UDRB approves three Biscayne and Live Local projects; roll call votes recorded

The Urban Design Review Board voted to approve three projects during the session: two adjacent Biscayne Boulevard projects presented together but considered separately (UDRB items 5 and 6, track IDs 17621PZ2418644 and 17622PZ241818644) and a separate 36-story live-local project (UDRB item 7, ID 17642).

UDRB items 5 and 6: Biscayne Residences The two side-by-side, by-right projects located along Biscayne Boulevard were presented as a unified design package by project representatives including Carlos Lago and architect Bernardo Fort Brescia of Arquitectonica. Site A (item 5) was described as roughly one acre with 20 stories, 86 residential units, 4,276 square feet of commercial space, two lodging keys and 224 parking spaces. Site B (item 6) was described as approximately 1.1 acres with 20 stories, 79 residential units, 4,598 square feet of commercial space and 50 parking spaces. Board members praised the materiality and pedestrian activation, noting the projects were designed fully by right with no waivers requested. Member Behar moved approval of item 5 and the motion passed on roll call; the board then approved item 6 in a separate roll-call vote.

UDRB item 7: Live Local 36-story tower The board also approved a 36-story residential tower presented by representatives from NewSense LLC, Edward Martos and architect Carlos Jimenez of ATO Architects. The applicant said the project would include approximately 328 units, a podium with ground-floor activation, amenity decks and a screened garage; the applicant noted the site is within T6-8 zoning and close to higher-density transit zones. Board members complimented the design and approved the project on a roll-call vote. The board recorded unanimous yes votes for each of these items among the members present.

Votes at a glance - UDRB item 5 (Track ID 17621PZ2418644) – Motion to approve (mover: member Behar); outcome: approved (roll call: unanimous of members present). Key details presented: 20 stories, ~86 units, 224 parking spaces, 4,276 sq ft commercial. - UDRB item 6 (Track ID 17622PZ241818644) – Motion to approve (mover: member Behar; seconder: vice chair Barrera); outcome: approved (roll call: unanimous of members present). Key details presented: 20 stories, ~79 units, 50 parking spaces, 4,598 sq ft commercial. - UDRB item 7 (ID 17642) – Motion to approve (mover: vice chair Ferreira); outcome: approved (roll call: unanimous of members present). Key details presented: 36 stories, approximately 328 units, ground-floor retail, podium amenity deck and screened garage.

What this means: Each approval advances the projects through the UDRB preliminary review process and signals the board's support for the designs as presented; subsequent submittals and interdepartmental reviews remain required before building permits or final approvals.