The Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID) recently released a comprehensive roadmap and clear, coordinated plan for growing and improving the Grove’s Central Business District while staying true to the unique character and history of the neighborhood.
The plan, which was led by local studio PlusUrbia Design with support from the Miami office of the architecture and planning firm Perkins+Will, was based on dozens of meetings, a public visioning workshop and numerous interviews with area residents, business owners, civic organizations, and other key stakeholders, as well as more than 400 survey responses.
In addition to defining six focus areas — identity and character, open space, mobility, land use and form, community, and resiliency — the plan incorporates the goals of the Village Council, Grove 2030, and other previous plans into a singular effort.
“This master plan is a launch pad for exciting things to come, and most of all, it ensures that our city municipalities, community groups and stakeholders on the same page. We can now work together to continue elevating the Grove, using this as a resource along the way,” said Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell.
“We’re thinking critically about the decade ahead and how we can encourage growth and vibrancy while maintaining the Grove’s history and charm, and have already begun working on initiatives to that effect, said Nicole Singletary, BID executive director. “As we look to the future, the BID and its board of directors recognize the importance of transportation-related initiatives to bring people into the district, while providing better and more efficient parking options.”
Singletary said that the BID is thinking critically about the decade ahead and how it can encourage growth and vibrancy while maintaining the Grove’s history and charm.
“The Coconut Grove BID has already started to move forward with some of the capital improvements outlined in this plan, starting with parking and transportation initiatives throughout the village,” she added.
“Since its inception, Coconut Grove has been one of South Florida’s most beloved downtowns,” said Juan Mullerat, principal at PlusUrbia Design. “This Implementation Master Plan ensures its continued success amidst growing competition.
“The plan sets guidelines for improvements addressing today’s needs, guiding future development while retaining the Grove‘s unique character,” Mullerat added.
“Coconut Grove has amazing diversity and unique amenities but is challenged by lack of connectivity,” said Steve Wernick, partner at Akerman LLP and a Grove resident who served as chair of the city’s Waterfront Advisory Board. “As the heart of the Grove, the Village Center has the potential to bring everyone and everything together.
“By seeking broad input from civic institutions and stakeholders and incorporating common elements from prior plans and studies, the BID’s master plan creates opportunities to strengthen the business district, and to enhance connectivity, mobility, and quality of life for all residents,” Wernick concluded.
“As a business owner in Coconut Grove, it was important that I was involved throughout the entire process along with my peers, as this term plan will benefit those living, working and visiting the community,” said Claire Lardner, owner of FrameWorks. “We ‘Groveites’ have a very clear vision for the Grove, and this plan puts it on paper. This is something we can build on and work toward for years to come.”
Noriega, CEO of the Miami Parking Authority and board member since the BID’s inception said, “The Coconut Grove master plan process was a well thought out and incredibly inclusive process. Every constituency in the Grove was included and the feedback we received was invaluable. We are very excited to move forward with the planning and implementation phases and have high hopes for the future of Coconut Grove and our Business Improvement District.”
In addition to containing specific short, medium, and long-term actions to guide growth in the Grove in a positive way, the Master Implementation Plan is intentionally flexible and can be modified to keep pace with changing conditions, needs, and desires. Each action falls under the jurisdiction of one or more governmental agencies or civic groups, and may also require broader interagency coordination and support.
The Coconut Grove BID is a board of the City of Miami dedicated to protecting and enhancing the vitality of Coconut Grove’s commercial core. Established in 2009 by its property owners and merchants, the BID has developed a variety of programs to keep the District clean and secure, fund marketing projects, sponsor special events, beautify the streetscapes, make capital improvements, collect and disseminate economic development research, facilitate access to parking, foster new business relationships, and partner with national, state and local organizations.
