Live Local Act Spurs High-Rise Proposal at 824 Alton Road in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is set to review another Live Local Act proposal, this time from 824 Alton Road, LLC, an affiliate of Crescent Heights. Recently obtained through a public records request, plans submitted in September 2024 call for a high-density residential project on a surface parking lot along Alton Road. The proposal features a 31-story tower designed by RSP Architects and will add to a growing list of tall, high-density developments in Miami Beach’s West Avenue neighborhood. According to plans, the development will include 120 residential units. Because the Live Local Act requires workforce housing in exchange for certain development benefits, this project will include 48 workforce units (priced at 120% AMI and below) and 72 market-rate units. The residences will range from studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom layouts, with all workforce housing units designated as studios. Residents will enjoy an extensive range of amenities, featuring a dedicated sixth floor for amenities with a pool, lounging deck, and additional facilities. The rooftop will also offer a large pool, expansive terrace, and a private club spanning nearly 3,000 square feet. Meanwhile, on the ground floor of the development, there will be 2,931 SF of retail space, a spacious lobby, and dedicated bicycle parking. Above this level, a four-story parking podium will provide 119 vehicular spaces serving both retail customers and residents. Designed with breeze block cladding, the podium will ensure proper ventilation while maintaining a hidden appearance from public view. According to elevations submitted to the city, the tower will rank among the tallest residential buildings in the area, rising 31 stories and reaching 404 FT at its highest point. The building’s facade will be fully clad in glass, complemented by curved glass railings that soften the rectangular form of the tower. However, the project is not without challenges. Live Local Act projects in Miami Beach have sparked controversy since the law took effect locally. City leaders have publicly criticized the legislation, warning that “without critical protections, the Senate version of the bill could open the door to the bulldozing of Miami Beach’s world-famous Art Deco Historic District — replacing iconic, low-scale, two- and three-story historic buildings with modern high-rise towers and forever erasing the architecture that defines the city’s identity and drives its economy.” While the proposal at 824 Alton Road would not demolish any historic structure, rather just a surface parking lot, some residents and officials remain concerned that the Live Local Act is eroding neighborhood character by allowing high-rise development in areas historically protected from such development. The law enables developers to bypass traditional zoning, permitting greater height and density than otherwise allowed in exchange for workforce housing. Because the site contains no historic building, the project avoids the intense preservation battles that have long surrounded other Live Local proposals. As a result, its approval will fall largely on whether its design is deemed compatible and compliant with the Live Local Act. Plans received indicate the design does not meet the city’s compatibility standards. The South Florida Business Journal has reported the same thing. Editor’s note: This story is ongoing. The plans cited were obtained through a public records request dated September 13, 2024, and may not reflect subsequent revisions to the project.
Cranes Rise as Construction Begins at Ambar Station in Naranja, South Miami-Dade
Construction is fully underway at Ambar Station, a multifamily development led by Jacksonville-based Vestcor. The project recently broke ground after Miami-Dade County commissioners approved up to $128 million in financing, made possible through the Housing Finance Authority (HFA). The HFA raised the funds by issuing special revenue bonds, which will help cover both the acquisition and construction costs of the development. Located at 27860 S. Dixie Highway, the project is being managed by general contractor First Florida Constructors, with L&R Structural Corp serving as the shell contractor. According to a recent Instagram post by L&R, construction crews have already begun foundation work and have erected five tower cranes to support the multiple multifamily buildings planned for the site. As per a comment provided by L&R Structural Corp, all five tower cranes were installed in an impressive 10 calendar days. At this current pace, construction is expected to go vertical quickly, with multiple structures topping off in the near future. View this post on Instagram A post shared by L&R Structural Corp. (@lrstructural) The development received administrative site plan approval in late 2024 and is currently awaiting substantial compliance approval from Miami-Dade County. According to the latest documents, the project will include 576 units spread across four buildings. All units will be reserved for low-, moderate-, or middle-income individuals and families, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. On the ground floor, Ambar Station will offer 839 parking spaces, well above the 244 spaces required. These additional spots will accommodate residents as well as support 5,800 SF of commercial space planned for the ground floor. Designed by Anillo Toledo Lopez Architecture, building 1 will rise eight stories (approximately 86 FT), building 2 will also be eight stories (about 88 FT), while buildings 3 and 4 will each be three stories tall (around 36 FT). The facade will feature a blend of colors atop stucco and concrete, including paint colors such as Whea, Superwhite, and Alsea. Ambar Station joins a burgeoning trend of multifamily developments in South Miami-Dade. Just blocks away, the Richman Group recently completed Vista Sur, an eight-story apartment community. However, this is not Vestcor’s first multifamily project in Miami-Dade County or South Miami-Dade: the company has previously completed developments like Ambar Trail, Ambar Key, and The Ambar within the county.
