Florida is the sunshine state, yet for too many years, our public spaces have remained underused and uninspired. All of that is changing now, thanks in large part to new era of revitalization and development led by commercial real estate.
One major project leading the trend is the Underline, a much-anticipated reimagining of the land below the elevated MetroRail tracks. After years of talk, the project is now heading toward completion of its first phase, the Brickell Backyard, and will ultimately transform 10 full miles into urban trails, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and areas for recreation.
Similarly, Ludlam Trail, a six-mile park slated to run along an abandoned rail corridor, will extend from Miami International Airport to the Dadeland area, eventually connecting to the Underline. And in Fort Lauderdale, as ComReal has previously reported, a renewed interest in public spaces will see a greener, more walkable downtown and improvements to Huizenga Plaza, RiverWalk East, and the Esplanade.
In Coral Gables, all eyes are on the upcoming Plaza project, which will incorporate an almost one acre public plaza facing the soon-to-be-improved Ponce Plaza Circle Park.
All of these examples are part of a nationwide trend in which the real estate industry is working hand-in-hand with advocacy groups and local governments to create better public spaces. Projects like the Highline in New York and the BeltLine in Atlanta have already contributed to positive economic growth in their immediate areas, including increased property values and greater pride of ownership. We are looking forward to the same results in South Florida.
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