Bicentennial Park becoming s premier park

Bicentennial Park becoming miami's premier park

Why a Park? 1 Vision to Reality 2 Key Ingredients to Successful Parks 3 Three Approaches to a Renewed Park 4

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"A Premier Public Park" for a New Century

The eat to redesign Bicentennial Park reflects a growing public movement to preserve and enhance public parks in Miami. II follows earlier successes in savng the Miami Circle and Park. Bicentennial Park was created at the site of the old port of Miami out of fill land and dedicated on the 200th anniversary of the American Revol ufion. It was funded by money from the Parks for People Bond Issue of 1972. Soon after it opened, there were several Bicentennial Park / Waterfront Renewal Committee violent incidents in the park, the in subsequent years it become a haven for the homeless, with the Miami Grand Prix race track further denigrating it as a fit place for public use. Chairperson Commissioner Johnny Winton Efforts to redesign Bicentennial Park were initialed by the Urban Environment League shorty before the Marlins baseball team announced their desire to use the abandoned park for a new stadium. The UEL led several public walks through the unsafe park, persuaded the Wiwi Vice-Chairpersons Park Trust to initiate a planning process under the leadership of Roth Greenfield, and oversaw Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk the first design workshop in March 2, 2000. In April, several UEL members helped write a res- Gregory Bush olution sponsored by Commissioner Joe Sanchez forming a committee to redesign Bicentennial Park as a "premier public park." It was passed imanirnously by the City Design & Program Subcommittee Commission. Co-Chairpersons- Maricarmen Martinez Bonnie Sockel-Stone In July 2, 2000, Commissioner Johnny Winton took charge of the newly formed Bicentennial Park Waterfront Renewal group, which was provided with a budget of $200,000 by the Commission to engage professionals to help redesign the park. Winton chose Elizabeth Plater- Baywalk Subcommittee Zyberk, Dean of the University of Miami's School of Architecture and Gregory Bush, President Co-Chairpersons- Lavinia Freeman of the Urban Erwronment League, as Vice Chairs, Bob Weinreb as coordinator, and created Steve Reich four subcommittees that were staffed by volunteers. These were the Baywalk Committee, a Neighborhood Linkage Committee, a Design and Program Conunittee and a Finance Finance Subcommittee Committee. Several televised public hearings were held in the tali of 2000, including one in Co-Chairpersons- Jim Murley which park expert Peter Nara and Ann Breen and Dick Rigby of Washington's Waterfront Ben Starrett Censer, provided examples and commentary that proved valuable to the group's growing sense of possnikty for the park. Community Linkage Subcommittee On February 10, 2001, more than 350 people showed their support and participated in the Chairperson- Bernice Butler Committee's aN day eharrelleldesign workshop that was led by Dever, Kohl & Partners. Several dozen tables of people came up with designs to the park and their visions were even- tually synthesized by Dover, Kohl & Partners into three drawings that were presented for dis- cussion to the Commission and the public on May 10.

Overall, the collective efforts of hundreds of people also helped persuade the Marius to seek a site for their stadium on the Miami River. As of this writing, patience has paid oil as more and more people reakze the value in taking the time to create a weft planned and world class park on the most valuable piece of waterfront land in South Fbrida. Everyone involved hopes that it may be but the first of a series of important efforts to revitalize downtown Miami and its waterfront.

-Gregory Bush

Bicentennial Park becoming miami's premier park

prepared by

Dover, Kohl & Partners Urban Design

The Planning Team

Dover, Kohl & Partners ZHA James Dougherty Mary Berkholdcr Victor Dover Sandra Newman Joseph Kohl Sarah Woodworth Ibrahim Mohasscb Don Zuchclli Jim Murphy Carrie Osborne Curtis + Rogers Design Studio Dorcas Perez Richard Rogers Sergio Vazquez Rendering Pedro Pablo Godoy

Why a Park?

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Central Park in New York has long been the model for urban parks. Central Park in Winter Park, is the town's "living room." Lummus Park in Miami Beach is framed by the Art Deco buildings.

Crreat public spaces define the image and character of mature cities. Think of Central Park

iu New Birk, the 1v1atll in 'Washington I)(., or the squares in Savannah. Think of the most

publicized image of Create•r Miami: that famous view of Lummus Park in 'kvith

the Deco buildings along Ocean Drive itt the background.

