2001-24278 RESO
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-24278
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING
THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER PERTAINING TO
THE RANKING OF THE PROPOSALS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NO. 01-00/01 TO CONDUCT A
SITE UTILIZATION ANALYSIS AND TO DEVELOP A CONCEPT PLAN
FOR THE 17th STREET AND WASHINGTON AVENUE SURFACE
PARKING LOTS, INCORPORATING THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF
THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY; AUTHORIZING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE TOP-
RANKED FIRM, ZYSCOVICH, INC.; AND IF UNSUCCESSFUL IN
NEGOTIATING A CONTRACT WITH THAT FIRM, AUTHORIZING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH THE SECOND-
RANKED FIRM, THE CORRADINO GROUP; AND IF UNSUCCESSFUL IN
NEGOTIATING A CONTRACT WITH THAT FIRM, AUTHORIZING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH THE THIRD
RANKED FIRM, BERMELLO & AJAMIL.
WHEREAS, on January 5, 1998, pursuant to the authorization of the Mayor and City
Commission, the Administration issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of
public-private parking facilities in the area south of Dade Boulevard; and
WHEREAS, the City issued the RFP in order to solicit qualified development teams to bid
on certain publicly-owned sites identified in the RFP and/or to propose the development of parking
on privately owned property; and
WHEREAS, one of the public properties was the 17th Street and Washington Avenue Site
(the Site); and
WHEREAS, on Apri11, 1998, pursuant to a discussion item requested by Commissioner
Cruz, the Mayor and City Commission directed the Administration to amend the RFP to remove the
Site from the RFP due to its singular importance, commanding the need for its own RFP; and
WHEREAS, the Administration recommended that a professional planning process be
undertaken for the Site in order to determine its best long range use, and two other sites were
identified as having similar important characteristics; and
WHEREAS, the matter was referred to the Land Use and Development Committee and the
Committee recommended that the Mayor and City Commission direct the Administration to conduct
a proper planning process, and the Mayor and City Commission accepted the Land Use and
Development Committee's recommendation on May 20,1998; and
WHEREAS, on July 20,1998, after a broad discussion, the Mayor and City Commission
concluded that the Administration should proceed to prepare a Request for Proposals for the Site;
and
WHEREAS, at the October 21, 1998 City Commission meeting, Michael Tilson Thomas,
Artistic Director of the New World Symphony (NWS), addressed the City Commission, describing
the rapid growth and development of the NWS on a national and international scale and how, due
to the success of the NWS, the rehearsal, technology and workshop spaces within the Lincoln
Theater on Lincoln Road was now limiting the exploration of innovative styles of performance and
the development of new audiences; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission recognized the importance of such a valuable
cultural institution and requested the Administration to amend the draft RFP to include the expansion
needs of the NWS as part of same; and
WHEREAS, on November 4, 1999, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution
No. 98-22958, authorizing the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a 5.86 acre
PubliclPrivate Development Opportunity on the "17th Street Site", located between Washington and
Pennsylvania Avenues, 17th Street to Lincoln Lane, immediately north of Lincoln Road; on
February 17, 1999, the Mayor and City Commission voted to cancel and withdraw the RFP; and
WHEREAS, since the RFP was withdrawn, the Site has been the subject of much staff
discussion relative to increased parking needs, enhanced transportation linkages, urban design issues,
historic district considerations, entertainment industry needs, convention center staging uses and
other potential development proposals; and
WHEREAS, on September 13, 2000, Commissioner Liebman requested a referral to the
Land Use Committee to discuss the NWS's expansion plans and its request for a long-term lease;
and
WHEREAS, the NWS proposes to expand into the southwest comer of the surface lot on
Pennsylvania Avenue and Lincoln Lane, directly behind the Lincoln Theater and the estimated $15
million expansion would occupy approximately a 32,000 sffootprint (1/3 of the Site) and does not
include any provisions for new/replacement parking; and
WHEREAS, the NWS expansion proposal also contemplates a long-term lease with the
City, which will be subject to the provisions of Section 82-36 through 82-40 of the City Code; and
WHEREAS, on September 18, 2000, the Land Use Committee adopted a motion
recognizing the importance ofthe NWS and the importance of accommodating the expansion needs
of the NWS, further recognizing the 17th Street and Washington Avenue Site:
a. As an important civic area which should be used for a significant public facility;
b. To accommodate expansion needs ofNWS; and
c. Recommended directing the Administration to prepare the necessary studies to assess
the impact for other needs within the site; and
WHEREAS, to accomplish the recommendations ofthe Land Use Committee, on October
18,2000, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2000-24138 authorizing the
Administration to contract with one ofthe seven architectural and engineering firms, with an urban
planning experience, on the City's rotational list, for a fee not to exceed $25,000, to conduct a site
