LTC 089-2010 Convention Center Expansion and Enhancement Steering Committee Update
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
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LTC # os9-zoio LETTER TO CQMw11S•SIpN
To: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
From: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
Date: March 26, 2010 ( ~
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Subject: Convention Center Expansion and Enhancement Steering Committee Update
This Letter to Commission (LTC) is intended to provide you with an update on the progress of the Convention
Center Expansion and Enhancement Steering Committee. As you know, this past January, I convened a
Steering Committee to provide input to the City and Arquitectonica relating to the Master Plan for the proposed
expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center. The Steering Committee includes representatives of the
City, the County, stakeholders and other persons interested in the future of this facility, such as facility users.
The Steering Committee first met on January 15, 2010 and has had a total of three (3) meetings since that
time. Attached are the summaries from the first two (2) meetings for your review; the summary for the most
recent meeting is not yet available. In an effort to ensure that Arquitectonica is able to obtain as much input as
possible in the development of the Master Plan, the Steering Committee also established four (4)
subcommittees (Functionality, Programming, Big Ideas and Community) to discuss specific subjects in more
detail. The subcommittees each had one meeting and already provided feedback to Arquitectonica, which was
incorporated into the report provided to the Steering Committee at their meeting March 3rd.
As presented at the March 3rd Steering Committee meeting, the current preliminary Master Plan would, among
other things incorporate major redesigns that would address the issues that have been discussed these past
few years as necessary to become competitive in the marketplace. The proposed expansion plan would take
place on the Convention Center Preferred Lot (P-Lot) and Convention Center Drive, as well as on the northern
and southern sides of the existing building. Some of the preliminarily recommended enhancements include,
among other concepts:
• Re-orienting the entrance of the Convention Center and creating a new fagade with a main entrance
facing south towards Lincoln Road.
• The new front fagade would include three lanes of traffic on 18th Street, running between the facility and
The Fillmore and City Hall, one lane of which would be covered.
• Expanding existing space by adding
o an additional 200,000 square feet of exhibit space (or a new total of 700,000 square feet of
exhibit space for the facility);
o an additional 220,000 square feet of new meeting space, which includes
• a 60,000 square foot multi-purpose ballroom;
^ a 20,000 square foot junior ballroom;
^ 97,000 square feet of additional meeting rooms; and
• Anew lobby with pre-function space, an outdoor terrace on the ballroom level, and a
concession area.
• Redesigning the area between City Hall and the Fillmore (Convention Center drive and the surface
parking lot) into an inviting, 100,000-square-foot plaza and outdoor meeting space for groups wanting
to meet in the outdoors to take advantage of Miami Beach's climate;
• Re-locating the loading docks to the rear of the building;
• Adding a parking facility to replace lost parking caused by the development;
• Updating all of the facility's amenities with the latest technologies;
• Transforming the exterior of the entire facility into a unified look and feel.
Page 2 of 2
Convention Center Master Plan Update
Another important component of the Master Plan will be to strengthen the link between the Convention Center
to restaurants, hotels, shops, boutiques, theaters, other arts and culture venues, city parks, the vibrant nightlife
of South Beach, Collins Park and Lincoln Road. For example, the reorientation of the building to face south,
and creation of the new plaza will provide improved sightlines down Pennsylvania Avenue to Lincoln Road.
In addition, as part of the master plan process, and in response to research provided regarding the top
priorities of meeting and convention planners when selecting facilities for their clients, Arquitectonica has
identified locations adjacent to the Convention Center where it might be possible to locate a Convention Center
Hotel.
I am attaching some of the very preliminary renderings with some conceptual designs shared with the
Committee on March 3rd
The next meeting of the Convention Center Steering Committee is scheduled for April 19, 2010 at 10:00 am in
room C223/224 of the Convention Center. We have also scheduled the first Community Design Workshop for
May 13, 2010 at 6pm in room C220 of the Convention Center.
We are very excited with the progress on the Master Plan project, to date. Please let me know if you have any
questions with regard to this project.
