James Corner Field Ops. Reveals Plans for the Underline

[All images courtesy the Underline/James Corner Field Operations]

At a set of two public meetings a few weeks ago, masterplan designers James Corner Field Operations and the Friends of the Underline laid out their initial vision for The Underline, the epic linear park planned to stretch underneath the Metrorail from Brickell to Dadeland South. Working with what is currently the M-Path, the designers envision two parallel paths, one with a minimum ten foot width for bicyclists and one with a minimum eight foot width for pedestrians, that would wind their way through a variety of settings and ecosystems. The Underline will transform the starck, underutilized Metrorail access road into a rich, verdant, and very long park.

Beginning with Brickell >>

At some points the paths would connect and at others would run on opposing sides of the park. Street intersections would be dealt with in varying levels of intensity, from a more prominent crosswalk at the middle of the block, to elevating the street to the park level and thus creating a 'hump' that would make drivers immediately aware of the crossing, to a full-on elevated crossing at a few heavy intersections. Landscaping, consisting of low-maintenance native species, would be divided into ecosystems reflective of South Florida's natural setting: a pine rocklands, hardwood hammocks, and wet prairies. The Underline would also be divided up into 'character zones', with uses suited to neighboring areas, that are highlighted by 'destinations' with more intense programming.

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  A typical stretch of the underline today has one shared path and minimal planting.
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  The Underline will feature a wider, dedicated, bike path and a separate pedestrian path, shaded by native plants that provide habitat for birds and butterflies.
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  The approach to Brickell Metrorail Station today features oolite outcroppings.
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  The future approach to Brickell Metrorail station will be a gathering place for residents on the oolite outcroppings.
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  Existing corridor at Simpson Park.
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  The proposed hammock trail will feature species native to the Brickell hammock and have opportunities for nature education and inventive play.
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  Existing corridor near SW 24th Avenue.
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  The proposed Grove Gallery, near the Coconut Grove Metrorail Station, capitalizes on existing opportunities to create a social space for gathering, strolling, and art.
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  The area approaching the Douglas Road Metrorail Station today.
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  Cyclists and runners will be able to stop, tune-up, and exchange routes at the midpoint of the Underline, near the Douglas Road Metrorail Station.
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  The existing corridor near the University of Miami is currently used for parking on either side of the M-Path.
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  The future Underline at University of Miami Station will have space for small gatherings and temporary pop-ups to serve as a small-business incubator for nearby entrepreneurs.
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  The existing corridor approaching Dadeland North Station.
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  The future Underline segment between Dadeland North and Dadeland South stations will focus on active recreation and connections to nearby trails.

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