. 

“Miami’s lack of open space has an adverse effect on our health and livability. Our studio decided to build a parklet that provides a mobile solution to enhance our streets – a park on wheels – as a gift to our city.” said Mullerat.

Click for full story and more images

PLUSURBIA RECEIVES MIAMI TODAY GOLD MEDAL AWARD

URBAN DESIGN STUDIO HONORED FOR CONTEXT-SENSITIVE DESIGN

PlusUrbia Design was honored by the Miami Today‘s 2018 Gold Medal Awards competition earning the Bronze Medal for an organization.

Our boutique studio was eligible for the award because it won the 2017 American Planning Association’s APA National Economic Development Plan Award for its Wynwood Neighborhood Revitalization District plan. PlusUrbia earned the Gold Medal Award for its context-sensitive, community-based planning. 

It submitted a brief portfolio to the Miami Today judges that emphasized innovative urban design that promotes multimodal mobility, affordability, and connectivity that enhances quality of life. Our studio has emphasized healthy living through access to open space, public transit, affordable housing, mixed-use development, active recreation and safe complete streets.

“My father, a lawyer and published author, wrote about ethics and the social role and responsibilities of Corporations, instilled in me a sincere sense of Community Service,” said PlusUrbia Founding Principal Juan Mullerat. “This instilled in me this sense of service, which we practice in our studio through non-profit projects.”

PlusUrbia has donated more than 1,000 professional hours to the ongoing Master Planning for a Healthy and Resilient Little Havana, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Health Foundation of South Florida. 

Our 12-person studio has devoted more than two years listening to residents and crafting an Action Plan to improve the lives of one of the poorest, most unique, socially and demographically rich neighborhoods in the nation.

“Our office has worked very hard and continues to push the envelope, delivering innovative solutions on issues that shape our built environment,” Mullerat said. “Our projects focus on transportation, affordable housing strategies, open space – all of which have profound impact on everybody’s life.”

Whether it is a Transit Oriented Development, Community Redevelopment Agency, Business Improvement District, Transit Corridor, Action Plan or Visioning Exercise – PlusUrbia’s work focuses on outcomes that support healthy living in urban areas.

Miami Today, celebrating its 35th year, is a weekly newspaper that reaches more than 68,000 readers and covers government, development, design, real estate, business, finance, health care and related issues that impact the future of Miami.

https://plusurbia.com/plusurbia-receives-miami-today-gold-medal-award/

CAN CARS AND PEDESTRIANS SAFELY SHARE A MIAMI STREET?

WYNWOOD WILL SOON FIND OUT

A rendering of a concept for a woonerf in a new pedestrian friendly zoning district in eastern Hialeah.  PlusUrbia

Can the woonerf concept stand up to the belligerent carelessness of so many Miami motorists? Experts say the devil is in the design details, but woonerfs have proven themselves all over the world, and are increasingly popping up in U.S. cities.

It does require care and alertness by all users, but that’s why the woonerf works, they say. Beyond some basic principles, their design can be tailored to local circumstances.

“There’s no real guidelines for what a woonerf needs to be, so you can be creative,” said Juan Mullerat, principal at Coconut Grove-based urban design firm PlusUrbia, which first came up with the idea for a Wynwood woonerf when it drew up a new zoning plan for the burgeoning hipster district.

 “The idea is slow cars down and provide an equal use of the street.”

--Excerpt from Miami Herald story by Andres Viglucci.

full story here

Transit Alliance Miami

--PlusUrbia Design is proud to be a member of TA.

PlusUrbia Design is proud to be a member of Transit Alliance Miami.

Transit Alliance unites residents, organizations, and businesses to advocate for walkable streets, bikeable neighborhoods and better public transit.

The goal of the Alliance’s campaigns is to raise awareness and solve issues to get Miami moving safer, faster and happier.

Visit the Transit Alliance at: https://transitalliance.miami

And follow it on Twitter at: @TransitMIA

RESILIENCY AND ADAPTATION IN EXISTING URBAN CORES

PLUS URBIA DESIGN APA FLORIDA PRESENTATION

PlusUrbia’s Juan Mullerat, APA, and Megan McLaughlin, AICP, will present their ideas on resilient and adaptable redevelopment at the American Planning Association of Florida’s Annual Conference in Daytona Beach.

Their presentation — which is equally relevant to small town main streets, waterfront sites and big city urban cores – will take place at 10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. on Wednesday September 6.