JMG/HMF/MAS
F:\cmgr\$ALL\HFernandez\Tourism and Cultural Development\Tourism\Convention Center\MBCC Expansion Task Force Update LTC 3 22 10.doc
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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, vvvrw.miamibeach(I.gov
TOURISM AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Convention Center Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting
January 29, 2010
Meeting Summary
Committee Members Present: Ex-Officio Members Present: Others Present:
Mr. Jorge M. Gonzalez Ms. Hilda Fernandez Mayor Matti Bower
Mr. Stuart Blumberg Mr. Jorge Gomez Sally Heyman
Mr. Robert Wennett Mr. Max Sklar Dave Anderson, Global Spectrum
Mr. Scott Berman Mr. Bob Balsam Brian Altazi
Steven Haas Charlie Carreno Sergio Bakas, Arquitectonica
Saul Gross Bernardo Brescia, Arquitectonica
Mr. Tom Mobley Ray Breslin
Ms. Elsie Howard Bruce Brosch, NBWW Architects
Mr. William Talbert Anne Cotter, Arquitectonica
Jose Galan
Angelo Grande, MBCC
Jason Grayam, Block 53
Kay Hollander, MBCC
George Kousoucas, Block 53
David Kelsey
Roly Morante
Barry Moskowitz, GMCVB
Ita Moriarty, GMCVB
Larry Otto, MBCC
Scott Pacheco, Miami Today
Leslie Pantin, Arteamericas
Grisette Roque, VCA
Betty Sanchez, URS
Eric Silva, MD Planning & Zoning
David Smiley
Vivian Suarez
Mr. Jorge Gonzalez welcomed everyone and reminded everyone that the purpose of the meeting was
to explore the possibilities of the building and brainstorming. Mr. Gonzalez also welcomed
Commissioner Sally Heyman. Commissioner Sally Heyman introdcued Vivian Suarez from her office
and advised the group that Ms. Suarez will be sitting in for her for most of the meetings. Commission
Heyman stated that she was excited to see the master plan get underway. Mr. Gonzalez then turned
the meeting over to Mr. Brescia who reviewed the primary goals, which were as follows:
1. Meet competitive markets(in respect to meeting and ballroom space)
2. Maximize overall square footage for exhibit halls and meeting space
3. Create a unified identity
4. identify and strengthen linkages to Lincoln Road, Collins Park, Fillmore and Botanical
Garden
A complete list of overall goals were distributed to the Committee and generally endorsed.
Mr. Brescia emphasized that from a programming perspective Arquitectonica believes the Convention
Center needs new kitchens. Additionally, they will investigate and make recommendations for the loading
docks and parking. However, their primary focus is to determine what the best use of available land is.
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Page 2 of 2
1/29/10 Meeting Summary
There was brief discussion regarding the possibility of constructing a new Convention Center Hotel. Mr.
Brescia stated that a new hotel would definitely add value to the center. Mr. Gonzalez added that there will
be time to talk about the hotel at a future date but we should concentrate more on other ideas today.
Subsequently the discussion focused on the Multi-purpose /Ballroom space and how big it should be.
Although the CSL report stated the space should be approximately 50,000 sq ft, there was discussion that
it would be best to target 60,000 sq. ft. as part of the design. At that size, the Convention Center could be
competitive within the industry well into the future. It was also clarified that this space would serve more as
amulti-purpose space and just a ballroom.
Mr. Blumberg stated that in the design phase thought should be given the needs of the Boat Show when
designing the use of the P-Lot. He also mentioned that consideration needs to be given to the staging
needs of shows that use the Convention Center.
There was discussion on the impacts of the convention center expansion on the adjacent buildings.
Specifically, the Botanical Garden was discussed and how to best work with them in their renovation plans
to ensure there isn't a conflict. The location of their entrance was also discussed.
Mr. Brescia asked about the future of the 21st Street Community Center and whether or not that property
could be used in the master plan. Mr. Gonzalez said he preferred to work around it at this time because is
serves a valuable role in the community.
Mr. Talbert said that the Convention Center needed a clear passage from Lincoln Road to the Center. He
also said that a majority of attendees coming from the Eden Roc & Fontainebleau needed direct arrival
space for their shuttle buses.
Mr. Brescia advised that there will be a covered drop-off area for buses but he didn't want to loose sight of
the attendees who were walking from the nearby hotels.
Following a brief recess, Mr. Brescia discussed the arrival experience. The arrival is very important
because it is the first impression that people get of the Convention Center. The idea would be to have two
ten foot traffic lanes, a 15ft drop-off lane, and a 20 foot sidewalk. There would be an overhang covering
the drop-off section.
Parking was discussed and Mr. Brescia said that it was possible to construct a garage on Convention
Center Drive close to the garden, but they were still working on options to replace the parking lost in the P-
Lot.
Mr. Brescia was interested in the idea of having a sky light. Mr. Mobley said it would not be a good idea. It
would cause a cooling problem as well as cause problems with audio visual because sometimes you need
a room to be completely dark.
The main concept discussed was re-orienting the Convention Centerto have the main entrance along 18~h
street facing south. There was general consensus from those in attendance that this concept was a good
idea and that Arquitectonica should continue to work on designs centered around this concept.
The next Master Plan Steering Committee will be held on March 3, 2010. Subcommittees are to be
held prior to the next Steering Committee meeting.
F:\cmgr\$ALL\HFernandez\Tourism and Cultural Development\Tourism\Convention Center\1 29 10 MEETING SUMMARY.doc
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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
TOURISM AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Convention Center Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting
January 15, 2010
Meeting Summary
Committee Members Present: Ex-Officio Members Present: Others Present:
Mr. Jorge M. Gonzalez Ms. Hilda Fernandez Mayor Matti Bower
Mr. Stuart Blumberg Mr. Jorge Gomez Matthew Pinzur
Mr. Robert Wennett Mr. Max Sklar Gaston Isoldi
Mr. Marco Giberti Mr. Bob Balsam Ita Moriarty
Mr. Michael Breslow Barry Moskowitz
Mr. Alex Munoz Mr. John Kaatz
Mr. Scott Berman Sergio Bakas
Ms. Wendy Kallergis Anne Cotter
Mr. Tom Mobley Bryan Alzati
Ms. Elsie Howard David O'Neal
Mr. William Talbert Rick Schmidt
Katia Beck
Angel Lorenzo
Mr. Larry Otto
Mr. Angelo Grande
Frank Delvecchio
Scott Pacheco
Bill Frogameni
Jorge Gonzalez welcomed everyone to the kick-off meeting of the Convention Center Master Plan
Steering Committee and everyone in attendance introduced themselves.
