Author: Katherine Doble

Staying True to the Virginia Key Master Plan

Posted on by Katherine Doble

Public Access, Recreation and Community (PARC) are our overarching principles and have informed every aspect of our project — and for good reason.

The 1000-acre barrier island of Virginia Key, just east of downtown Miami, has seen very little development in comparison to the rest of the City.

But as Miami’s urban core grows at a rapid pace, the community has identified the island as a natural setting for public amenities, waterfront access, recreation, and a portal to the Biscayne Bay habitat. All parties agreed that any development on Virginia Key should take place responsibly and sustainably, so a master plan was created in 2010.

Collaboration among the City, its residents, and local stakeholders guided the process and an Advisory Board was formed.

The master plan’s mission was simple: “Virginia Key has the opportunity to truly be the Central Park of Miami, or the ‘lungs’ of a city that would provide refuge and vitally needed open space in a burgeoning and crowded metropolis.”

As a longtime Virginia Key stakeholder, Marina PARC has embraced the Virginia Key Master Plan’s ‘less is more’ ethos. Following is an overview of how the Master Plan has informed every aspect of Marina PARC’s philosophy, design, programming:

Less environmental impact: The Virginia Key Master Plan dictates two primary objectives: to protect and enhance natural resources and employ sustainable building practices. Marina PARC has a 30-plus year history of environmental stewardship on Virginia Key and our redevelopment plans will continue that tradition. Central to our plan is the creation of a “living shoreline” including more than 1,000 linear feet of mangroves which are being planted in collaboration with Mangrove.org. Our buildings will strive for LEED Gold status by incorporating numerous conservation strategies, including solar power, water recapture for boat wash-downs, and rain collection for irrigation of our native plantings.

Less commercial density: Balancing environmental protection with financial viability is critical to the RFP criteria. Marina PARC has proposed developing 25,000 square feet of commercial space, less than half of our competitors’ plan to add 60,000 square feet to an already-cramped site. By resisting the temptation to overdevelop, we will create an inviting community asset that is commercially viable and remains a key piece of the Biscayne Bay ecosystem.

Less boat traffic: Let’s face it – more boats means more boat traffic, more fuel consumption, and the risk of more congestion and environmental impact in the Marine Stadium Basin and Biscayne Bay. Reducing the maximum allowable boat slip quantities to meet current market demand will allow us to reduce our overall environmental impact. Our competitors are proposing 912 boat slips, while we are limiting our total capacity to 756 vessels.

More community amenities and access: Creating a vibrant waterfront and an accessible place for recreation are two goals of the Virginia Key Master Plan that resonated with us. Marina PARC will include a water’s-edge baywalk promenade along the property’s waterfront, two restaurants, a public boat launch, sightseeing and eco tours, a watersports rental concession, a shaded pavilion with a café, and rest and staging areas for bikers and pedestrians.

Up Close: The Case for Marina PARC Miami

Posted on by Katherine Doble

Last month, a committee appointed by the City of Miami Manager ranked two teams – Marina PARC and Virginia Key LLC – within five points of one another in a competition to redevelop the Rickenbacker Marina. On the surface, both teams proposed similar plans including public bay walks, ‘living shorelines,’ and revamped retail and commercial offerings. But a closer look at the two plans reveals material differences that have raised concerns about the RFP and led our team to file a formal bid protest.

At the center of the debate is a piece of land adjacent to the marina which the City deemed off-limits when setting the boundaries for the RFP. Marina PARC followed the rules and excluded this land from its plans. Virginia Key LLC failed to heed the City’s directions and instead included the land in their site.

By incorporating the excluded property in their design, Virginia Key LLC was able to plan for more commercial space, more parking and more boat storage.

The result? Virginia Key LLC’s revenue projections are artificially inflated and the legitimacy of the team’s proposal has been challenged.

If the Virginia Key LLC proposal is found to be non-compliant with the City’s development parameters, then Marina PARC could be awarded the City bid by default.

Delving into the proposals in depth would take hours upon hours, but we’ve saved you the time by breaking down a comparison of the two proposals below.

Overall, the Marina PARC plan calls for less commercial development, fewer boats, and a more realistic financial picture:

Stacking Up: Inside Our Cutting Edge Storage Facility

Posted on by Katherine Doble

Marina PARC’s exclusive partnership with Tifon S.A., a global leader in automated boat storage, earns the distinction of being the only proposer in the Virginia Key Marina RFP that has a proven track record of designing, building, and operating automated boat storage facilities. Marina PARC’s boat storage building will be a fully-automated, LEED Gold certified structure housing 582 boats, totaling more than 20,000 linear feet of boat storage.

