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City of Miami Plan.irg andZontng Department
UDRB APPLICATION FORM
(To be completed by Applicant)

888 BRICKELL PLAZA

PROJECT NAME

APPROX. 830 SE 1 Avenue a/k/a 888 SE Brickell Plaza

PROJECT ADDRESS

Mixed Use
PROPOSED USE

Downtown/Brickell 2
NET DISTRICT COMMISSION DISTRICT

T6-488-O
TRANSECT ZONE

Watson Brickell Development, LLC

OWN

305-428-5122 kdunn@okogroup.com
PHONE NUMBER mar

4100 NE 2 AVE #307 MtAMt, FL 33137

MAILING ADDRESS

Carlos R. Lago, Esquire

APPLICANT

305-579-0578 lagoc@gtlaw.com
PHONE NUMBER E-mail

Greenberg Traurig, PA 333 Avenue of the Americas, Miami, Florida 33131

MAILING ADDRESS

Please reflect all e-mail addresses where you wish to receive any information about your project as well as the UDRB Resolution.
GENERAL PROJECT DATA:

ITEM ALLOWED PROVIDED

TOTAL FLR (sq. ft.)
939,870 sf 939,810 sf
TOTAL DENSITY (units per acre)
N/A N/A
RESIDENTIAL UNITS
N/A NiA
HOTEL ROOMS
NiA N/A
COMMERCIAL/ RETAIL AREA (sq. ft.) N/A 14,831 sf
OFFICE AREA (sq.ft.)
N/A 490,200 sf
OPEN SPACE (sq.ft.)
3,372 SF 3,570 SF
HEIGHT (stories)
48+32 50
HEIGHT (feet)
N/A 732',-0"
PARKING SPACES
461 583
BICYCLE PARKING
33 40
SUSTAINABILITY (i.e. LEED) LEED SILVER LEED SILVER
PUBLIC BENEFITS (type)

PUBLTC BENEFTTS (o/o FLR)

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT SUBMITTED TO UDRB

The mixed-use project infills the last remaining parcel on the urban corner of 8th Street and Brickell
Plaza Drive (SE 1st Avenue). Primarily an office building, the project has activated frontages on both
streets with lobby and retail focused to the corner. An artistíc façade of perforated panels creates a
kinetic aesthetic on the parking façade. The tower distinguishes itself from the pedestal with a curtain
wall façade of silver glass on the main facades and a copper toned frit adjacent to the major
architectural feature. These feature elements create a dramatic cantilever on the west façade and
frame the building vertically before turning horizontal and creating an outdoor room for the restaurant
on the 53rd level.
Pursuant to the Planning and Zoning Department fee schedule, a fee of $150 shall be required prior to the review
and issuance of this planning application. The application fee for signs and murals is $75. Permit fees are non-

t1
DATE

ê
UDRB DATE
E GreenbergTraurig
Carlos R Lago
(305) 579-0578
lagoc@gtlaw.com

September 25,2018
Revised March 11,2019
VIA HAND DELIVERY
l

Mr. Joseph A. Ruiz

Zoning Director
City of Miami
444 SW 2nd Avenue, 4th Floor
Miami, Florida 33128

RE: LETTER OF INTENT

- 18 and 88 SE I Street, 830 and 842 SE I Avenue, Miami, Florida (Folio Nos. 01-
0205-050-1020, 01-0205-050-1010, 0l-0205-050-1120, and 0t-0205-050-llt0)
(collectively, the "Propert¡r") / Letter of Intent for \ilaiver Application / 888 Bricketl
Plaza Project

Dear Mr. Cejas:

We represent Watson Investigations, LLC (the "Applicant"), owner of the above referenced
Ptoperty, in connection with the proposed development of the site. We are pleased to submit this letter
of intent and the enclosed site plan, dated September 21, 2018, as prepared by Adrian Smith + Gordon
Gill Architecture and Rewelta Architecture (the "Site Plan"), as the Applicant's request for approval of
certain Vy'aivers in connection with the development of a mixed-use office building at the Property. The
requested Vy'aiver for development of the Property is in compliance with the requirements of Miami 2l
as set forth below. Specifically, this letter analyzes how the requested rWaivers for development of the
Property:

a Promote the intent of the Transect Zone;

a Are consistent with the guiding principles of Miami 2l;

a Are needed due to the practical difficulty in otherwise meeting the standards of the
Transect Zone; and

a Promote energy conservation and Building sustainability.

