Biscayne Green - Miami DDA

Biscayne Green

Overview
The proposed vision of Biscayne Green calls for the redesign of Biscayne Boulevard into Miami’s grand pedestrian promenade, similar to that of San Francisco’s Embarcadero, Madrid’s Paseo del Prado, and Barcelona’s Las Ramblas. In 2011, the Miami DDA completed a comprehensive streetscape analysis for a complete redesign of six (6) blocks of Biscayne Boulevard. The preferred concept includes a reduction of vehicular lanes, on-street parking, wider sidewalks, a central promenade and a dedicated bicycle facility. The two main goals of this vision are 1). To Improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along one of the most dangerous sections of Biscayne Blvd, and 2). Deliver an enriched pedestrian experience via a large public promenade, expanded sidewalks, large shade trees, native plantings outdoor dining, improved LED lighting, signage, public art, outdoor furniture, children’s play areas, dog parks, limited retail and kiosks and free community events.

Master Plan Goals
3.2 Create Grand Promenade Along Biscayne Boulevard
3.4 Promote Public Art & Landmarks Along Biscayne Boulevard and Brickell Avenue
3.5 Activate Biscayne Boulevard and Brickell Avenue with Ground Floor/Outdoor Dining and Retail
4.0 Create Great Streets and Community Spaces
5.1 Rebalance Roadways Towards Transit, Pedestrians and Cyclists

1-Year Outlook: Pending approval, project can advance into a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study and a full 100% Design Document for permitting and construction. Procurement for design. Agreements needed for maintenance and operations as well as loss of revenue from the parking spaces.
2-Year Outlook: Once fully designed and permitted, funding for construction will need to be acquired and a contractor procured. Construction could begin.
3-Year Outlook: Depending on the complexity of design, construction could finish within year 4 or 5.

Biscayne Green Lane Elimination Analysis

In 2017, the Miami DDA and the City of Miami were awarded a $420,000 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to conduct a Lane Elimination Analysis. This study has examined repurposing vehicular travel lanes into protected bike lanes and possible transit-only lanes, converting the interior parking bays into a pedestrian promenade/green space, and implementing enhanced crosswalks and intersections.

In 2019, the DDA/City consultant team began data collection and conducting one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders. Two committees comprised of key stakeholders, cultural institutions and partner agencies were formed to gather input and address concerns. Eleven progress meetings have been held over the last three years, both in-person and virtually during COVID.

The final Lane Elimination Analysis Report and 30% Design Document will be submitted to FDOT central office in May 2022. If FDOT approves the repurposing of vehicular travel lanes, the project can proceed to 100% construction documents and permitting. A significant amount of work will be needed to coordinate with the City, the County, FDOT and the Miami Parking Authority, who manages/maintains the six parking bays. The central parking medians, which would be transformed into the new central promenade, would still need to be designed and constructed, plus agreements would need to be executed as to whom will maintain and activate the spaces.

Click image below to download a copy of the full report:

Biscayne Green Pop-Up Park (2017)

In 2017, with support from the Knight Foundation and the Miami Foundation, the Miami DDA created a one-month temporary installation within 2 parking bays in the median of Biscayne Boulevard and 1 Metromover Station, reimagining the boulevard and creating a new active public space for the enjoyment of Downtown Miami residents and visitors. The installation provided both recreational and passive amenities, fun and interactive elements, as well as events for guests of all ages, both day and night, allowing people to gather and connect. The demonstration project featured 26 free community events, hosted over 20,000 visitors, and provided residents and businesses a sneak peek into the future of Downtown Miami and build the necessary support for the long-term vision.

The Biscayne Green One-Month Public Space Intervention was awarded the 2017 International Downtown Association (IDA) Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence and the 2017 Florida American Society of Landscape Architects (FLASLA) Award of Excellence.