The Underline will transform the land below Miami's Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and living art destination.
Vision
Our vision is to transform the underutilized land, in the urban core, below Miami’s Metrorail into a 10-mile neighborhood park, urban trail and living art destination to create a safer, healthier, more connected, mobile, and engaged community. The Underline will be open to all and serve all with amenities and art that will connect people to place and each other.
The Underline will connect communities; improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety; create over one hundred acres of open space with restored natural habitats; encourage a healthy lifestyle and active transportation; create a mobility corridor that integrates transit, car, biking and walking; connect people to place with engaging art and programming; facilitate sustainable development along the corridor, and generate significant economic impact.
MPath Brickell Now
Underline Brickell Backyard After
MPath South of Brickell Now
Underline Hammock Trail After
MPath Coconut Grove Now
Underline Coconut Grove After
Underline Douglas Metrorail Station Before
Underline Bike Repair Kiosk After
MPath University of Miami Now
Underline UM Colonnade After
MPath Dadeland Now
Underline Dadeland Trail Connection After
Underline Typical Paths Now
Underline Typical Paths After
Building Connections
The 10-mile Underline will be Miami-Dade County’s first mobility corridor integrating all modes of transit. The Underline will connect to downtown and the Miami River Greenway on the north and to the proposed Ludlam Trail and the existing South Dade Trail on the south. This map shows many other proposed connections.
The Underline will be the spine of this future network of 250 miles of trails.
The Underline is the spine of a future connected network of countywide bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure and trails.
Click the map for a closer look.
Design
James Corner Field Operations
Brickell Backyard: Phase I, 30% Construction Design Documents led by James Corner Field Operations working with Friends of The Underline in partnership with Miami-Dade County Transportation and Public Works Department, our first phase of design is for The Underline: Brickell Backyard from the Miami River Greenway connection to SW 13th Street (Coral Way). In this segment, there is a proposed outdoor gym with basketball court, performance stage, outdoor swing, gaming tables, communal table, bike parking garage, food concessions, native vegetation, lighting, seating and The Underline biking and walking paths. There will also be improved biking and walking connections at 7th, 8th and 13th streets. The 30% schematic design was presented at a public meeting on January 19th at Southside Elementary. Click here to see the plans. Click here to see the minutes and here to see the video of the public meeting. And click here to see the result survey about the plans.
James Corner Field Operations
Master Plan: Through a competitive process, James Corner Field Operations of New York City was selected to create the master plan for The Underline 10 mile linear park and urban trail. With input collected from surveys and 6 public meetings the plan was completed in late December, 2015. We will proceed with design plans and secure funding for construction. Join now to become a Friend of The Underline so we can keep you up-to-date during the design process. Click here to see the master plan.
UM School of Architecture Studies
The University of Miami School of Architecture has supported the Friends of The Underline initiative with student and faculty resources. Led by Professor Rocco Ceo, a Spring 2014 studio class of ten students created concept design of the trail, park space, and intersection interventions. A Spring 2015 study was conducted with concept ideas for transit oriented development at the University of Miami and Brickell Metrorail stations.
Friends of The Underline
Friends of The Underline is a 501C3 non-profit organization advocating to transform the underutilized land below Miami’s Metrorail into a 10-mile neighborhood park, urban trail and canvas for artistic expression to create a safer, healthier, more connected, mobile, and engaged community. The Underline will be open to all and serve all with amenities and art that will connect people to place and each other.
We have partnered with Miami-Dade County Transportation & Public Works Department and Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces departments. Our board of directors and sub-committee members include architects, designers, urban planners, biking advocates, marketing experts, philanthropists, legal and accounting professionals, business leaders, real estate developers, and more.
