In a unanimous vote on July 17, Miami-Dade County Commissioners approved All Aboard Florida’s land use plans to construct the highly anticipated nine-acre multi-modal station and transit-oriented development that will be located in the western portion of downtown Miami, just east of Miami-Dade County Hall. The transportation hub will include a mixed-use development with residential, office, commercial use, and a retail concourse, and will serve as a connector between All Aboard Florida’s passengers and Miami’s existing public transport systems. All Aboard Florida has selected Boston-based Suffolk Construction, one of the largest, privately-held building contractors in the country, to perform pre-construction and construction management services for its nine-acre multimodal station. Construction activities are expected to begin in late fall. “This project will be transformational for downtown Miami and the Historic Overtown community. I commend All Aboard Florida on all of its efforts and due diligence to date and for being sensitive to the community’s concerns and expectations,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson. “They’ve met with me on a regular basis over the past year as the project progressed to seek my input and feedback. I’m excited about the job creation and economic opportunity that will result from the start of construction.” The passenger rail system will be elevated 50 feet to align with existing public transportation systems and with retail spaces located beneath the tracks. This bold and innovative design allows thru-streets to remain open to traffic and creates an atmosphere of walkability, while creating a landmark terminal—a symbol of 21st century Miami. “This is definitely a project we want to see happen in the core of downtown. We are optimistic that the project will take us to the next level of urban living,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro. “We’re thrilled to be named as the construction manager for the All Aboard Florida downtown Miami station,” said Jeff Gouveia Jr., President and General Manager of Suffolk Construction’s Southeast Region. “Working on this project is a ‘once in a career’ opportunity, with respect to an express rail terminus station being built in the center of a major metropolitan city. Our extensive experience includes the management of many major transportation, retail and hospitality projects, making us ideally suited to deliver this project on time and on budget.” Over the next several months, All Aboard Florida will partner with Suffolk to announce sub-contractor and career opportunities. According to a recent economic impact report, All Aboard Florida is expected to create $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to Florida’s economy over the next eight years; $653 million in federal, state, and local government tax revenue through 2021; more than 10,000 jobs on average per year through rail line construction (mid 2014 – mid 2016); and more than 5,000 jobs on average per year after rail line construction is completed through 2021. More specifically, in Miami-Dade County, the project will generate more than 450 rail-line construction jobs between 2014 and 2016, generating $51.4 million in labor income. “The direct benefits resulting from the start of construction on this privately funded $2+ billion project will lead to a cycle of additional investment and economic opportunity,” said P. Michael Reininger, President and Chief Development Officer of All Aboard Florida. “Once construction begins on the downtown Miami station this fall, the entire community will realize immediate benefits in the form of jobs and commerce infused throughout the entire county. We will soon announce the additional opportunities that will become available as the program unfolds.”