Phase one of Miami World Center (rendering) is awaiting city approval. Public access
and the degree of city oversight are issues that concern some Miami planning board members. Meanwhile, the Miami World Expo Center, a large
convention center and hotel complex development, was unexpectantly
put on hold for three months by a vote of 4-3 by the Miami Planning,
Zoning and Appeals Board.
Rendering: miamiworldcenter.com

The Miami Herald reports that on July 1, 2014, after eight years of planning and delays, developers of the Miami World Center www.miamiworldcenter.com have submitted detailed plans for phase one of the project to the city for approval. Phase one encompasses 10-acres of a 27-acre mixed-use urban redevelopment project for the blighted Park West district north of downtown.

Miami World Center is a $1.5 billion residential towers and shopping complex that would cover several city blocks. The planned residential towers are 34, 47 and 56 stories, with a total of 1,200 units in various sizes, with parking garages for 4,500 vehicles.

Miami World Center managing principal Nitin Motwani specified World Center plans on three open public plazas, significant streetscape improvements, including wider sidewalks, shade trees, landscaping and street furniture.

The Forbes Co., and Taubman are jointly developing the shopping center, which includes Macy's and Bloomingdale's. Architects for the project are Elkus/Manfredi of Boston, ADD and Nichols Brosch Wurst
Wolfe of Miami.

While the developers expect plan approval, it still must undergo design review by city planners and at least another public hearing. Some city board members have expressed concerns over public access and city
oversight issues.

The Miami Planning Board has delayed the project's next phase, a 2,000-hotel-room convention center and hotel on the site of the old Miami Arena, over zoning issues. MDM Development Group will build the center. Meanwhile, All Aboard Florida is building a large train-station just to the west.