On the September 16, 2020 City Commission meeting agenda, Commissioner Michael Gongora sponsored a referral to the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee to discuss establishing an Art Deco Market in Lummus Park. It was proposed that a market would help improve the arts & culture offerings of the area and provide revenue to artists who were suffering from ongoing closures during the Pandemic.
At the October 19, 2020 and November 6, 2020 Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee meetings, discussions took place regarding the City’s plan to relaunch and manage the operation of an artisanal and product market in Lummus Park in early 2021. The market would be a free weekend market featuring curated artistic goods, services, and organic produce year-round. Previously managed by a 3rd party, the management of the market would be a joint effort between the Tourism and Culture and Property Management Departments. These departments would lead the daily management of the vendors and assets, with additional support provided by the Parks and Recreation, Police, and Sanitation Departments. The mission of the market was to engage residents, tourists, and visitors, with a welcoming, fun, and safe place to shop and connect.
At the January 13, 2021 City Commission meeting, a proposed budget amendment to include the Lummus Park Artisanal Market was presented. The Interim-City Manager expressed concerns of staff taking on the responsibility of overseeing the market due to resources that would have to be put forward for this initiative. The City Commission agreed and directed the Administration to place the Lummus Park Artisanal Market management out to bid.
On May 12, 2021, the Mayor and City Commission authorized the issuance of the RFP (RFP 2021-151-ND) to solicit proposals for the management and operation of an artisanal market in Lummus Park. The RFP was developed for the Lummus Park market specifically as it is likely to be the largest artisanal market within the City.
On July 30, 2021, the Administration provided a status update on the Request for Proposals (RFP 2021-151-ND) for Management and Operations of an Artisanal Market in Lummus Park in LTC-315-2021. The Administration worked to identify potential artisanal markets in other areas as a way to promote activations within certain neighborhoods or commercial districts. The areas that would potentially benefit from an artisanal market include: the Normandy Fountain area, Collins Park, the 41 Street corridor, and Pride Park, as well as other areas that could be identified in the future. The additional markets could serve as informal social gatherings where residents and visitors could meet and interact with local artists and designers, stimulate community development, and provide family-friendly engagements. Compared to the Lummus Park market, the additional markets referenced would likely be significantly smaller and some could be activated only episodically. Accordingly, the Administration released an addendum to the RFP to allow future additional markets to be added to the resulting agreement by mutual agreement. Additional markets would require City Commission approval.
The Evaluation Committee convened on August 27, 2021, to consider proposals received. The Committee was comprised of staff from the Parks and Recreation, Property Management, and Tourism and Culture Departments, as well as members of the Art in Public Places Committee and the Miami Beach Convention Center.
On October 13, 2021, the Mayor and City Commission approved the recommendation to authorize the Administration to enter into negotiations with Florida Fresh Market, the top ranked proposer. Florida Fresh Market was the best qualified firm to manage and operate the artisanal markets. Florida Fresh Market had vast experience in collaborating with other municipalities such as Bal Harbour Village, the City of Coral Gables, and the City of Miramar in the development of their farmers’ and artisans’ markets. The process of contract negotiations between the City and Florida Fresh Market began immediately.
On April 6, 2022 the Tourism and Culture department contacted the Ocean Drive Association to schedule a meeting to present the Lummus Park Artisanal Market details to include the footprint, and tent and logo design.
On April 19, 2022, City Staff and Florida Fresh Markets presented the Lummus Park Artisanal Market to the Ocean Drive Association (ODA). The ODA was impressed by the presentation but shared concerns regarding the location, public safety and the new Ocean Drive Promenade.
On April 26, 2022 the Administration received a letter (attached) from the ODA regarding the Lummus Park Artisanal Market where they further detailed their concerns with the location above 12th Street.
On May 31, 2022, the Administration and Florida Fresh Markets presented the Lummus Park Artisanal Market at a publicly noticed Community Discussion to the Art Deco Cultural District residents via Zoom. The presentation attached included the history of Florida Fresh Markets, the various locations in current operation as well as the proposed Lummus Park location between 13 Street and 14 Place in Lummus Park. The aesthetics of the vendor tents along with a logo for the Lummus Park Artisanal Market were also presented and well received. The overall community feedback was favorable, but the concern was shared that a market should not be placed north of 12 Street in Lummus Park.
On June 21, 2022 City staff received an electronic petition (attached) from SOBESafe stating concerns with the market.