City of Miami Beach, Terra and GFO Investments Commence Construction on Daniel Buren-Designed Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge at South Beach Entrance

The City of Miami Beach, in partnership with private developers Terra, led by David Martin, and GFO Investments, led by Russell Galbut, has commenced construction on the Daniel Buren-designed Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge over 395. Rising across the MacArthur Causeway, the main entrance to South Beach, the vibrant overhead walkway will provide a seamless connection along the neighborhood’s Baywalk while serving as a kaleidoscopic gateway into the city. Enhancing art in public spaces, construction is projected to take approximately 18 months, with completion anticipated in summer/fall 2026.  An official groundbreaking ceremony, hosted by the public-private partnership, is scheduled for February. 

Designed by internationally acclaimed French conceptual artist Daniel Buren—renowned for his works at the Guggenheim and the Venice Biennale—the Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge is set to become a signature landmark for the city. The striking connector is part of the Five Park Miami Beach development, which delivered Canopy Park to the city in 2022, and the 48-story Arquitectonica-designed condo tower in late 2024. 

The project was partially funded by a General Obligation Bond approved by City of Miami Beach voters in 2018.

“In today’s market, walkability and connectivity are as valuable as views,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra. “The Buren-designed Fifth Street Bridge marks a pivotal milestone for Miami Beach, enhancing the neighborhood’s DNA and redefining how South Beach is experienced on a global scale. Locally, it will serve a vital function—improving walkability for residents and visitors alike, seamlessly linking Lincoln Road to South Pointe Park upon completion.” 

The project’s initial phase will focus on relocating underground utilities along Fifth Street, followed by the installation of temporary construction fencing. Excavation for the bridge’s foundational pedestals, located on both the north and south sides of the causeway, is scheduled to begin in the coming months.  

A prolific artist, Buren is the brainchild behind some of the most recognizable public works of art spanning the globe, from the 260 black and white marble pillars at the Palais Royal in Paris to the whimsical sails of colored glass at the Louis Vuitton Foundation. He designed the 158-foot-long enclosed tube for Miami Beach to feature a patchwork of vibrant translucent panels filtering the light in a kaleidoscope of colors. His design allows nature to play a role in illuminating the transparent cylinder and helping cast shadows of color across the walkway and in the street below.

“My work has to do with a place and where it’s going to be seen,” said Buren. “Whether it’s a one-man show in a museum or a public work, my first basic approach to what I do is to connect to the space.” 

“We are thrilled to deliver this project to the vibrant city of Miami Beach, contributing to its dynamic evolution,” said Russell Galbut, Chairman of GFO Investments. “The pedestrian bridge and Canopy Park introduce a level of design that was previously unseen in the neighborhood. We are proud to collaborate with the city in bringing these experiences to our community.”

To ensure this bridge is accessible to all, it includes elevators and steps, all precisely set into the landscaping and greenery of the area.