The Underline, a 10-mile linear park linking Downtown Miami with points south, ranks high among the most exciting urban developments underway in South Florida. But while the plan to activate underutilized space beneath the Metrorail will be a game changer for cyclists, pedestrians and commuters, the real estate opportunities that the project is creating are equally noteworthy
Phase one of the Underline is nearing completion and is weeks away from opening to the public. Named “Brickell Backyard”, this is a half mile stretch within the Brickell Financial District. Though this initial phase only represents 5% of the Underline’s total length, it is situated in the heart of Miami’s most densely-populated neighborhood and will therefore become an instant gathering spot for nearby residents and visitors – home to a butterfly garden, basketball court, an outdoor gym, space for concerts and movie screenings, and a 50-foot dining table.
While the remainder of The Underline will be developed over the coming years, real estate developers are already getting a head start by building projects that will one day be seamlessly integrated with the linear park and the Metrorail system. These so-called transit-oriented developments (TODs) are designed to alleviate road congestion while promoting sustainability by narrowing the divide between residential, retail, and transit and mobility.
The result will be a network of mixed-use real estate projects linking people in some of Miami’s more desirable neighborhood with the city’s newest park.
Here is a glimpse of what’s coming:
- Terra is partnering with Grass River Property to bridge the gap between people and transit by developing a transit and commercial hub adjacent to the Coconut Grove Metrorail Station. Grove Central will combine workforce housing, neighborhood retail and public transit at the entrance to Coconut Grove. The project will integrate The Underline within its footprint, creating seamless connectivity for pedestrians, residents and commuters. (Read more about Grove Central’s resiliency features in this Miami Herald cover story).
The seven-acre Link at Douglas development, a joint venture between 13th Floor Investments and Adler Group, is underway just one mile to the south. The multi-phased development will include up to 1,500 residential units, 25,000 square feet of retail space, and a 250,000-square-foot office building. The project is also delivering a series of public infrastructure improvements, including renovations to the Metrorail station, a public plaza, and a completed portion of The Underline.- Looking ahead, Miami-Dade County has issued an open-call for proposals for the development of 2.6 acres adjacent to the Vizcaya Metrorail station, located between Coconut Grove and the Brickell Financial District. The Request for Proposals is currently active, with a deadline of November 30th. Developers are being asked to consider the ‘highest and best use’ of the land, which will also be connected to The Underline.
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