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(Photo Credit: Wynwood Walls and Nika Kramer)
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have been a go-to tool for neighborhoods wanting to plow investment back into their communities, and improve quality of life.
Property owners in the decade old Wynwood BID recently voted resoundingly to approve its continuation for a second 10 years, through 2033. The largest one-of-its-kind in Florida, the BID covers a 50-city-block neighborhood that has experienced an exciting transformation, taking it from an abandoned industrial zone to a bustling arts and nightlife destination.
More recently, Wynwood has become a desirable location for new office and residential developments, and now, major new hotels from the world-renowned Arlo brand and the soon-to-be-launched Moxy by Marriot. The approximately 400-plus property owners within the Wynwood BID’s boundaries signed affidavits supporting its renewal, with about 60 percent voting in favor. The final step was when the City of Miami Commission and Mayor Francis Suarez officially voted to approve the continuation of the BID at their Oct. 26 meeting.
“This recertification is a victory for our neighborhood, our residents, our businesses and our visitors,” said Manny Gonzalez, long-time executive director of the Wynwood Business Improvement District. “Our goal is to have another successful decade of embracing change like urban planning and landscape design while also working to maintain Wynwood’s place as an appealing cultural destination and creative center.”
BIDs function as special tax districts that allow for an additional assessment to support initiatives and programs that governments cannot fully cover. In addition to Wynwood, they have been successful locally in places such as Miami Beach, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, and other major cities like New York. In partnership with area businesses, owners, developers and residents, working with the City of Miami, the Wynwood BID has been a significant catalyst in the neighborhood’s growth, improving quality of life, and in ongoing synergies between new investors, and existing businesses and cultural venues.
During the past decade, Wynwood has experienced an exponential increase in visitors, with the number rising from 240,000 in 2013 to a staggering 15 million annually in 2023. Today, Wynwood supports 5,000 new jobs and generates more than 20 percent of the City of Miami’s parking transactions.
In partnership with the City of Miami Planning Department and Plusurbia, the Wynwood BID developed Miami’s first Neighborhood Revitalization District (NRD) plan to maintain the neighborhood’s distinctive street art and industrial feel, while encouraging a 24-hour community for live, work and play lifestyles. The BID has accomplished significant successes through its partnership with the City of Miami Police Department, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in crime. Additionally, the BID has made a substantial contribution of $3.5 million towards Wynwood Works, a program aimed at developing 5,000 micro units of affordable housing, and invested $1 million towards office development in the area.
The BID has also created a Clean Team to remove trash and debris daily to maintain a clean and attractive neighborhood. These notable achievements have garnered national recognition for the BID in the past decade, with awards such as being one of the greatest neighborhoods in America and being recognized for its Economic Development Planning by the American Planning Association (APA)
In the arts, Wynwood continues to thrive and be the home of the iconic Wynwood Walls, Museum of Graffiti, Margulies Collection, Mana Wynwood, Gary Nader Art Centre, recently opened Paradox Museum, and many more.
The neighborhood remains a center for over 3,000 units of unique retail, restaurant and nightlife businesses, including Zak the Baker, Oasis Wynwood, 1-800-Lucky, Gramps and UNKNWN. Annual special events such as Miami Art Week, Miami Music Week and Wynwood Pride fill the community with pedestrian traffic and excitement.
Major developments in the area include the Arlo Wynwood hotel, 545 Wyn, The NoMad Residences, Diesel Wynwood apartment complex and The Dorsey, as well as upcoming projects such as 29N Wynwood, Moxy Hotel Wynwood, and The Wynwood Plaza.
Additionally, the neighborhood is experiencing growth in mixed-use residential and office spaces with developments including Strata Wynwood, CUBE Wynwd, WYND 27 & 28, Society Wynwood, Annex Wynwood, Sentral Wynwood, Wynwood Atriums and The Gateway at Wynwood. Currently, there are 600,000 square feet of commercial retail space under construction as Wynwood continues to evolve.
“Wynwood property owners and businesses understand the importance of investing in infrastructure enhancements, safety initiatives, forward-thinking planning and destination branding that are key to the BID’s work,” Gonzalez said.
For more information, visit www.wynwoodmiami.com. Wynwood Business Improvement District office is located at 58 NW 27 St. Miami, FL 33127; phone 305-316-8202.
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