Famous Lincoln Road Gets A Makeover

Of the many attractions that make Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate so alluring, Lincoln Road most certainly ranks at the top. The iconic pedestrian mall has long been one of South Beach’s most popular hangouts, offering a rich selection of luxury boutiques, stylish cafes, and five-star restaurants.

But big changes are coming to this venerable commercial street, which is begging for a renovation worthy of this fast-changing city. As the Miami New Times reported:

Earlier this year, the City of Miami Beach quietly contracted James Corner Field Operations, the architectural firm behind New York’s famous High Line and Miami’s upcoming Underline — a greenway planned beneath the Metrorail tracks.

“Lincoln Road has a great history and a great legacy,” founder James Corner tells New Times. “It’s still one of the great streets in America, probably in the world. But over the years it’s deteriorated.”

Corner says he and his team have been meeting with business owners, residents, community groups, and city official and “listening to what’s on people’s minds and what they complain about.”

Corner had few specifics to offer just yet on what his group will recommend for the walkway, but says most people he’s spoken with agree it needs an update.

“There’s a lot of positive energy and a lot of enthusiasm,” he added. “But at the same time they feel it’s underperforming … It’s a bit run down and tattered in parts. It could be greener, more sociable. Not a lot of places to sit right now unless you’re in restaurants.”

Though details are scarce, the developer has specified that it will take into account Lincoln Road’s history, namely its iconic Morris Lapidus-designed buildings. Local historical and sustainability groups, as well as engineers, will be consulted with to ensure that the project is up to the city’s standards.

In short, Lincoln Road is getting more of a refresh than a redo, with the aim being to add more life, functionality, and aesthetic beauty to the street without compromising its quintessentially Miami Beach look and feel. It is an interesting balance that is worthy of a city as classy but forward-looking as Miami Beach.

To learn more about the many exciting new developments and Pre-Construction Condos in Miami, contact Matt Crane at 305.203.0000 or matt@mattcranemiami.com.