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:
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
“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 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.
As a Miami native, Mayor of Key Biscayne Mayra Lindsay has held a lifelong passion for her community. She’s been a champion for preserving Virginia Key’s and Biscayne Bay’s natural ecosystems, a voice for her constituents, and, when she gets a free minute, an avid boater.
Read on to learn more about Mayor Lindsay’s background, her favorite spots on Virginia Key and more!
What was your path to becoming the Mayor of Key Biscayne?
I’m a lifelong resident of Miami-Dade and have lived on Key Biscayne for 24 years. Over that span, I became more involved in community programs and events and began giving back through organizations like the Junior League of Miami, the Girl Scouts, Inn Transition North, the Key Biscayne Community School and Key Biscayne citizen boards. My decision to seek elected office grew from this involvement. A community is only as strong as the time that residents are willing to put in. That’s how local democracy works best. I ran for office after chairing the Key Biscayne Youth Advisory Board, where I saw how budgets and policies were made. I figured growing my participation in local government was the best path to enacting more change, and that led to running for Village Council.
Were there any surprises about the Village that you encountered after earning elected office?
Going back to my first campaign seven years ago, I was constantly struck with the level of engagement in the Key Biscayne community. When I eventually took office, I was amazed at how hands-on our residents and businesses were in their local government. People know the issues, share their concerns, attend meetings and most important, they bring ideas and solutions to the table.
Residents of Key Biscayne pass through Virginia Key more than anyone else – what does the island mean to your community?
Virginia Key is our connection to the rest of Miami-Dade County. Driving through the island is a daily reminder of how lucky we are to have Biscayne Bay in our backyard and a unique and fragile ecosystem so close to our urban core. It’s also a reminder that we are all stewards of our local environment. Thankfully the vast majority of Virginia Key is still undeveloped, so it’s really a critically important piece of our natural habitat. Ongoing efforts to restore the living shoreline by planting native mangrove seedlings is a huge boost for the island’s coastline.
What are some of your favorite places to go boating?
My go-to spots are a closely-held secret. Just kidding! I love being in the Bay during sunset, with the Miami skyline framing the perfect backdrop. I also enjoy waterskiing in the Marine Stadium basin. That’s where I learned how to get up on skis and ultimately taught my daughters.
Where will we find you on a Sunday afternoon? Any ‘best kept secrets’ that you care to share?
I’ll probably be walking on Crandon Beach, which is really one of Miami’s natural gems. And after that, I’ll be at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club enjoying a glass of wine with friends and neighbors, watching the sunset and enjoying some downtime before the busy week ahead.
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.
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.
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.
