In recent years, the flow of rapid transit developments sprouting along the Metrorail has reached a fevered pitch. These new mixed-use buildings have tended to mass around the areas of Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Downtown Dadeland. By developing near the Metrorail, these developments encourage residents to ditch their cars in favor of mass transit alternatives, alleviating traffic flow problems.

Thanks to the TREO group, South Miami might soon benefit from a rapid transit development known as the SoMi Metrorail Station Development. The project will be located by the South Miami Metrorail Station stop and is hoping to break ground in the second quarter of 2019 once they obtain all required building permits.

Specifically, the project will convert a portion of the South Miami Metrorail Station garage into student housing that will be built above the parking garage. Additionally, new office and retail space will be built on adjacent land. In total, the mixed-use project will include 195,000 sq. ft. of office space, ground floor retail, and 99 units of student housing.

This arrangement is perfectly suited for students who want to be within one train ride of the University of Miami, while also remaining close to a multitude of services. Aside from being close to the University of Miami, the project is conveniently located across from the Shops at Sunset Mall, a train ride away from Dadeland North, and extraordinarily close to Dadeland Mall. Additionally, for any interning students, the Metrorail will provide easy transit options to Downtown Miami.

However, the project’s attractiveness is not limited to university students. With its close proximity to both Metrorail and Metrobus services, the project is also destined to be an attractive spot for retail and office. This is especially true as the future Underline Trail will be nearby (just under the Metrorail) and is bound to bring in and encourage substantial foot traffic to the area.

Overall, it is clear that the South Miami area will benefit tremendously from increased density that does not rely on vehicular traffic, but instead encourages walkability and rapid transit. It is just one piece of the puzzle necessary to strengthen economic development in South Miami and solve the County’s traffic congestion.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Xavier L. Suarez can be reached at 305-669-4003 or via email at district7@miamidade.gov.