Underline and Grove Central
By Ivo Duwin, a Senior at iPrep Academy
By Ivo Duwin, a Senior at iPrep Academy
What’s one commonality of people living in a city? Pedestrianism. What’s a commonality throughout Miami? Hatred of pedestrians. As an avid walker, I can say that Miami has been not the most walkable city. However, this may be changing. There are two up-and-coming developments in our community: The Underline and Grove Central.
The Underline
According to The Underline’s website, The Underline, opening in three phases, will stretch from Miami River to the Dadeland South Station. Phase 1, which encompasses the area from Miami River to SW 13th Street, is a collection of four areas marked by their blending of nature and infrastructure. Phase 2 reaches from SW 13th street to SW 19th avenue, boasting three parks and plazas along with a commitment to ecosystem repair. As for Phase 3, all we know is that it spreads from SW 19th Avenue to Dadeland South Metrorail Station.
Phase 1
Phase 1, which is already completed, is a half-mile with four main sectors:
In total, this phase will cost $16,524,258 dollars. |
Image: The River Room as photographed by The Underline Team
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Phase 2
Phase 2, opening 2023 at over quadruple the length of phase 1 (2.14 miles), introduces three major features:
While we don’t know much about their specifics, we know about their overarching themes and what they aim to accomplish. Phase 2 has a motto: “safe multi-modal transportation, nature, and community.” Walking and biking paths, 100,000 native trees and plants, areas made for public events, and the project’s first bioswale; a combination of “green infrastructure and below ground drainage that will help with stormwater flooding and runoff.”
In total, this phase will cost $20,115,110 dollars.
Phase 2, opening 2023 at over quadruple the length of phase 1 (2.14 miles), introduces three major features:
- Simpson Park Playground Area- The Underline will fund ecosystem redevelopment in this natural preserve.
- Vizcaya Station Plaza- Viscaya Station’s small area will be rebuilt into an enormous and beautiful complex.
- 17th Avenue Plaza- There is limited information about this project..
While we don’t know much about their specifics, we know about their overarching themes and what they aim to accomplish. Phase 2 has a motto: “safe multi-modal transportation, nature, and community.” Walking and biking paths, 100,000 native trees and plants, areas made for public events, and the project’s first bioswale; a combination of “green infrastructure and below ground drainage that will help with stormwater flooding and runoff.”
In total, this phase will cost $20,115,110 dollars.
Image: Projection of Phase 3 of the Underline as created by the Underline Team
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Phase 3
Opening in 2026, phase 3, the longest of the three, will be seven miles. There is not much stated about this phase. The website gives the price, which is $109,000,000 dollars. While it’s steep, it will be a worthy investment. Hopefully it’ll be as amazing as what we’ve gotten so far! |
Upcoming Events
In the coming months, The Underline is hosting many group exercise classes which are completely free; October 15th, 22nd, and 29th feature yoga and CinderFit, and November 13th and December 11th will have bike tours.
In the coming months, The Underline is hosting many group exercise classes which are completely free; October 15th, 22nd, and 29th feature yoga and CinderFit, and November 13th and December 11th will have bike tours.
Climate Champs
We are in a climate crisis, and the Underline is a resource we have to fight it. Using “the Underline as a platform, children and adults will learn more about the 30,000 native plant and tree species,” and “the long-term and short-term benefits of the park and why protecting nature in our community is vital to our future.” Walking around The Underline, people will scan QR codes which bring them to lessons about the park itself along with nature as a whole. This dissemination of environmental safety information will help our community be more in tune with nature. |
Image: Underline Staff helping children going through the Climate Champs program as photographed by the Underline Team
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Grove Central
This mall will be built right by the coconut grove station, at 2880 SW 28th lane, Miami, FL 33133. Though this project isn’t as expansive as The Underline, it’s just as impressive. Coming from architizer.com, an architecture online magazine, it’s projected to be 300,000 - 500,000 square feet, with “135,000 square feet of prime retail space, 288 multifamily residences, a new 898-space public parking garage, and privately-funded improvements to the Coconut Grove Metrorail station, a 5-acre property located at the intersection of US 1 and Southwest 27th Avenue.” Miami’s Metro-system has been underfinanced for a long time, and so this money coming from the Grove Central will be an amazing help to the Coconut Grove station.
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Image: Digital Projection of the Grove Central, created by the Grove Central Team
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Committing to being eco-friendly, a solar power station on the roof will be “capable of powering the entire development.” It’s refreshing to see a two-pronged attack on pollution from the same source; Along with their solar, they’re creating more living opportunities by the metro and fixing it up, meaning that more people will choose public transit over individual vehicles.
Final Thoughts
I am glad that people will grow up in an environment with real walkability and public transportation. These transformations to Miami life will have a resounding impact on everyone’s ability to be a pedestrian, and I’m thrilled for the next generation to have this opportunity.
I am glad that people will grow up in an environment with real walkability and public transportation. These transformations to Miami life will have a resounding impact on everyone’s ability to be a pedestrian, and I’m thrilled for the next generation to have this opportunity.
Work Cited
“Miami’s 10-Mile Linear Park and Urban Trail - the Underline.” The Underline, 30 Sept. 2022, www.theunderline.org/.
“Grove Central by Touzet Studio Architecture and Design.” Architizer, 15 Nov. 2018, architizer.com/projects/grove-central/
Grove Central. “Grove Central – a New Mixed-Use, Multimodal Project in Coconut Grove.” Grovecentral.com, 2022, grovecentral.com/.
“Miami’s 10-Mile Linear Park and Urban Trail - the Underline.” The Underline, 30 Sept. 2022, www.theunderline.org/.
“Grove Central by Touzet Studio Architecture and Design.” Architizer, 15 Nov. 2018, architizer.com/projects/grove-central/
Grove Central. “Grove Central – a New Mixed-Use, Multimodal Project in Coconut Grove.” Grovecentral.com, 2022, grovecentral.com/.