A dual tower mixed-use residential development with more than 20,000 square feet of commercial uses is proposed for a site at 520 NW 26th St., near the heart of the Wynwood Arts District and in the shadow of I-95. Owner-developer Ultimate Equity Inc. plans to build Ultimate Wynwood, a pair of 36-story towers, home to 1,300 residential units, 21,601 square feet of commercial, an art-covered parking podium for up to 1,099 vehicles and two basement levels. The city’s Urban Development Review Board voted unanimously to recommend approval with one condition: Include artwork in the project plans as presented to the board. The property is just east of I-95 between Northwest 26th and 24th streets. Most of the property faces Northwest 26th Street, with one large parcel on the corner of Northwest 24th Street and Northwest Sixth Avenue. Attorney Carli Koshal told the review board the development team’s plan is to transform the western side of Wynwood. “They plan to bring vibrancy out to its western edge,” she said. The aggregate size of the property is 1.9 acres, and it’s currently improved with commercial warehouses and storefront retail shops. In a letter to the city Ms. Koshal wrote, “The project’s design is in harmony with the intent of the Wynwood Neighborhood Revitalization District-1’s (NRD) and the D1 transect (zone). The project brings much needed active, residential, including income restricted residential units, and commercial uses to this currently quiet section of Wynwood. “The density and residential use of the project will improve the walkability of the area and promote transit use. The scale and mass of the building will enhance the Wynwood streetscape by bringing the property into compliance with the Wynwood Streetscape Master Plan, and will improve the neighborhood character by bringing vibrancy and a destination to the Northwest Sixth Avenue Corridor,” she wrote. She said all building elevations visible from the public realm include architectural elements and materials that complement the character of the area and create a cohesive architectural composition. Ms. Koshal wrote, “The project brings much-needed income-restricted residential units to an area that is well-served by transit and transportation options, and is compatible with the Wynwood NRD-1’s vision for the area.” The income-restricted units will amount to at least 40% of the proposed residential units at a maximum of 120% of area median income for at least 30 years. In order to undertake the project, the developer is seeking review and approval of special requests, including a warrant to allow it to exceed the maximum lot area. Also, the developer is asking for waivers from the Miami 21 zoning code that would allow: ■Up to 30% parking reduction for residential uses within a Transit Corridor. ■Up to 30% parking reduction for commercial uses within a Transit Corridor. ■One industrial loading berth to be substituted by two commercial berths. ■Up to 10% waiver related to drive aisle width. Board member Gia Zapattini said, “It is fresh and creative. I love the artwork. Very original.” Board member Fidel Perez said, “You’ve done a great job. I like the project very much … you’ve done a great job on the corners.” Board member Agustin Barrera said, “I like it. I love the paseo … it’s a very nice project for the size and the scale. It’s well articulated.” Board member Anthony Tzamtzis said, “I like the playfulness of the volumes changing, with horizontal and vertical alliterations.” Board member Robert Behar said, “The buildings are very nice.” Board Chairman Ignacio Permuy said, “Beautiful work, the articulation and breaking up the massing … I’m sure it’s going to be a success.” Related Posts:Mixed-use building to rise where Wynwood and Edgewater meetReview boards reject plans for tallest Wynwood…Wynwood project to include 54 small housing units as bonusWynwood-Edgewater mixed-use midrise wins backingBoard recommends OK for Residence 23 in EdgewaterThe post Two Wynwood towers to add 1,300 residences appeared first on Miami Today.