By Andrea Richard
Nearly a decade ago, Doral was a place where thousands of professionals commuted to work. The business hub had well-manicured, gated communities with spacious houses for families, a golf course and a shopping mall. Yet there was little to do after work.
Fast forward to today, this Miami suburb is one of the fastest-growing cities in Miami-Dade County, and is fast becoming a live-work-play destination that’s in demand. With major mixed-use developments already built, a new downtown, tenants offering entertainment, and more planned projects underway, commuters now call Doral home and enjoy a quality of life that’s fun and sophisticated.
CityPlace Doral
Centrally located, this mega mixed-use complex opened in early 2017. The Related Group, in partnership with Shoma Group, developed it and architecture firm Arquitectonica designed it with 250,000 square feet of retail space for an urban village feel. The $800 million property includes more than 40 dining, shopping and entertainment establishments, a grocery store and 700 residences all within walking distance.
Residents can take in the cobblestone streets and watch water fountain shows with choregraphed music and lights on the hour. In the open-air space, a billboard-size screen broadcasts movies, and community events such as live music on the plaza, farmers markets and holiday happenings offer other fun. Or, they can catch a film and have dinner at CineBistro, grab a drink at the Martini Bar (opening this spring), and have a chuckle at the Improv Comedy Club, opening in late in 2018.
Steven Bradley, marketing manager for CityPlace tenant Kings Dining and Entertainment, says he loves the complex because it’s “a hub that is growing.” Kings tailors to kids and adults, depending on the time of day, with activities including air hockey, shuffleboard, karaoke, happy hours and dining. “We are a restaurant with really good food that happens to have bowling,” Bradley says. “We make our own pickles, cheesecake, sauces, pizza dough—all in-house.”
Oasis Park Square
Within walking distance is Oasis Park Square, a gated residential community developed by the Shoma Group that boasts beautiful contemporary designs and lots of amenities. The two-story, single-family homes have four- and five-bedroom floorplans and rooftop terraces with Jacuzzis.
Contempo
Also developed by Shoma, this sophisticated townhouse complex is still under construction. Chief Marketing Officer Stephanie Mejia says both communities promote their proximity to CityPlace. “The ability to work, live and play in your neighborhood brings a quality of life to professionals at any age, being able to save time, enjoy your home, and have the best shops next door,” she says. “Doral has become an urban city of excellence.”
Downtown Doral
A city isn’t a city without a downtown. Codina Partners developed Downtown Doral, which includes a balance of mixed-use developments, including Class A office buildings, retail shops, luxury condominiums, townhomes, single-family homes and a 3-acre park.
Urbana at the Residences at Downtown Doral
Lennar says these soon-to-be-completed homes feature upscale interior finishes, modern architecture and expansive amenities, and are situated in a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly community. The presence of startup companies and headquarters for major national and regional enterprises in Doral also pushes the development of the city’s business district, attracting more entrepreneurs and business professionals.
These residential and business districts are connected by lush gardens and parks, a mix of upscale retailers, fine and casual dining, and entertainment providers that complement a cosmopolitan lifestyle. In addition, top-rated local schools attract young and multigenerational families whose residents are able to walk to work, drop their children at school, and stroll through the sidewalk tables of restaurants whose dining extends to the streets. ♦
