Design Review Board approves 28‑story tower at 1250 West Avenue with Baywalk conditions

The Miami Beach Design Review Board on May 14 approved a 28‑story residential tower at 1250 West Avenue with conditions tying occupancy to delivery of a Baywalk connection and public access features.

Staff told the board that the project, filed as DRB 25‑1159, would build a slim 329 ft‑8 in tower with about 106 units, underground parking and a landscaped podium. "Staff recommends that the application be approved subject to the condition of the attached draft order," staff said, noting the draft includes conditions to ensure Baywalk connectivity, hours of operation and a covenant for public access to a waterfront viewing platform.

The applicant, represented by Michael Larkin of Terra Group, described support agreements with adjacent condo associations to mitigate construction impacts and detailed design changes intended to reduce bulk near West Avenue. Larkin said the team had voluntarily agreed to prohibit short‑term rentals at the site and to pursue Baywalk segments that would connect to adjacent properties.

The hearing included a brief but consequential public comment exchange. Christina Vega, who identified herself as founder of a real‑estate investigation group, alleged a "fatal jurisdictional defect," saying her forensic audit found developer entities listed in the development agreement were not present in the Delaware corporate registry and that she would submit her report to the city attorney and federal authorities. The board did not adjudicate that claim at the hearing; staff noted that legal and corporate concerns raised by members of the public would be referred to the appropriate city offices for review.

Several nearby residents and condo leaders testified in support. Jason Gross, president of the Bay View Terrace condo association, said the project team "has made meaningful refinements, particularly the lowered pedestal height and increased setback from the bay that have improved the overall architectural character and compatibility of the project within the neighborhood context." Other speakers praised the proposed landscaping and the prospect of completing missing segments of the Baywalk.

Board members and staff focused most substantive deliberations on the Baywalk. Staff explained the over‑water alignment would require modification of the development agreement and separate permitting from outside agencies; to guard against permitting or easement delays, the board included a backup requirement: if over‑water permits or a DA modification are not secured before the building's temporary certificate of occupancy, the applicant must provide the Baywalk on the upland western edge of the property subject to staff approval. The applicant and staff also agreed to a condition encouraging integration of Baywalk cameras with the city’s system for security.

The board removed one staff condition that requested additional rooftop architectural treatments; staff retained peer‑review authority during plan check to confirm the final rooftop materials and lighting. The board’s approval included a covenant ensuring continuous public access to the waterfront viewing platform the development proposes.

Motion and outcome: The board approved DRB 25‑1159 with the modifications described above. The motion was moved by Mr. Lester, seconded by Miss Mindage, and passed unanimously by the members present.

What happens next: The project will proceed to building permit review, technical plan check and outside‑agency permitting for the Baywalk if the over‑water alignment remains the preferred approach. If over‑water approvals do not materialize, the draft order requires the upland Baywalk alternative before occupancy.