Miami Urban Development Review Board Meeting - July 15, 2026

The Urban Development Review Board (UDRB) met on July 15, 2026, at 18:45 to review two major development projects and discuss the Wynwood Vision design guidelines. The meeting began with roll call, approval of an absence waiver for Member Zamsis, and approval of minutes from the March 18th meeting. Public comments were heard on the first item. Both projects received approval with conditions, and the Wynwood Vision discussion was deferred for further input.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to approve minutes from the March 18, 2026 meeting passed unanimously.
• Absence waiver for Member Zamsis approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• UDRB Item 1 (OKO Lilia Tower): Bobby Behar, representing Bay House Condo, expressed no opposition but raised concerns about transportation and construction, requesting a meeting with the developer. Chris El Hernandez, property manager of Crimson Condominium, also had no objection but requested communication with the developer regarding the construction process.
• No public comments were made on UDRB Item 2 (619 Brickell).

Discussion Items

UDRB Item 1: OKO Lilia Tower (717 Northeast 2nd Street)

• Project: 53-story tower with 117 residential units, 8-story garage, 383,059.6 sq ft tower, 92,684.4 sq ft garage. Located in Edgewater, with three frontages (Northeast 27th Street, Biscayne Bay, and inlet). Six waivers sought for setbacks, layer depth, parking, and pedestrian entrance distances.
• Presentation: Applicant Carlos Diaz and architect Juan Betancor (Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture) explained the design challenges due to a narrow 81-foot-deep lot, waterfront setbacks, and a 4,000 sq ft right-of-way dedication. The tower features a shifted core to maximize bay views, a curved podium, and 46% open space (vs. 10% required). The garage is separate with ground-floor retail.
• Board Discussion: Members praised the tower's elegance, anchoring of the corner, and pedestrian connectivity. Concerns included: the garage design described as "awful" and lacking artistic quality; the cold appearance of the 27th Street podium veneer at ground level; and the need for shade trees along the baywalk. Member Garlardo dissented, stating he could not approve without conditions. The board recommended meeting with neighbors and incorporating shade trees.
• Vote: Motion to approve as presented with conditions (meet neighbors, add shade trees) passed 5-1 (Member Garlardo dissenting).

UDRB Item 2: 619 Brickell (619 Brickell Avenue)

• Project: 75-story mixed-use tower with 321 residential units, 7,596 sq ft commercial, 894 parking spaces. The site includes the historic First Presbyterian Church (no changes to the historic structure). A 15-foot separation between church and new building is required. The design is a collaboration between Norman Foster and Seeger Suarez.
• Presentation: Architect Charles Seeger and Robert Harrison (Foster + Partners) presented the design: a five-volume tower with a gentle twist, a podium that respects the church's proportions and materials, and extensive pedestrian connectivity. The project provides 32.5% open space (vs. 10% required) and 53% lot coverage (vs. 80% allowed). No waivers or variances were sought.
• Board Discussion: Members commended the design as exceptional, elegant, and respectful of the historic church. Specific comments: the backdrop behind the church should use a different glass treatment (fritted or opaque) to avoid competing with the historic structure; the circular wellness element at the podium was seen as too busy or disconnected from the tower; the interior program of that space should be reconsidered (e.g., yoga instead of gym equipment). Members also appreciated the model provided.
• Vote: Motion to approve with conditions (reconsider glass behind church, rethink interior program of circular element) passed unanimously.

Discussion Item: Wynwood Vision Design Guidelines

• Presentation: Shamim from Gensler presented the Wynwood Vision document, a design intent booklet to guide future development. Five domains of impact were outlined: built form, street life and interface, public realm, creative identity, and activation/programming. Key findings included lack of shade, sterile facades, poor soundproofing, faux materials, insufficient sidewalk widths, and loss of local art.
• Board Discussion: Members noted the timing (many wanted to watch a World Cup match) and suggested a more in-depth discussion at a later date. They agreed to receive the presentation and provide feedback via email or at a future meeting. Key points raised: the need for incentives (e.g., setback bonuses) rather than prescriptive rules; the importance of pedestrian comfort and wider sidewalks; the challenge of integrating art authentically; and the value of a curated artist list. The board was receptive to the document's intent but wanted to avoid over-regulation.
• Outcome: No vote. The board and Gensler team agreed to share the presentation and schedule a follow-up discussion, possibly during an August training session.

Key Outcomes

• UDRB Item 1 (OKO Lilia Tower): Approved 5-1 with conditions (meet neighbors, add shade trees).
• UDRB Item 2 (619 Brickell): Approved unanimously with conditions (reconsider glass behind church, rethink interior program of circular element).
• Wynwood Vision: Deferred for further input; presentation materials will be shared with the board for feedback.
• General: Ensure all future projects coordinate with neighboring properties and address pedestrian comfort and shade.