CLIENT NEWS: Little Havana site could be rezoned for apartments, grocery store
February 1, 2024Cornerstone Group and Brookstone Partners aim to rezone part of a Little Havana site so it can move forward with a mixed-use project anchored by a grocery store.
The Miami Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board will consider the rezoning for 1.02 acres of the 2.36-acre property at 805 to 861 W. Flagler St. and 826 to 860 N.W. First St. on the evening of Jan. 31. Brookstone 805 Flagler LLC, an affiliate of Hollywood-based Cornerstone Group and Coconut Grove-based Brookstone Partners, acquired the mostly vacant property for $15.8 million in July.
Most of the property is currently zoned T6-8-O and restricted commercial. However, about 1.02 acres is zoned T5-O and medium density restricted commercial. The applicant wants the entire site to have the same zoning: T6-8-O and restricted commercial.
“The proposed development would permit the construction of an 8-story building comprising 354 market-rate units, along with the introduction of a much-needed Aldi store to the area,” Jose Romero, a development partner at Brookstone and Cornerstone, said. “Currently a food desert [the neighborhood], the addition of an Aldi would not only help the neighborhood [residents] save money but also provide them with a broader selection, and healthier food choices.”
County records indicate the lease with Aldi was for 22,586 square feet.
Miami-based attorney Melissa Tapanes Llahues represents the developer in the application. It will also require City Commission approval at a later date.
There’s been more development in Little Havana in recent years as people seek to live close to the employment center of downtown Miami but with lower rents. All of that residential development has fueled demand for grocery stores.
