Miami Beach plans new library and health clinic at 663 Alton Road

The Historic Preservation Board of Miami Beach convened on April 11, 2023, to discuss a significant proposal for a new public library and health clinic to be constructed on an existing surface parking lot. This project involves relocating the current Miami-Dade County Health Center from its location on the west side of Alton Road to the east side, where the parking lot is situated. The area is within a historic district, which necessitates a certificate of appropriateness for the construction.

City staff expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its compatibility with the surrounding architecture and its potential to enhance the pedestrian experience in the area. The proposed two-story building will feature a public library on the ground floor and a community health center on both the ground and second floors. The building's height is set at 26 feet 5 inches, significantly lower than the maximum allowable height of 50 feet for this section of Alton Road.

The design includes relocating existing live oak trees to improve the streetscape and pedestrian access. The project aims to create a welcoming environment, addressing current concerns about the area’s accessibility and appeal. The Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association has also expressed unanimous support for the proposal, marking a notable achievement for the developers.

During the meeting, board members raised questions regarding the size of the drop-off area for vehicles, the potential for future expansion of the clinic, and the provision of bicycle parking. The developers clarified that the new clinic will be larger than the existing facility and that there are plans for additional bike parking. They also confirmed that the building complies with current flood elevation standards and is designed to withstand severe weather conditions.

The development agreement with Miami-Dade County includes a financial contribution of $5 million for the library, which is significantly less than the actual cost of construction. The project has garnered community support, evidenced by a recent referendum that approved a density increase for the area.

Overall, the meeting underscored the project's potential to revitalize the neighborhood while preserving its historic character, with plans moving forward for further review and approval.