Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Coconut Grove Renovation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Coconut Grove station closed for four-month renovation; developer funding covers $6 million project
Summary
Work began Jan. 21 to modernize Coconut Grove MetroRail Station. The developer of the adjacent transit‑oriented project is privately funding a roughly $6 million renovation, and the county will run shuttle and freebie services while the station is closed.
The Coconut Grove Metrorail station was closed Jan. 21 for a four-month, developer-funded modernization that includes elevator and escalator replacement, new flooring, two restrooms and other upgrades, Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works staff told the Citizens—s Independent Transportation Trust on Jan. 29.
Why it matters: Coconut Grove is a busy station adjacent to new transit-oriented development; the closure will temporarily change how riders access Metrorail and local retail and may increase demand on nearby stations and shuttle services.
Scope and schedule: "The Coconut Grove, Metro Rail Station renovations, commenced, January 21st," said Javier Bustamante. He described the work as a complete modernization of aging conveyance systems and station finishes: "The scope includes elevators and escalator renovations, complete modernization, ripping out all the old 40 years old systems... installation of new flooring and tile on the ground floor and the upper platform, new tactile strip on the upper platform... 2 new restrooms... painting of the interior columns... removal of the wood benches... being replaced with the granite benches... lighting improvements, of course, and hardscape and landscape on the ground floor." Bustamante said the developer-funded contract was about $6,200,000 and that the developer is paying the entire cost as part of the transit-oriented development agreement.
Operations during closure: County staff said the station will be bypassed by trains while work occurs. "Bus shuttle will be provided by the county, to and from the station, connecting folks ... to Douglas Metro Rail Station," Bustamante said. He also said the developer will provide a Freebee (on-demand shuttle) option during operating hours as a fallback if riders miss a shuttle.
Why the limited closure: Trust members asked why the work could be finished more quickly; Bustamante and DTPW staff said full closures allow much more productive construction windows than nights-and-weekends work. Members noted the lengthy timeline on earlier Douglas station improvements and urged more visible rider communications before closures.
Funding and development context: The renovation is privately financed by the Terra Group as part of the developer—s obligations under a lease for the adjacent transit-oriented development. Bustamante said the developer has an incentive to finish quickly because the renovation ties directly to resident and tenant access at the new buildings.
Rider communications and next steps: Members asked for clearer on-site signage and early alerts; one member said the station signage announcing the closure is difficult to see from trains. DTPW staff said operators are making announcements aboard trains and the county will try to improve advance notification. Bustamante said station demolition work began immediately after safety protections were installed and showed photos of demolition and removed escalator internals.
Ending: DTPW staff said the contractor expects to complete the work by May 2025. In the meantime, county shuttles and the developer—s Freebee service will connect riders to nearby stations.
