ChatGPT Transforming Miami Beach: The Proposed 5-Story Office Building at 1100 5th Street
Miami Beach is poised for an exciting transformation with the proposal of a new 5-story commercial office building at 1100 5th Street, in the vibrant South of Fifth neighborhood. Designed by the renowned Eduardo Souta de Moura and Zyscovich Architects, and developed by Sumaida + Khurana in collaboration with property owners Roslyn and Norton Nesis and Robert and Miriam Weiss of Weiss Properties, this project promises to be a landmark addition to the area.
The planned building stands approximately 80 feet tall and encompasses a total construction area of about 101,424 square feet. The design incorporates a Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R.) of 65,274 square feet, which includes 43,797 square feet dedicated to office space. It also features 7,142 square feet of both indoor and outdoor amenities and 7,204 square feet allocated for a ground floor restaurant. Moreover, the design plans to provide 105 parking spaces to accommodate both tenants and visitors.
Situated on an “L” shaped parcel that stretches over approximately 0.75 acres, the site currently hosts two commercial structures. One is a former Pier One retail store, and the other a Burger King restaurant, both of which will be replaced by the new development. This location, at the intersection of Fifth Street, Alton Road, and Lenox Avenue, extending to 4th Street, is pivotal for enhancing the connectivity and aesthetic of the neighborhood.
The ground floor of the new building will house the main office lobby, a restaurant, and essential back-of-house facilities, along with a publicly accessible open court/patio. To align with the city’s resiliency policies aimed at reducing traffic, the project will also include a Mobility Hub, featuring long-term bicycle racks, lockers, a repair workshop, and showers for commuting cyclists.
The second level is designed for parking, including ADA-compliant spaces and VIP self-parking for office tenants. The upper floors, from the third to the fifth, will accommodate additional office spaces, promoting a modern, light-filled workspace with extensive balconies and glazing.
One of the project’s striking features is its architectural design, which transitions smoothly from the bustling commercial environment of Fifth Street to the quieter residential zones to the south and east. The building steps down in mass and height towards the south, integrating decorative columns that taper with each ascending floor, thus providing a harmonious transition to adjacent areas.
The development seeks a waiver to modify the sidewalk elevation along Fifth Street to better integrate with the existing landscaped areas and pedestrian pathways. Additionally, two variances are requested. One is for the design of an open court space, which, although larger than required, needs adjustment due to its integration with bus and pedestrian traffic. The second variance seeks a slight increase in the maximum building height to enhance the structure’s resilience to sea level rise.
The Miami Beach Design Review Board is set to review this application on June 6th. If approved, this project will not only provide much-needed office space but also boost local amenities and improve urban connectivity, making it a significant enhancement to the South of Fifth neighborhood. This development represents a thoughtful blend of modern design with practical functionality, aiming to set new standards for commercial office buildings in Miami Beach.
