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Wynwood committee recommends approval of Kush adaptive-reuse elevations; asks art follow guidelines
Summary
The Wynwood Design Review Committee recommended approval of two adaptive-reuse applications for Kush (2003 North Miami Avenue), approving proposed storefront and glazing changes while asking that final artwork follow the Wynwood art/glazing guidelines and that art placement and programming be maintained as the project proceeds.
The Wynwood Design Review Committee recommended approval of two adaptive‑reuse applications for the Kush property at 2003 North Miami Avenue (WDRC items 7 and 8), which will restore the existing building and add new storefront glazing and street-level interventions while preserving the facility's historic character.
Carlos Lanza of Bogos Lanza Architects presented a preservation-minded approach that keeps the building's original fabric while meeting modern code constraints for accessibility, egress and life-safety. Lanza said the client preferred saving and restoring the building rather than demolishing and replacing it with a new tower; that approach required creating accessible entrances, new egress, and other modifications that triggered substantial‑compliance code reviews.
The committee noted the project's civic and historic value and approved both the south-elevation and the secondary‑elevation submissions as recommendations to the planning director. Staff explained that code requires art or glazing interventions on significantly altered facades in Wynwood and that applicants submit an art narrative when placed on the agenda; the board's approval was conditioned on the art following the Wynwood art and glazing parameters submitted in the packet and on staff verification of the square footage and placement at permit review.
Applicant Matthew Kusher (Kusher Property) and the architect said the final artists were likely to be local graffiti and mural artists (applicant cited Atomic, Claudio Picasso, Jay Brutus among possible contributors) and that the project team would program rotating artwork to keep the building's street presence active. The committee praised the applicant for retaining the building in place and for plans to bring the building back into active street use with new storefronts and pedestrian engagement.
Votes: the committee voted to recommend approval of the south elevation (WDRC item 7) and the other elevation (WDRC item 8); both motions carried by voice vote. Staff will draft resolutions and attach conditions for art and glazing to building permits and the planning director will act on the WDRC recommendation during permit review.
