While finishing touches wrap up at the site of MDM Development Group's 43-storey Avant at Met Square, the grand opening of the 16-screen Silverspot Cinema at the tower's base has ushered in a new era for the neighbourhood, as downtown's intensification continues. Accompanying a small collection of retail to join the theatre, including restaurants, a juice bar, and a bank, the multiplex will more than likely be a major draw, the promise of two hours of air-conditioned escape from the Miami summertime heat, more than enough to fill the seats. 

Avant at Met Square, with podium, image by Forum contributor PhillipPessar

The fourth and final phase of the $1 billion Metropolitan Miami project, Avant at Met Square topped off last August, with cladding and glazing work continuing over the last eleven months. Fast-forward to today, however, and progress has been moving along well, the debut of the aforementioned cineplex bringing the project that much closer to completion. 

Silverspot Cinema, Met Square, image by Forum contributor PhillipPessar

At six storeys, the 16-screen theatre represents one of Miami's biggest, the entertainment complex located at the heart of downtown Miami, the addition of a two-storey soccer-themed, Real Madrid Café and boutique to help make this a landmark destination. 

Silverspot Cinema, street presence image by Forum contributor PhillipPessar

Rising high above the podium base, 391 residential units will fill the bulk of the tower, while the entry and lower levels will contain an archaeological tribute to the historic Tequesta Native American people and culture, evidence of which has been discovered underneath the development's foundations.

Archaeological component, to be covered in glass, image by Forum contributor PhillipPessar

Other nods to the city's past will include preserved pieces of the old Royal Palm Hotel, along with a tile mosaic which will trace the original shoreline. Wrapping up what has been become a transformative project for downtown Miami, the completion of Avant at Met Square will help breathe new life into the core, while striving to pay reverence to the city's past. 

SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.