540 Washington

Koniver Stern Offices

Miami Beach, Florida | design 2000

540 Washington Avenue inserts itself into the dense and densifying landscape of Miami Beach. Located on a narrow 50’ lot, the site is currently occupied by a 1930’s-era two-story commercial building that comprises shops on the ground floor and offices above. A small service yard behind the existing structure is accessible via one of the network of small alleys that still connect through the dense fabric of buildings located on opposing commercial avenues. This network of alleys, courtyards, gardens and patios were the jumping off point for the development of the project.

The project emerged from the need to improve and expand the 2nd floor offices as the headquarters for a local real estate development firm. This redevelopment of the second floor had to occur without compromising the existing building’s appearance on Washington Avenue; this building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is further protected by local Historic Preservation ordinances. The service alleys that connect through the site suggested the opportunity of orienting a new entrance to the building from the rear yard. The design soon evolved toward a strategy of improving this yard into a patio. The patio provided the context for the expansion of the second floor offices. It is a strategy that could apply to many locations in Miami Beach.