II we look at great cities, three inherent qualities appear again and again. First, they are

walkable places. Second, ihcv have consistently interesting architecture. And third, they have

high-quality public .'purrs. This is no coincidence- it happens by design.

VVhv is Bice ntennial Park so important in the minds of so many folks? It is the last, hest opportunity to create a great public space on the I)owntown Miami water- 1 front.

A Competitive Advantage: An Amenity to the Existing Community Making Miami the Best Ultimately the park serves not only the region but many sur- rounding neighborhoods. including Down' own, Overt own, ()n the business side, if I)owntown Miami wants to create a com- Parkwest and the Omni area. The park can he an asset to these petitive advantage ira the new economy and be a desirable place adjacent communities. Currently, these neighborhoods do not to live, 'vork and play, then Downtown needs exceptional green- have enough park space and, despite their proximity. they lack rt spaces. Wiring alone won't do it, for instance. Many downtowns sufficient sense of connection to liiscavne lay. are building "carrier hotels," and while our NAP (Network Access Point) is a fantastic step to luring New Economy businesses and workers into the region, the NAP alone will not create the deci- A new, redeveloped Bicentennial Park will establish a better con- sive compel it aye advantage. nection to the waterfront, increase the amount of greenspace for these neighborhoods, and foster civic pride. Economic development depends on luring the companies and their employees to this city when they could choose from many other cities or suburbs. Their decision will depend on the high quality of life offered by each city. Knowledge workers, for exam- ple, are in high demand and they set their own standards. Therefore open space and natural beauty are not luxuries but necessities. According to Linking the New Leononrp to the Livable ('onrntrurily, published by the Irvine foundation, businesses pick locations where knowledge workers wish to live. New Economy employees seek a "distinctive quality of life; " this includes seeking cities where there is access to the "natural environment as an important and compatible element of the communitv."

[I I)owntown Miami is to evolve into the suitable hub of the exceptional world-class city we all visualize, a more livable and walkable place. then Bicentennial Park is central to the effort. A view of Bicentennial Park in its current configuration.

1.2 Bicentennial Park

Vision to Reality

ct , Members of the community studying the various proposals that Food for thought presentations on parks in America, and the his- The community shared their ideas in groups at tables. have been made tor Bicentennial Park. tory of Miami's waterfront.

The design of the park has inevitably been much discussed. Many folks are passionate

about \V]1at should he ir1 the park and what the park should look like. As a result, there have

been ntlnleruus propos;rls for the physical layout of the park. Iir this we add the financial

and practical strategies to secure the operational future of the park, so that it does not slip

111to decline attain.

Under fire direction of the Waterfront Renewal Committee chaired by Commissioner Johnny

Winton and co-chairs Elizabeth Plater-Zvberk and Greg Bush, a team consisting of 1)over, Kohl

1'artner;s, urban designers: 7.1 IA, economists; Curtis & Rogers, landscape architects, City staff

and ntanv volunteers worked with the community through a very public process called a cltamrttc. Over 350 citizens attended the hands-on public participation session and shared their thoughts. a A spokesperson from each of the workgroups presented their Ideas. The charrette drawings and eau speakers key points were projected onto large screens for everyone in the room.

Bicentennial Park 2.2

Common Themes from Workgroups Other 3%

As the cornnnutity members presented their ideas at the hands- on session, a few common themes emerged. 'Hit community wanted a usable, safe, attractive park along the bay. While some workgroups did not want any buildings in the park, most felt that some development, as long as it was compatible with the park, was justifiable. Nearly all the workgroups Mt that improving the quality of Biscayne Boulevard and streets lead- ing to and Parkwest was intporlant.

The consultant team was asked to (Irate alternatives using the community's input and the direction of the Steering 0)111[min-L . . Uses & Activities Suggested by Workgroups These alternatives explore a variety of ways to redevelop and improve the park. 'they should not be thought of as final "Master Plans, " but rather concept plans that can be further Mix of Active & Passive 4% Food 1 Entertainment 8% refined. These alternatives depict the physical character and Museum ! Cultural 30% relationship between the open spaces and those buildings and activities that could become part of the park.

18% Active Recreation 16% Passive Recreation

Vision to Reality 2.3

Principles

Design & Program 10/23/00

1ti'alkwav: I;st;thlish continuous safe, attractive, signature lighted bav‘valk from Margaret Pace Park south, connecting to the rivcrwalk.

