Plans to break up busy Biscayne Boulevard with a lush, green space and a quaint teahouse are still in the works as developers work through permitting with the city.

In August 2021, the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) announced its collaboration with real estate developer Property Markets Group on a Green Initiative to increase public green space and walkability along Biscayne Boulevard. The MPA says the project is still alive despite construction being stalled for over a year.

“PMG is waiting for the city to issue the permit, so there’s really no action at this point, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen,” said Margarita Delgado, president of MRD Consultants and public relations liaison for the MPA.

The project aims to create a breathing space for city residents and visitors away from the hustle and bustle of the urban core.

Two inter-connected MPA parking lots between Third and Fifth Streets on Biscayne Boulevard are about to be transformed into a secluded oasis. Lots to be beautified with native trees, inviting benches, decorative lighting and pavers.

Open to the public, the re-imagined space also features a beautiful teahouse that looks out over a green lawn with seating and sculptures. The teahouse offers beverages, pastries and other prepared food for purchase.

Swiss landscape architects Enia are overseeing the design of the project. Renderings show the parking lot between Northeast Fourth and Fifth Streets to be mostly unchanged except for new, raised planters.

Teahouses, open lawns and sculptures are to replace half of the parking lot between 3rd and 4th Streets. The other half is to be reserved for parking space.

Sponsored by PMG, the green installation will be just steps away from the developer’s recently launched 100-story Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences to rise at 300 Biscayne Blvd. The construction of the tower is expected to be completed in 2025.

A June 2022 memo from MPA CEO Alejandra Argudin encouraged the city commission to approve the parking authority’s 2023 operating budget. The budget reflects an increase of more than $6 million in gross revenue, which is attributed to a series of innovative parking enhancements being undertaken by the MPA.

The letter listed the highlights of the budget, which included green initiatives. “The MPA also recognizes the importance of green space in the downtown areas of the city. To this end, the MPA collaborates with the Property Market Group (PMG) to bring more public green spaces to the downtown area,” reads the memo. Is.

The Commission unanimously approved the MPA’s 2023 budget on September 10, 2022.

A timeline for the completion of the project has not been specified by the city or the developer.