So, with financing approved, the Marlins ballpark project has now moved to the next stage – permitting, issuing bonds, examining and tweaking blueprints. On Wednesday, Miami’s Planning Advisory Board considered the ballpark plans for a Major Use Special Permit. That’s the permit that’s needed to get the ballpark constructed.

Since the $515 million ballpark and $94 million in parking spaces are planned for the former site of the Orange Bowl, the process is simpler than if it were planned for a site that had never housed a stadium.

Planning Advisory Board members heard from representatives of stadium architect HOK Sport (the company was renamed Populous this week, but apparently the change hasn’t yet occurred in Florida), and a transportation planner. They got an overview of how the ballpark is meant to fit into the surrounding Little Havana community, some of its unique features and key details about getting to and parking at the ballpark.

The architects said they view the ballpark as a “piece of art,” or “a sculpture” in an urban neighborhood. The ballpark will be “facing toward the city of Miami skyline to really place the building in the city of Miami,” said Greg Sherlock, HOK Sport principal. The way it’s designed, the outfield frames downtown Miami.

The roof is created in three panels that stack over the grand west plaza, a vast area with a reflecting pool that will become the focal point, not only for entry to the stadium, but also for pre- and post-game activities, and community events and gatherings.

“It’s a Kodak moment, where people want to enter the building,” Sherlock said.

Four mixed use garages with retail on the first floor are to flank the ballpark -- two on the north and two on the south. They are to feature wide – 15- to 21-foot – sidewalks alongside them. The idea is to make the ballpark pedestrian-friendly and a good fit within the neighborhood. Three surface lots each are planned on the east and west sides of the ballpark. There are also plans for residential units and a mix of landscaping with palms and shade trees.

Two Metrorail stations are within a mile of the stadium. Officials are exploring using water taxis on the Miami River as a method of reaching the ballpark.

Planning Advisory Board members raised minor concerns about ensuring enough recreational space for the public and about the type of landscaping. Board member Paul Mann questioned the financing of the deal, worrying that it puts the city’s general fund at risk.

“It makes me very uncomfortable that the negotiators on the city side did not protect the general fund,” Mann said. “We can build the stadium and hope everything works fine, but ultimately it’s the city of Miami’s general fund at stake here.”

But Mann and other board members were reminded their role was to consider the details of the ballpark’s blueprint, not the financing, which had already been debated by the city commission.

The board voted 6-1, with Mann dissenting, to recommend the permit for the ballpark’s construction.

Miami City Commissioners are to consider the permit later this month. Miami-Dad County Commissioners are to consider the documents to issue more than $300 million in bonds for ballpark construction at their meeting on Tuesday.