Mr. Gonzalez and Ms. Hilda Fernandez presented the history of the Convention Center and the history of
the current master plan and expansion. The Miami Beach Convention Center expansion which was
originally constructed in 1957 and the last major expansion concluded in 1986 and brought the facility to its
current size of 1.1 million square feet and 502,000 square feet of exhibit space. Since 1996 the facility has
received over $50 million of improvements. The 1986 master plan and subsequent multi-
purpose/ballroom space options were also reviewed.
A recap of the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County Interlocal Agreement was provided. The
Second Amendment to the 1996 Interlocal Agreement (2004) shifted Convention Development Tax (CDT)
funding designated for MBCC and replaced it with funding from Miami-Dade County General Obligation
Bond Funds (if approved). On November 2, 2004 voters of Miami-Dade County approved the Building
Better Communities Bond Program (BBC GOB). The BBC GOB provided $55 million for
Expansion/Enhancement of the Miami Beach Convention Center. An Interlocal Agreement between the
City and County was executed in October 2009 for $600,000 to fund the Master Plan.
The Committee was also informed that in April 2008 the City and County Mayors and Managers meet to
discuss the Convention Center expansion project. It was agreed at that time that a Master Plan would be
developed with research driven information. The master plan would look beyond the four walls of the
current facility to identify short term and long term facility needs to make the facility competitive in the
future, not just now. This would include identifying short and long term funding needs.
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Page 2 of 2
1/15/10 Meeting Summary
In 2001 CSL completed a space and needs assessment study for MBCC, that study was updated, on
behalf of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) in 2005 and subsequently in 2009.
The most recent study looked at current industry trends, competitive/comparable facility analysis, existing
and projected utilization and market demand analysis. CSL presented their 2009 findings which included
the following:
• Multi-use/Ballroom Space needed
• Additional Meeting Space needed
• Unique Space Additions (e.g. outdoor venue)
• Adjacent or attached Convention Center Hotel
• Development of a Convention Center District with strong linkages to adjacent entertainment areas
Mr. Fernandez advised the Committee that in May 2008, RFQ 31-07/08 was issued for master planning
services for the expansion and enhancement of the Miami Beach Convention Center. The City received
six responsive proposals and the Evaluation Committee recommended Arquitectonica. The City
Commission adopted Resolution No. 2008-26883 awarding the RFQ to Arquitectonica and the
Administration negotiated the Agreement, which was approved by City Commission June, 2009 and was
executed November, 2009.
Ms. Fernandez also informed the Committee that Arquitectonica will look at city codes and prior studies,
solicit input from the Steering Committee, other community stakeholders and produce short and long term
master plan for the Convention Center. Additionally, the Steering Committee was informed that a
Stakeholder Group had been meeting with the City since 2005. In April 2009, the Stakeholder Group
agreed that the following items should be prioritized in Arquitectonica's final master plan.
• Reconfiguration/Enhancement of existing ballroom
• Additional meeting rooms
• Executive Conference Center (west)/2nd Floor West Side Meeting Rooms
• Outdoor space/venue
• Exterior signage (west side marquee)
• Interior finishes
• Other infrastructure requirements
Arquitectonica presented some initial ideas and concepts to the Steering committee. General discussion
from the Committee ensued. Mr. Wennett expressed that it was important for the Committee to establish a
set of goals and he felt the goals should be big and outrageous in order to ensure that good dialogue and
brainstorming would occur. Some of the subsequent comments included the need to strengthen the
connection to Lincoln Road, the New World Symphony, Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason
Theater and the public spaces in between.
Mr. Giberti stated that the Miami Beach Convention Center doesn't compete with Orlando or Las Vegas
and that 5 to 10 shows like Art Basel Miami Beach and the Boat Show need to be developed. There is a
need to focus in on specific industries or sectors that the community wants to attract to the Convention
Center and determine what infrastructure is needed to accommodate them. Those needs should be
designed into the building during this expansion/enhancement.
The Committee decided it was best to have another meeting quickly that would be conducted like a
charrette. The Committee agreed to meet on January 29th at 11:00 am; Arquitectonica would lead the
charrette. Additionally, subcommittees were to be established grouped by communities of interest (e.g.
Functionality Subcommittee, Programming Subcommittee, Community Subcommittee and Big
Vision/Picture). Additionally, Mr. Wennett requested a package of pertinent information be provided to the
Committee Members prior to the charrette.
F:\cmgrl$ALL\HFernandezlTourism and Cultural DevelopmentlTourismlConvention Center\1 15 10 Kickoff Mtg Summary.doc
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