Plusurbia’s 2024: A Year of Progress, Partnership, and Purpose

As 2024 comes to a close, we celebrate a year defined by growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact. At Plusurbia Design, our work goes beyond plans and policies—it’s about people, places, and the connections that inspire everything we do. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with passionate communities, dedicated partners, and visionary leaders.

This year marked significant milestones for Plusurbia. Our South Carolina office, led by Dylan Gehring, exceeded expectations, delivering projects that have already made a meaningful impact. In Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Bruno Carvalho, our office continued to thrive, expanding our influence with his expertise in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. Meanwhile, our Puerto Rico office, led by Manuel de Lemos, has been pivotal in advancing projects that blend innovation and cultural sensitivity, reinforcing our commitment to creating resilient and vibrant communities across the Caribbean and beyond.

We are proud of our team’s remarkable achievements. Dylan was elected Treasurer of the South Carolina APA, showcasing his leadership in planning. Meanwhile, Juan Mullerat was elected Vice President of Section Affairs for the Florida APA, reinforcing our commitment to advancing the field of urban planning and fostering collaboration statewide.

2024 was a year of growth driven by exceptional projects, leadership achievements, and new talent. Plusurbia’s dedication to meaningful impact remains stronger than ever as we look toward a promising future.

Designing for Communities, Shaping the Future

In 2024, Plusurbia continued to make a meaningful impact through projects that blend innovation, heritage, and community engagement. Our work with the City of Hialeah on its ambitious 2050 Master Plan exemplifies this approach, providing a roadmap for the city’s evolving needs while honoring its cultural and social heritage. Through workshops and listening sessions, we collaborated with leaders, stakeholders, and residents to craft a plan that reflects Hialeah’s unique character and aspirations, with its completion anticipated next year.

In Key West, our partnership with Stantec has reimagined Duval Street, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and functionality for residents and visitors alike. Similarly, the El Portal Street Master Plan charts a bold future for mobility, transforming streets into vibrant public spaces that embrace the village’s natural beauty.

 In South Miami, significant progress was made on the Downtown Master Plan, reimagining Sunset Drive and developing a branding initiative to define the city’s urban core. And in Deerfield Beach, our participation in the Downtown Master Plan with the Urban Land Institute and a panel of esteemed professionals reflects our commitment to collaborative urban planning. Meanwhile, our engagement in Clearwater’s North Greenwood neighborhood produced a plan that honors the area’s legacy while preparing for a resilient future.

This year also saw Plusurbia working on transformative projects across North Carolina. In Belmont, through charrettes and workshops, we collaborated with the planning department and community to shape an updated Comprehensive Plan aligned with the city’s celebrated Form-Based Code. And in Brevard, we developed Architectural Standards that celebrate the city’s rich history and architecture. 

Overtown, one of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods, became the focal point of our work in the early part of the year. In partnership with Hood Design Studio, Studio Roberto Rovira, Watson+Co, and Streetsense, we balanced historic preservation with sustainable growth with a focus on the implementation of an ambitious street master plan reinvestment plan. Guided by Terra Group’s leadership, we crafted strategies to celebrate Overtown’s cultural heritage while unlocking its potential as a vibrant urban hub.

Stories Yet to Be Told

This year has also been marked by storytelling and preservation efforts. We are finalizing publications on the histories of Liberty City, El Portal, Brownsville, and Anna Maria Island, with releases scheduled for next year. In Sunny Isles Beach, we developed a Historic Preservation Ordinance to protect its architectural legacy. Additionally, our LaVilla Historical Resources Survey in Jacksonville uncovered layers of history, with a comprehensive report expected early next year.

Partnering for Impact

Collaboration fueled some of our most rewarding initiatives in 2024. With Ten North Group, we tackled Florida’s affordable housing challenges through community-driven solutions. Our grassroots Little Santo Domingo Historic Resources Survey was recognized by the local APA section for its deep reflection of the community’s history and culture. Meanwhile, our ongoing partnership with the Miami-Dade TPO advanced forward-thinking mobility solutions across the region.

A highlight of the year was hosting Assistant Secretary Elisabeth Bhargava of HUD in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. This visit underscored our dedication to partnerships that advance affordable housing and community development initiatives.

Designing With Heart

While our external projects have gained attention, some of the work we’re most proud of happens quietly behind the scenes. At Plusurbia, we dedicate significant time and energy to pro bono initiatives and internal efforts, ensuring we give back to the communities we serve. These projects reflect our mission to create spaces that connect people, honor history, and inspire the future.

Looking Ahead

We are also excited to unveil a few groundbreaking projects next year. These initiatives introduce innovative approaches to design and planning, with the potential for significant impact across several regions of the United States. They represent the forward-thinking spirit that drives our team and our commitment to shaping a better future.

As we reflect on all we’ve accomplished this year, we are reminded that none of it would be possible without the communities, partners, and colleagues who inspire us every day. Together, we’ve built more than plans—we’ve built relationships, trust, and a shared vision for what lies ahead.

As we turn the page to 2025, we are filled with anticipation for the opportunities to come. Here’s to another year of purpose, partnership, and progress. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey!

#EndOfYearReflection #Plusurbia #DesignWithPurpose #PlanningForTomorrow