Plans Submitted for Whale & Star Redevelopment in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District
A new mixed-use project could soon rise in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, as plans have been submitted for the redevelopment of the Whale & Star building. The project, located at 2215-2237 Northwest 1st Place, 175 Northwest 22nd Street, and 170 Northwest 23rd Street, spans a 37,822-square-foot site. The proposal seeks to demolish the existing 27,406 square feet of commercial buildings on the property to make way for an eight-story development.
The city’s Wynwood Design Review Committee is set to evaluate the project on September 10th, a key step for the developer, Whale & Star Wynwood Owner LLC, which acquired the property for $24 million in 2023. The proposed building would total 246,307 square feet and include a combination of hotel rooms, residential condominiums, commercial space, and parking.
Key Features of the Proposed Development
- 214 hotel rooms: These rooms, sized between 223 and 425 square feet, will be located on the third through fifth floors.
- 87 condominiums: Situated on the sixth through eighth floors, the residential units will range from 406-square-foot studios to expansive 1,592-square-foot loft-style residences with up to three bedrooms and mezzanine decks.
- 11,350 square feet of commercial space: This will include 8,935 square feet of ground-floor retail space and a rooftop restaurant and bar.
- Rooftop amenities: A gym and pool will be located on the rooftop, offering both residents and hotel guests a luxurious experience.
- 87 parking spaces: The proposal also includes a waiver request to reduce parking requirements by 30% and allow parking on the mezzanine level.
Design and Development Team
The project design is led by Hollywood-based O’Donnell Dannwolf and Partners Architects Inc., with HWKN Architecture serving as the design consultant. Other contributors include:
- Bliss & Nyitray: Structural engineering
- MG Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering
- Schwebke Shiskin + Associates: Civil engineering
- Christopher Cawley Landscape Architecture: Landscape design
In addition, Goldman Global Arts, known for its iconic work on Wynwood Walls, will curate the artwork and murals for the development, ensuring that the new project blends seamlessly with the artistic identity of Wynwood.
Cloud One Hotels will brand and operate the hotel component, while condo residents will have access to the hotel’s shared amenities, including concierge services, housekeeping, and more. This integration of hotel and residential living aligns with the growing trend of providing seamless, high-end experiences for both short-term guests and long-term residents.
Whale & Star Wynwood Owner LLC is a partnership between German hospitality group Motel One, Ralf Buschl of the Buschl Group, and Sebastian Ludke of ALP.X Group. Together, they aim to create a vibrant, dynamic addition to the Wynwood area, offering a blend of luxury, art, and urban convenience.
The development also seeks several waivers, including increased lot coverage and reduced parking requirements. These changes, if approved, will allow the project to fully utilize the site’s potential while maintaining the artistic and cultural fabric of the Wynwood neighborhood.
As Wynwood continues to evolve as one of Miami’s hottest districts, the Whale & Star project could further elevate the area with its fusion of art, hospitality, and urban living.