Automated cranes will be capable of retrieving and storing vessels of up to 40,000 pounds. Marina PARC is providing for fewer but larger slips in order to both lessen the project’s environmental impact as well as address the most under-served segment of the local marina market: increasingly larger vessels. In reducing the amount of slips, Marina PARC takes into account that other required uses such as a new public boat ramp and expanded transient dockage will draw an unprecedented amount of new vessels to the site – thus impacting the surrounding resources and adding to the permitting constraints associated with the marine development of the site.

Marina PARC has partnered with Tifon because the company is a proven leader in the automated storage space, with fully-operational facilities in Argentina already up and running – accounting for over 1500 automated dry slips. Boaters will have the option to make reservations 24-hours a day, either in person or by phone, tablet or computer. Tifon will interface with Rockwell Automation, a US publicly traded company and world leader in industrial automation that will breath life into our state of the art system.

Take a look at the future of Marina PARC’s boat slip system.

Made in Miami: Landscape Architect Raymond Jungles

Posted on by Katherine Doble

Raymond Jungles, a home-grown Miami entrepreneur, knows a thing or two about growing. Inspired by the lush beauty of Miami’s natural landscapes, Raymond has made a career out of following his passion. He is the founder of the Miami-based landscape architecture firm, Raymond Jungles, Inc. (RJI), recognized for excellence in the design and implementation of public and private sector projects. Raymond applied his lifelong passion for landscape architecture soon after graduating with a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Florida in 1981, founding the firm in 1982.

Lucky for us, he is bringing that passion to Marina PARC. He is working with us to embrace a moral responsibility for sound, sustainable environmental stewardship through the marina, by investing in the “living shoreline.” In Raymond’s vision, the entire marina will be pedestrian friendly, with open spaces and a lush native tree canopy with unfettered waterfront access.

Keep reading to learn more about what made this ‘Made in Miami’ entrepreneur the success he is today, and how Marina PARC will benefit from his passion.

Q: How did you get interested in landscape architecture?

A: I’ve always had an appreciation for natural and built environments, and landscape architecture molds both of them together. Early in my career, I was influenced by Yosemite National Park, the architecture of Luis Barragan and the gardens of Roberto Burle Marx.

Q: When you’re not at work, where can we find you?

A: My work is my passion, so what I do generally does not resemble what most would define as ‘work’. I love being onsite doing the layout, interacting with the participants, and seeing a vision come into being. I’m also very curious, so I love research, books, travel, a walk in the Grove or at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, riding my bike. I love spending time with my wife, Gina and people I enjoy. But mostly, I’m a creator. It is what I do for work and for pleasure. As Burle Marx said, you should always “do what you like.”

READ RELATED: Alex Yanes Draws Inspiration from the Magic City

Q: You could have picked anywhere in the world – so why did you choose Coconut Grove as the place to open your office?

A: I feel very comfortable in “the Grove”. It has that effect on people. Bjarke Ingels’ initial design intent was to re-Grove the Grove. It is a grove of mature canopy trees and palms. The adjacent bay, the high ground, and the public amenities. Tree covered paths and roadways, the Barnacle State Park, the Kampong, its parks, libraries, schools, churches, the parks, marinas, boat launches, Bayshore Drive, seeing my projects. The waterfront, restaurants, the sidewalk cafes, the stops, the movies. The Grove has it all.

Q: What makes South Florida’s landscape unique and how do you ensure that your projects speak to that?

A: We are at the flat end of a very large peninsula that juts into the ocean. We are surrounded by the majestic Florida Everglades, and Caribbean islands. Our sky is impressive and varied. We have a gentle climate with abounding greenery so it’s like a permanent vacation. We have clean air, for a major metropolitan area. Our gardens promote the use of native plants, creation of habitat, and conservation of the earth’s valuable resources. By using species that are encouraged to mature as nature intended, we eliminate the need for countless hours of pruning. We prefer softer, looser order of plant volumes; gardens that harmonize with local ecosystems; gardens that appear almost subversive. Built interventions are minimal and sculptural, complementing through contrast the soft plantings. Color and texture are generously applied.

Jungles Sketch
Marina PARC’s living shoreline designed by Raymond Jungles

Q: What is your inspiration for the design behind Marina PARC?