Board of Directors
- Meg Daly Founder and President
- Roger Terrone Treasurer, Chair Finance & Governance Committee
- Jessi Berrin, Co-Chair Health Advisory Committee
- Nick D'Annunzio, Marketing Committee
- Rodolphe El-Khoury, Co-Chair Design Advisory Committee
- Dr. Ted Feldman, Health Advisory
- Arden Karson, Chair Development Committee
- Ken Krasnow, Real Estate Committee
- Alfred Lurigados, Chair Transportation Committee
- Cristina Mas, Chair Young Professionals Organization
- Josh Merkin, Chair Marketing & Outreach Committee
- Brent Reynolds, Chair Real Estate Committee
- Roberto Rovira, Chair Design Advisory Committee
- Debi Wechsler, Chair Art Advisory Committee
- Lilly Weinberg
- Steven Wernick
- Pete Wood, Chair Health Advisory Committee
- Eric Zichella, Chair of Advocacy
- Parker Thomson, Honorary Board Member
- BOARD OF TRUSTEES
- Brian Keeley, Baptist Health South Florida
- Stephen Owens, Swire Properties
- Jorge Plasencia, Republica
- Donna Shalala, University of Miami
- Louis Wolfson, Pinnacle Housing
- Judy Zeder, EWM
Committee Members
- George Abbott, YPO
- Christopher Adeleke, YPO
- Daniel Balmori, YPO and Finance & Governance
- Jeff Bass, Real Estate
- Evan Benn, Chair Culinary Curation
- Jason Bell, YPO
- Tanya Bhatt, Marketing & Outreach: Running
- Mitch Bierman, Transportation
- Pat Birch, Real Estate
- Tere Blanca, Real Estate
- Stu Blumberg, Advocacy
- Martin Bravo, YPO
- Scott Brown, Health
- Ken Bryan, Transportation
- Valerie Cabrera Brugal, YPO
- Mateo Buitrago, YPO
- Daniel Buraglia, YPO
- Brian Carson, YPO
- David Carson, YPO
- Carmen Cartaya, Finance & Governance
- Lowell Clary, Transportation
- Natalee Collazo, The Underline Cycling Club
- Michael Comras, Real Estate
- Alex Daly, Marketing & Outreach: Social Media
- RJ de Varona, Real Estate
- Andres Del Corral, YPO
- Tina Dominguez, YPO
- Jason Downing, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Andrea England, The Underline Cycling Club
- Laura Ericksen, The Underline Cycling Club, Chair
- Roberto Espejo, Design
- Gianni Feoli, Design
- Cristina Fernandez, YPO
- Keith Fernandez, YPO
- Wilfredo Fernandez, YPO
- AnaMarie Garces, Health
- Patricia Garcia-Velez Hanna, Art
- Chad Husby, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Mike Ginsberg, Finance & Governance
- Pedro Gonzalez, The Underline Cycling Club
- Sam Gorenstein, Culinary Creation
- Carly Grimm, YPO
- Della Heiman, Culinary Curation
- Irene Hegedus, Design
- Hans Hertell, Finance & Governance
- Michael Heuser, YPO
- Diego Juncadella, YPO
- Arnaud Karsenti, Real Estate
- Phillip Klumpp
- David Lai, YPO
- Alex Larmier, The Underline Cycling Club and YPO
- Arthur Lieberman, Finance & Governance
- Joanna Lombard, Health
- Cindy Hutson, Culinary Creation
- Sue Kawalerski, The Underline Cycling Club
- Marsh Kriplen, Design
- George Lindemann, Art
- Carl Lewis, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Francine Madera, The Underline Cycling Club
- Cristina Mas, YPO Chair
- Patricia Massey, The Underline Cycling Club
- Mindy McIlroy, Business Innovation
- Rebekah Monson, YPO
- Kelly Montoya, YPO
- Adrian Mora, YPO
- Gabi Morello, YPO
- Rosa Newman, YPO
- Abe Ng, Culinary Curation
- Jaime Ortega, Finance & Governance
- Anelys Parra, YPO
- Grace Perdomo, Design
- Alex Peters, YPO
- Jennifer Possley, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardn
- Marcos Puente, YPO
- Matthew Pinzur, Health
- Stefanie Reed, Art
- Francine Rodriguez, YPO
- Henry Rueda, Design
- Adriano Salucci, YPO
- Lee Schrager, Culinary Creation
- Debra Scholl, Art
- Andreas Schreiner, Culinary Curation
- Nicole Shiman, Real Estate
- Clayton Solomon, Finance & Governance
- Melissa Tapanes, Real Estate
- Steve Tonkinson, YPO
- Peter Turner, Marketing
- Cesar Trasobares, Art
- Marta Viciedo, Health
- Andrea Vigil, YPO
- Ian Wach, YPO
- Dana Wall, YPO
- Steve Wernick, Advocacy
- Eric Zichella, Advocacy
Public Funders & Sponsors
- Miami-Dade County
- State of Florida
- City of Miami
- Florida Department of Transportation
- City of Coral Gables
- City of South Miami
Underline and Brickell Backyard Founders
- Swire Properties, Underline Founder
- The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Underline Founder
- Pinnacle Housing Group, Brickell Backyard Founder
- Publix Charities, Brickell Backyard Founder
- Banyan Street Capital, Brickell Backyard Founder
- Mary Brickell Village, Brickell Backyard Founder
- Brickell Heights & SLS Lux, Brickell Backyard Founders
Donors & Supporters
- ArtPlace America
- Hogan Lovells
- University of Miami School of Architecture
- Florida Blue
- Miami Foundation
