MidRiverVu Receives Approval To Move Forward, Expanding River Landing’s Special Area Plan

In a public hearing last night, the City of Miami’s Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board approved plans for MidRiverVu, a new 28-story residential tower that will add 475 market-rate apartments to the MidRiver District. This project marks a significant expansion of the River Landing Special Area Plan (SAP), just west of downtown Miami

Owned by Canada-based H&R REIT, MidRiverVu is being developed in collaboration with Miami-based Urban-X Group. This development will rise on approximately 2 acres at 1411 NW North River Drive, directly north of the existing River Landing Shops & Residences, also owned by the REIT and co-developed with Urban-X.

“We’re thrilled to move forward with MidRiverVu, which will further our vision for a dynamic, mixed-use community along the Miami River,” said Andrew Hellinger, Co-Principal of Urban-X. “This expansion allows us to meet the growing demand for high-quality housing in this rapidly developing area, which is one of South Florida’s largest employment hubs, while contributing to the urban fabric of the MidRiver District.”

The MidRiverVu project represents a continuation of the successful River Landing, which has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the MidRiver District, where Allapattah, the Health District and the Miami River converge. Since its completion in 2020, River Landing has become a sought-after destination for both locals and tourists seeking a blend of entertainment, waterfront living and outdoor relaxation. The expansive 2.2-million-square-foot mixed-use complex has fostered a sense of community along the riverfront, offering diverse dining options, shopping and opportunities to connect with the River. Currently, over 4 million people visit River Landing annually.

“River Landing’s success and ongoing expansion would not have been possible without the unwavering support from the City of Miami and the guidance and professionalism of the City’s staff, especially Chief of Urban Design Graham Jones and Planner II Matthew Nahrstedt,” said Coralee Penabad, Co-Principal of Urban-X. “Their presentation to the City Commission last night clearly highlighted the merits of MidRiverVu and the positive impact it will have on the community. The city has been a true partner throughout this process.”

MidRiverVu continues River Landing’s legacy of setting a high architectural standard for the surrounding area.

“We were inspired to create a language for this community, drawing from the elements along the river itself,” said Carlos Prio-Touzet, Co-Founder and Principal of Touzet Studios, the architecture firm behind the project. “We were very excited to be brought in for this second phase of River Landing, continuing the successful initiative of bringing much-needed rental housing to the MidRiver District.”

The design of MidRiverVu draws inspiration from its riverfront location, incorporating elements that reflect the area’s industrial heritage and natural beauty. An 8-story volume with a corrugated metal skin was inspired by shipping containers, while another 8-story volume features translucent, thick, curving bands of fabric and steel, reflecting the river’s currents. The project also emphasizes sustainability, preserving important shade trees and providing ample green areas to reduce heat island effects and manage rainwater flow. The development incorporates rain gardens, intensive and passive green roofs and decks, and blue-green systems to control and slow runoff.

The MidRiverVu site is accessible by Miami-Dade’s main thoroughfares: Interstate 95 and State Road 836. It has proximity to two Metrorail stations and the rapid transit system that connects major hospitals and research centers to Downtown Miami, East Kendall and Hialeah as well as the Tri-Rail, a commuter rail line linking Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.