A: My inspiration came from the setting. The serene boat basin, marine stadium, surrounding vegetation and dramatic offsite views make this marina one of the most remarkable sites in South Florida. Bringing residents and visitors closer to nature, creating space that is inspirational, advancing curiosity, knowledge, and appreciation of the relationship between people, nature, and art – this has been my inspiration for all of my projects and this site makes the perfect canvas for the next.

READ RELATED: Key Biscayne Mayor Mayra Lindsay Shares the Secrets of Virginia Key

Q: How will the living shoreline incorporate into the bigger plan?

A: Planting native shoreline plant species, as well as mangroves, will enhance the habitat for indigenous flora and fauna. The new Marina PARC will be an urban laboratory for living.

Made in Miami: Alex Yanes Draws Inspiration from the Magic City

Posted on by Katherine Doble

Local artist Alex Yanes considers his ever-growing body of work to be his autobiography – a story largely influenced by the culture and colors of his hometown, Miami.

In tandem with his Cuban roots, Alex attributes his pop art style to his observations and experiences growing up in Miami’s street art community.

To learn more about what inspires this “Made in Miami’ artist, read on!

Tell us about your path to becoming an artist.

I draw a lot of my influence from my teenage years growing up in Kendall – skateboarding, listening to punk-rock and hip-hop, fascinated by tattoos and cartoons. I’ve always been creative. I remember winning my first art contest when I was 6 years old.

My dad and grandfather were big influences. My grandfather was a pilot in Cuba and my dad was a tool salesman – they both taught me how to build things by hand. I built my first treehouse when I was 10 years old and wood eventually became my medium of choice. From there I learned to paint.

Now I get to be a professional artist, which is like a dream. I’m so grateful that I get to create every day.

 

How has Miami’s arts scene evolved since you began your career in 2006?, and how does the City inspire your work?

Wynwood was nonexistent in 2006. Art Basel and the Arts District have given artists a platform to expose their work and our community has opened its eyes to the beauty and power of art. In many ways, art has brought even more color to an already vibrant city. My hometown provides great motivation and subject matter. From the pastel color palettes I use, to the recurring nautical themes and the tropical nature of my work, Miami is interwoven as part of who I am.

 

From Red Bull to Sony to Neiman Marcus, you’ve worked with some pretty big brands. What has been your favorite campaign? 

I’d definitely say my campaign with Red Bull was the best project I’ve worked on because of the meaning behind the piece. I created a floating mural on an abandoned boat in order to bring awareness to the importance of preserving Biscayne Bay’s natural habitat. The project hit very close to home and is something I believe in deeply. It’s one of the main reasons I’m supporting Aabad and his team at the Rickenbacker Marina. They see themselves as protectors of the environment, and everyone in Miami has a responsibility to do the same.

 

Are there any places in Miami that you’d like to conquer for your next large-scale work?

I love exploring the intersection of everyday life in Miami and the water, so doing something at Marina PARC would be exciting. Marinas represent access to nature, and we need to do more as a city to bring our community closer to the water. Public art can be a part of that.

 

When you’re not working on your art how do you like to pass the time?

You’ll find me outside, probably somewhere on or near the water, with my wife and three little girls.

Exploring Maritime History with HistoryMiami

Posted on by Katherine Doble

South Florida’s long and robust maritime history has placed Miami at the top of the recreational boating industry. That’s why we’re proud to announce our partnership with HistoryMiami Museum; a Smithsonian affiliate and the leading historical association in our community.

As part of Marina PARC, HistoryMiami will house and showcase an eclectic collection of nautical antiques, sailboats, watercrafts, and outboard motorboat engines to educate the public about South Florida’s significant and fascinating marine-industry past as well as its home-grown innovators and unique locations. The exhibits and items will be moved from museum’s current Downtown Miami location to Marina PARC in Virginia Key.

Exhibits will delve into the Magic City’s history as home to the The Miami International Boat Show, Stiltsville, the Cape Florida Lighthouse and Miami Marine Stadium.  HistoryMiami will also explore the 172,000 acres of water and more than a dozen islands that make up Biscayne Bay.

As Miami’s history continues to intertwine with the water, Marina PARC and HistoryMiami will share the story and encourage locals and visitors alike to understand the vital role our past will play in how we as a community will shape our future.

Visit the HistoryMiami.org website to learn more about the museum’s current exhibits and schedule a tour.

