Miami's Future is Bright: A Deep Dive into City Planning with Victor Dover - Episode #140
/Hey everyone, Hal Feldman here, your favorite Miami real estate agent! I recently sat down with Victor Dover, a renowned city planner and a true visionary, on the MiamiHal Real Estate Show. We had a fascinating conversation about the future of urban development in Miami, and I walked away feeling incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead for Miami real estate.
Victor and his firm, Dover, Kohl & Partners, are focused on creating vibrant, livable cities. They work with developers and municipalities to revitalize existing areas and design thriving new ones, shaping the future of Miami neighborhoods. What I appreciate about Victor is his ability to break down complex urban planning concepts into layman's terms. He believes in creating spaces that enhance everyone's quality of life, especially in sought-after areas like Dadeland, Coral Gables, and the City of South Miami.
The Evolution of Miami: From Car-Centric to People-Centric
We talked about the evolution of Miami from its car-centric past to a future where walkability, biking, and public transportation are prioritized. Think about a future in Miami with more vibrant neighborhood centers, like the transformation in Downtown Doral, where people can live, work, and play without relying on their cars for every trip. This is excellent news for those looking to move or invest in Miami!
This concept, known as "polycentric city centers," aims to shorten commutes and bring amenities closer together. It's a noticeable contrast to the outdated model of a single downtown core surrounded by sprawling suburbs. Victor pointed out how this shift is already happening, citing the rise of Downtown Kendall (Dadeland) as a second major center along the US-1 corridor, boosting Dadeland real estate and Kendall real estate values.
Why Walkability Matters
Victor highlighted the growing demand for walkable communities, a significant factor influencing the performance of Miami real estate listings. National surveys by the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors show that walkability is now the number one priority for homebuyers and renters, surpassing even school quality and low crime rates. People want to live where they can stroll to a cafe, enjoy green spaces, and easily access public transportation. This is especially true for those seeking family-friendly neighborhoods in Miami.
This shift in priorities has significant implications for Miami real estate. Investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure improves quality of life and boosts property values. Studies have shown that walkable communities experience faster recovery from recessions and higher property appreciation.
The Ludlam Trail: A Game Changer for Miami Suburbs
One of the most exciting projects on the horizon is the Ludlam Trail, a six-mile linear park and bike path connecting various communities and providing much-needed green space. This project, built on an old railway line, exemplifies the innovative thinking that can transform underutilized spaces into valuable community assets. And it's just one piece of the exciting Miami Loop project! And if you want to learn more, I recently wrote an in-depth article about the Ludlam Trail on my Miami Real Estate Blog.
The Ludlam Trail will provide a safe and enjoyable way for people to walk, bike, and run, connecting them to schools, parks, and businesses. It has the potential to become a beloved recreational space and a vital transportation corridor. Imagine families biking to school, residents jogging along a shaded path, and friends meeting for a casual meal at a trailside cafe. This development will impact the real estate of the City of South Miami, Coral Gables, and Kendall, attracting those seeking sustainable living in Miami.
Public Transportation: Expanding Our Horizons
Victor also emphasized the need for Miami-Dade County to continue expanding its public transportation network, including Metrorail and the upcoming Bay Link that will connect Miami Beach. While progress has been made, with improvements to the existing Metrorail system and a dedicated bus rapid transit line extending south, we still have a long way to go to catch up with other major cities.
He stressed the importance of integrating public transportation with pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure. Imagine being able to bike to a Metrorail station easily, take the train to your destination, and then bike to your final stop. This seamless connectivity is key to creating a truly multimodal transportation system. Victor even shared a personal anecdote about using his bike as a "horizontal elevator" to extend the reach of the Metrorail.
Lessons from Sunset Place: Building a Better Future
We also discussed the redevelopment of the Sunset Place site in South Miami. This project presents a unique opportunity to learn from past mistakes and create a more integrated and vibrant mixed-use development. Sunset Place's initial failure highlights the importance of careful planning and community engagement.
Victor highlighted the importance of prioritizing pedestrian access, extending the surrounding street grid into the site, and ensuring that the development contributes to the overall walkability of the area. He stressed the need for a more people-centered approach rather than simply focusing on maximizing parking spaces. This will be crucial for the success of new developments in the City of South Miami.
The Future is Bright for Miami Real Estate
Victor's insights gave me renewed hope for the future of Miami real estate. As we continue to grow and evolve, we must prioritize intelligent urban planning that puts people first. I'm excited to see how these projects and initiatives will shape our city in the future.
If you're interested in learning more about Victor's work and the principles of good street design, check out his book, "Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns." A new edition is coming out in February 2025!
Speaking of the Miami real estate market, if you're looking to buy or sell a property in this exciting and evolving market, don't hesitate to reach out! With my expertise and local knowledge, I can help you navigate the complexities of the market and find the perfect property for your needs, whether it's a condo in South Miami, a luxury home, or a beautiful waterfront property. Call me or visit Meet Hal Page—I'm here to help!"
Be sure to watch Victor Dover's full interview on the MiamiHal Real Estate Show (the video is above) to gain a deeper understanding of these important topics.
Until next time, have a great week in real estate!
Hal Feldman, MiamiHal
Your Miami Real Estate Agent
“You’re working all the time on getting a deal done and you work ALL the time, constantly. If it weren’t for your extra efforts and expertise, I would not have been able to sell.”