- The Mitchell Wolfson Foundation
- NP International
- Balfour Beatty
- Berkowitz Development Group
- Frank & Zully Castro
- Hotel Atton
- Comras Company
- GSK Advisors
- 13th Floor/Adler Group
- Health Foundation of South Florida
- Meg & John Daly
- SoMi Magazine
- Leslie Miller Saiontz
- Cowles Charitable Trust
- People for Bikes
- rbb Communications
- TaraInk
- Baptist Health South Florida
- Hotel Atton
- Le Parc at Brickell
- Related's Brickell Heights
- Parker Thomson
- Debi Wechsler
- The Clinton Family Fund
- Health Foundation of South Florida
- Roger Terrone
- Fine & Greenwald Foundation
- Rails to Trails
- Greenberg Traurig
Partners
- The High Line Network
- Miami-Dade County Transportation & Public Works Department
- Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department
- University of Miami School of Architecture
- The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
- The Miami Foundation
- SOMI Magazine
Endorsements
- Miami-Dade County
- City of Miami
- City of Coral Gables
- City of South Miami
- Beacon Council
- ChamberSOUTH
- Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
- Village of Pinecrest
- Village of Palmetto Bay
- AIA Miami Chapter
- APA FL Gold Coast Section
- Bakehouse Art Complex
- Baptist Health South Florida
- BDO
- Beacon Council
- Bike Coconut Grove
- Bike SoMi
- Bike Walk Coral Gables
- Bike 305
- Bottle & Bottega
- Brickell Homeowners Association
- Building.co
- Coconut Grove Village Council
- Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
- The Downtown Development Authority
- East Coast Greenway Alliance
- Emerge Miami
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Florida Department of Transportation
- Friends of the Ludlam Trail
- Friends of the MPath
- Gridics
- Hogan Lovells
- The League of American Bicyclists
- Lowe Art Museum
- Mack Cycle & Fitness
- Magic City Bicycle Collective
- MIAMI Association of REALTORS
- Miami-Dade County MPO BPAC
- Miami-Dade County MPO TARC
- Miami Shenandoah Neighborhood Association
- The Mitchell Wolfson Foundation
- Netherlands Consulate General In Miami
- PeopleForBikes
- Perricone's Restaurant
- Republica
- rbb Communications
- South Miami Hospital
- U.S. Representative Ileana Ros Lehtinen
- Riviera Neighborhood Association (RNA)
- Salazar Jackson LLP
- South Miami Bike Shop
- Swire Properties
- The Sierra Club Miami Group
- Tara Ink
- TrAC
- University of Miami
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Join
Be a Friend
Join now to be a Friend of The Underline to get updates on events and other important news.
FAQ
Who thought up the idea of The Underline?
Friends of The Underline founder, Meg Daly, broke both of her arms in 2013. Since she couldn't drive and had to go to physical therapy, she took Metrorail near her home and walked underneath the train tracks to her final destination. In the shade of the tracks, she wasn't that hot, even though it was July. She also noticed how wide the corridor is and that she was the only person using it. At that moment, she thought this land could be a linear park space and enhanced urban trail.
Who is the professional master plan design team and how were they selected?
Through a competitive process, James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) was selected as the master plan design team from a field of 19 applicants. This team has been engaged to create a master plan framework and detail for two demonstration projects. The companies working in collaboration with JCFO include Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Kimley-Horn, HR&A Advisors, HLB Lighting, and Pentagram.
Future construction documents, construction and project management will also require professional teams. Click here to see the master plan.
What does the master plan provide?
The master plan provides standards and requirements for the urban trails including trail widths and proposed materials. It also includes recommendations for lighting and wayfinding, seating, amenities, etc. The plan proposes improvements to crosswalks, intersections. Landscape recommendations include a plant palette and placement. There are also proposals for destination parks.
The master plan includes an economic impact study and project cost based on the master plan design. Click here to see the master plan.
What studies were referenced for the master plan?
The May 2007 MPO Metrorail M-Path master plan by Kimley-Horn, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces master plan, MDT's M-Path improvements (ongoing), the University Station Bicycle/Pedestrian overpass and the ThinkBike 2015 report.
