April 9, 2018
A version of Wynwood’s hip vibe is set to take root in Miami Beach. Called the North Beach Yard, Miami Beach commissioners approved a five-year lease with the city to turn a lot at 81st Street and Collins Avenue into a trendy outdoor gathering space for the public. Wynwood Yard founder Della Heiman and her business partner Ken Lyon have been working on the plans that would include food trucks, small retail businesses, a bar, a performance stage for live entertainment and daytime programming, a pavilion and a renovated city-owned building that will serve as a community center. According to plans submitted to the city, the North Beach Yard could feature up to two dozen food and beverage operators and approximately 20 retailers made up of food trucks and trailers, three restaurants in repurposed shipping containers, an organic vegetable and fruit garden, and market stalls offering visitors “artisan-inspired culinary and retail products.”
The North Beach Yard concept was nothing more than an idea this time last year, but it did not take long to convince the community and commissioners the concept would be a positive way to revive the empty public lots on upper Collins Avenue. The idea was inspired by the success of Wynwood Yard, which Heiman founded in 2015. The commissioners mostly embraced the North Beach Yard concept, though a few raised concerns over how the new space would impact neighboring residents, specifically the noise levels. Agreements have been reached and it is hoped that the compromises will allow the neighborhood to become more vibrant and enhanced without being excessively loud or disruptive to the community. Noise restrictions and hours of operations have been built into the agreement. Businesses must end all sales by midnight and close by 1 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday through Wednesday, sales will end at 11 p.m. and doors will close by 11:30 p.m. The Yard will open daily between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Source: The Real Deal
