Located in a primarily residential section of South Beach, 400 Collins is a mixed-use development, consisting of ground-floor retail, 3 levels of car parking, and 3 levels of residential condominiums.  Serving as a primary-use carpark permits the project to increase its development area, yet special care was taken to integrate the project into the existing fabric of the historic neighborhood.

Based on analyses of the color and architectural palette established by the Miami Beach Preservation League to preserve and promote the art deco heritage of the area, 400 Collins is a contemporary response to the rich architectural fabric of the neighborhood.  The prime focus of the building is a unique, vertical cladding system enclosing the parking garage.  The distinctive, double-fin design features white outside fins coupled with interior fins painted a different color on each level to match the pastel palette of the surrounding neighborhood.  The interior color reflects color from within to offer a hint of color without overtly expressing it.  Fins are spaced to prevent people from seeing headlights of the cars within the parking garage while still allowing the parking garage to be completely naturally ventilated.

I served as the senior architect on this project, leading design studies, zoning analyses, as well as preparing all presentations for zoning board approvals.  I was proud to present this project which received unanimous approval from the Miami Beach Planning Board as well as the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board.