726 Michigan Ave

This project involves the restoration and renovation of an existing single-story 1923 Mediterranean Revival home, a landmark of the historic architectural district of Miami. The undertaking involved the complete restoration of significant architectural features including the arched windows, a chimney, and other architectural features as discovered. At the rear of the property, five new units were designed around a shared outdoor space. This courtyard was designed to provide residents with a place to enjoy the outdoors while embracing the Mediterranean-style architecture alongside the more contemporary two-story building in the rear. An elegantly landscaped pathway stretches from Michigan Avenue and through the courtyard, allowing residents to enjoy the original 1923 architecture and finally arriving at the contemporary new structure.

Our design challenge was to preserve the historic building fronting the property and adding additional residential units at the rear without interfering with the street fronting and historic building look. The intent was to use the new building at the back of the property as a visual limit with a modern clean look that serves to frame the rich original elements of the historic building at front of the property that is being preserved. Both buildings share a site interconnected by an open, lush landscape and a paved courtyard for communal use.