The missing piece of a $1 billion Metropolitan Miami complex, Met 3, at 200 SE Third Ave, is scheduled to begin construction in the beginning of 2011. Originally set to break ground in early 2009, the project was placed on hold after several investors pulled out. However, MDM Development Group is shifting the details of the project and preparing to get started.    

The development group moves forward with a scaled-down version that seeks to meet two downtown needs: a supermarket, which downtown residents are currently lacking, and more parking.

Met 3 aims to not only provide benefits to office tenants and residents, as well as hotel guests for nearby Met 1 and 2, but to contribute to the overall community by providing a supermarket in the form of 'Whole Foods.' The national chain is in line with the theme of an affordable and healthy lifestyle.

"That's our goal. Our intention is to have Whole Foods," said MDM vice president Tim Weller, adding "we are actively working on that."

After more than six years of designing and building, the envisioned Metropolitan Miami complex is coming together.
The 447-unit Met 1 condominium is occupied with new residents and home to Chophouse Miami on the ground floor. Met 2 is nearing completion, with office tenants expected to move in starting in July and the hotel to open in October.

"It's a great service to the downtown area, which has been lacking something like this forever," Weller said.