I. THE PROPERTY

The Property is located in the heart of the Brickell neighborhood of the City of Miami (the
"City"), an area which has become the City's financial and business district and has experienced rapid
population expansion. The Property fronts SE 1 Avenue (Brickell Plaza) to the east and SE I Streetto
the north. The Property abuts the 57-story SLS Lux project to the west and the The Rok Family Shul to

GREENBERG TRAURIG, P.A. . ATTORNEYS AT LAW . V/WW.GTLAW.COM

333 Southeast Second Avenue . Miami, FL 33131 TeI305.579.0500 . Fax 305.579.0717
ÁC'nVE 19866390v2
'
Mr. Joseph A. Ruiz
888 Brickell Plaza
March I l, 2019

the south. Under Miami 21, the Property has a zoning designation of T6-488-0. Pursuant to the City's
Future Land Use Map, the Property has a land use designation of Restricted Commercial and is located
within the Urban Central Business District (*UCBD"). The Property is sunounded by various multi-
family residential, hotel, office, and commercial uses, including the Brickell City Centre SAP mixed-
use project to the north and the SLS Lux Brickell project to the west. According to the enclosed suryey,
prepared by Fortin, Leavy, Skiles, Inc. (the "suneyo'), the Property contains a lot area of approximately
34,810 square feet or 0.799 acres. The Property currently consists of mostly vacant land. The Property
is located within a Transit Oriented Development as it is within less than a half a mile of seven (7)
Metromover Stations, including the Eight Street Station which is located directly across the street. The
Property is also located within less than half a mile of the Brickell Metrorail Station.

Ir. THE PROJECT

The Property is to be improved with a fifty (50) story oflice tower containing commercial uses
and related amenities, designed by world-renowned architect Adrian Smith from Adrian Smith * Gordon
Gill Architecture (the "Project"). The Project will be an instantly recognizable addition to the Brickell
skyline and will continue the enhancement of the area's urban fabric. Additionally, the Project will
introduce new office and commercial space which will further diversify the existing uses in this area of
Brickell which is dominated primarily by residential and commercial uses.

The Project's has been designed to prioritize pedestrian interests along the ground floor. The
Project's landscape and hardscape has been designed by EneA Garden Design and provides an inviting
public sidewalk which is activated by ground floor commercial uses. Additionally, the proposed podium
contains a fully landscaped terrace which will provide an active open space for the building's tenants
and guests.

2
ACTIVE 19866390v2
lvlr. Joseph A. RuÞ
8EE Brickell Plaza
March I l, 2019

IIL 8F,OUESTED\ilAMRS
The Applioant seeks approval of the following Waivers in connection with the development of
the Project. The following analyzes the requested Waiver's compliance with the intent of the Transect
Zone and sets forth those practical difficulties in otherwise meeting the standards of the Transect 7-one,
or, howthe Waiver promotes energy coü¡ervation and Building sustainability, as applicable.

1. lV¡iver pursuant to Article 7, Section 7.12.5(a)Q8) of Miami 21 to permit up úo a 10Yo

increase ln the permitted Lot Coverage from E0% to 88Vo.

The Applicant seeks approval of a Waiver pursuant to Section 7.1.2.5(a)Q8) of Miauri 2l to

permit aL0Yo increase of the permitted Lot Coverage from 80% to 88%. Please see Sheet A-021
of the Development Plans reflecting the proposed Lot Coverage for the Propefy. The Property
is a narrow and irregularly shaped siæ which creates a practical difficulty in süict adherence to
the Miami 2l Lot Coverage requirements. The Project is appropriate for this dense, r¡rban
environment. As such, a Waiver is requested to permit 88% Lot Coverage at the hoperty to
alleviaæ this practical difñculty and allow the development ofa fi,¡nctional design which provides
the necessary circulation space. The Development Plans exceed the minimum Open Space
require,rnent even with the increased Lot Coverage.

