Real Estate Developer Files Application to Build Miami Apartments and Commercial Space

A 4.1-acre site is being targeted.

Biscayne Shores Development Group LLC has filed a pre-application with Miami-Dade County to build a multifamily and commercial building.

The affiliate of Ben-Josef Group is targeting a vacant 4.1-acre site, which it bought for $3.2 million in 2004, located on the west side of Biscayne Boulevard at 1400 Northeast 116th Street, according to a report from the South Florida Business Journal.

The project aims to build 20,000 square feet of commercial space, 561 apartments, and 723 parking spots. The residential living spaces would feature 216 one-bedroom 212 two-bedroom, and 17 three-bedroom units. Plus, 116 studio units are planned to be constructed. The size will range between 414 and 1,101 square feet.

On the west side of the project, a building that stands eight stories would be featured. And then the east side would get a 15-story building. In between them, would be a planned pool deck at the top of the parking garage, plus indoor amenities (5,988 square feet).

However, there is one hurdle. Biscayne Boulevard’s rapid transit zone rules complicates matters. The unit of Ben-Josef is looking for a special zoning hearing, in hopes of getting a special exception to develop the project through the area. If given the green light, 12.5 percent of the apartment would serve as workforce housing.

“The concept plan anticipates providing direct pedestrian connectivity to the abutting Biscayne Shores and Gardens Park to the north and a paseo on the south,” Matthew Amster, local attorney representing Biscayne Shores in the pre-application said.

“As such the proposed development will be compatible to the surrounding neighborhood.”

Biscayne Shores has not submitted an official application yet, as it awaits feedback from Miami-Dade County officials.