HueHub, a Nearly $1B Attainable Housing Development, Advances Under Live Local Act
More than two years after Florida passed its landmark Live Local Act, the largest development under the legislation has been officially approved. Known as HueHub, the project will rise at 8400 NW 25th Avenue in Miami-Dade County, transforming the corridor with seven high-rise towers and thousands of “attainable” housing units. Spearheaded by Pablo Castro, through 27th Avenue Hollandpark Ecoresidences, LLC, the development secured approval in early July and is targeting a groundbreaking in late 2025. According to final plans submitted to Miami-Dade, HueHub will deliver 4,032 residential units, along with 20,742 SF of retail, 14,480 SF of office space, and 5,037 parking spaces across two garages. The residential mix will include fully furnished studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms, with rents aimed at affordability: $1,300 for studios, $1,600 for one-bedrooms, and $1,900 for two-bedrooms. In a statement to the South Florida Business Journal, Castro framed the project as a community-focused initiative: “HueHub is of course a real estate development, but that is actually secondary in my mind to helping solve our community’s biggest challenge – access to attainable housing.” His team aims to provide a price point for new housing often out of reach for many in Miami-Dade. Residents of HueHub will have access to a broad range of amenities designed to meet both lifestyle and professional needs. Planned amenities include coworking spaces, podcast studios, pickleball courts, a lap pool with a pool bar, childcare facilities, a library, learning center, art gallery, and even a two-acre park. One of the biggest resources to tenants is the proximity to Miami’s Metrorail, which will allow residents different options of travel beyond the vehicle. Designed by Arquitectonica, the development will feature seven towers rising 35 stories, reaching 320 FT to the roof and 350 FT to the mechanical top. The design features art-lined elevator cores, metal balconies, and other design and material choices to soften the feel of the otherwise high-density district. On the ground floor, pedestrians can expect to see added improvements to the streetscape, with wider sidewalks and greenery. Although the project secured zoning approval in July, no construction permits have been filed as of early August, according to Miami-Dade records. Before the planned 2025 groundbreaking, the developer will need to demolish 65 existing structures on the 14-acre site: buildings constructed between 1950 and 1990. The estimated total cost of the development stands at $880 million, making HueHub one of the largest private residential investments in the region’s recent history.
Embassy Suites to Add 17-Story ‘Tampa Hotel’ Tower in Downtown Expansion
A second tower may soon rise at the site of Embassy Suites by Hilton in Downtown Tampa. Located at 513 South Florida Avenue, adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center, the expansion will rise atop the existing tower’s parking structure. While this expansion will be the first for the property, the original tower, owned by RLJ Lodging Trust and a fixture in the area since opening in the 2000s, recently completed millions in renovations. The upgrades included improvements to both the tower’s interior and exterior. Now, this new expansion will almost double the number of hotel rooms on the property, bringing it from 360 to 575 with the addition of 215 new hotel rooms. According to plans submitted to the City of Tampa, the new tower will be coined ‘Tampa Hotel’ and include 10 floors of hotel rooms, amenity spaces, and a check-in area, all built atop a 7-story parking podium. The amenity spaces will include a fitness center, meeting rooms, and a rooftop pool with a sun deck, which will be among the tallest rooftop pools in the city. The project will also yield 4,500 SF of new cafe and restaurant space, bringing the total across the property to 8,532 SF when combined with the existing hotel. No additional parking is planned as part of the expansion. The existing parking structure, which contains 237 spaces, already exceeds the minimum required under Tampa’s zoning code. For lodging uses, the code requires just one parking space per 8 rooms, meaning only 72 spaces are needed to accommodate both the existing and proposed towers. The planned expansion includes extensive renovations to the ground floor of the existing parking garage, transforming the current parking area into a dedicated drop-off zone and an elevator lobby designed to efficiently handle the anticipated increase in guest traffic. There will be 3 vehicular exits/entrances on the ground floor. Designed by Allen + Philp Partners, the new tower will rise 17 stories, reaching a total height of approximately 217 FT: nearly matching the height of the original Embassy Suites building. The facade is planned to incorporate a blend of modern materials, including metal panels, granite coatings, glass, and stucco accents. As this is the initial design submission, the tower is expected to undergo multiple revisions throughout the planning and construction phases, meaning its final appearance may evolve. Before construction can begin, the project must go through several approval steps, with the City of Tampa’s Design District Review being a key step. While a construction timeline hasn’t been shared as of now, it’s estimated construction won’t begin until 2027 or later.
