Starbucks comes to South Miami

BY CHAD COHEN

A cup of coffee to start the day is a ritual that has been instilled in most South Floridians. Whether it is a stout espresso or a cup with cream and sugar, coffee has become an integral part of the daily routine. Now residents of South Miami will be able to get their daily coffee from Starbucks, as the Seattle-based coffee house is opening a store on Sunset Drive.

The ever-present coffee house will be located at the corner of Sunset Drive and SW 58 Avenue. The project will call for the destruction of the existing one-story building and the construction of a new two-story structure designed by Miami architects Chael, Cooper & Associates, P.A. The existing building is not viable structure for Starbucks to move into because it is deficient in meeting current building and structural codes.

The new structure will be built in accordance with the city of South Miami's Hometown District Overlay Ordinance. It will be a mixed-use facility that will include office and retail space. The building will have a unique L-shaped design so that the courtyard that now exists there can be preserved. The Historic Preservation Board of South Miami along with many of its residents insisted that the courtyard be maintained in order to protect the historical and aesthetic importance of the site.

The City Commission in order for the project to move forward passed all three special exceptions that were asked by the developers: building frontage requirement, building length and a cantilevered balcony instead of an arcade.

"Because of the new building's layout, that is with its courtyard, balcony and overall design, it still retains the hometown feel we in South Miami have really come to cherish," said Mayor Julio Robaina. "It is a real shame to see the old building go, as it has been a part of the downtown area for so long. It simply cannot be brought up to code. Yet the new building will continue our passion and tradition of a small town feeling in our ever changing South Florida landscape."

Starbucks has also pledged itself to hire local residents as employees at its new South Miami location. In doing so, Starbucks will maintain its commitment to its mission statement of contributing positively to its communities and its environments.

The new project will be underway shortly. Starbucks will surely give South Miami residents and those of the surrounding communities a place to gather and discuss local issues while enjoying that cup of coffee we have all come to value.