A developer has plans to reactivate the rehabilitation of the historically designated Salvation Army Citadel building and the redevelopment of the adjacent property in a tower with 526 residences in the City of Miami. Owner-developer 49 NW 5th Street LLC is proposing the major rehabilitation of the historic site at 49 NW Fifth St. and 50 NW Sixth St. The applicant plans a complete restoration of the remaining historic portion of the Salvation Army Citadel building, demolition of a later addition, and construction of a new mixed-use residential development; a five-story podium with active retail and habitable uses along all frontages and 135 parking spaces. Above the podium, the project includes a tower with 526 residential units and related amenities. The city’s Urban Development Review Board raised concerns and the developer withdrew the application until a later meeting, with the stated intent to consider the board’s suggestions. Attorney Carlos Diaz, representing the developer, said the property is along the east side of Northwest First Avenue, between Northwest Fifth and Sixth streets. He said this area is undergoing revitalization, welcoming new developments in residential, commercial, and civic spaces. In a letter to the city Mr. Diaz wrote: “The property is conveniently located within walking distance of major educational, government, and transportation facilities, including the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, and the James L. King Federal Government Office Building. “The property also benefits from a comprehensive network of public transportation facilities and transit corridors,” he wrote. The high-profile property is across the street from the Metromover. Mr. Diaz said this proposal is designed to honor the historic building’s past, meet current needs, and serve the city’s future growth. The proposed restoration would focus on preserving and restoring the façade and significant features that contribute to the Salvation Army Citadel’s historic significance, including stucco restoration, paint, and improved doors and windows. Mr. Diaz wrote: “Additionally, the applicant proposes the development of a new mixed-use residential project which seamlessly incorporates the historic building.” A tower would rise with a new mixed-use residential development. The developer is requesting waivers from the Miami 21 zoning code that would allow: ■Above-ground parking to extend into the second layer, along a primary frontage, if an art or glass treatment of a design approved by the planning director, with the recommendation of the UDRB, is provided for 100% of that portion of the façade. ■Above-ground parking to extend into the second layer, on the secondary frontage, if an art or glass treatment is provided. The property is within walking distance of Brightline, Metrorail, and Metromover stations. The project was designed by ODP Architecture and Design. Board member Robert Behar said, “I’m seeing two different projects. Your pedestal and your tower have nothing to do with one another – that’s a problem. You have a historic building that needs to be preserved … should be a stand-alone. This is multiple languages. It doesn’t work at all. Maybe get rid of those arches.” Board member Fidel Perez said, “I don’t think any tower should come straight down to the sidewalk, when you have streets that are not that wide … if you sit the building back it would be a lot better, and urban-wise it would be better. It needs more work in the corners.” Board member Anthony Tzamtzis said, “I agree with my colleague about the design of the arches at the base. I have a problem with that. It doesn’t fit with the tower at all. These are two different vocabularies.” Board member Agustin Barrera said, “Look at celebrating the existing building in a different way … something is needed to celebrate the top of the building … and I agree, the arches don’t fit.” Board Chairman Ignacio Permuy said, “I concur with my colleagues, there is a disconnect between the podium and tower … you missed opportunities to liven it up.” Board member Francisco Perez-Azua said, “I concur. The intent is to celebrate that historic building, but instead you’re ignoring it. An unfortunate result. I know that’s not your intention, but that’s the end result. You’ve got a lot of work to do.” Related Posts:54-story downtown Melo tower to add 824 apartmentsLittle River project seeks city waivers1,374-residence, 42-story towers planned for downtown MiamiBoard OKs 60-story Clear Residences downtownMidrise residence near Midtown and Edgewater win OKThe post Project for historic Salvation Army Citadel back to drawing board appeared first on Miami Today.