Construction has begun for the spine of Downtown Miami: Flagler Street
Miami-Dade leaders come together to usher in the ‘Flagler Street Beautification Project’.
May 19, 2021 · 3 Minute Read 
The Flagler District Beautification Project, which is expected to cost about $25 million, will transform Flagler Street into a festival-style boulevard.
City and county officials gathered on Flagler Street to formally announce the commencement of construction on the historic Miami location. In attendance was City of Miami Mayor, Francis Suarez, who proudly made a bold declaration on the promise of Flagler Street.
We want to do something fantastic, something that stands out. This is going to be the most iconic street in Miami. And frankly, it couldn’t come at a better time, because every day. I can’t wait to see not only when the project is done, but when the private sector builds around the project. Miami is one of the cities most talked about in tech in the world, not in America but in the world.
— Francis Suarez, Mayor, City of Miami
Mana Common’s Chairman and Founder Moishe Mana was instrumental in funding the streetscape project, alongside the City of Miami and Miami Downtown Development Authority.
From left-right: Moishe Mana, Daniella Levine Cava, Francis Suarez, Eileen Higgins, Manolo Reyes
The first phase of a five phase project has already begun and involves the construction of a causeway over Biscayne Boulevard. The entire project is expected to take approximately 30 months to complete.
Aspects of the beautification include improvement to the street’s design, including the addition of decorative cobblestone-style paving, wider sidewalks, enhanced landscaping and curbless drains.
Railroad crossing gates will allow Flagler Street the opportunity to temporarily close down blocks to vehicular traffic in order to host community gatherings, festivals, special events, outdoor concerts and more.
Finally! Finally! Flagler Street is such an important part of our city. But rather than get it done fast, we wanted to get it done right. What great cooperation to see a big project like this get started and we can’t wait to see it get finished.
— Ken Russell, District 2 Commissioner, City of Miami
Many small businesses in the area that were negatively affected by the pandemic have expressed concerns about the consequences they may face due to the construction. However, Commission Manolo Reyes assured that there will be a crossing path for attendees to safely cross Flagler Street during construction, and that all storefronts will be accessible throughout the entirety of the beautification timeline.
This project is a vital step in the transformation of Downtown Miami, which many believe will bring a renewed energy to the area and a variety of new businesses and cultural attractions.
To learn more on the Flagler Street Beautification Project including project updates, construction alerts and project timeline, visit the official Miami DDA website.
