Integral Group Proposes 330 Affordable Housing Units in Miami-Dade
Integral Group, a prominent real estate firm, has announced plans to develop 330 affordable and workforce housing units across two distinct projects in Liberty City and Homestead, addressing the pressing demand for below-market rental options in Miami-Dade County.
Liberty City Development: Eviva Uptown Center
In Liberty City, Integral Group is set to launch the Eviva Uptown Center, featuring a 10-story building with 170 units located at the northeast corner of Northwest 60th Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue. This ambitious project occupies a 1.2-acre site that includes addresses 6007, 6013, and 6015 Northwest Seventh Avenue, alongside 6056 Northwest Sixth Court.
Key Features:
- Unit Allocation: Per the Live Local Act, 68 units will be designated for households earning no more than 120% of the area median income (AMI).
- Inclusivity: The Live Local Act, enacted in 2023, encourages developers to include affordable housing options by offering property tax exemptions and enhanced construction capacity, provided 40% of the units meet affordability criteria.
Integral has recently requested a pre-application meeting with Miami-Dade officials, a typical step taken to gather input and ensure alignment before official submissions.
Homestead Project: Redevelopment of Public Housing
In another significant initiative, Integral has secured approval for a transformative development in Homestead that will replace the aging West Homestead Gardens and Homestead Village public housing complexes. This new project will introduce 160 residential units, including apartments and townhouses, on a site encompassing 21 lots between Southwest Fifth and Fourth streets.
Project Highlights:
- Mixed Use: The new residential complex will primarily serve households earning up to 80% of the AMI, ensuring affordable options are maintained.
- Development Agreement: Miami-Dade commissioners have authorized a 99-year lease with Integral that anticipates total rental payments of $36.5 million, derived from the project’s revenues.
This redevelopment is part of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, which aims to revitalize old public housing by partnering with private developers to construct new Section 8 housing.
Preliminary Renderings:
Integral’s initial designs showcase four four-story apartment buildings paired with 13 for-sale townhomes, highlighting a substantial upgrade in living conditions for local residents.
Additional Housing Developments in Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade County is on a noteworthy mission to modernize approximately 7,700 public housing units through the RAD program. Recent approvals include:
- Redwood Dev Co. leasing part of the Annie Coleman 14 public housing complex for redevelopment into 287 affordable units alongside retail space.
- New construction plans for the Gwen Cherry 07 site, set to include a 150-unit building for seniors aged 62 and above, as well as a 260-unit affordable apartment complex at Lemon City.
The Ongoing Need for Affordable Housing
The critical need for affordable housing in South Florida has intensified, particularly during the pandemic as an influx of new residents drove rental demands and prices to unprecedented heights. Developers like Integral and others are stepping up to meet this urgent demand by creating new projects aimed at providing below-market rate housing.
Conclusion
Integral Group’s initiatives in Liberty City and Homestead represent a promising step toward improving affordable housing availability in Miami-Dade County. Through compliance with innovative state laws and development partnerships, these projects reflect a commitment to fostering inclusive communities, paving the way for a more sustainable housing landscape.
For more information on affordable housing efforts in Miami-Dade, check out the Miami-Dade Government’s official webpage.