Wynwood's transition into a popular hipster destination was hinged on residents like Wynwood Yard cultivating and encouraging the community over recent years. Now the influx of people and art to the area have caught the eye of several large developers and this prime lot will not be left untouched, much to the disappointment of local fans of the Yard.
The space located at 56 NW 29th Street in Miami will be closing Spring of 2019 along with neighboring O Cinema, a non-profit movie theater and art space. The Miami Herald reported that in their place will rise Wynwood Green, an 11-story, 189-unit apartment rental building with nearly 17,000 square feet of commercial/retail space and 324 parking spots. The property is currently owned by David Lombardi, who is the principal broker of Lombardi Properties and began buying the parcels in 2003 before the neighborhood’s real estate values skyrocketed. Lombardi confirmed the pending sale of the land but declined to reveal the price to the Herald.
The mixed-use apartment building is proposed by Lennar Multifamily Communities, a division of the Miami-based home building giant Lennar Corp. The Lennar project is the latest in a number of major office and residential developments that are planned or under construction in Wynwood, which spans 50 city blocks and was recently named one of the top hipster hangouts in the U.S. by Trip Advisor.
Founder of the soon to closed Wynwood Yard, Della Heiman, told the Herald that “the Wynwood Yard was created to support local entrepreneurs, celebrate Miami’s vibrant culture, and foster tolerance and diversity. We truly don’t have the words to express our gratitude to the 200+ entrepreneurs, hundreds of partner organizations, and thousands of intensely loyal guests who’ve made the Yard their second home.”
Luckily, those craving more from the popular culinary incubator will be able to find the Yard's new location in Miami Beach by the end of 2019. Della and co-founder Ken Lyon are proceeding with plans and permitting to open a similar space, the North Beach Yard on a lot at 81st Street and Collins Avenue owned by the City of Miami Beach.