The Miami, FL office of MKDA, a preeminent architecture studio located in the Wynwood Art District of Miami, today announced that it has completed the re-design of 80 NE 40th Street, a 6,000-square-foot standalone retail building in Miami’s Design District that once complete will forever change the block between NE First and North Miami Avenues, and stretch the borders of the Design District.

When the MKDA studio discussed transforming the dated 1995 E.G. Cody building at the edge of the Design District into a distinctive retail destination, the firm focused on solutions that would draw pedestrians from the more populated block where luxury brands Fendi, Prada, and Christian Louboutin have stores.

They found their answer in a three-fold approach: one, remove the roof and add a second story to the building; two, create a pedestrian arcade that envelops the sidewalk from storefront to curb; and three, articulate the concrete façade with clean and minimal lines of columns adorned with vertical lighting. 

“To appeal to pedestrians, we wanted a highly visible building that would mirror what was happening in the heart of the Design District while also standing out as a distinct destination,” said MKDA Managing Director Amanda Hertzler, who noted that MKDA used many of the building’s existing features, and worked with the City of Miami to execute the design.

“Ultimately, our vision was to create compelling indoor and outdoor spaces that would draw pedestrians down the street, out of their comfort zones, and into the entire 80 NE 40th Street retail experience. We believe the design will do just that while also challenging the current boundaries of the Design District.”

The vision was achieved by adding height to the building so that 80 NE 40th Street resembled the prime locations within the Design District’s more popular blocks, while also standing out on its own block of single-story buildings. The studio then expanded the building to the sidewalk with a pedestrian arcade and added striking vertical lights to concrete columns to enhance visual interest.  

MKDA carried the arcade concept to the building’s side to create an outdoor courtyard ornamented with large globe pendant light fixtures that illuminate the outdoor opportunity and accentuate the double-height ceilings.

Three beautiful 1,500-SF retail suites reside within a double-height glass box that sits under the building’s solid concrete frame. Once complete, the retail suites’ glass walls, soaring ceilings and clean, white interiors will provide a radiant backdrop for a collection of boutique retailers. One retail suite connects directly to the courtyard and provides an ideal restaurant opportunity.

“We have had a longstanding relationship with MKDA in New York, and trusted that the firm’s Miami studio would be able to carry out the project with creativity and precision,” said Avi Zukerman, Managing Director at Century Realty. “MKDA, together with our entire team, has created a first-rate destination that will change the face of the Design District forever.”

“The Design District is in the process of a transformative re-imagination. 80 NE 40th Street adds to the creative and beautiful architecture that lines the streets of one the country’s most interesting luxury shopping neighborhoods,” added Tony Arellano, Executive Vice President of Metro1, the building’s exclusive agent.

“Urban and walkable experiences,” he explained, “are the counterpoint to super regional shopping malls. Infill retail and Miami's urban core today is evolving in real time. We are pleased to have this trophy property available to lease and couldn't be happier with how the design turned out.”

MKDA is a corporate planning and interior design firm that was established in New York, NY in 1959. The firm also has a Stamford, CT studio that provides corporate interior design services, and a Miami, FL studio that provides architecture and interior design services. MKDA has been named one of Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Interior Design Giants, has been an Interior Design Best of the Year Honoree, and has received numerous other accolades and recognition. Client brands have included Snapchat, SoundCloud, Guggenheim Partners, Design Within Reach and Heineken USA, as well as leading building owners Silverstein Properties, George Comfort & Sons, Vornado Realty Trust, Blackstone, ClearRock Properties and Boston Properties. www.mkda.com