Open Space Key to Convention Center Plans

MIAMI—A key component of the 52-acre Miami Beach Convention Center District is public spaces. Once again, the two entities vying for development rights are at odds on how best to plan this.

In part two of this series that takes a side-by-side look at how South Beach ACE and Portman-CMC plan to tackle the redevelopment, we asked what would differentiate the configuration of the renovated Miami Beach Convention Center Building. In part three, we asked yet another key question: How will you approach the new public spaces that will be created as part of your master plan.

“Our plan includes approximately 23 acres of public open space, centered on the Miami Beach Square, a new type of public space envisioned for Miami Beach that is part town green, part civic space and part laid-back living room,” Ambrish Baisiwala, CEO of Portman Holdings, tells GlobeSt.com. “This space enables people to create their own experiences, such as incorporating open lawns shaded by palm trees for relaxing, playing, and informal events; granite pavings for a diversity of activities and ceremonies—from high school graduations and Art Basel gatherings to political platforms and community festivals; and a water feature where children can play or watch the dynamic display.”

Baisiwala went on to explain that art parks, containing changing displays, will connect the square with Miami Beach's other green icons, such as SoundScape Park, Miami Beach Botanical Garden and the Holocaust Memorial. He also envisions an Ecological Edge that will create a threshold into the district as pedestrians cross 17th Street from the south where native plant species and rich habitats will take center-stage, with inviting boardwalks for exploration and learning.

“Towards the northwest, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden will be expanded for new gardens and an outdoor event space,” Baisiwala says. “The Collins Canal will connect Collins Park with the Convention Center district, improving community access to a Mangrove Park.”

At the far northeast corner, he continues, the North Park will be a new community park that integrates the existing historic Carl Fisher House, an open play lawn framed by a new oasis gardens, a playground, and outdoor exhibition spaces for convention functions. Finally, roof gardens will abound on the buildings, providing expansive views of the City.

Once again, South Beach ACE takes a different approach. Daniel Tishman, head of Tishman Hotels & Realty, a member of South Beach ACE, keeps his description short and sweet. One of the key differences is that South Beach ACE offers more than five additional acres of open space.

“Our plan creates more than 28 acres of usable green and open space for the city, which is a remarkable 770%increase over the site's current condition,” Tishman says. “We have proposed a cultural building that will host year-round programs and exhibits while serving as a viewing area for a newly-created outdoor stage at the Jackie Gleason Theater. To the north of the convention center is a beautiful public recreation area with varied landscapes and outdoor exhibit space.”