O
ak Row Equities has secured approval for a 526-unit apartment tower in downtown Miami, after revising its design to address concerns raised by the city's Urban Development Review Board. The board voted in favor of the 45-story First & Fifth project, which will feature a five-story podium with retail and 135 parking spaces at 49 Northwest Fifth Street and 50 Northwest Sixth Street. The site is home to the historic Salvation Army Citadel building, which will be preserved.

    The original design was criticized for its mismatched elements and failure to highlight the historic building. In response, ODP Architects scrapped the exterior arches and opted for a more modern "squared off" design. The revised plan also includes either a blank canvas with fenestration tied to the historic portion or a vertical green garden that wraps around the building.

    Board members praised the redesign, saying it addressed their previous concerns and created a better project. As a condition of approval, Oak Row was required to use the green wall option to highlight the historic building and incorporate natural plants. The board's recommendation will be reviewed by city planning and zoning staff before final approval is granted.

    Oak Row Equities has been actively developing projects in Miami, including a $520 million waterfront assemblage purchase and several other high-profile developments such as Wynwood Plaza and a 41-story tower in Edgewater. Construction on the First & Fifth project is expected to begin early this year.