2. Tl¡¡iver requcsted pursuant to Article 7, Section 7.1.2.5(a)(8), to permit up to a 30%o parking

¡
rcduction for properties located within a half mile radÍus of Transit Oriented
Developnent.

The Property is locatpd within a Transit Oriented Development and less than one (l) block away
from the Eighttr Street Metomover Station, as depicted below:

3
ACTIVE t986639h2
 Mr. Joseph A. Ruiz
888 Brickell Plaza
March ll,2019

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The Project's close is located within a short walking distance of multiple Metromover and
Metrorail stations, the Miami Trolley's Brickell route and rnultiple bus stops serving the Brickell
area. As such, the Project will encourage the use of mass transit for employees and visitors.
Miami 2l emphasizes the use of altemative methods of transit and enhancing the experience fbr
those who do not drive. A parking reduction is appropriate due to the level of transit service
available at the Property.

3. Waiver requested pursuant to Article 7, Section 7.1.2.5(10), to permit substitution of one

(1) industrial Loading Berth for two (2) commercial Loading Berths.

The Project proposes a total ol'approximately 490,200 square feet of Office space and 14,831
square feet of Commercial space which requires one (l) industrial loading berth under Article 4,
Table 5 of Miarni 21. The size of the industrial loading berth is not consistent with the proposed
uses at the Property which are predominantly office uses. As such, the Project will be better
served by substituting the recluired industrial loading berth with two (2) commercial ones,
allowing multiple loadings to occur simultaneously. Additionally, the proposed smaller
commercial loading berths can be better accommodated given the site constraints discussed
previously.

4. Waiver pursuant to Article 5, Section 5.6.4(d) to permit, along a PrimarT Frontage, above
ground parking to extend into the Second Layer along the Frontage, if an art, glass, or
architectural treatment of a design approved by the Planning Director, with the
recommendation of the UDRB, is provided for I007o of that portion of the façade.

The Project proposes an extension of parking info the Second Layer along the Primary Frontage.
This extension into the Second Layer is necessary in order to overcome the practical diffìculties
posed by the irregular shape ol'the site. An art or glass treatment will be provided for the length

4
ÅC7'tt'E 19866390r'2
Mr. Joseph A. Ruiz
888 Brickell Plaza
March I l, 2019

of the fagade, with said treatment being approved by the Planning Director, with a
recommendation of the LTDRB.

5. lVaiver purcuant to Article 5, Section 5.6.4(e) to permit, along a Secondary X'rontage, above
ground parking to extend into the Second Layer beyond 507o of the tength of the X'rontage,
if an artr gl¡ss, or ¡rchitectural treatment of a design approved by the Planning Directõr,
with the recommendation of the IJDRB, is provided for th¡t portion of the façade.

The Project proposes an extension of parking into the Second Layer along the Secondary
Frontages. This extension into the Second Layer is necessary in order to overcome the practical
difficulties posed by the inegular shape of the site. An art or glass treatnent will be provided for
the length of the façade, with said üeatnent being approved by the Planning Directoç with a
recommendation of the LJDRB.

6. W¡iver pursuent to Article 7, Section 7,1.2.5(2E) to permit up to a 10oá reduction in the

drive aislewidth.

!h9 Applicant is requesting a reduction of l0% in the requined drive aisle and driveway u'idth.
This Waiver is appropriate to reduse the drive aisle/driveway width by l0% in order to alleviate
a practical difficulty. The Property is inegularly shaped and the proposed 10% reduction in the
required drive aisle/driveway u'idttr is necessary to accommodaæ the required parking, access and
circulation while maintaining the safety of the Project's employees and visitors.

7. Waiver pursuant to Article 5n Section 5.6.1(h) to permit a reduction of the side and rear
uppcr level setback¡ for lots having one dimension of 100 feet or less.