2. Create view corridors to the water (at existing street grade) to connect the city to the water.

3. Maximize hours of activation (mix uses).

4. optimize effects of the park program/usage on adjacent neighhorlioocfs:

A. Linkages of neighborhoods

a. To the waterfront

h. Sc reef connect ton.S

c. (tiler uses and points of interest

d. VValkwavs and pedestrian access

c. 9th Street connections to Overtown

5. Create a grand open space for public events.

6. At t tact a variety of uses:

A. Neighborhood B.Community

Regional

1). lilnrists

Bicentennial Park 2.4

I low is this Planning Effort Different from Previous Three Financial Components Park Proposals? I. Cost of Construction* alternatives, This 1)rolect explored a grout) 01 all of which are :mud :tire) to correct the based on good urban design principles, Based upon the cost of sin)ilar parks recently redeveloped in the current design Haws of the 1iark. I Iowever, what se1):n'ates this Booth Florida tre•a, an order of magnitude cost Ior redeveloping analysis Iron' some l)revio1t.s Dark proposals is that it reflects an the park is expected to be approximately $21 to 26 million. Fhis ti thus explores interactive process with the financial planner, an figure includes a 22"ri) contingency for design services, construc- not onl\' urban design but also the etas world Iinanc•ial dynamics tion administration and construction costs. This fit'ure does not Ih:at are part oI building and maintaining the park. Lich scenario include environmental is discussed :done; with a matching II)I)t-oacli for building and " Slirrilir tittnca ti 1t l in Illy It )I).utioI) icl oI 11,V 71 IA. h aint:lil)in„ the park by establishing a lout.-seen) Iin:tnrial Mali.

One key I:tclor Io keels in mind is that any park will require a fair amount 4)1 money to build and maintain. Ftulhertuore, a premier park will cost more than the tyl)ical park to build and maintain. 2. Cost of Maintenance l:xception:tl architectural elements :1114.1 finishes holler than those found In ordinary parks set premier parks apart from the rest. fn consulting with the liav[ront Park Management Trust and con- This means light fixtures, water elements, benches, haRlscapes sidering their current working; budget for maintaining lR:tvfront and plantings wilt probably cost more to build and mow to main- P:irk, the Trust suggested :t range of $liOO.OO(1 to $1 ,' OO,Of)O tor tain. Nevertheless, Bicentennial P;irk is the most important piece the annual maintenance ul Bicentennial I':itk. This Iigure was of park real e.stare• in South Florida, and the firm goal of the City based upon the assumption that :t separate entity or crust would ralled quality, so planning for is a premier public park of titllr.u maintain the park. I lowevcr, there would he an economy of scale extra investment IS itl)l)ro1)ri:tte• here. if the existing Bayfront Path. M:tn:i enu•nt Trust assumed respon- sibility of Bicentennial Park.

3. Generating Revenue

Parks are thought of as public spaces for the benefit of Ihr conl- lnunity. They are generally not considered reVemle teener:ltt)rS. I low'ever, there are opportunities itt which Bicentennial Park can I)rodmce a revenue Stream that will supplement its operating and maintenance cost.

2.5 Vision to Reality

Three Options for Generating Revenue in the Park:

- Programmed events using the open space can be administered by the Bavfroni Park Management Foist or a similar ent The primary goal is to redevelop and maintain the park while ensuring an open space for the benefit and recreation of the coin- nliinity. At the smile time, committing to a funding strategy that 2 - Docking at the slip and along the bavwalk can generate lees. is capable of maintaining the park wit.lunit necessarily constrain- ing the (:itv's General ( und or capital capacities is needed as well. F 3 - Privatizing portions of the park to can generate revenue for It is unwise to rely solely on one-time, limited grants or other construction and long-term maintenance of the park. outside lirncling sources to build and manage the park.

1. Programmed Events Using the Open Space

Concerts and programmed events in the park can assist in gener- ating funds to help maintain the park. The Pavfroiit Park Management Trust or a similar eni itv can manage and maintain the park while producing events iii the park. Programmed events are also a great way to bring people into the park. The .shortcom- ing of this option is that events in the park cannot he considered a reliable revenue stream, as the number of events niav vary from year to year. It is important to note that many parks in the region are hosting events, and competing for the same events, so a .spe- cific amount of annual revenue cannot be guaranteed.

