IF YOU BUILD IT…

WITH THE DESIGN DISTRICT, VISIONARY CRAIG ROBINS IS CURATING MIAMI’S NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE FUTURE

“Part of what’s so great about visiting the Design District is that there is always something new to see or experience,” says Craig Robins, the visionary developer known for his revitalization efforts. He’s not talking about just any type of new additions, mind you, but about the kind that garner worldwide news. In the last few years, the District (a cluster of blocks west of Biscayne Boulevard and east of North Miami Avenue from about NE 38th to 42nd streets) has seen temporary installations by the likes of Es Devlin, Art Week exhibitions with gallery royalty like Saatchi Yates, above: The Urban Jam side of Museum Garage, a multilevel parking structure that features various façades highlighting works by multiple architects and artists

Larry Gagosian, and Jeffrey Deitch, the opening of flagship boutiques from Louis Vuitton Men and Chanel, structural collaborations with worldclass architects and designers, and the debuts of restaurants with Michelin cachet. “We combine commerce and culture, and the result is something entirely its own,” says Robins. “These are all the ingredients that bring people together, and when you build a community with elements like these that unite, it has resonance and power.” A little over a decade ago, all this was mere renderings and blueprints, but Robins’ vision prevailed and the Dacra founder soon found the right partners and tenants to join him. “I think both artists and brands know by now that we are good partners and that we value creativity,” he says. “There is mutual respect.” As far the District has come, however, Robins is not one to rest on his laurels. Upcoming plans for the area include its first class-A office building, which will include design by Arquitectonica and art by Daniel Arsham, the transformation of the historic Moore Building into a private club with a boutique hotel, and store expansions from the big luxury brands. “My creative energy is on continued development and growth,” says Robins. “I feel like this is just the beginning.” miamidesigndistrict.net