River District 14 in Allapattah Reaches 4th Floor, Construction Webcam Now Live
River District 14 is officially rising, and progress appears to be moving swiftly. Eight months after breaking ground, the 16-story residential tower in Miami’s Health District has moved beyond site work and into full vertical construction. Spearheaded by Alta Development and designed by Behar Font & Partners, the building has reached its fourth floor as of late July, signaling a steady pace towards completion. In fact, crews are now averaging a new floor every 10 to 12 days, with the tower well on track to topping off by late 2025 to early 2026. Located at 1420 NW 14th Avenue, River District 14 will join a growing trend of multifamily development reshaping Miami’s Health District, an area once characterized by medical campuses but now changed from incoming residential projects. Just blocks from the recently completed mixed-use River Landing, the project will yield 283 residential units, 326 structured parking spaces, and a long list of amenities, including a pool deck, coworking lounge, indoor pickleball courts, and more. Construction is being overseen by Jaxi Builders, which is currently managing several multifamily projects across South Florida. According to City of Miami permitting, River District 14 is anticipated to cost over $80 million, with financing supported by a $77.8 million loan secured from Forman Capital in 2024. The project also marks the first collaboration between Forman Capital and Alta Development. As per the project’s official website, a live construction webcam is also now active, offering the public and prospective buyers a live feed of the tower’s rise. The feed includes a timeline feature, allowing viewers to scroll through previous construction dates. You can view the live stream here. Once completed, River District 14 will stand 16 floors and 180 FT tall, akin in scale with nearby residential projects like Modera Skylar, Somerset Tower, and other buildings. While Miami’s Health District, and frankly Allapattah as a whole, has long been characterized by an uninviting pedestrian environment, River District 14 is aiming to reduce that. The project includes substantial enhancements to the public realm, such as widened sidewalks, new greenery, and improved streetscape design. The development will also feature ground floor walk-up residential units.
Hillcrest Village, a Proposed Affordable Housing Development in Hollywood, Moves Forward
Hillcrest Village, a development by Tobin and the Housing Trust Group, is reaching one of the final stages of approval. After going through minor design variations and changes with the city of Hollywood for years, the development is awaiting final planning board approval. The long-awaited project will be located at 1101 Hillcrest Drive in the Hillcrest subdivision, which currently serves as a mixed-density community catering towards apartments, single family homes, or townhomes. Hillcrest Village will be fully affordable: all 110 planned units will be priced at 80% of the Area Median Income and below. According to the developers, there will be 71 one-bedroom units, 31 two-bedroom units, and 8 three-bedroom units. Of the 110 total units proposed, 15% (17 units) will be put aside for households earning no more than 30% of the Area Median Income, 47% (52 units) for those earning up to 60% AMI, 28% (31 units) for those at 70% AMI, and the remaining 9% (10 units) for households earning up to 80% AMI. This mixed-income distribution ensures a blend of both deeply affordable and affordable units. The Housing Trust Group aims to prioritize leasing for existing Hillcrest residents, as well as local teachers, city employees, and other essential workers. The demand for affordable housing in South Florida remains exceptionally high, driven by a widening gap between wages and the region’s rising cost of living. When Pinnacle Housing opened a lottery in 2024 for just 113 affordable units in Hollywood, more than 21,000 people applied. Tenants will have access to a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, business center, outdoor playground for families, and a management office. The ground floor will feature 157 parking spaces for residents. Because the development replaces an existing parking lot used by a nearby charter school, 24 of those spaces will be reserved for school faculty and staff during school hours and made available for building guests during non-school hours. Designed by Realization Architects, the building will rise 8 stories and reach a height of 87 FT. Its exterior will feature a combination of stucco, brown-toned finishes, aluminum and glass railings, and other modern materials. Before the project can officially move to permitting and construction, the Tobin Group and Housing Trust Group must gain approval from Hollywood’s planning board on August 12th, followed by final approval from the City Commission at a later date.
