BEAME ARCHITECTURAL PARTNERSHIP PA STREETS OF MAYFAIR * Coconut Grove, Fla. In the category of Renovated Entertainment/Themed Centers, Beame Architectural Partnership PA, Coral Gables, Fla., was awarded the 1999 SADI for its design of Streets of Mayfair, Coconut Grove, Fla.
Five disjointed phases built in the '70s and '80s had resulted in Mayfair Shops in the Grove, a dark mall filled with sophisticated boutiques, restaurants, private clubs and an upscale hotel catering to South American tourists. When the South American economy slipped in the mid '80s, so did the center, with its only anchor closing in 1991.
To give the center a fresh start, it was imperative that the design de-bunker, and therefore de-mall, the center. The new center, renamed The Streets of Mayfair, would be community oriented and provide a strong entertainment concept.
Entrances to the center's retail spaces were turned outward to the sidewalks. In the east building, corridors were opened, floor slabs removed, bridges demolished, stairs relocated and entrances enlarged - all in the name of daylight. A three-story galleria with skylights replaced the dark maze. New escalators and open stairways encourage customers to check out the new 10-screen theater on the third floor.
Another bridge and courtyard filled with obtrusive columns and planters were removed to open the sight lines of Promenade, a parallel street. Along the street, sunken planters throughout the center were fitted with mature date palms. Streams of light zigzag up and down the street.
Three valet garages underwent some demolition to bring them together as one self-park garage. Grand stairways and elevators were constructed to allow daylight to reach into the subterranean garage.
Brick sidewalks were widened and re-landscaped to direct traffic toward main access points and storefronts. Neon, environmental graphics, mosaic tile and illuminated banners all served to create an exciting tropical backdrop for customers to the center and the hotel, which was separated from the center to give both elements the consideration each deserves.
AWARD RECIPIENT BEAME ARCHITECTURAL PARTNERHSIP PA
Coral Gables, Fla.
E. Stetson Glines (principal-in-charge); Max Bunster (project manager)
CLIENT: LENNER PARTNERSHIP LTD.
Coconut Grove, Fla.
Product Manufacturers/Suppliers: Development Design Group, Baltimore (conceptual design architect); Kistler-McDougall Corp., Atlanta (sandwich panels); Metallic Engineering Co., Miami (structural steel); Construction Services Inc., Decatur, Ala. (steel railings); Miami Awning Co., Miami (fabric awnings and canopies); P.T.S.I., Miramar, Fla. (post-tensioned concrete); Brunswick Door Co., Deerfield Beach, Fla. (rolling grilles, metal doors and hardware); Pena-Alum Glass & Mirror Inc., Miami (storefronts); Melilli Tile & Stone Inc., Tamarac, Fla. (tile, concrete pavers); Advanced Structural Concepts, Miami (concrete, C.M.U.); WAAS - Phillips Construction Co., Miami (steel grates, sealants, waterproofing, roofing, traffic aids, plastic laminate); Gables Air, Coral Gables, Fla. (HVAC); Elechs Inc., Plantation, Fla. (Toilet Accessories); Monarch Fire Protection Inc., Miami (fire protection); United Technologies Otis, Miami (escalators and elevators, elevator finish); Acolite Claude United Sign Co., Miami (neon and banners); Elcon Electric Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla. (utility lighting, switchgear, fire alarm); Langer Electric, Miami (garage lighting); Benson Electric Co. - ESI, Hollywood, Fla. (general lighting)