A view looking east, shows Bicentennial Park and its neighboring edges. (Photo courtesy of the Collins Center for Public Policy)

2.6 Bicentennial Park

2. Docking at the Slip and along the Baywalk Cs allowing a small number of private buildings in the park necessarily a bad p iing? I siahlishing waterside uses in Bicentennial Pak is one of the lu'v tio:Ils for the Ir:irk, 1)ockint at the slip :uul a portion of the hay' No. Bicentennial Park needs to welcome around-the-clock inhabi- can both activate the two \vater edges of the park as \vell as gen- tants for the security and human presence they bring. The pails erate recnrring re\'enue. Docking can take the form of visiting; his- suffers from not having neighbors on the east anel south. ()is the torical ships, docking for small boasts, water taxi, transient yacht north side, 1-395 creates a harrier to the park, and the ;rrea north and rnce:t\'acltt dockage, as well as Boat Sho\\' income ;Ind other of the highway is dominated Nv parking lots. Properties West nl maritime events. Naming rights to the marina are also a source of the park are not developed at this point. [n essence the park. has recto tint revenue. very few nearby active destinations that would draw people into the park. Allowing well-designed buildings that are populated by people living and working can create greater activit\' and natural surveillance in the trek.

3. Privatizing Portions of the Park

1'Vhv Consider leasing portions ol the park to private companies? Is privatizing part of the park our only option? I h; answer is that this option is a .Self-contained financing ,stratte- gv Illat is not dependent on outside funding sources. The team \vas asked Io explore III PV Io finance the renewal of a park with- No. This alternative was dr:nvn Up for eomp;trisort ;tnd study, to .S:It - out public nlonic's. AS a resuil, privati/ins, portions of the part: isly the request for a self-Iinancing scenario. The design team is not have been explored as part of the alternatives. This alternative biased in favor of this or any one of the :alternatives in this booklet. must he \veil;lled against the open space for the general public Nor is it an either/ or ploposilion; with mow public numev it num- that would be sacrificed to enable sell-contained financing. ber of Itvbritls become possible with less land set aside for private deye]opnlcnt. Privatizing Portions of the Park has Advantages:

a Redeveloping the p:uk sloes not neressarli\' hinge on outside rending.

h- Significant funds can be raised to design and construct the fittest possible part:.

c- [ 'Ins cash-rich alternative colt help create ;ill endo\vntc'ttt to maintain tllt• park in the tuns; terns. 2.7 Key Ingredients to Successful Parks

Whv are certain parks successful and others not? There are several elements that should always be present in urban parks.

Pedestrian Access Sight Lines Defined Edges with Activities The park should he ac'c'essible Views into and through the park Destinations I)estinations and interesting and easy to walk to. Streets must he present. People are The fronts of buildings should things to do inside the park leading to and abutting the instinctively hesitant to walk define and lace onto the park keep people coming hack. park should he safe and pedes- where they can 't see. One with doors and'vindows. t ri.rn-friendly. should also he aware of other 1 laving many destinations people in the park because ol' along the edges of the park cre- ates natural surveillance. Parks clear sit;ltt lines. Entrances Maintenance with edges defined by destina- should be clearly defined by The park should he well kept. tions encourage people to walk civic monuments or landscaping. When parks are nut well along and through the park. maintained or appeal. in disre- pair, an unsafe perception is created, which in turn lusters tort her vandalism and criminal behavior in a ViciOtr.S cycle 3

Existing Conditions Conflicts with 1-395 do not allow pedestrians to cross at Bayshore Drive and create extremely unsafe There is no existing connection conditions at the on-ramp for the Baywalk. !I

In practical terms, Iodnv Bicentennial Park has merely one accessible entrance, no neighbors, no attractions, no pedestrian con- tinuity, and views to and through the park tre blocked off.