The Applicant seeks the approval of two tffaivers pursuant to Section 5.6.1(h) of Miami 2l for
the reduction of the required setback above the eighth floor for Lots having at least one (1)
dimension of 100 feet or less. As reflected in the Survey and the Development Plans, the Property
contains a Lot dimension of 96.66 feet along its southern boundary. Atthe rear (west), there arê
Lot dimensions of 50.23 feet and 96.49 feet. Pursuant to Section 5.6.1(h) of Miami 21, side and
rear setbacks above the eighth floor for Lots having one (l) dimension of 100 feet or less may be
reduced to a minimum of twenty (20) feet. Due to site consüaints caused by the nanow lot
dimensions and in order to create an efficient design on the Property, a Waiver is required to
reduce the rear setbacks above the eighth floor along the west side of the Property, anüthe side
setbacks above the eighth floor along the south side of the Property, to aminimum of turenty (20)
feet.

5
ACTIYE 19866390v2
lvfr. Joseph A. Ruiz
888 Brickell Plaza
March I l, 2019

E- leiver requestcd pursuant to Article 9, Section 9,l2ftor an ¡djustment to the Landscape

Ordinance requ_iremonts to permit ¡ reduction in the required ¡mount of trees pursuantìo
Section 9.5.5 of Mi¡mi 21.

is requesting a Waiver to permit certain minor deviations from the requirements of

th. lnn¡i9*,
Section 9.5.5 of MiaÍii 21, as depicted in the Development Plans. As reflected in the enclosed
landscape plans, the
¡roposed Project includes a süeetscape design that integrates specialty
paving, planter walls, benches, bash and recycling receptacleJas well as canopy tães, orn-amental
tees and palms on the ground floor and on certain upper floorl to enhance the
building/architecture and to create a pedestrian friendly and inviting environment at the Property.
The Project also provides a canopy/architectual featr¡re along Brickell Plaza which will proviãe
a gathering area and enhance the pedestrian experience.

IV. GT'IDINGPRINCIPLES.OFMIAMI2T

The development of the Property and requested Waivers a¡e consistent with the provisions of
Article 2, Guiding Principles of Miami 21, as follows:

Section 2.1.3.1. The City - Guiding Principles

a. Growth strategies should encourage Infill and redevelopment.

The proposed Project is an infill project located in the Brickell area of the City.

b. New Development should be stn¡ctu¡ed to reinforce a patûern of Neigbborhoods and

urban centers focusing growth at transit nodes rather than along Corridors.

-- The proposed Project will have easy and convenient access to va¡ious public tansit
options including the Eighth Süeet Meüomover Station located directly across the
street from the Property.

c. The Cþ should include a ûamework of tansit, pedesüian, and bicycle systems that
provide alternatives to automobile use.

-- The Project includes vehicular and bicycle parking options and is located in close
proximþ to the Eighth Street Metromover Station and the Brickell Metrorail station.
The Project is also located !\rithin walking distance of the Underline trail and the
Mia¡ni Rìverwalk.

Sec{ion 2.13.2 The Community - Guiding Principles

b. Neighborhoods and Urban centers should be compact, pedestian-oriented and Mixed-

Use. Densþ and Intensity of Use should relate to degree of transit service.

6
IICTM 19866390e2
Mr. Joseph A. Ruiz
888 Brickell Plaza
March I1,2019

The proposed Project will have convenient access to nume¡ous transit

opportunities, such as Metrorail, Metrobus, Miami Trolley and Metromover.

c. The ordinary activitiesof daily living should occur within walking distance of most
dwellings, allowing independence to those who do not drive.

-- The Project is centrally located in the Brickell area which is the City's Financial
District and its home to its principal public transit facilities. There are several
locations which can be reached within walking distance of the site, including the
multiple Metromover Station, the Brickell City Centre SAP project, various
employment centerso restaurantso entertainment, and commercial establishments.

2.1.3,3 The Block and the Building - Guiding Principles

a. Development should adequately accommodate vehicles while respecting the

pedestrian and the spatial form of public space.

-- The Project's propose landscape design creates various opportunities for the
pedestrian which are not currently available in the area including benches, trash
receptacles, and a covered walkway.

b. Buildings should allow their inhabitants to experience the geography and climate
through energy effrcient design.

-- The Project is being proposed as a LEED Silver project or certified equivalency as

per the provisions of Miami 2l .

If you require any additional information or would like to discuss this request further, please
contact me at 305-579-0578. Thank you for your attention and favorable consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

'lfurltuilW/*
Carlos R. Lago

Enclosures

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ÅCTlYlt 19866390v2