Where will The Underline begin and end?
On the north end, The Underline begins at the Miami River north of the Brickell Metrorail station. On the south end, The Underline will end at Dadeland South Metrorail station.
How are the University of Miami studies being used?
The University of Miami School of Architecture generously offered university resources for conceptual planning for the initiative. All of the student work, which was pro bono, has been provided to the master plan design team.
Will you add buildings underneath the Transit guideway?
We cannot plan for permanent structures underneath Transit's guideway per FTA requirements.
What is the total budget for The Underline's design and implementation?
The total cost is $110-$120 million which includes:
$80 Million for the two trails, lighting, seating, and other amenities
$20 Million for intersection improvements (over 30 intersections)
$20 Million for destination parks.
What is the economic impact of The Underline?
Please see the complete study here. Highlights are:
Residential real estate appreciation - properties directly abutting the 10-mile corridor will see up to a 25% increase in value. Properties as far away as 1/3rd mile will see a up to a 5% increase in value for a total $300-$485 Million in increased taxable value and $120-$200 Million in new tax revenue over 20 years.
New development - There is currently $3 Billion in planned new development near the corridor which will create $150 Million incremental assessed value and $60 Million in new tax revenue over 20 years.
Job creation - 1,000 new jobs from construction and 400 jobs annually.
Economic activity - $170 Million in total economic output during construction and $50 Million in annually after completion.
How long will it take to finish The Underline?
Projects with similar vision and scope have taken a decade to complete. You can help us build it in less time by supporting the initiative and donating to the cause at www.theunderline.org
How will the project be funded?
We are fully funded for our master planning. Funders include the cities of Miami, Coral Gables, and South Miami and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Miami Foundation, the Health Foundation of South Florida and the Mitchell Wolfson Foundation.
For construction of Phase 1 at Brickell Backyard, the following funds will be directed via inter-agency agreements to the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department for construction:
$3 Million in Miami-Dade County road impact fees
$1 Million in City of Miami park impact fees from District 2
$1 Million FDOT TAP Grant awarded to Miami Dade Parks & Recreation
Friends of The Underline was awarded from over 4,000 applications a Knight Cities Challenge grant of $250,000 for construction of the outdoor gym at Brickell Backyard.
In early September, 2016, the City of Miami commission, by resolution, committed up to $50 Million in park impact fees derived from future construction within 1,000 feet of the future Underline.
Additional funding will be from public and private sources. Trail and intersection components will be supported by public parks, destination parks will be supported with private sources.
What have similar projects cost to build?
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail - 8 miles in downtown Indianapolis, 30 feet wide, $8 Million/Mile. The Atlanta Beltline - 22 mile loop around Atlanta, 6 miles completed, current trail under construction is $14 Million/Mile. The Chicago 606 - Elevated trail (abandoned rail corridor 30 feet wide), 3 miles long + ground level parks - $35 Million/Mile.
What is The Underline Cycling Club?
A free bike club to show that biking is a fun, safe and a healthy way to enjoy our cities. We will have group bike rides the first Sunday of the month for cyclists of all levels to explore the future Underline and its surrounding neighborhoods and attractions by bike. Registration for each bike ride will be on Eventbrite.
Do I need to become a member of The Underline Cycling Club?
All monthly bike rides are free and open to the community. We would appreciate donations (see theunderline.org/donate) of any amount to support our free-to-the-public biking club.
What do I need to do to ride with The Underline Cycling Club?
Please arrive at the published start time. Make sure your bike is in working order. Bring water, a bike helmet and some cash in case you want to buy something along the way. Riders must be 12 years or older. All riders will be required to sign a liability waiver.
I have an idea for The Underline. How do I send it to you?
One of our top priorities is getting the community involved. Please email us at info@theunderline.org with your design comments or post on Facebook @theunderlinemia.
What are you doing about safety?
User safety is one of our biggest concerns. Currently the MPath, the bike path underneath MetroRail, has limited lighting or amenities, and needs wider and safer crosswalks. All of these, and other safety issues, are being addressed.
How do I get involved?
Click the Join button on the home page. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and make a donation.
How much open space will be provided by The Underline?
We used the 10 mile length of the corridor (52,800 feet) multiplied by 100 feet (average width of the corridor as determined by Miami Dade County Transit) is 121.21 acres. This is an estimate of the entire corridor including intersections. Since transit stations, parking, and other facilities encroach the corridor, we are using "100 hundred acres" as a working number until validated by the master plan and future surveys.
