OLD BUSINESS  1.

COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM

HISTORY:

Staff has been working on a short-term activation for Rue Vendome that would allow for weekly and daily programming in the plaza. The goal of these programs is to increase visibility of the local businesses in Normandy Isle and to create a place for North Beach residents to gather and engage with one another, supporting the idea of placemaking in this corridor. This has included creating a temporary pop-up park to encourage people to relax, sit and play in the plaza throughout the week. Additionally, in August, NoBe Yoga began offering free yoga and meditation classes every Tuesday and Thursday evening.

During the September 14, 2018 FCWPC meeting, in response to the Committee direction to bring ideas to the September 14, 2018 meeting, staff explained that  they had researched various agencies/companies in Miami-Dade County, that could provide the desired programming and branding for Rue Vendome. As directed by the Committee, the desire is to have an entity to create site-specific programming and a local marketing plan to help lift up North Beach and attract new patrons to the area. In addition, the entity would work with the local businesses surrounding Rue Vendome to strengthen their brand and internal operations. 

ANALYSIS:

During the September 14, 2018 FCWPC, staff informed the Committee that Prism Creative Group, a local branding and marketing firm that specializes in creative placemaking and site-specific programming expressed interest in assisting with the Rue Vendome project.

Prism Group has been retained by various municipalities and agencies such as the Miami Downtown Development Authority to activate underused public spaces.

Prism Creative Group, who will be performing similar services in Lummus Park, is a consultant specializing in strengthening small business growth and elevating the unique narrative of a particular neighborhood. Prism Creative believes in re-branding communities through compelling storytelling, experimental community events, and building long-term community through culture to elevate quality of life and collective consciousness. They have a proven track record of building ground-up movement in Miami’s Arts and Entertainment District with monthly events drawing thousands of attendees, and helping establish the Wynwood Yard as one of Miami’s most supportive venues for nightly live music, to creating a home for local and emerging artists with The Listening Den at Ace Props Shop and Studio in Little River.

Prism Creative Group produces high-quality curated events on a frequent basis that touch on the creative pillars of music, cinema, visual arts, wellness, cuisine and the artisanal small business community.

Because of the Prism Creative Group's proven track record of working with municipalities and producing these large events, the FCWPC recommended that staff proceed with negotiating with Prism Creative and recommended a waiver of bid to move forward to begin negotiating a contract for community services that extend beyond Lummus Park to incorporate Rue Vendome, contingent upon available funding.

In response, Prism Creative Group proposed the following programming, which would take place over a period of three months for a cost of $25,000:

Soul & Folk at the Fountain

 A close-knit musical experience emanating the colorful culture of far away European plazas with live trios and acoustic tunes as well as activating the grassy knoll with vendors and a picnic type atmosphere.

Brunch Sunny Side Up

 Let’s fill the Rue with beloved Miami go-to brunch spots featuring classic dishes, family-friendly activities, live music, and a Sunday filled with community.

Sweet & Sweat

 A delicious sunset yoga flow led by @flowzario on The Rue paired with local DJs or musicians for a next-level wellness and musical experience as well as a selection of flavorful dessert vendors.

Tango & Asado

 Taking it to Buenos Aires for a night of live Tango performances, acoustic music, and dance classes for the community plus a brilliant al fresco asado featuring local Argentinian treats and eats.

CONCLUSION:

Administration has identifying funding sources for the Rue Vendome programming which is preliminary identified to cost $25,000 for three (3) months of programming and would require a bid waiver to amend the Lummus Park agreement the City has with Prism Creative Services to provide similar services.