1600 Washington Avenue Set for Transformation with Proposed High-Rise Tower in Miami Beach
A major property owner has unveiled ambitious plans for a residential high-rise along Miami Beach’s historic Washington Avenue. Positioned at 1600 Washington Avenue, just steps from Lincoln Road, 420 Lincoln Road Development is proposing a 15-story residential tower on land it’s long been familiar with. Led by Ambassador Paul Cejas, the firm owns the adjacent parking garage and several neighboring parcels, giving it a strong local presence in the area. The new high-rise will replace two low-rise buildings dating back to 1938 and 1952. The project will deliver 210 residential units described by the developer’s attorney as “reasonably priced” for “entry-level professionals, young families, or others who work in the City.” According to the attorney’s letter, this new housing addresses Miami Beach’s recent population decline: a concern the City Commission attributes in part to a shortage of “competitively priced housing options.” The development also claims it can assist with traffic congestion by easing the burden of long commutes on residents who are currently priced out of the city. Unit sizes will vary, with floor plans averaging 739 SF and ranging from a compact 550 SF to a larger 1,112 SF layouts. Residents can also look forward to shared amenities including a rooftop deck with a pool, garden, and lounge areas designed to enhance the building’s living. Due to the site’s narrow footprint, ground-floor retail will be limited to 6,900 SF, with no on-site parking provided. Instead, parking and additional retail space, totaling 20,378 SF, will be accommodated within the adjacent parking garage, which already serves the surrounding area. The tower and the garage will also be connected, integrating the two properties. In total, 492 parking spaces within the existing structure will support the new residential and commercial uses. Designed by firms Ten Arquitectos and Beilinson Gomez Architects, the tower is designed to be a modern addition to the skyline, with aluminum sliding doors, smooth stucco finished, curtain glass, and other features planned for the building’s facade. According to elevations, the building will measure 164 FT to its tallest point. Because the project exceeds 50,000 SF and is located within the CD-3 zoning district, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required. As part of the request, modifications to parking requirements are also being proposed. As per the developer, the project meets the applicable criteria underlined in the city’s zoning code. This isn’t the first proposal for the site. Ambassador Paul Cejas has proposed a residential building designed by Stantec in the past, but plans fell through after years of inactivity. Miami Beach’s Planning Board will discuss the newest proposal and its associated requests on September 9th, 2025, at 9 AM.
SobelCo’s ‘South Broadway Condominium’ Project Wins Approval in Riviera Beach
SobelCo, a development firm based in Boca Raton, has recently scored approval for a high-rise development in Riviera Beach called ‘South Broadway Condominium’. The development, which is located on the corner between W 11th St and Broadway at 1117 Broadway Boulevard, will be steps away from the Port of Palm Beach and the newly completed Marina Village. While the development will be one of Riviera Beach’s tallest proposals in years, it isn’t the city’s first recent high-rise plan. In fact, Riviera Beach has seen growing interest from developers eager to capitalize on its waterfront views and amenities. On Thursday, July 24, the Riviera Beach Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously to approve both the site plan and rezoning request. The development will feature 508 condominium units, ranging from one-bedroom residences to two-bedroom units, with sizes spanning from 872 to 1,467 SF. According to The Real Deal, the homes will be marketed toward young professionals working in or near West Palm Beach, with prices starting just below $1 million. Residents and visitors to the development’s 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space will have access to 1,083 parking spaces: 1,066 in a parking garage and 17 along nearby streets. Although plans remain in the early stages, the building is expected to offer a wide range of amenities, including four pools, lounge areas, and other recreational features. According to elevations, the building will actually be separated into 4 distinct towers, connected by a shared podium. Two buildings will rise 13 floors or 139 FT, while the other two will rise to 20 floors and measure 214 FT. Interestingly, the building’s tallest portion will face a side street, Avenue E, rather than Broadway. The facade will feature curtain glass, glass balconies, and brown aluminum decorative panels covering parts of the exposed garage. Before the project can move forward, SobelCo must still gain approval from the Riviera Beach City Council. However, with the old buildings on-site recently demolished, little preparation remains before construction can begin.