PlusUrbia will have a booth at APA Florida 2017. Please stop by to renew old friendships or introduce yourself so we can build a bond that will help create a better built environment in Florida.

https://plusurbia.com/resiliency-and-adaptation-in-existing-urban-cores-apa-presentation/

Hialeah TOD selected for APA Florida Award of Merit

BOUTIQUE STUDIO IN MIAMI WINS 10TH DESIGN AWARD IN TWO YEARS 

PlusUrbia Design’s vision for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in South Florida has been selected for an American Planning Association (APA) of Florida Award of Merit in the Neighborhood Planning category.

The prestigious statewide honor recognizes the studio’s collaboration with the City of Hialeah’s Planning Department to create more than 300 acres of compact, walkable, mixed-use development connected to a pair of commuter rail stations.

The plan, unanimously approved by the City Council and fully implemented, crafted guidelines that transition two warehouse districts into vibrant communities.

The 24-hour communities create civic space, jobs and affordable/attainable housing for young professionals, empty nesters and families. Developers are already entitling land within the new guidelines.

“This couldn’t have been accomplished without the visionary leadership of Hialeah’s Mayor, Council Members and Planning Department,’’ – Maria Bendfeldt, Project Director.

“We look forward to exporting the innovations created for this project to hundreds of Florida cities that could benefit from TOD regulations and urban design for main street corridors.”

The TOD is anchored by Tri-Rail’s Market Station and Transfer Station, which also connects with Metrorail and Amtrak – enabling commuting to regional employment hubs. These new districts will increase city tax base while featuring some of the best rail connectivity in all of South Florida.

The award will be presented during APA’s statewide conference in September, in Daytona Beach – where PlusUrbia’s Juan Mullerat and Megan McLaughlin will be key presenters on healthy urban design and revitalization.

http://plusurbia.com/hialeah-tod-selected-for-apa-florida-award-of-merit/

LECTURE AT PONTIFICAL CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY

OF PUERTO RICO SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Future of Little Havana under microscope

OUTSTANDING COVERAGE OF PLUSURBIA DESIGN'S WORK
WRITTEN BY SUSAN DANSEYAR OF MIAMI TODAY

Over 100 people gave their opinions last week on what they like about Little Havana and how they want it to develop moving forward.

A number of stakeholders came to Miami Senior High School on Saturday for the first of three community meetings dedicated to Little Havana.

Plusurbia – in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Dade Heritage Trust and Live Healthy Little Havana – invited anyone with interest in the neighborhood to share thoughts on a long-term plan for the community’s healthy future while protecting its history and heritage.

In January, the National Trust for Historic Preservation declared the neighborhood a “national treasure.”

During a ceremony in the Manuel Artime Theatre, where the announcement was made, Plusurbia principal Juan Mullerat said his architectural and urban design firm headquartered in Coconut Grove, along with its partners, would be launching a long-term planning process to work with neighborhood residents, civic leaders and others to steer the community forward with its past intact.

The first meeting was Saturday, March 11. The next two are to be in April and May on dates to be announced.

Seated at tables wearing tags with just their first names, people from all walks of life talked about their concerns, hopes and love for the historic community.
Called “Little Havana, ME IMPORTA,” the meeting began with a welcome from a woman who’s working with a residential group in the community.

She introduced Mr. Mullerat. “We needed a local to lead us,” Mr. Mullerat said.

“Little Havana is a very special place. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is the largest advocacy group within the nation with a focus on advocacy for neighborhoods which like to restore old buildings.”

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO FULL STORY

CBS4 MIAMI PRAISES EFFORT THAT PLUSURBIA DESIGN IS PROUD TO BE PART OF

Miami’s Little Havana Gains “National Treasure” Label

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — A group looking to preserve a piece of history have their sights set on Miami’s Little Havana – the epicenter of the Cuban diaspora.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation added Little Havana to its list of “national treasures” Friday, saying it should be protected from developers who are transforming much of Miami’s downtown and its surroundings.

LINK TO FULL STORY

SAVING PLACES

PLUS URBIA DESIGN A PROUD PARTNER

History

Little Havana’s story is at the heart of the American experience. From its earliest days as a residential suburb, to its iconic role as a haven for Cuban Americans, to its more recent role as a home to immigrants from Central America and the Caribbean, Little Havana has been shaped by people striving to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Threat

Despite Little Havana’s significant place in our national story, the neighborhood currently faces a range of threats, including development pressure, demolition of historic buildings, displacement of existing residents, and zoning changes that could impact its affordability, cultural richness, and character.