The seawall is in disrepair

The intersections of 10th and 11th Street with Biscayne Boulevard are not safe olaces to cross

9th Street is the only street with a signalized intersec- tion that currently allows pedestrians to cross.

o 250 feet 500 feet 1.000 feet

12 Bicentennial Park

Existing Conditions & Opportunities for a Better Park Goal

Bicentennial Park has some inherent design flaws today. This Establish Better Pedestrian Connections analysis identifies what aspects of the park should be improved its the redesign of the park. The urban design details described in I. I)o not accept the proposed reconstruction of Biscayne the goals art fundamental. They affect the success of the park Boulevard as currently designed. Require. at a minimum, and are part of every alternative, and should be implemented fewer travel lanes than proposed and at least two (preferably regardless of which alternative is finally selected. three) signalized intersections adjacent to the Park, so that pedestrians have opportunities to cross.

2. Establish new north-south connections into the park. Pedestrian Access Reconfigure the underpass at Bavshore Drive and 1-395 from an on-ramp into a signalized pedestrian street.

last-west streets on the edge of the park are 9th, IUth and I lth Streets. liiscavne Boulevard in its current configuration is pedes- 3. Build the Baywalk at the east edge of the park. Connect the Baywalk north and south so that it may at last become useful. trian-hostile and does not encourage crossing (to put it mildly). Walking north-south is also disagreeable to pedestrians and con- nections are generally poor. On the south side of the park, the 4. Create a safer and more comfortable pedestrian crossing intersection of Pori Boulevard and Biscavue Boulevard makes get- at Port Boulevard and Biscayne Boulevard. The intersection ting from Bayside to the American Airlines Arena difficult, and is not designed for pedestrians. finally arriving at the park is an overall challenge. On the north side of the park, there are no direct connections into the park. I- '1 e)5 acts as harrier. Crossing under 1-395 on Biscayne Boulevard is the only option.

But it could get evert worse. The proposed roadway improvements to the Boulevard, which are currently in the design stage, are unacceptable. The proposed design adds travel lanes, in essence making liiscavne° Boulevard even wider. A continuous median also limits the number of locations where pedestrians may cross to one signalized intersection at Northeast 9th Street.

Pedestrians leaving Bicentennial Park by crossing the The Baywalk can continue northward on-ramp to 1.395 to get to Bayshore Drive.

Key Ingredients 3.3

Sight Lines Defined Edges with Destinations

The current entrance design is not well defined or inviting. It does Parks with destinations such as homes and businesses at its edges not clearly mark out how to get into the park. Views into and benefit from people using the park throughout the course of the through the park. are either nonexistent or not readily apparent. clay. The constant activity of people being in and near the park creates natural surveillance. (ht the west side the park and Goal Biscayne Boulevard, properties are not fully developed and are not highly utilized and few people live or work on those blocks. I- Improve Sight Lints 395 forms a barrier on the north edge of' park. Beyond the high- way are parking lots, offices, and, here and there, residential tow- cr,s and hotels. forms the east edge and the slip Make the park more legible. Design entrances so they define forms the south edge. walkways and frame sight lines into the Park. Vertical landmarks such as civic ntonttments or paint trees should define entrances. Goal

Active neighbors should be drawn to the park edges.

1 On properties west of Biscayne Boulevard, the City should adopt zoning regulations that require buildings to have operative doors and windows facing the street. All parking lots and parking structures should be lined with build ings and should not be visible from the Boulevard.

2. On the northern edge of I-395, the City should explore the feasibility of converting the elevated highway into an at-grade boulevard defined by buildings. The park would benefit fmm buildings that are real destinations as a neighbor.

3. Adopt a Waterside Plan that establishes marine-related uses, activities and destinations on the eastern bay View looking east in the park is closed and feels unsafe. front side and southern slip side of the park.

3.4 Bicentennial Park Activities Maintenance

Act ivit ins that hring pcopIr into the park oil a daily basis arc cur- Well-tended parks arc perceived its sale. bVhcn parks :ire not ),vcll rent Iv not present. Slrcet Itcrformers and vendors should he maintained or appear in disrepair, the perception of licitly, uns;tfc rut ut:t>;ed. Simple retrial Iona] lacilitrs such as a splash limn- is created. This discourages people from using and enjuvint,! 1In• t:tin. tut-lot, vollcvball nets and picnic tables are intpunant. park, and fosters furthervandalisnt. Once the perception of bcin ,t. l:njuvinr the exceptional landscaping of the park should bc a Iva- unsafe is created, it is very hard to reverse. son iti visit the pailc. Goal Goal Establish a long-term financial phut for the park. An endowntettt ('crate destinations that arc appropriate in character and scale, should insure a funding streameant to maintain Ilse park, and an entity and provide uses that complement the Park. Establish marine should be spccificaliv assigned t he task of maintaining the park.

