A commercial property owner, who had an almost completely developed block in South Miami, approached our firm to design a building that would complete his existing complex. The site was small and there were many zoning and planning issues that challenged the development of the site. Chael, Cooper and Associates approached the design as a mixed-use, urban in-fill project with retail (restaurant) on the first and second floor and office/residence on the third floor.

After resolving the parking and zoning issues, the project development continued with functional design for the tenants. The design issues embraced the challenge of the dual sided exposure to a parking lot and busy US-Highway 1 and the control of views to and from the building.

The most unique feature of the building is the incorporation of art into the building elements (column capitals and balconies). The column capitals were designed and cast uniquely for this project. The balconies were also precast concrete bas relief images of the Bird of Paradise plants. The completed building reflects both classic proportions and traditional architectural principals. The owner whose office sits atop the building can oversee all of his development in complete comfort.