A slender glass skyscraper is planned to rise next to the historic First Presbyterian Church in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, bringing 321 residential units, ground floor commercial uses, and new church facilities. Developers 13K-BP Brickell Owner LLC plan to construct the 75-story tower, 619 Bri ckell, at a property at 619 Brickell Ave. The project is to include a publicly accessible baywalk and related amenities, designed by architecture firm Foster + Partners and Sieger Suarez Architects. The city’s Urban Development Review Board voted unanimously to recommend approval with two conditions: ■Revisit the use of glass on the west podium façade facing the church. ■Change program of current gym space on the ground floor. Iris Escarra, an attorney for the developers, said the 1.97-acre property is bounded by Brickell Avenue on the west, the existing office building 701 Brickell to the south, Biscayne Bay to the east, and Mary Brickell Park to the north. In a letter to the city Ms. Escarra wrote: “The project’s striking design responds primarily to human scale and pedestrian interests and will be a positive addition to the Brickell neighborhood.” The developers have a partnership with the church, which will be preserved, she said. First Presbyterian Church is at 609 Brickell Ave. Built in 1949, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and designated historic by the City of Miami in 2003. Ms. Escarra said the project will transform currently vacant and underutilized land in the heart of Brickell neighborhood. She wrote: “With a thoughtful design that places a strong emphasis on improving the pedestrian experience, the project ensures that foot traffic is prioritized at the ground level. “The landscape design of the project contributes to this goal by offering inviting public spaces along the Baywalk, which is further enlivened by a variety of active, habitable uses including a waterfront restaurant. “This thoughtfully crafted space promises to become a bustling, interactive hub that encourages community engagement and fosters a lively atmosphere, making it an integral addition to the neighborhood,” Ms. Escarra said. She said the project fully complies with all applicable Miami 21 requirements and does not require any special zoning approvals, including waivers. An architectural design narrative reads: “Rising to 75 stories, 619 Brickell Ave. responds to its waterfront setting while integrating within its surrounding urban fabric. “The project also acknowledges the significance of the adjacent First Presbyterian Church, one of Miami’s most important historic landmarks. The podium responds directly to this context, with the west elevation informed by the proportions of the church’s stained-glass windows and the principal horizontal datums evident across its elevations.” The tower itself is defined by a gently twisting form generated through a series of counterclockwise rotations that orient the building toward Biscayne Bay to the southeast, according to the architects. Residential units are organized into five collections of apartment types, separated by double-height transition levels accommodating townhouses, sky villas and duplex penthouses. Amenities are organized around wellness, recreation, and community use, including a spa, fitness center, rooftop garden, swimming pool, padel and pickleball courts. The overall project is more than 1.2 million square feet, and includes 7,596 square feet of commercial uses, and is paired with a parking structure for 894 vehicles. Board member Manuel Gallardo called it an excellent product and a photographer’s dream. He told the development team he appreciated “the way you respected the church.” He added, “You looked at every little detail. It will be one of the most outstanding buildings in Miami.” Board member Gia Zapattini said, “I agree. Fantastic job … a very clever respectful solution with the church. I love the scale and the volume behind the church is restrained.” Board member Agustin Barrera said, “I especially love the connectivity at the water level … That is a beautiful building, very elegant. The tower is sculpture, and I love what you did with the podium.” Board member Robert Behar agreed calling the project fantastic. “The tower is absolutely beautiful … amazing job,” he said. Board member Ignacio Permuy commended the development team and said, “exceptional job.” Board Chair Ligia Ines Labrada said, “Very successful structural aspect of the tower.” The post Board OK’s 75 story Brickell tower on historic church’s land appeared first on Miami Today. ...read more read less