Pedestrian-Friendly: Revamp of Historic Flagler Street starts After Super Bowl
October 4, 2019The revitalization of Downtown’s Historic Flagler Street, a pedestrian-friendly plan, has a set date to begin after approval of the City of Miami. Construction will start in Spring 2020, commencing at Biscayne Boulevard, and then next leading westward to Southwest 1st Avenue.
“With a safer and more attractive environment and with wider sidewalks and more shade, the enhancements to Downtown Miami’s historic main street will bring increased vitality to our current retailers and restaurants,” said commissioner Ken Russell.
The project approved in July by city commissioners will cost between $20.5 million to $22.5 million. Also, there is a Special Assessment District for the area to cover the costs of continuous maintenance or improvements.
The agenda of existing merchants won’t change with construction starting soon, since city officials agree to allow them to benefit from holidays, Art Week, and the expected Super Bowl events.
Once the project is done, the revitalized Flagler Street will welcome pedestrians with features including outdoor dining areas, sidewalks, lighting and signage improvements, public art, smart city technology, and for sunny Florida, more shade.
The landscape will also be enhanced, and there will be patterned cobblestone-style pavers, railroad-themed streetscapes, and curbless drains.
Flagger will become a “festival-style boulevard,” getting back its place as Miami’s downtown cultural destination, according to the city.
Meanwhile, tourism in downtown Miami has almost doubled since 2010 to 6 million visitors, Downtown Development Authority says. The community of residents and office workers has also been rising.
