Plans are in motion for a new addition to Brickell, Miami's bustling financial district, as developer William Jacome proposes a 23-story mixed-use tower at the former site of the Babylon Apartments. Located at 240 SE 14th Street, just south of the Jade condo building, the Babylon Racquet Club development aims to introduce 34 condos, 15 hotel rooms, 4,400 square feet of office space, a 13,700-square-foot restaurant, and 14 tennis or racquet courts. It aims to establish itself as downtown Miami's premier racket sports and health/wellness center, right in the heart of Brickell.
After acquiring the vacant half-acre property for $8.7 million earlier this year, Jacome's vision for the project dovetails with broader initiatives aimed at improving access to public transportation. This is exemplified by its inclusion within the Metromover Subzone by Miami-Dade County officials. This designation enables developers to lower parking requirements, thereby encouraging the use of the nearby rail line.
Led by Jacome and legally represented by Nicholas J. Barshel of Akerman, the proposal mirrors a strategic reaction to evolving urban demands. Despite the site's rich history, previously occupied by the Babylon Apartments renowned for its unique design by Arquitectonica, its demolition in 2019 and subsequent projects signal a fresh era in Brickell's urban environment.
If greenlit, Babylon Racquet Club would contribute to the expanding skyline of Brickell, which has experienced substantial development in recent years. Notable projects include Mast Capital's Cipriani condo complex and JDS Development's acquisition of a Brickell Avenue site for a Dolce & Gabbana-branded condo tower. Moreover, Citadel is gearing up to develop a mixed-use skyscraper along Brickell Bay Drive, highlighting the region's prominence as a hub for real estate development and investment in South Florida.
The project team comprises several key players: ODP, serving as the architect of record; Rotterdam-based MVRDV, acting as the design architect; Bliss & Nyitrya, providing structural consultation; Power Design, serving as the MEP Consultant; and SLS/Socotec, overseeing life safety aspects. These plans were crafted on behalf of Cloud and Co.
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