utilization analysis and to develop a concept plan for the Site, incorporating the proposed expansion
of the NWS, and if unsuccessful in negotiating such a contract, authorizing the issuance of a Request
for Qualifications to conduct same; and
WHEREAS, the Administration attempted to negotiate amongst the firms on the rotational
list to conduct professional architectural/engineering services and City Staff met with two of the
seven firms contracted to discuss their ability to perform the scope of services but neither firm
indicated they could conduct said study for a fee less than $25,000; and
WHEREAS, as a result, on November 3, 2000, RFQ 1-00101 was issued and responses were
initially due on December 4, 2000; said deadline was subsequently extended to December 28, 2000
as a result of various requests for information and supplemental data; and
WHEREAS, five (5) proposals were submitted by Zyscovich, Inc.; Bermello-Ajamil and
Partners, Inc.; the Corradino Group; Oppenheim Architecture and Design, LLC; and Carlos Vazquez
and Associates, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, on January 12,2001 and February 6, 2000, an Evaluation Committee met for
over nine (9) hours to review and discuss the proposals submitted and to allow the proposers time
to provide a presentation and conduct interviews; and
WHEREAS, the proposals were evaluated based on the selection criteria established within
the RFQ, i.e. based upon the firm's qualifications and experience, experience and qualifications of
Project Team, Project Manager's experience, previous similar projects, methodology and approach,
references provided by prior project owners and volume of work previously awarded to each firm
by the City, with the object of effecting an equitable distribution of contracts among qualified firms;
and
WHEREAS, the Evaluation Committee deemed that three of the five proposers
demonstrated the adequate experience and track record with similar projects and discussed the
importance of this site utilization analysis and concept plan as the core parcel ofthe City Center area
and the importance of the future development surrounding this Site; and
WHEREAS, the Committee felt that either of the 3 top firms would do a formidable job and
the Committee discussed the possibility of utilizing a combination of their expertise, to render an
innovative product but ultimately, the committee voted to rank the proposers in priority order with
Zyscovich, Inc. receiving seven votes for first place; the Corradino Group being ranked second; and
Bermello Ajamil being ranked third.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission herein accept the recommendation of the City Manager pertaining to the ranking of the
proposals received in response to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 01-00/01 to conduct a Site
Utilization Analysis and to develop a Concept Plan for the 17th Street and Washington Avenue
surface parking lots, incorporating the proposed expansion of the New World Symphony;
authorizing the Administration to enter into negotiations with the top-ranked firm, Zyscovich, Inc.,
and if unsuccessful in negotiating a contract with that firm; authorizing the Administration to
negotiate a contract with the second-ranked firm, the Corradino Group; and if unsuccessful in
negotiating a contract with that firm, authorizing the Administration to negotiate a contract with the
third ranked firm, Bermello & Ajamil.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this ll.U day of February. 2001.
lit
MAYOR
ATTEST:
_~<f P QLduA.
CITY CLERK
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CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
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CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
TO:
FROM
SUBJECT:
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM NO.
\\\ -01
Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin and
Members of the City Commission
DATE: February 21, 2001
JorgeM.Gonzalez \~
City Manager U' 0
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA,
ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER
PERTAINING TO THE RANKING OF THE PROPOSALS RECEIVED IN
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS {RFQ) NO. 01-00/01
TO CONDUCT A SITE UTILIZATION ANALYSIS AND TO DEVELOP A
CONCEPT PLAN FOR THE 17th STREET AND WASHINGTON AVENUE
SURFACE PARKING LOTS, INCORPORATING THE PROPOSED
EXPANSION OF THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY; AUTHORIZING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE
MOST QUALIFIED FIRM, AND IF UNSUCCESSFUL IN NEGOTIATING
A CONTRACT WITH THE MOST QUALIFIED FIRM AUTHORIZING
THE ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH THE
SECOND MOST QUALIFIED FIRM; AND IF UNSUCCESSFUL IN
NEGOTIATING A CONTRACT WITH THE SECOND MOST QUALIFIED
FIRM, AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE A
CONTRACT WITH THE THIRD MOST QUALIFIED FIRM, WHICH
HAVE BEEN RANKED AS FOLLOWS: (1) ZYCHOVICH, INC. , (2) THE
CORRADINO GROUP, (3) BERMELLO & AJAMIL.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution.
ANALYSIS
On January 5, 1998, pursuant to the authorization of the City Commission, the Administration
issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of public-private parking facilities in the
area south of Dade Boulevard. The City issued the RFP in order to solicit qualified development
teams to bid on certain publicly-owned sites identified in the RFP and/or to propose the
development of parking on privately owned property. One of the public properties was the 17th
Street and Washington Avenue site ("17th Street site").
