28-story companion tower to River Landing gets a thumb’s-up

The next phase of a major mixed-use residential and commercial development on the Miami River is back for city approval.

The developer of River Landing Shops and Residences returned to the city’s Urban Development Review Board with a modified design plan that addressed issues brought up by the board.

The board then approved a motion recommending approval of the project.

Developer-applicant Notruse Holdings LLC proposes a new 28-story tower called MidRiverVu, for property at 1411 NW North River Drive, to include 475 apartments, and parking for 533 vehicles.

The original plan included construction of a pedestrian bridge connecting to River Landing.

The review board raised concerns about the new phase and representatives of the developer agreed to a voluntary deferral for at least one month to consider modifications.

Board members were particularly critical of the proposed pedestrian bridge, some viewing it as an unnecessary component.

Javier F. Aviñó, an attorney representing the developer, returned to the board to report the planned bridge is no more.

“We’ve removed that bridge altogether, so it’s no longer a part of the plan,” Mr. Aviñó told the board.

“We will continue to work with Public Works, and the planning and zoning staff, on other ways and means of safely crossing (pedestrians) from one side to the other,” he said.

Board members had earlier asked the developer’s team to also consider ways to improve the façade on the garage level of the planned MidRiverVu building.

The treatment of that façade and planned screening for the parking levels is also changed in the updated plan, Mr. Aviñó told the board.

Urban-X of Coral Gables is the company that built the River Landing project on the north bank of the river, adjacent to the Dolphin Expressway Bridge.

The more than 2.2 million-square-foot project, which sits on 8.14 acres at 1400 NW North River Drive, was completed in September 2020.

River Landing includes a shopping mall with major retailers and a grocery store, and 528 residential units. It was originally approved by Special Area Plan on May 23, 2013.

The new tower, MidRiverVu, is planned to rise north of River Landing, south of Northwest 14th Street and north of Northwest North River Drive between Northwest 13th Terrace and Northwest 14th Avenue.

This next phase is designed by Touzet Studio.

Board member Anthony Tzamtzis commended the developer’s team for addressing the board’s comments in record time and returning with “a very nice project.”

Board Chair Ignacio Permuy said, “Thank you for getting rid of the bridge … a great move.”

He commended the design of the tower calling it “beautifully curved” and said everything is in sync.

Mr. Permuy also said he liked the civic space green area, which “is very much needed in the city.”

He said the project is a strong concept that will work well in this area.

Board member Ligia Ines Labrada said, “I’m glad you came back. The way you’ve handled the elevations and treatment is phenomenal. It’s a dynamic treatment. Very thoughtful. Congratulations.”

River Landing is 346,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 118,000 square feet of rooftop office space, more than 2,000 parking spaces, 528 apartment units with a variety of sizes, 28,000 square feet of riverfront dining and 850 feet of public riverfront.