UDRB clears 55‑story Live Local tower in Overtown, asks for entrance module and activated podium art

The Urban Development Review Board approved a 55‑story Live Local project in Southeast Overtown that proposes 498 residential units and a podium with amenity decks, subject to three conditions that the board said will strengthen the project's relationship to the street.

Applicant counsel and the architect said the project uses Live Local density and includes a mix of micro dwellings, indoor/outdoor amenity decks at the podium level and a landscaped drop‑off with retail at the ground level. The project team emphasized the use of a patterned facade/lattice that will be expressed on all sides; the applicant also said the team is coordinating with a local artist for permanent podium artwork and was open to LED or projection treatments if city rules allow.

After discussion, the board approved the item "as presented with conditions." The conditions read into the record were: 1) integrate a three‑story module from the tower down into the podium to celebrate and articulate the main entrance; 2) study live/active art on the podium such as projection or digital media mesh in coordination with staff; and 3) add additional planters/planting along the sidewalk while complying with city landscape standards. The vote was 3‑0.

Board members also recommended that a portion of the tower module be brought down at the corner to create a stronger canopy and to celebrate the main entry; the applicant agreed to study the detail and work with staff before building permit.