The Biscayne Boulevard Green Initiative is finally expected to begin construction at the end of the summer, according to the CEO of the Miami Parking Authority.
MPA CEO Alejandra Argudin made the announcement at a June 8 meeting of the Off-Street Parking Board Finance Committee.
The Green Initiative project is being built in partnership with the developers of the 100-story Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Residences, which is being developed across the street.
“Trust me, they’ve been pushing on their end,” Argudin said at the meeting.
Construction had been expected to begin sooner, but “got stopped because of issues with
the city, and issues with the structures that they’re putting in place with water and sewer.”
The green space will run along 3rd and 5th Streets on Biscayne Boulevard, surrounding the exterior of the surface parking lots in the median of the street. A majority of the parking spaces will be preserved.
The green installation will integrate parking with native trees and shrubs, benches, decorative lighting and pavers. There will also be a teahouse serving beverages, pastries and other prepared food.
Swiss landscape architect Enea is overseeing plans for the project, which is being designed to encourage walkability.
(photo: Ryan RC Rea)