AGENDA ITEM
~-rD
J,-Oll-OL
DATE
February 21,2001
Commission Memorandum
New World Symphony
Page 2
On April 1, 1998, pursuant to a discussion item requested by Commissioner Cruz, the City
Commission directed the Administration to amend the RFP to remove the 17th Street site from the
RFP due to its singular importance commanding the need for its own RFP.
Additionally, the Administration recommended that a professional planning process be undertaken
for the subject site in order to determine its best long range use, and two other sites were identified
as having similar important characteristics. Those sites being the preferred lot between 18th and
19th Streets on Convention Center Drive and the 72nd Street site in North Beach. It was further
discussed that the previously mentioned planning process also apply to these two sites. The matter
was referred to the Land Use and Development Committee.
At the Land Use and Development Committee Meeting of April 13, 1998, the Administration
described a planning process that would include a comprehensive review and evaluation of
pertinent urban planning and economic development issues, and community and entertainment
industry participation in the use assessment process. Examples of similar planning processes were
described that had been successfully used in the City such as the site selection for the Library, the
Bass Museum addition, the expansion of the Convention Center, the revitalization of Ocean Drive,
and the Convention Hotel area.
The Committee recommended that the City Commission direct the Administration to conduct a
proper planning process and the City Commission accepted the Land Use and Development
Committee's recommendation on May 20, 1998. Thereafter, industry meetings and roundtable
discussions occurred that resulted in a recommendation to the City Commission on July 20, 1998
to undertake the following:
I. Create a Steering Committee
2. Appropriate funding related to the study and RFP process (to be recouped upon
award of the RFP).
3. Authorize the Administration to select and enter into contracts with professional
consultants to assist with the process and the enclosed material.
After a broad discussion, the City Commission concluded that the Administration should proceed
to prepare a Request for Proposals for the 17th Street site.
At the October 21, 1998 City Commission meeting, Michael Tilson Thomas, Artistic Director of
the New World Symphony (NWS) addressed the City Commission. Mr. Thomas described the
rapid growth and development of the NWS on a national and international scale. Due to the
success ofthe NWS, the rehearsal, technology and workshop spaces within the Lincoln Theater
on Lincoln Road is now limiting the exploration of iunovative styles of performance and the
development of new audiences. Mr. Thomas, State Representative Elaine Bloom, NWS Board
member Joy Malakoff and President and CEO of the NWS, Chris Dunworth requested that the City
Commission consider the expansion needs of the NWS in relation to the proposed RFP. The City
Commission recognized the importance of such a valuable cultural institution and requested the
Administration to amend the draft RFP to include the expansion needs of the NWS as part of same.
February 21.2001
Commission Memorandum
New World Symphony
Page 3
On November 4, 1999, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 98-22958
authorizing the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a 5.86 acre PubliclPrivate
Development Opportunity on the "17th Street Site", located between Washington and Pennsylvania
Avenues, 17th Street to Lincoln Lane, immediately north of Lincoln Road. On February 17, 1999,
the Mayor and City Commission voted to cancel and withdraw the RFP.
Over the past several years, the subject site has been the subject of much staff discussion relative
to increased parking needs, enhanced transportation linkages, urban design issues, historic district
considerations, entertainment industry needs, convention center staging uses and other potential
development proposals.
On September 13, 2000, Commissioner Liebman requested a referral to the Land Use Committee
to discuss the New World Symphony's expansion plans and their request for a long-term lease.
The NWS proposes to expand into the southwest corner ofthe surface lot on Pennsylvania Avenue
and Lincoln Lane, directly behind the Lincoln Theater. The estimated $15 million expansion
would occupy approximately a 32,000 sf foot print (1/3 of the site) and does not include any
provisions for new/replacement parking. These plans are described in the report prepared by
Project Core, Inc. entitled "Soundspace at the New World Symphony", dated September 7,2000,
and calls for the creation of a state-of-the-art facility for teaching, performance, broadcasting,
rehearsals, special performance and related events.
The NWS expansion proposal also contemplates a long-term lease which will be subject to the
provisions of Section 82-36 through 82-40 ofthe City Code which requires that the sale or lease
of any City-owned property for a period of five years or more, is subject to the following
conditions:
. a Planning Department analysis
. a public hearing to obtain citizen input
. an advertised public bidding process
. an independent appraisal to determine the fair market or rental value of the property
Said Ordinance further provides that except for the public hearing and the Planning Department
analysis, the above referenced conditions may be waived by a 51710' vote of the City Commission
upon a finding that the public interest would be served by waiving such conditions. As such,
waivers will be required for the public bidding process and independent appraisal for this
transaction, if fair market return is not required as part of the lease transaction.
