News Summary
The Upland Park Mixed-Use Development Project is officially underway in West Miami-Dade County. With a budget of $1 billion, this enormous venture promises over 2,000 apartments, commercial spaces, and community amenities, aiming to redefine urban living in the area. The phased construction is set to enhance public transit connectivity and create numerous job opportunities, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Upland Park: Miami-Dade’s Ambitious Mixed-Use Development
In an exciting turn of events for West Miami-Dade County, the Upland Park Mixed-Use Development Project is officially underway. Situated near the Dolphin Park-and-Ride Transit Terminal Facility, this colossal development is set to redefine urban living in the area, offering a robust mix of residential, retail, and commercial spaces. Estimated to cost around $1 billion, Upland Park promises to deliver over 2,000 apartments, 282,000 square feet of retail space, and a staggering 414,000 square feet of commercial space.
Phased Construction Begins
As of earlier this month, the first phase of construction has kicked off, focusing on the development of 578 apartments. Residents can expect to see these units delivered by 2026. The full buildout of the Upland Park project will unfold in multiple phases, gradually transforming the 47-acre site into a vibrant, self-contained community well-equipped with various amenities.
A Transit-Oriented Vision
The Upland Park project is notable for its transit-oriented design, aimed at boosting public transit ridership and reducing automobile reliance. The plan emphasizes the integration of urban concepts within a suburban environment, thus fostering a more compact neighborhood experience. Infrastructure plans are in place to enhance connectivity with new sidewalks, bike lanes, and connecting streets, ensuring a seamless experience for residents and commuters alike.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Upland Park is projected to generate thousands of jobs and contribute millions of dollars in tax revenue for Miami-Dade County. The county approved the project in 2021 following a competitive bidding process, with various financing and utilities agreements already established. Notably, Upland Park will be the largest public-private transit-oriented development in Miami-Dade County to date.
Financing the Future
In a significant step forward, a $170 million construction loan has been secured for the first phase from SCALE Lending, a debt financing arm of Slate Property Group. Terra, a prominent South Florida development firm, is leading the project, with assistance from the leading general contractor ANF Group, based in Davie, Florida. Architectural designs are being provided by Doral-based PPK Architects, in collaboration with the firms Arquitectonica and Plusurbia Design.
A New Community Hub
Upland Park is set to feature a plethora of amenities, including not just apartments, but also retail spaces like supermarkets, offices, a charter school, and a hotel. This holistic approach aims to create an environment where residents have everything they need right at their doorstep.
Long-Term Lease and Financial Benefits
The land designated for Upland Park was leased to Terra for a substantial 90 years, projected to yield over $1 billion in rent payments to Miami-Dade County during that period. The financial and economic benefits of this project cannot be overstated, as it not only promises immediate job creation but also long-term economic prosperity for the region.
Moving Forward
Construction of the initial phases of Upland Park is slated for completion by 2026, with the entire project expected to wrap up by 2028. As public transit options improve, the project will serve as a model for future developments aimed at fostering sustainability and reducing our reliance on cars. The Upland Park development stands as a beacon of hope for a more integrated and connected Miami-Dade County.
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Additional Resources
- Construction Dive
- Wikipedia: Transit-oriented development
- MultiHousing News
- Google Search: Miami construction projects
- Miami Herald
- Google Scholar: transit-oriented development
- The Next Miami
- Encyclopedia Britannica: urban development
- Community Newspapers
- Google News: Upland Park development