Opportunity

With appropriate master planning informed by community engagement and lessons learned from cities across the country, Little Havana can remain a thriving, healthy, and livable community that embraces its past while planning for a bright future. With input from the community and local partners Dade Heritage Trust and PlusUrbia Design, the National Trust will focus on solutions that ensure that Little Havana remains a dynamic, culturally rich neighborhood that can continue to welcome future generations of Americans.

Read full post in English and Spanish

LOCAL ABC 10 MIAMI COVERS PLUSURBIA DESIGN'S LATEST PROJECT

Little Havana designated national treasure

MIAMI - Miami's Little Havana was designated a national treasure Friday by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The distinction means that those who work or live in the neighborhood will have guidance in making sure it remains a vibrant, unique place with a bright future, officials said.

"We feel the National Historic Trust will be the best partner ever in keeping the ambiance of Little Havana, but at the same time, making sure that the world knows that there is a Little Havana here in Miami," Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said.

Little Havana stands as a testament to the immigrant spirit in America and in South Florida, officials said.

click here for full story

THANK YOU TO MIAMI TODAY FOR PUTTING A HUMAN FACE ON PLUSURBIA DESIGN'S ROLE IN LITTLE HAVANA

Coalition works to preserve what all love in Little Havana

CLICK TO READ FULL STORY AT PLUSURBIA'S SITE

PlusUrbia Design is Local Design Team to Plan a Better Little Havana

A plan to save Little Havana from big development?

BY ANDRES VIGLUCCI AND DAVID SMILEY

aviglucci@miamiherald.com

The National Trust for Historic Preservation will sponsor a major plan to help guide the preservation and revitalization of Little Havana, the storied neighborhood where activists have been battling to stave off large-scale development from adjacent Brickell.

The Trust’s announcement, scheduled for Friday morning, will come a day after the city of Miami officially scrapped a controversial two-year-old proposal that would have upzoned much of East Little Havana with the aim of encouraging redevelopment. 

Preservationists and activists complained the upzoning would have led to displacement of the neighborhood’s working-class residents and the destruction of an architecturally valuable collection of early 20th century homes and commercial buildings.

“Preservation doesn’t necessarily mean we put everything in a freezer and preserve it for all time,” said Juan Mullerat, principal at Miami firm PlusUrbia, the Trust’s zoning and planning consultant, adding that the goal is “to propose new legislation that will guide the future development in a contextual manner.”

Read full story at

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article129026874.html#storylink=cpy

Miami Herald Little Havana story quotes PlusUrbia’s urban design insights

Upzoning of East Little Havana scrapped as Miami planners go back to drawing board

“There’s a lot of interest in Little Havana. It’s Miami’s Ellis Island,” said Juan Mullerat, director of the Miami design firm PlusUrbia, which has an active interest in Little Havana. “It’s an incredible melting pot that requires a high level of attention to make sure we get right whatever it is we’re going to do there.’’

A group of business owners pushing to create a Little Havana Business Improvement District would like to emulate Wynwood business owners, who with the help of PlusUrbia, created design and zoning guidelines for the neighborhood.

click for full story

PLUS URBIA DESIGN EARNS MIAMI TODAY'S PRAISE

http://plusurbia.com/miami-today-transit-oriented-districts-to-let-hialeah-urbanize-go-vertical/

SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL RUNS MAJOR FEATURE ON PLUS URBIA DESIGN

SFBJ: City increases density on 313 acres in two transit-oriented development areas

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY AND GALLERY 

Wynwood Walls is ULI 2016

VISION AWARD WINNER

Goldman Properties' Wynwood Walls was awarded the 2016 PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARD at the annual Urban Land Institute Vision Awards.

PlusUrbia Design was recognized amongst the Goldman Properties team for its contribution to Wynwood Walls with the design of Wynwood Doors and Garden.

We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Goldman Properties's legacy in Wynwood.

For more information on the Wynwood Walls Garden design, please visit: http://plusurbia.com/project/wynwood-garden/

PLUSURBIA'S JUAN MULLERAT IS HONORED TO PRESENT

at 2016 APA Florida Conference

PlusUrbia's Juan Mullerat is honored to present "Affordable Pockets for Healthy Living: Little Havana USA" at the American Planning Association Florida statewide conference coming up in September in Tampa.

Inner city neighborhoods such as Miami’s Little Havana have good bones, but need urban interventions to increase healthy living.  

We’ll explore both assets (including high density to support public transit; affordable housing in close proximity to jobs) and challenges including lack of park space for healthy recreation, limited access to fresh food and a zoning code that prevents infill with small units and no parking.  

For a fraction of what exurbs or new towns cost, the inner city can be retrofitted in a more sustainable manner. 

Click here to read more