If you ever drove down Coral Way toward Coral Gables over the past four or so years, you have probably caught a glimpse of MB Station during one phase of construction or another. What I’ve come to appreciate since we completed work on it is that most construction consulting firms don’t get to sign on to such interesting projects.
The History of the Project
MB Station actually has quite a bit of history despite being a new building. Nestled between Coral Way and SW 22nd Terrace (and taking up a large chunk of the city block), MB Station officially started when my clients bought it about four years ago. I joined the project about a year after that. However, before my clients came onto the scene, the property where the structure now stands sat vacant for about eight years.
Unfortunately, the development that was supposed to go up before never made it off the ground. The previous developer had gotten approvals back in 2007.
Then the Great Recession happened. The original project never recovered.
Long story short, after five or six years, the owners saw potential for a collaborative project with the City of Miami and pitched the idea. Both parties eventually came to an agreement that the developers would build a fire station. That was the beginning of Miami’s first P3—or public-private partnership—all funded by the developers.
Of all the construction consulting firms that could have been a part of this, I’m glad it was Quadra Consulting.
MB Station – About the Property
Looking at it, MB Station has definitely been a successful project. It’s actually three structures—a combination residential-commercial tower that fronts Coral Way, the fire station that faces 22nd Terrace, and a parking garage in the middle.
From the very beginning, the design process was rigorous and the structural engineering was extremely robust, both of which contributed to the final product. The structure itself is a phase three facility, meaning can handle winds up to 188 miles per hour. It has dual generators in case of a power outage—one for the residential tower and one for the fire station. In the commercial space located on the ground floor of the residential tower, there is also an animal hospital, in addition to the building owners’ offices and the leasing offices for the building.
Then we have all the really fun amenities on the fifth floor.
The building has a state-of-the-art fitness center, a clubhouse, a rec room, and a pool deck complete with outdoor yoga and barbecue area. And then there’s my personal favorite—the steam room.
I might be biased, but I think that MB Station is a class-A building.
Fire-Rescue Station 14
Then there’s the fire station. Located just south of the residential tower is the new home of the City of Miami Fire-Rescue Station 14. Let me tell you—I’m so glad that I got to be a part of this project, because these firefighters deserve the best. Watching the fire station go up was an enjoyable experience, especially since I learned so much about everything that goes into building one. From the first aid systems, to the gym, to the specifications for equipment that keeps them safe, the whole process was an education.
And to think, just a few weeks ago, these heroes were being housed in a trailer up the road in Shenandoah Park.
To put it lightly, they were stoked when they saw their new home.
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