1 .cl:ttcd activities such as a maritime museum, visiting ship slip for tallsliips, atilil ai v ships, ant! historic vessels.

Key Ingredients

Essential Inipro penients for Bicentennial Park

- - .1-395 must be (moronic as a physical barrier - ' it to the neighborhoods north of tlu' park. .' ' Bays/tore Drive should become a sale pales- trMn street into the park. The

. :1.

Clear sight lines and maintain views through the park. ear f

y 4.^j^ 1 t Establish sale connections to Tas liken ten nial 'a , k from

4 .y..; 0r ,ttt) '11 rn 1'arkwest.

Bicentennial Park 3.6

Design 5z Program Committee

OPII('II\'ES M l:'1'l IOUOLO(;Y

•( :Riau: its icon " ' Flees *Palk its neighborhood p:iik and regional park "Plaza, StILL•trC tvitltin park •(.1e:tte visual :uress ttl %vatet • Bavtval 1. Connect paik to existing neighborhoods including neighborhoods along bay • Waler-related programming •Usc park (Iav anti night •l.:uulntark(s) •(oate a ronir\tu:tl. vrrnarular Space ;Intl gai&Ictt "Pedestrian activities

"Instill :t sens e of place "(;Kell ()pelt Spa C('S •(:orri(lors / boulevards to adjacent neighborhoods, points of interest • I tlumaiiis ISSUES •Sculptutc garden • Salely "Cultural, educational programming, museum • ,\cct•ss • Witter slip "Seale "Ail iuetittt1 • l. Jse / use i >; IUUps • Future proposal to remove" I-19 5 ' Adjacent neigIthorhootl connections • fv]izetl-us(• building alone; slip ' Pump statiun •(:onnection to Arena and liaVsitI( via bridge "Existing boundaries "Financing/ maintenance EVAl.l...1AIlON C RI TERIA • ltvtrolttnt•nt ii cottt:tntin:u ion Success will he tlelinctl as: "Limited parking fol park use 'Preservation of Bicentennial 1':uik primarily is part. I:uul

"People ilt the part.

• I':olc seen as icon Ior Miami

I(ey lnyredients 3.7

Three Approaches to a Renewed Park

The Open Space Park The Park with Private Buildings The Cultural Park

The tiny intredienl s for successful parks dis- The alternatives are: cussed itt the last chapter are constants for each of the following design alternatives. #1 The Open Space Park These concept plans should not be 1I'u ught The Open Space alternative keeps the park green and acids minimal destinations in the park. of as fin:il itr aster plans bttt rather a visual- ized f ramework fur discussion of each urban design and financial model. Each scenario is #2 The Park with Private Buildings discussed along with a matching approach I lousing and businesses arc added at the edges of the park, creating natural activity. for building and maintaining the park. #3 The Cultural Park Museums and their outdoor exhibition grounds add major destinations to the park.

Aside I turn these three alternatives for the park, many options were also explored, for exam- ple, filling portions of' the slip and creating hay side docking life tneg:tyachts and transient yachts. These options can work on any ol' the alternative concepts. 1lybrids between the three options are also possible. 4

13 1 ';tviliutl '

i I - 1'ui1lic uvcrlrnrk

1f '15 RavNvitlk esplanade

The Open Space alternative depicts the park predominantly used as a green space. Berms from the old nmtursporls track should he removed to open sight lines into and Iluough the park to the hay The existing small jogs at the seawall should be filled in Io create a continuous, elegant f3aywalk esplanade along the water's edge. As part of renewing the park, the liavwalk should connect 11011 It and soot h.

The grand, central open space can he used for IYaSSiVV recreation and informal plav as well as ( p rogrammed events such as concerts and festivals. Activities and destinations are necessary within the park as a way to encourage visitors in the park throughout the course of the day: Any buildings that are added would be moder- ate in scale so as to ntinirnite the loss of open space. These could include a small restaurant of approximately .5,000 square feet, a boathouse as part of docking, a maritime tntiseuni, a cotnlrnntit y center, and a 1:tndntark public overlook.

