Architectural Vision for Wynwood Norte
Quito-based developer Uribe Schwarzkopf has unveiled designs for WOMA, a mixed-use project in Miami’s Wynwood Norte neighborhood. The building represents the firm’s first foray into the United States market. Dutch architecture firm MVRDV took the lead on the design, with Kobi Karp serving as the architect of record. The development occupies the site of a former coffee roasting facility situated near the Bakehouse Art Complex on NW 5th Avenue.
MVRDV designers modeled the structure as a series of stacked, offset volumes. This approach aims to harmonize with the lower-rise scale of the surrounding area. The building features an elevated central plaza that serves as the heart of the project. Public access is granted through large staircases that rise from the street level. These stairs feature glass mosaics created by the Italian design firm Fornasetti, known as the MANI design. The exterior facade employs a textile-inspired pattern with distinct color palettes of blue, green, orange, red, and silver. These patterns reflect the neighborhood’s industrial roots in garment manufacturing and local street art.
Residential and Commercial Utility
WOMA will contain 163 residential units. These range from compact studios and micro-units to larger three-bedroom layouts. A notable design feature includes four duplex atelier units that front the central plaza. These spaces offer live-work arrangements specifically for designers and artists, complete with exhibition areas visible through double-height windows. A single penthouse occupies the highest level of the building. Each unit comes fully equipped with appliances, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Commercial tenants will anchor the lower levels. Rosita Hurtado, a Miami-based fashion designer and entrepreneur, owns the project site and will establish her headquarters on the ground floor at the corner of NW 5th Avenue and NW 32nd Street. This space connects directly to the central plaza, providing an environment for fashion shows and art exhibitions. MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs emphasized that the project prioritizes human-scale interaction and pedestrian access, framing the development as a community-oriented hub rather than a private enclave.
Amenities and Urban Impact
The project offers a deep catalog of resident amenities. A semi-Olympic rooftop pool acts as the primary outdoor feature, accompanied by gardens, lounges, and a wellness terrace. The building also includes a steam room, a sauna, a fitness studio, and a pickleball court. Indoor amenities cover a wide range of needs, from a movie theater and business center to a children’s playroom and a pet park. The incorporation of these diverse spaces reflects a shift toward highly programmed residential developments in Miami.
Future urban planning remains a factor for the site. Developers noted the potential arrival of a Brightline station in the neighborhood, which would significantly alter connectivity for residents. Uribe Schwarzkopf maintains a history of working with globally recognized architects, including Bjarke Ingels Group and Jean Nouvel, though WOMA is their first local project in the American market. The success of this site may dictate whether the firm pursues further developments in South Florida. Observers should track how the integration of the elevated plaza affects local foot traffic and whether the live-work ateliers find traction with the Wynwood creative community.