Miami’s Marina Makeover

Posted on by Katherine Doble

Rickenbacker Marina’s Longtime Operator and Key International Team Up in Redevelopment Bid

Master plan prioritizes public access, recreation and additional community space on Virginia Key

Expanded public spaces, restaurants overlooking the Miami skyline, a ‘living shoreline’ along Biscayne Bay, family-friendly events and new amenities for boaters are all in store for one of South Florida’s most beloved marinas. A team of local entrepreneurs and civic groups, named Marina PARC (Public Access-Recreation-Community), have teamed up to reimagine the Rickenbacker Marina on Virginia Key as part of a City of Miami RFP process intended to maximize the property’s public benefit and commercial value. Marina PARC is led by the Melwani family, which has operated the Rickenbacker Marina since 1983, and Key International, one of South Florida’s premier commercial and residential developers.

Marina_PARC_birds_eye_view
Marina PARC birds eye view.

Marina PARC has enlisted designers, local businesses, and cultural and environmental nonprofits to bring its vision for a revamped Rickenbacker Marina to life. The master plan, designed by Stantec’s Miami office, includes an expansive baywalk offering sweeping views of Miami’s skyline and Biscayne Bay. A publicly-accessible boat launch will serve recreational boaters from the community, while a pavilion and café (or ventanita) will appeal to cyclists and watersports enthusiasts. Nearby, expanded public space will be activated for outdoor events. A watersports concession will allow the public to explore Virginia Key’s native habitat by kayak, stand-up paddle board and more.

The marina’s redevelopment will also satisfy growing demand among boaters. The number of registered vessels in Florida has grown 50% since 1987, yet the number of boat slips in the State has remained flat throughout that 30 year span, according to a 2016 report by Miami-Dade County. This pent-up demand coincides with a surge in commercial and residential development along the water, putting added pressure on the community’s existing marinas to enhance their services.

Central to the vision for the new Rickenbacker Marina is a state-of-the-art automated dry rack facility, floating piers, and wet slips capable of accommodating vessels from 40- to 120-feet. All told, the revamped marina will be home to more than 750 boats stationed at one of Biscayne Bay’s most desirable locations. Two restaurants – one casual and one more upscale – will be open to the public.

Marina_PARC_Plaza
Marina PARC plaza.

“Managing the Rickenbacker Marina has been our family’s life’s work for the past 35 years,” says Marina PARC managing principal Aabad Melwani. “We’ve transformed the marina into one of the most sought-after in all of South Florida, and we’ve done so responsibly and with the City of Miami’s best interests in mind. Now, working with a team of like-minded entrepreneurs, we’re going to ensure the marina remains an asset for our community for generations to come.”

The Melwani Family is partnering with Key International, which has been active in real estate development since the 1970s. Key’s development history includes hotels, office buildings, marinas, retail centers, and residential communities. Current and past projects include the Eden Roc Miami Beach, 1010 Brickell, The Marriott Stanton South Beach, 400 Sunny Isles and The Harbour.

“There are few places in South Florida as important as Virginia Key, so any development that takes shape at the Rickenbacker Marina must be done responsibly and with the environment’s best interests in mind,” explains Key International’s Diego Ardid. “Our family, like the rest of our Marina PARC team, is approaching this project with the goal of preserving the natural habitat, improving the marina’s facilities, and creating new ways for the public to enjoy Biscayne Bay.”

Marina_PARC_BayWalk
Marina PARC baywalk and storage facility.

Conservation is at the heart of Marina PARC’s plan. The property’s landscapes, created by Miami-based landscape architect Raymond Jungles, will feature a lush canopy of native trees and environmentally-sensitive hardscape materials. A mangrove rejuvenation project developed with Mangrove.org, now underway, is restoring thousands of linear feet of shoreline along the Miami Marine Stadium basin. Miami-based Ocean Consulting will work with Stantec to oversee environmental permitting and coastal engineering. All new buildings within the property will be LEED certified, using solar power and sustainably-sourced materials wherever possible.

The public will be able to explore the surrounding natural habitat on their own or through eco-tours led in conjunction with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center and Miami Waterkeeper. Those with a sense of adventure may choose to launch non-motorized vessels through a concession operated by Miami’s own TKS Watersports, which will offer lessons and equipment rentals and sales. Visitors choosing to remain dry will be able to learn about Miami’s colorful maritime past through a series of interpretive exhibits curated by HistoryMiami.

Submissions to the City of Miami’s Request for Proposals were due on May 24 and will now be considered by an appointed Selection Committee which will make a recommendation to the City Manager. The Manager will then recommend one proposal for approval by the City Commission.