Miami Herald publisher says One Herald Plaza will be vacated by late May 2013

Here is the text of an email Miami Herald publisher David Landsberg sent out this morning updating staffers on the paper's move to a new building.

Good morning all,

It’s been a while since we’ve communicated regarding our upcoming move. Our goal throughout the process was/is to provide information to you as it becomes available. However, this particular move is complicated, and we are still vetting various location options and finalizing plans, so details remain limited. In addition, until contracts and/or leases are negotiated and finalized, some information cannot be made public.

Here is a quick summary of what can be shared. We have generally been looking at spaces within the Gratigny highway on the north, 836 on the south, the Palmetto highway on the west, and I-95 on the east. [See map below.] We are focusing on solutions that will provide employees and our customers with good access and ample space for both our office and production needs, as well as make sense for the long-term. We hope to make the location decision and announce it to you by the end of February.

We understand that traffic and commutes are a concern for everyone. Given the wide distribution of employee residences around the city, there will be those whose commute will be shorter and those that may have a longer drive. To the greatest extent possible, we are giving consideration to public transportation, freeway access, parking, etc.

We still expect to vacate One Herald Plaza by late-May 2013. Employees will have more than adequate time to make accommodations or arrangements related to working in a different part of the city.

We are continuing to work with architects, and have visited our recently relocated sister paper in Fort Worth to gather ideas. No matter where we locate, we will end up with a modern, efficient and functional space.

As with any move of this magnitude, we’re certain that you have many questions. We recognize no one likes to move, and change can be stressful. What we ask of you for now is to remain patient and focused on your work, allow us to finalize our plans and trust us to communicate information at the right time.

Thank you for hanging in there.

Click to enlarge. Map courtesy of Miami New Times.