The Citadel: Get A First Look Jan. 27

Big news for Little River: following a massive renovation, the Citadel, the 60K SF mixed-use space that formerly served as a Federal Reserve Bank, is on the cusp of opening. 

The project by Urban Atlantic Group, located at 8300 Northeast Second Ave., will incorporate radio station offices, a food hall, retail, events and, in the future, a 500-seat live-music venue. It will also have two bars — one inside and one on the rooftop.

The building is set to host an inaugural block party Jan. 27. A formal grand opening will follow shortly thereafter. 

"It might be Jan. 29 when we say, 'Hey, our doors are open,'" or it might not be until early February, Urban Atlantic Group principal Nick Hamann said. "There are so many dependencies. We want to make sure all the kinks are worked out." 

Entercom Communications — which operates some 235 radio stations across the country — will take up about half the building with offices and broadcasting studios.

Another section of the complex will feature a food hall, showcasing vendors such as Vice City Bean and Taquiza. There will also be a Creole sandwich shop, a sushi bar, a wine shop and a burger concept. Hamann said the food hall is 100% leased already. 

A retail lineup is in the process of being finalized, Hamann said. Tenants will be announced in the next 60 days, he said, and open about a month later. 

The area around the Citadel has gentrified in recent years, as galleries and other creative companies have migrated out of now-too-expensive Wynwood. UAG has reportedly spent at least $5M in the neighborhood. It opened a coworking space, MADE at the Citadel, in 2015 and is the landlord at Sherwood's, a trendy bistro. 

A family-friendly Inauguration Block Party is planned for Jan. 27 to celebrate the Citadel's opening. Thirty-odd vendors will sell vintage and artistic wares, and live music will be performed courtesy of Yoli Mayor and Jules and The Jinks.  

"First and foremost, this is a very community-driven project, so we wanted to throw a block party and invite the community," Hamann said.