VOEP – Streets Master Plan
Overtown, Miami, FL
Village of El Portal Streets Master Plan
Project Type: Master Planning
Project Status: Completed
Completed: July 2024
Site Area: 256 AC
Team: Plusurbia Design
Client: Village of El Portal
The El Portal Streets Master Plan represents a forward-thinking approach to urban design, transforming the village’s streets into multifunctional public spaces that integrate community priorities, innovative solutions, and environmental stewardship. This plan emphasizes the strategic enhancement of infrastructure to support safety, resilience, and livability while preserving the unique identity of the village.
Streets in El Portal are critical arteries for mobility and social interaction, but they currently face challenges such as vehicle speeding, inadequate stormwater management, and aging infrastructure. Developed in close collaboration with residents, the master plan addresses these issues through a comprehensive and inclusive design process, leveraging community input collected via workshops, surveys, and interactive design activities. This collaborative engagement ensures alignment with local priorities, including traffic calming measures, improved pedestrian and cyclist safety, and wildlife protection.
Key technical strategies within the plan include the integration of green infrastructure, such as bioswales, permeable pavements, and rain gardens, to manage stormwater effectively and mitigate flooding. These measures reduce urban heat island effects and promote biodiversity, creating a resilient streetscape. The plan also prioritizes the expansion and maintenance of El Portal’s legacy tree canopy, ensuring the continuation of its ecological, aesthetic, and climate benefits. Native plant species are central to this effort, supporting local ecosystems and enhancing the visual appeal of public spaces.
To support multimodal transportation, the master plan incorporates dedicated bike lanes, enhanced sidewalks, and transit-friendly corridors, fostering accessibility and connectivity. Public realm improvements, such as strategically placed seating, and lighting, provide inviting spaces for recreation and community interaction, elevating the overall quality of life for residents.
By combining advanced technical solutions with a strong commitment to community values, the El Portal Streets Master Plan establishes a framework for sustainable growth. It not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the groundwork for a resilient, environmentally conscious, and socially vibrant village. This plan positions El Portal as a model of how visionary urban design can harmonize infrastructure development with environmental preservation and community needs.
