Affordable prices and a budding art scene are boosting Little River into a big, new hot spot.
Installation by Mr. O.’s Rita Motta at Miami Ironside.
The word “potential” is frequently thrown around when discussing new pockets of Miami and the young residents who call these areas home. Such is the case with Little River/Lemon City/Little Haiti—overlapping neighborhoods north of the Design District and west of Miami’s Upper Eastside where young creators are turning a once run-down area into a hip spot to maximize their creative potential. “All three neighborhoods are growing together,” says Tony Cho of Metro 1. “Rising tides raise all ships, as they say.”
Buying In: People like Avra Jain, who helped reshape the MiMo District; Ofer Mizrahi, who brought in an eclectic and creative vibe to Ironside; and Tony Cho of Wynwood fame are the predominant faces behind the rejuvenation of this multi-named neighborhood. The trio joined forces to create Little River Urban Investment and buy properties like the nearly 129,000-square-foot Rail 71 industrial site at 7205 NE Fourth Avenue. “It’s where the makers are,” says Cho of the area. “It’s not only artists but manufacturers and production in larger-format warehouses. There’s going to be a lot more to talk about.”
Creative Hub: A smorgasbord of creativity, Miami Ironside (7610 NE Fourth Ct., 305-438-9002) just west of Biscayne Boulevard is a block of art and design studios, workspaces, fashion, event spaces, and Ironside Pizza (because even creative types get hungry).
Best Music: While most of the entertainment lies on US-1, Churchill’s Pub (5501 NE Second Ave., 305-757-1807) has been serving up cocktails and giving musical acts, including Marilyn Manson, their start since 1979.
Rise and Grind: The official sign that this neighborhood has made it—Panther Coffee—is coming soon to the hood with a 3,000-square-foot coffee shop/ training facility. 5934 NW Second Ave.
Fresh Makers: Jugofresh (350 NE 60th St., 786-472-2552), the now-famous juice and organic food spot, calls Lemon City home in a sleek warehouse headquarters designed by Shulman & Associates.
Flavor Town: Argentinean food in Little Haiti might be geographically confusing, but the grilled Spanish octopus and pork confit at Fiorito (5555 NE Second Ave., 305-754-2899) are delectable in any culture.
Haute Shop: Sweat Records (5505 NE Second Ave., 786-693-9309) is hipster heaven with a variety of LPs and CDs, books, T-shirts, vegan snacks, and, of course, free Wi-Fi.
Art Scene: With the rising costs of Wynwood rents, artists are packing their paintbrushes and heading north to workspaces such Fountainhead Studios. Galleries are following in their footsteps with GucciVuitton(8375 NE Second Ave.), Art Lexïng (7610 NE Fourth Ct.), and Michael Jon Gallery (255 NE 69th St.) setting up shop.
Work It Out: The latest in fitness fads make a home in the area with CrossFit 305 (5940 NE Fourth Ave.) and SolBox Fitness Club (7101 N. Miami Ave.) helping locals stay in shape.
Make It Or Break It: Manufacturers are a big part of what makes this a solid neighborhood, with businesses like Urban Stoneworks (7025 NE Second Ave., 305-754-7171) making precast architectural site furnishings from its Lemon City location.
Broker to Know: Tony Cho, Metro 1, 120 NE 27 St., Ste. 200, Miami, 305-571-9991