The Birth of The Underline

When Meg Daly broke her arms in 2013 and had to rely on walking and public transportation, she came upon an interesting idea. While walking beneath the Metrorail, she noticed the space beneath was spacious and underutilized, with shade from the Metrorail above. Her idea was that of a linear park, not unlike New York’s Highline. The length would be massive, 10 miles. It would span from the Dadeland South Station to the Miami River. Within would be a walkway and bike path safely insulated from the Miami traffic, while providing spaces for outdoor activities, green spaces, gardens, gym areas, and more. Daly’s idea eventually gained traction, and in collaboration with Friends of The Underline, a nonprofit organization, this idea has begun to become a reality.

A Multimodal Corridor

When completed in 2026, the Underline will offer 120 acres of green space, creating a multimodal corridor that connects urban spaces in the Miami neighborhoods that it travels through. Unfortunately, Miami’s infrastructure is infamous for being a dangerous city for cyclists and pedestrians. This is why one of the project’s core goals will be that of safety. Hopefully, by offering a more appealing alternative option, some may be encouraged to make their commute through non-automotive means through this corridor. With lighting and security along the way, visitors will find strong wayfinding elements provided along the various neighborhoods served. Each section of The Underline will be designed with distinct “rooms,” catering to the diverse needs of the surrounding communities.

Design

Led by James Corner Field Operations, the same firm behind New York’s High Line, the project will include butterfly gardens, outdoor gym areas, spaces for community activities/events like yoga classes and outdoor music performances, and more. The visual aesthetic will maintain the iconic green color scheme for the project on various elements such as custom furniture, metal fixtures, and wayfinding markers which will help to create a strong and easily identifiable character. Additionally, the design will incorporate native flora throughout in collaboration with the Fairchild Tropical Botanica Garden which will not only provide aesthetic beauty, but support local wildlife such as butterflies and pollinators.

Economic and Community Impact

The Underline is expected to have a significant economic impact on local business and neighborhoods. The development will undoubtedly increase property values along its path and strengthen community engagement. As such, $140 million in funding from public and private partnerships to support the project has already been secured. This level of involvement from residents and stakeholders will seek to ensure that the project’s various areas reflect and enhance the character of the various districts it travels through. The project’s array of public art and cultural programs will not only strengthen residents’ ties to their community, but also facilitate growth of a stronger urban fabric for the area.

What’s Next for The Underline?

The Underline is being completed in phases, with the Brickell Backyard, a 7-block section, already open since 2020. Future phases will extend the park all the way to Dadeland South, with completion expected in 2026​. As the project progresses, it will continue to bring new energy and vitality to underused urban spaces, creating a sustainable and pedestrian-friendly Miami. In a city built for cars, The Underline represents a bold new direction—a reimagining of how urban space can be used to serve people and foster connections. As the project expands, its impact will continue to grow, offering both locals and visitors a vibrant, accessible, and healthier way to experience Miami.