Miami Beach Breaks Ground on $29.4M Pedestrianization of Drexel Avenue

The City of Miami Beach has officially broken ground on the highly anticipated Pedestrianization of Drexel Avenue, a $29.4 million capital improvement project that will transform the corridor into a vibrant public space. Designed to enhance walkability and connectivity, the project will feature a small amphitheater, expanded seating, lush landscaping, and improved pedestrian access that better links Lincoln Road to some of Miami Beach’s most important cultural and civic destinations, including the New World Center, Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, and Soundscape Park.

Stretching from Lincoln Lane South to Lincoln Lane North, Drexel Avenue will be converted into a pedestrian-only zone, eliminating vehicular traffic in favor of wide sidewalks, new hardscape areas, modern lighting, and lush green spaces. Construction will also include critical infrastructure upgrades such as storm drainage, paving, irrigation, and improved traffic signals. Once complete, the corridor will not only create a seamless pedestrian experience but also strengthen the connection between Lincoln Road and key landmarks such as The Fillmore Miami Beach and the future Grand Hyatt Convention Center Hotel.

One of the highlights of the redevelopment is an amphitheater-style performance space inspired by the Miami Modern (MiMo) aesthetic, paying tribute to the legacy of architect Morris Lapidus. This new venue will provide flexible space for public gatherings, performances, and cultural programming, adding a fresh dimension to Lincoln Road’s role as Miami Beach’s iconic pedestrian mall. Additional upgrades include new café-style seating areas designed to support local businesses and encourage outdoor dining, further enhancing the area’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.

The Drexel Avenue pedestrianization is part of the broader Lincoln Road Redevelopment Project, a multi-phase initiative designed to reimagine Miami Beach’s most famous retail and entertainment district. With construction expected to take roughly ten months, the project is slated for completion by May 2026, setting the stage for a new era of pedestrian-friendly urban design. City officials emphasize that these improvements will boost the neighborhood’s economic vitality while preserving Lincoln Road’s historic character and enhancing its position as a world-class destination for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

For Miami Beach residents, businesses, and tourists, the redevelopment represents more than an infrastructure upgrade—it signals a renewed commitment to creating people-first spaces that prioritize walkability, sustainability, and community engagement. As work progresses, the pedestrianization of Drexel Avenue is poised to become a defining feature of Miami Beach’s urban landscape, offering a dynamic new gateway to the cultural heart of the city.

On Friday, Another New Britto Gallery Opened on Lincoln Road

Photos by Sean McCaughan

Artist Romero Britto has just plopped down another one of his eponymous art galleries near the east end of Lincoln Road, longitudinally opposite his ever-so-so-slightly older (but still brand new) gallery at Lincoln Road’s west end. The new Britto Store occupies the former Ricky’s Costumes space, and as of Saturday was still missing its ‘Britto’ signage. Not that anyone would confuse it for any other artist’s gallery. There are now more Britto Galleries on On Lincoln Road than any other retail brand except Swatch, 4D, or Starbucks.

On Friday, Mr. Britto officially opened the new Romero Britto Gallery, to sell all the commercially produced and consumer products that the slathers his signature graphic pop-art designs on, including everything from limited edition prints, to giant teddy bears, T-shirts, and table-lamps. Meanwhile, over by Lenox Avenue, the Romero Britto Fine Arts Gallery, which opened about  a week ago, may look like a cloned twin, but this one sells one-off sculptures, paintings, and other creative stuff.

New Britto Gallery Opens on Lincoln Road, in the Heart of the Zika Zone

Sean McCaughan

Graphic artist Romero Britto has opened his new Lincoln Road gallery at the former Serendipity 3 space on Lincoln Road, Miami Condo Investments has just noticed while walking by. The very bright-white space is  hard to miss. Alongside more moodily lit restaurants, it’s like on of those bright floodlights that you see mosquitos flying around… right in the middle of Miami Beach’s new Zika Zone.

1212 Lincoln Mixed-Use Project Gets Approved at Galbut’s Prized Lincoln-Alton Property

Developer Russell Galbut, the developer and ‘big man in charge’ at his development firm Crescent Heights, probably controls more Alton Road frontage than any single other individual, and he’s working on a series of infill developments that eventually may change the face of the street entirely. And that’s probably a good thing, because Alton from the Dade Canal south is really quite blah. You can already see construction bringing changes closer to 5th Street, Galbut also has a new Whole Foods Market in the works up on 19th and Alton, and now a redesigned and enlarged complex absorbing an entire block SW of the intersection with Lincoln (the previous design had been more angular). The project, which is being designed by two firms doing separate sections, Perkins+Will and Avroko, was just approved by the Miami Beach Design Review Board. This is primo, primo property, so Galbut is going all the way. The five story project includes a 447-space parking garage, a large food court functioning as a “common space” overlooking Alton Road,  a 100 guest room luxury hotel, and retail.

And yes, 1212 Lincoln is obviously a riff on 1111 Lincoln, the famous parking garage catercorner to it across the intersection.

Real Deal goes more in depth.