Revitalization Plans for the Historic Carver Theater: Affordable Housing Project in Liberty City

Atlantic Pacific Companies is set to breathe new life into the long-closed Carver Theater, located at 6016 Northwest Seventh Avenue in Liberty City, Miami. This redevelopment project aims to introduce 71 units of affordable housing, addressing the growing need for low-income rental options in the area.

Project Overview: The Lofts at Carver Theater

The Lofts at Carver Theater will be an 11-story building designed by Corwil Architect, catering specifically to the township’s affordable housing requirements. The project entails:

• Total Units: 71
  • 6 Studios (Average Size: 421 sq. ft.)
  • 40 One-Bedroom Apartments (Average Size: 555 sq. ft.)
  • 25 Two-Bedroom Apartments (Average Size: 800 sq. ft.)
• Income Eligibility: Targeting households earning up to 80% of the annual area median income (AMI), which is $87,200 in Miami-Dade County.

Income Eligibility Breakdown:

• One-Person Household: Up to $69,440
• Two-Person Household: Up to $79,280
• Three-Person Household: Up to $89,200

This initiative is in partnership with the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation, which emphasizes community involvement in the redevelopment process.

Historical Significance of the Carver Theater

Originally opened in 1940, the Carver Theater served as a cultural landmark for Miami’s historically Black Liberty City neighborhood. It showcased films until 1960 before transitioning into a church. Unfortunately, the building has remained closed for several years, and its redevelopment will not only preserve its historical value but also enhance the community’s living conditions.

Funding and Development Status

The city of Miami purchased the 15,300-square-foot building for $1.4 million in 2018. Recent reports indicate that the Lofts at Carver Theater has secured at least $14.2 million in funding from both the city and Miami-Dade County. This financial backing is crucial in making affordable housing projects feasible amid rising construction costs.

Atlantic Pacific’s Broader Commitment to Affordable Housing

Led by Howard Cohen, Atlantic Pacific Companies has become a key player in affordable and workforce housing developments throughout South Florida. Current projects include:

• Overtown Development: An eight-story, 375-unit building featuring below-market rate apartments at 800 Northwest Fifth Avenue.
• Quail Roost Transit Village: A multi-phase development in Perrine, aiming to offer over 500 units on a 9-acre site.
• Kendall Developments: A proposed 20-story tower with 324 apartments in addition to a 25-story tower with 176 apartments at 9200 & 9180 South Dixie Highway.

Challenges in Affordable Housing Development

Despite the project’s promising outlook, developers face a competitive landscape where high interest rates and limited funding can hinder new initiatives. However, the demand for affordable rentals remains robust, driven by the rising costs of living in South Florida. For more insights on the challenges and opportunities in affordable housing, consider visiting Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

Conclusion

The Lofts at Carver Theater project stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community development in Liberty City. By repurposing the historic Carver Theater site into affordable housing, Atlantic Pacific Companies is not only preserving a piece of Miami’s cultural heritage but also providing essential living spaces for residents in need. The successful integration of community partnerships and financial support promises to make this project a significant step forward in addressing the housing crisis in South Florida.

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