43-Story, 406-Unit Tower Proposed Above Historic Biscayne Church

Arden Group has proposed a 43-story, 464-foot residential tower at 1836 Biscayne Boulevard in Edgewater, rising above the historic First Church of Christ, Scientist. The project includes 406 units and 14,803 square feet of commercial space. Arquitectonica is the architect.

The unit count rose from 390 previously planned. The mix runs studios through three-bedrooms averaging roughly 917 square feet. A multilevel podium holds 480 parking spaces. Amenities include a 43rd-floor rooftop pool and deck, fitness center, coworking, children's playroom, clubroom, lounge, poolside grill, and a pedestrian plaza along Biscayne Boulevard.

The church, built in 1926 and designed by August Geiger, was listed on the National Register in 1998 and locally designated in late 2015. The revised design sets the tower back nearly 70 feet from Biscayne Boulevard to open views of the church's southern facade. Demolition is limited to the roof structure and rear facade along NE 2nd Court; the east and north facades will be preserved entirely. Portions of the church interior will be incorporated into the first- and second-floor commercial space.

The partnership acquired the site from Fifteen Group for $20 million in late 2021. The assemblage spans 1836 Biscayne Boulevard and 256 NE 19th Street, about 0.96 acres. Approvals granted in 2022 included 16 waivers: 10 historic preservation, six zoning.