On September 18,2000, the Land Use Committee adopted a motion recognizing the importance
of the NWS and the importance of accommodating the expansion needs of the NWS, further
recognizing the 17th Street and Washington Avenue site:
a. As an important civic area which should be used for a significant public facility,
b. To accommodate expansion needs ofNWS, and
c. Recommended directing the Administration to prepare the necessary studies to
assess the impact for other needs within the site.
February 21,200/
Commission Memorandum
New World Symphony
Page 4
To accomplish the recommendations of the Land Use Committee, on October 18, 2000, the Mayor
and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2000-24138 authorizing the Administration to
contract with one of the seven architectural and engineering firms, with an emphasis on urban
planning experience, on the City's rotational list for a fee not to exceed $25,000, to conduct a site
utilization analysis and to develop a concept plan for the 17th Street and W ashington Avenue Site,
incorporating the proposed expansion of the NWS, and if unsuccessful in negotiating such a
contract, authorizing the issuance of a Request for Qualifications to conduct same.
The Administration attempted to negotiate amongst the firms on the rotational list to conduct
professional architectural/engineering services pursuant to RFQ No. 110-96/98. In accordance with
Florida Statute 287.055, City Staff met with two of the seven firms contracted to discuss their
ability to perform the scope of services. Neither firm indicated they could conduct said study for
a fee less than $25,000. As a result, on November 3,2000, RFQ 1-00101 was issued. Responses
were initially due on December 4, 2000; said deadline was subsequently extended to December 28,
2000 as a result of various requests for information and supplemental data. Five (5) proposals were
submitted by Zyscovich, Inc.; Bermello-Ajamil and Partners, Inc.; the Corradino Group;
Oppenheim Architecture and Design, LLC; and Carlos Vazquez and Associates, Inc.
On January 12, 2001 and February 6, 2000, an Evaluation Committee composed of the following
persons met for over nine (9) hours to review and discuss the proposals submitted and to allow the
proposers time to provide a presentation and conduct interviews.
Robert Todak, General Manager, Delano Hotel (Committee Chair)
Gary Knight, Executive Director, Art Center South Florida and
Member of the Board, Lincoln Road Marketing Committee
Chairman, Transportation and Parking Committee
Ada Llerandi, MBCAC Board Member
Doug Tober, SMG, General Manager, Miami Beach Convention Center
Stanley Greenstein, Board Member, New World Symphony
Jorge Gomez, Planning Director
William Cary, Director of Design, Preservation and Neighborhood Planning Division
Matthew Schwartz, Assistant City Manager
The proposals were evaluated based on the selection criteria established within the RFQ. The
Committee evaluated the proposals based upon the firm's qualifications and experience, experience
and qualifications of Project Team, Project Manager's experience, previous similar projects,
methodology and approach, references provided by prior project owners and volume of work
previously awarded to each firm by the City, with the object of effecting an equitable distribution
of contracts among qualified firms.
In summary, the Evaluation Committee deemed that three of the five proposers demonstrated the
adequate experience and track record with similar projects. Extensive discussions followed
regarding the importance of this site utilization analysis and concept plan as the core parcel of the
City Center area and the importance ofthe future development surrounding this site. The proposers
February 21,2001
Commission Memorandum
New World Symphony
Page 5
were described in priority order as being "passionate, excited and professional" regarding their
approach towards this study. As previously stated, the committee felt that either of the 3 top firms
would do a formidable job and the Committee discussed the possibility of utilizing a combination
of their expertise, to render an innovative product. Ultimately, the committee voted to rank the
proposers in priority order with Zyscovich, Inc. receiving seven votes for first place, the Corradino
Group being ranked second and Bermello Ajamil being ranked third.
In accordance with the schedule set forth in October 2000, below is an anticipated timeline for the
study to be conducted:
Negotiate ContractlRFP issuance
approved by City Commission:
RFP advertised:
Proposals due:
Presentation and Interviews:
City Commission award:
Negotiate and Contract with
selected consultant:
Study conducted
and report concluded:
October 18, 2000
November 2000
January 2001
January 2001
February 2001
March 2001/April2001
June 2001/July 2001
It is therefore recommended that the Mayor and Members of the City Commission of the City of
Miami Beach, Florida, adopt the attached resolution accepting the recommendation of the City
Manager pertaining to the ranking of the proposals received in response to Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) No. 01-00/01 to conduct a site utilization analysis and to develop a concept
plan for the 17th Street and Washington Avenue surface parking lots, incorporating the proposed
expansion ofthe New World Symphony; authorizing the Administration to enter into negotiations
with the most qualified firm, and if unsuccessful in negotiating a contract with the most qualified
firm authorizing the administration to negotiate a contract with the second most qualified firm; and
if unsuccessful in negotiating a contract with the second most qualified firm, authorizing the
administration to negotiate a contract with the third most qualified firm, which have been ranked
as follows: (I) Zychovich, Inc. , (2) the Corradino Group, (3) Bermello & Ajamil.
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