Integral Development Secures $9.7M for 100% Affordable Ashley East Tampa Project
The East Tampa Live-Learn development, a transformative project combining job training with 100% affordable housing, has just cleared a major milestone. On July 24th, Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Agency Board approved $10 million in funding to support the development of the housing component: bringing the long-envisioned community center one step closer to breaking ground. Developed by Atlanta-based Integral Development, the project, coined Ashley East Tampa, will feature 118 affordable units atop city-owned land at 3105 E. Columbus Drive. All units will be restricted for incomes earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. More specifically, there will be 23 units placed for those at 30% AMI, 15 at 50% AMI, 43 at 60% AMI, and 37 at 80% AMI. With a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, the development is designed to feature both individuals and families: ensuring every unit meets the definition of true affordability. The ground floor of Ashley East Tampa will include over 200 parking spaces, serving both residents and visitors to the nearby future job training facility. Along East Columbus Drive, a landscaped linear park will also buffer the building from the street. While the development itself includes no retail or commercial space, a separate commercial facility, developed by the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, will rise to the west. This neighboring space will house areas for local businesses, provide vocational training opportunities, and serve as a hub for workforce development. The $9.7 million in CRA funding approved for Ashley East Tampa will support soft costs, site acquisition/parking infrastructure costs, and construction costs. This funding represents approximately 22% of the project’s total development cost. While the project was largely well received by board members, a few concerns were raised around the parking supply and the distribution of affordable units. For instance, Lynn Hurtak, an advocate for reduced parking minimums in Tampa, questioned the need for the parking count. In response, development representatives noted that the parking amount was carefully designed to meet resident demand without creating overflow onto nearby streets. In a city like Tampa, where driving is often the only practical mode of transportation due to the lack of mass transit options, parking remains a controversial issue. Though higher parking requirements drive up the cost of construction, developers are often left with no choice. While Ashley East Tampa secured CRA funding, the project still awaits rezoning approval from Tampa’s planning department. As per a timeline shared during the meeting, construction is expected to begin in May 2026. Kareem Brantley, representing the Integral Group, noted the importance of moving forward with the project: ‘Time is of the essence’, ‘if you don’t move projects forward, the only thing that’s going to happen is the cost is going to go up’.
Hibiscus Grove Breaks Ground in West Perrine, Promising Hundreds of Affordable Units
The push for more affordable housing in Miami-Dade has materialized in West Perrine. On Tuesday, July 22nd, Integra Investments along with key Miami-Dade officials like Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Kionne L. McGhee held a groundbreaking ceremony for Hibiscus Grove. The project, which is a part of a growing trend toward greater density along the South Miami-Dade Busway, will deliver 270 fully affordable units to South Miami-Dade. Units will range from one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, aimed at providing housing for households earning 30%, 60%, or 80% of the Area Median Income. On the ground floor of the development, community benefits do not stop. There will be roughly 5,000 SF of retail space and a 2,700 SF community center leased to the West Perrine Community Redevelopment Agency. The project’s financing was made possible in large part by support from Miami-Dade County, which awarded $5 million in Documentary Stamp funds. The West Perrine CRA also contributed a $2 million loan and $1 million in Tax Increment Financing. The groundbreaking comes as Miami-Dade’s prepares to launch the county’s first all-electric Bus Rapid Transit line, known as the South Dade Transitway. Located just steps from Hibiscus Grove, the new transit option will provide affordable housing residents with a reliable alternative to car travel. It’s important to note, however, that Floridian Development first reported on Hibiscus Grove last year following a proposal to amend unit counts from 270 to 300. That amendment also included a height increase from 10 to 11 floors and additional parking. Despite this, more recent renderings displayed on-site, coupled with county-issued press releases still citing 270 units, suggest that Integra may have opted to scale back toward the original plan. While the 300-unit ASPR amendment remains approved, the available evidence points to a return to the 270-unit proposal. According to Miami-Dade permitting, all permits filed for the building have already been issued. The building is estimated to cost $40 Million once all is said and done.