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Design review board approves six‑story SoMi Incubator project with staff conditions
Summary
The City of South Miami Design Review Board approved the Somi Incubator, a six‑story mixed‑use building at 5920–5928 SW 68th Street, contingent on staff conditions including unity of title, tree removal permitting, and compliance with resolution 012-2315946 and Florida building and ADA codes.
The City of South Miami Design Review Board on Sept. 17 approved design review for the SoMi Incubator, a previously commission‑approved six‑story mixed‑use building at 5920 and 5928 Southwest 68th Street.
Staff told the board the project covers two parcels totaling 0.503 acres and is consistent with Commission resolution 012-2315946. Lourdes, the board planner, said the building program includes 626 square feet of retail, 17,203 square feet of office, a 795‑square‑foot lobby and 25 rental units, and that the parking garage accommodates 88 spaces (including 18 EV spaces and four accessible spaces). She said the application must still finalize unity of title and a development agreement before permits proceed.
Board members and the project team discussed materials, building massing, and pedestrian activation. The project architect described a ground‑floor arcade that conceals internal parking, three repetitive office floors, rooftop amenities and a large solar array. Board members praised the geometry and solar integration but pressed for design adjustments: soften a large blank side elevation, explore options for street trees despite arcade overhang, confirm planter depths and rooftop seating, and verify fire‑rating requirements where glazed storefronts meet garage areas.
Several board members flagged technical items that must be coordinated at permitting, including FPL vault location and access, parking column placement that could affect vehicle turning, and grading/irrigation associated with raised planters. As Lourdes noted, the project underwent Development Review Committee review on Aug. 13, and the applicant has revised landscaping to address prior comments.
The board voted to approve the application with the condition that the applicant meet staff comments and incorporate the board’s design recommendations. A motion to approve with staff and board comments was made and seconded; the board recorded an affirmative vote and approved DRB‑2024‑029.
Next steps include finalizing unity of title and the development agreement with the City Attorney’s Office and submitting building permit documents that show compliance with the board’s approval and the Florida Building Code and ADA.