The Open Space alternative for the park tvcritld be built using grants and public funding and can be nt:utged by the Ravfrout Pick Management Trust or similar entity. A portion of the funds required to maintain the park can be raised through:

1. Programmed events, such as touring national shows, major festi- val events, community activities and fairs, neighborhood visita- tions, and commercial vendor income.

2. Marine activities, including docking for nteg:tvacltts, transient r^^ r 1 ) yachts, and visiting historical ships. Four types of experiences would be layered together, in a sequence. Closest to the Boulevard, an urban plaza and palm court form a wide foyer to the park. Next, a grand central lawn would form the main public "room" of the park. Flanking this space would be several smaller greens of varied character. Last, the activated Baywalk edge would have a The estimated cost of construction would be

4.3 Three Approaches to a New Park 1 1111 ill development

2 Redesigned Iunolcv;n .d

-3 Palm Court / Plaza

4 (:ontnwnil v I l:til

This :tltentittiVe adds private ck'ntcrus to the park as it w:tv to In rah itctiv,ne the park and pay fin- its rcrunstrttction and rmaintena ce. ! lousing and businesst;S an' added at the edges oI the park. Then' need be no attempt to take full advantage of the highest Ixtssihle densitit's or height aliitrtlrtl by m;irket ciitlrntstariecs. Rather, huikiitigs should be kept turfy low to respect the human scale of the park, ii wilt pedestrian-friendly spaces, and avoid blocking views iiiiii fiittiru buildings across the liottlevanl.'lire illusunatiort depicts / acres privatized. The buildings would typically Iv 4 stories tall with some ]xmions at 'i and 7 .stories. These buildings can provide a mix of Iuxisint; anti unites with some rt'tail and restaurants, to allow kw sh:uvd parking. The parking yVYxtld Ik I(Kitlcd otl the ititeliUr of each block and not visible from the sheet. These buildings iornt an inlewsting sweet edge 'with doors anti tivindows onto the meet. people living and working alum,, the edges of the park creates a very active, salt' and highly used pawl:. A central open space is maintained for passive recreation and informal play well as programmed events such its concerts and festivals.

A single liiglirise element is not recommended as it would almost ccr- t:tinly require the base of the structure to be se yer:af Stories of window- less parking sirncutre and ramp entrances instead ol :t true pedestrian street edge.

This alternative would he built by funds generated by privatizing por- tions ol the parlt. A portion of the funds required to maintain the park can be raised though:

i trogr,tnumetl eVCntS Sllrlt aS totlning national SNOWS, major fCSI iv,tl events, conumunitV activities and lairs, neighborhood visitations, and contnterc'ial vendor income.

111 -f --\ empmemrp The network of blocks and streets in Parkwest extend eastward, tapering the blocks to 2. Marine activities, docking of ntegavachts and transient yachts, visit- maximize the view corridor and complete the neighborhood. ing historical ships,

The estimated cost of park construction would be approximately $20,000,000 to $24,O(}0,0U(}. Projected :nuiual operating cost of the park is estimated at approximately $800,0(R). Events and activities can generate revenue of approximately $56(,000. The park would have a likely annual shortfall of $240,000. ' Ibis shortfall ntav be han- dled by an endowment created horn the revenues of privatization.

Three Approaches to a New Park

1kluse'ttnts and their outdoor exhibition grounds create dc'stirt:t- tunts inside the park. The museums are placed so as to define the edges of the park; the t))ttse•ttnts would be positioned close to the western end of the park, to give them prestigious addresses and prominence on Biscavne Boulevard. The museum buildings would he loc:ued toward the slit) and edges, respectively, to n):rtn- tain a wide view corridor between than, Parkwest and the water- front. The museums' service areas are located on the hacks of the buildings and should not he visible from within the park. Otn- door ntttseurtt exhibits anti grounds arc adjacent to the ntuseunts and located outside the open sight line between 10th :tnd l I tit streets. The lanes to access the museums in the park are designed as narrow scenic drives. /A central open space is maintained for passive recreation, infornt:tl plat\', and special events.

This Cultural Park alternative \voulcl likely he built by a combina- tion of funds generated by the institutions and public funding. The outdoor museum grounds \vottid he ntaittt:tined by a Separate trust established by the museums. /\ portion of the funds required lo maintain the park can be raised thmttgh:

1. Programmed events such as touring national events, major fes- tival events, cOntmtntity activities and fairs, neighborhood visita- tions, and commercial vendor income.