Where can I see the result of surveys and public meetings?
Please visit our "News" section on this website. Both the results of the public meetings and survey are posted.
Who is making The Underline happen?
Friends of The Underline are advocating for the transformation of the land below Metrorail from the Miami River to Dadeland South. The Friends group is working with County agencies (both Miami Dade Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces and Transportation & Public Works departments) to raise government grants, including county, state and federal while the Friends group works to secure municipal and private funding. The management and programming of The Underline will be run by a public 501C3 represented by the County, FDOT, FTA (Federal Transit Authority), Friends of The Underline and three municipalities.
Do you disclose Friends of The Underline's financial activities?
Yes, Friends of The Underline is a 501C3 and our most recent Form 990 can be found here and the most recent financial statements can be found here.
Who will build The Underline? Who will maintain and program it?
The Underline will be built by Miami-Dade County Parks Department. Management, maintenance and programming will be done by a public 501C3 (see previous question.)
Why is this a public private partnership?
The Underline is built on public land and we must follow best practices based on County policy. The private sector has proven to be able to activate, mobilize and champion individual projects, for example our own Arsht Center and nationally, many park conservancies including Central Park Conservancy
Why is The Underline starting at Brickell? Why is The Underline being built in phases?
The Brickell area has the most density, the least amount of green space and will be a very visible demonstration to the community to propel demand for the remaining phases to be funded and built. The Underline is being built in phases based on funding and to provide the least amount of impact to users of the existing path.
Why is The Underline only being built to the south?
The area underneath The Metrorail from the Miami River to Dadeland South (the footprint for The Underline) has one owner and is contiguous. Once over the river, the area under Metrorail is much more complicated because of land ownership, rights of ways, etc. We are mapping how to get over the river, and connect to north, west and east access points once The Underline is built.
We have a path already. Why do we need The Underline?
The existing path is not lit, meanders, which provide poor visibility and has many unsafe conditions. The Underline is not an improvement of the existing corridor, it is a transformation with 2 straightened, widened trails, lighting and many amenities and native vegetation.
How will you control the noise from traffic?
We will be adding vegetation to absorb and dampen traffic noise. However, this is an urban trail in a dense area and there will always be noise.
Will there be bathrooms?
We are not contemplating bathrooms at this time. The Underline is adjacent to many commercial establishments that provide easily accessible public bathrooms
Will there be WiFi?
We would like have WIFI.
Will Miami-Dade Transit use the paths for their trucks?
Yes, as they do now. We have coordinated closely with Miami-Dade Transit to accommodate their maintenance and service access requirements.
What type of art?
Art will be selected and determined by Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places Friends of The Underline Art Advisory and is not designed at this time. As an ArtPlace Americas grantee, we are currently studying 4 temporary installations that will engage and activate the community.
Where will my donation go?
Friends of the Underline is a 501C3 non-profit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible and will be used to help us advocate and promote The Underline and administrate our organization. We really appreciate your support.
Who are The Underline Young Professionals Group and what do they do?
The Underline Young Professional Group, founded in April, 2016, came together to support the creation and activation of The Underline's public spaces. As stakeholders in this community, they recognize their role in encouraging participation and raising awareness in this important next step for Miami’s future.
Who are The Underline Art Advisory Committee and what do they do?
The Underline Art Advisory Committee is a team of curators, collectors, and art professionals guiding the artistic evolution of The Underline 10-mile linear park. Working in collaboration with The Underline master design team and Miami Dade County Art in Public Places, the Underline Art Advisory Committee is dedicated to building a world-class outdoor cultural venue for the residents and visitors of Miami. The committee plans to facilitate site-specific artistic interventions and installations that respond to The Underline's diverse communities and contexts. Three core principles drive the Underline Art Advisory Committee’s vision: 1. Curate a dynamic hybrid of celebrated permanent artworks and vibrant short-term visual and performing arts programming. 2. Draw upon the strengths of Miami’s existing cultural and civic institutions to highlight the quality and depth of the city’s existing art communities. 3. Promote interactive and inclusive artistic experiences that engage the people, neighborhoods, and transit users that connect the public to The Underline.
Who did The Underline's Health Impact Assessment?
The Underline HIA was commissioned by Friends of The Underline Health Advisory, funded by the Health Foundation of South Florida and completed by the Georgia Health Policy Center. You can see the completed HIA at this link