Tag: Rickenbacker Marina

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:

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.

Marina PARC kicks off with SoundWaves Earth Day Jam

Posted on by Sara Rosenthal

Nearly 1,000 members of the community celebrated Earth Day at the Rickenbacker Marina’s first ever free concert: SoundWaves. The event transformed the marina into a 1970s Florida Keys beach town, complete with live music by Soulixer, Agape and Locos por Juana.

Tropical cocktails were flowing thanks to Mac’s Pub and local food vendors dished out tacos, ceviche and lobster rolls. Nearby, guests faced off over Jenga and corn hole as music enthusiasts scoured a treasure trove of vintage vinyl.

The event was also a chance for the community to preview Marina PARC’s plans for the Rickenbacker Marina, which will prioritize Public Access, Recreation and Community (PARC) by adding public event spaces, waterfront promenades, amenities for boaters, new restaurants, and more. Lean more details about Marina PARC’s plans here, and check out photos from SoundWaves in the below gallery.

Made in Miami: Jose Goyanes is the ultimate urban pioneer

Posted on by Nick

When Jose Goyanes isn’t casting a line off-shore or cruising Biscayne Bay, you’re likely to find him holding court at Churchill’s Barber Shop in downtown Miami.

A pioneer in Miami’s urban revitalization, the native Goyanes was a downtown business owner before owning a business in downtown was considered ‘cool.’

Today, Churchill’s is the go-to spot for well-groomed gentlemen in Miami, and Goyanes’ Metro Beauty Center is one of the top-performing retail shops in all of downtown.

He’s the original downtown Miami entrepreneur.

You’re a life-long Miami resident and a longtime downtown business owner – how has the community changed over the years?
Miami has become a big city with big city issues. The changes to the skyline are beautiful and the city has grown culturally with new museums and theaters. We now have a thriving food scene as well. More people want to live here than ever before, especially in downtown, and that has led to fast growth and the growing pains that come with it.

How did you get your start as a downtown entrepreneur?
Having lived and worked in New York after college, I saw downtown Miami as a mini version of New York with better weather. We had foot traffic on the streets and there was opportunity in the real estate market at the time with more tourists and residents arriving. Opening a business in the area was a no brainer, but I needed to figure out the right product and services to offer. That led me to open Metro Beauty Supply and Churchill’s Barber Shop.

You’ve always been a hands-on advocate for quality of life improvements at street-level. What initiatives are you engaged in today?
When you operate a business at street-level in downtown, you are exposed to the peaks and valleys of an urban marketplace. You are more in tune and aware of the social issues that affect quality of life and the customer experience. Working with the Downtown Development Authority, we’ve created a “Downtown Enhancement Team” which creates job opportunities for formerly homeless residents who work hard to keep our streets clean. We’ve also teamed up with local government to provide bathrooms at the street level for anyone to use – including those living on the street. The mobile bathroom project, “PitStop,” is one of the most innovative programs in downtown Miami history. I’m proud to be involved, both from an entrepreneurial and a humanitarian standpoint.

What are some of your favorite ‘hidden gems’ in Miami – where can we find you when you’re not holding court at Churchill’s?
There are so many interesting Miami neighborhoods, from the Grove to Wynwood and everywhere in between. I love Sapore Di Mare in the Grove and Miam Cafe in Wynwood has the best breakfast burritos in town. You’ll find the best hometown beer at J Wakefield Brewery. The Corner Bar in Downtown has great cocktails, and of course you’ve got to hit Garcia’s on the River for fresh seafood.

You also love boating, so what are some things that Miami can do to become a more welcoming place for boaters?
We need more affordable, transient dockage for boaters and more restaurants on the water. Our local government needs to work with the business community to expand access to the waterfront so that all can enjoy the best that Miami has to offer. The new vision for the Rickenbacker Marina is a step in the right direction, as it will bring new restaurants and more amenities for boaters while also welcoming the general public. The City of Miami was wise to usher in this project, and Marina PARC’s plans for the redevelopment would be a change for the better.

Made in Miami: Morgan Blittner makes a splash with TKS Watersports

Posted on by Nick

Local entrepreneurs Morgan Blittner and Juan Pavan have owned and operated the iconic TKS shop for nearly 13 years. The two met through the Miami watersports scene and together recognized the large need for a kitesurf shop in Miami.

They opened their first TKS – The Kite Shop – in Key Biscayne in 2004 and have been growing their local empire gradually ever since. Today, TKS operates watersports concessions across South Florida and retail locations in Miami Beach and Coconut Grove. Step into a store and you’ll find everything from surf gear and paddle boards, to swimwear and kite surfing equipment.

Co-owner Morgan Blittner attributes the store’s success to the fact that he and Juan surf the same breaks and paddle the same waters that their clients do. We caught up with Morgan to discuss his business journey and inspirations.

How did you get into watersports growing up in New York?
Everyone is surprised to learn that there’s surfing just 40 minutes outside Manhattan. In fact, there are tons of opportunities to get involved in watersports in New York. Growing up in Rockaway Beach, I was raised near the water. Since then, I’ve lifeguarded, surfed up and down the coast of Long Island, and even paddle boarded around Manhattan four times to raise awareness for autism.

How did you get into the surf shop business?
I met my business partner Juan after moving to Miami through the local surf scene. I had been kitesurfing and paddle boarding since the two sports were invented, just as Juan had been, so it was a natural fit and we quickly hit it off.

We both saw a big need for a kitesurfing store, so we combined forces and opened up our first location in Key Biscayne.

What’s the industry like down here?
At both our Miami Beach and Coconut Grove retail locations, the majority of our clients are locals, but people come in from all over the world. Surfing is of course a big draw, but stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are also popular. We’re seeing more and more people become active through watersports each day, and it’s a great thing for the community.

When not surfing what do you do in spare time?
Glass art has been a passion of mine for a long time. I had been doing pottery since I was 12 years old, and got into glass art when I was studying at the University of Miami. The glass art facility was in the same building as one of my psychology classes and it really caught my interest – it’s actually the reason I stayed in Miami. I went all over the world to study, and for a while I even had a storefront in Wynwood before it was ‘Wynwood.’

What’s next for the water sports business?
Non-motorized water activities have been gaining popularity. Right now TKS operates the only non-motorized concession on Miami Beach and we’ve seen more and more people gravitate towards kitesurfing and paddle boarding over motorized activities like jet skiing. There’s growing demand for activities that get people out on the water and promote wellness, so it’s a matter of finding locations where we can connect with customers.

For example, we’re teaming up with the Marina PARC group with the goal of opening a non-motorized watersports concession at the new Rickenbacker Marina. This would be a huge win for the community, as it will grant the public expanded access to Biscayne Bay and Virginia Key.