2. Marine activities, clocking for nu•g:tvachts, transient va('llts, and visiting historical ships. ^L.

il-f.--f 1 ''r; (Ijamommsei The museum buildings would be located toward the slip and 1-395 edges, respectively, to The estimated cost of construction Ior the park would he approxi- maintain a wide view corridor between them, Parkwest and the waterfront. The museums' mately `20,000,00 to $23,000,000. Projected annual operating service areas are located on the backs of the buildings and should not be visible from cost of the park is estimated at :tpproxintateiv $ l ,1(0,000. Events within the park. Outdoor museum exhibits and grounds are adjacent to the museums and located outside the open sight line between 10th and 11th streets. :uul activities can generate revenue of approxirtt:tteIV $8OO,UUO. The park would have a likely annual shortfall of $2')(l,000. The museums could create an endowment to manage the shortfall.

4.7 Three Approaches to a New Park

Options for the ITC Slip

Options for f illirig in portions of the slip were examined as an oppor- When filling in the westernmost 25% of the slip, new buildings can tunity to generate monies fur the park through privatizing land and as be located in two configurations: it way to enhance the focus on maritime activities. This option can a) ()n the south side, creating an open space and maintaining occur on miv of the alternatives. The benefit is that new revenue-gen- pedestrian access; or er;r( ing land is created without taking away from \vhat is thought of:ts h) As a building forming an archway that Irrtnies the view to the water. Bicentennial 1'.n-lc. The goal has been to maintain the views to the water. "These options also help to reconcile the blank, tttifinisheel-look- ing side of the American Airlines Arena into its urban context.

When filling the south edge of the slip, buildings face the slip and ' livo options were explored: help create a public space, which frames the narrowed slip. Under this I. Filling in the %estcrnriu)SI 25 1>h of the slip configuration, the slip continues to reach all the way from Biscayne 2. Filling in the southern edge of the slip boulevard to the Bay

.yrlZt • ;1•- "M n r -Jr is lined with buildings, 25% of the slip filled with buildings at the south edge, 25% of the slip filled with a "gateway" building that The southern edge of the slip creating a plaza. frames the view to the water. creating a unique open space.

Park 4.8 Bicentennial

Option for a Marina

Establishing a transient yacht ;Intl nirgavacltt marina is possible. The Marina would be located nn the northeastern edge of the park and not block the ]trintarv east-‘vest Viet' to flue hay. The marina offers several henefits:

I . t.:wates :t (lest Loll and activates the northeastern edge of the park.. 2. I'r(n'illes marine related uses. 3. Establishes it recttrrin, revenue stream. 4. TVlanat,etttent can he coordinated with the future ntet;ayacht marina on Watson Island.

Megayachts Northwest edge of Fishing Pier turning basin

4.9 Three Approaches to a New Park

What Next?

The alternatives c'onvcv the tvpe of park, as \vcll as the lin;nlcii;d implications of construction ;Ind maintenance. Iwo quest i0115 can now be answered using this report as a tool:

bVhat 1ype of park?

1 IO\V Carl we I)a\' Ior it?

These first two (ltteslicnls regrading the type of park and the fire:iiie al dvnanlics are in essence linked. I )(Tiding on the appmpri;tte park design requires answering both questions. The right park plan may not be a specific alternative but rather a hybrid of two alternatives. As

a hypothetical example, if the comnnui lity decides it (:ultural Park is the greatest asset for the (:ity in the long-term, but cannot raise the funds to establish an endowlnerlt 10 maintain the park, a hybrid approach can he created. Such a llvbrid plats could include nut.seums as \veil as allowing for a few acres of private buildings. The revenue generated by these buildings would then he put towards the long-term end)vVrncntS.

I-heie are nuanv great designs that would create ;al exciting new Bicentennial Park. The next step is to arrive at a balance and comfort level between the design approach for the park and how to pay for its reconstruction and 1naiI\tCllallce.

T lean\vhiile, preparations should begin on crucial elements common lo all alternatives, including the removal of the berms, reconstruction of the seawall, ie-establishing marine related activities, and the extension of the I',;avwalk.

Hybrid: A hypothetical example of a Cultural Park with a few private buildings.

4.10 Bicentennial Park