Inside Floridian Development’s 2026+ Update Roadmap
As 2026 comes into focus, Floridian Development is advancing a series of meaningful updates aimed at expanding the scope, accessibility, and functionality of the website. These changes have been in the works for some time, and are part of a broader focus to enhance the presentation of development news across the site. The goal is to make information easier to navigate, more visually engaging, and better connected across the platform, all the while maintaining the site’s focus on clear, accurate reporting. Among the changes underway is the introduction of a new interactive development map, updated integration between articles and Floridian Advanced development pages, and long-requested accessibility features such as dark mode. Floridian Development is also working on more ambitious tools, including 3D models that will allow users to explore Miami’s future skyline through various perspectives. Additional updates and features will be rolled out throughout the year, with deeper explanations to follow as each component comes online. Integration Improvements: Rolled out on January 5th, this update introduces tighter integration between standard articles and Floridian Advanced pages. A new button now appears at the top of each article, allowing readers to instantly switch to a corresponding Floridian Advanced page. These advanced pages provide a fact-checked, data-driven overview of each project, including parking counts, unit totals, building height, retail square footage, and other key information. The goal is to give readers a fast, digestible snapshot of a development without requiring them to sift through lengthy articles. Development Map: A free interactive development map has been in development for some time, focused on integrating Floridian Advanced project pages with a visual mapping interface. Once released, users will be able to filter projects using sliders for height and floor count, filter by city, development type (office, hotel, multifamily, etc.), and sort projects by phase. The map was originally targeted for release in February 2026, but has since been delayed due to technical issues and integration challenges. Floridian Development remains committed to releasing features only when they meet usability and performance standards. Progress updates will be shared periodically on Twitter (X). 3D Development Map: The development map currently under development is a 2D interface that displays projects as mapped points. While functional, some users have expressed interest in a more immersive 3D experience. Floridian Development has explored third-party 3D mapping providers, but due to cost and technical limitations, the platform is now evaluating the feasibility of creating 3D models. Under this approach, users would be able to browse and filter projects using rendered images of these models, with options such as day or night views and multiple camera angles. The models would be built using Google Earth-based tools (which are permitted under existing licensing so long as the feature remains freely accessible). Statistics Page: Floridian Advanced has grown into Florida’s largest free database of planned and active development projects. Utilizing this existing dataset, the platform is exploring the development of a statistics page filtered by city. This page would allow users to view metrics such as the number of residential units under construction, planned developments per municipality, and other development-related insights. All data would remain up-to-date, as Floridian Development closely tracks project updates statewide. Updates to Floridian Advanced: Floridian Advanced is approaching its one year anniversary and continues to evolve. One long-term initiative under consideration is the integration of official city documents directly into project pages, materials that would otherwise require immense searching through city portals. This feature is still in the early planning stages and, if created, would not be expected until 2027 at the earliest. Documents will include all the specifics, including renderings, surveys, zoning tables, elevations, and other important information for interested parties. Posting Schedule: Floridian Development does not currently utilize a fixed posting schedule, though the goal is to publish approximately five articles per week, often times in the afternoon. As many readers may know (or some may not), the platform is run by a single person managing reporting, social media, website maintenance, and ongoing coding/design work for future updates. Patience is appreciated, as the site continues to smooth out operations. While these updates may seem extensive, Floridian Development remains committed to keeping all necessary features free. Paywalls are not planned for the foreseeable future, reinforcing the site’s mission of open access to development information, not just for industry professionals, but for the public at large. If you have any suggestions for the website’s planned updates or suggest a new one, please let me know through the site’s email.
Marina Village Phase Two: An Inside Look at the Three Plans for Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach is preparing to select a developer to lead the redevelopment of approximately 12-acres of waterfront land in the city’s Marina Village district. It will be the second phase of the full redevelopment of city-owned land along Broadway, which began in the early 2010s with the construction of Bicentennial Park and related public infrastructure. Plans for Marina Village’s second phase have been in development for several years and have faced multiple setbacks. However, the effort now appears to be back on track. On August 27, 2025, the city issued a request for proposals seeking a qualified developer to design, finance, construct, operate, and maintain a mixed-use waterfront development. The solicitation marked a restart of the process following a 2024 setback, when a previously submitted letter from a prospective developer was later determined to be fraudulent, halting progress at the time. Three development teams responded to the city’s request to enter into a public-private partnership (P3) by the November 17th deadline. The city is seeking a proposal that enhances public access to the waterfront while introducing employment opportunities, retail, and other investment-driven uses. The process is being led by the Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, with the proposals scheduled for discussion at a board meeting on February 11th, The three responding teams include Forest Development, which has led the planning and construction of several high-rise projects within the city, along with Related Urban Group and Sonnenblick Development. Related Urban is already advancing construction on the first phase of Marina Village, a project that includes public parking and three multifamily buildings, two of which are planned as high-rise structures. Sonnenblick’s Proposal (Margaritaville): Sonnenblick’s proposal envisions a mixed-use waterfront development featuring hotel, residential, retail, and entertainment components. The project is planned in multiple phases, with four high-rises sharing two podiums. Together, the buildings would deliver 270 residential units and a 300-room hotel anchored by the Margaritaville brand, complementing the area’s existing cruise ship activity. Retail and dining would total more than 100,000 SF, distributed across tower podiums, interior spaces, and outdoor stalls. A FlowRider surf complex is also planned, targeting families and local youth. The development would provide approximately 1,300 parking spaces and 200 bicycle racks to support both private users and the public marina. Additional amenities include a proposed 20,000 SF aquarium on the property’s north side, further enhancing Riviera Beach’s public and recreational offerings. Towers will range from 11 to 13 floors, with the tallest rising 25 stories. Because the site’s Downtown Mixed Use zoning does not allow buildings of that height by right, Sonneblick is acquiring air rights from the city to enable the 25-story tower. Sonnenblick brings more than 133 years of combined real estate and finance experience across multiple states, collaborating with Kaufman & Lynn Construction (general contractor), Leo A. Daly (architect), Island Hospitality (hotel management), and other firms. The development team plans to partner with non-profit organizations, utilize local hiring and training programs, and pursue additional community-focused initiatives to benefit the Riviera Beach area. Forest Development’s Proposal: Forest Development, which is currently leading projects such as Nautilus 220 and Oculina, is proposing a mixed-use destination that combines residential development with extensive retail offerings, a convention center, boat storage, and significant infrastructure and public realm improvements. The redevelopment is planned in four phases. Phase one would deliver 39,400 SF of restaurant space alongside 66,000 SF of office uses. Phase two would focus on public-facing components, including a convention center and improvements to Bicentennial Park, followed by phase three, which would introduce condominium residences (164 units) and dry boat storage. The final phase would add roughly 43,680 SF of retail space and a new hotel fit with 270 rooms to the waterfront district. While Forest Development has described the current proposal as its preferred vision for the site, the firm has indicated it remains open to refinements as the review process moves forward. The overall program is distributed across three primary buildings, with proposed heights of 10, 20, and 20 stories. To accommodate demand generated by the convention center, hotel, residential, office, and retail components, the plan calls for more than 2,000 parking spaces housed within multiple structured parking garages scattered throughout the site. In addition to Forest Development, the project team includes architectural firms such as Adache and Dwell Design Studio, with planning and landscape design led by Insite Studio and WGI. Moss is listed as the project’s general contractor, alongside a broader group of consultants. Forest Development has stated it’s prepared to invest up to $10 million to advance the project to a shovel-ready stage prior to securing full financing. The team reports having capital commitments in place across multiple projects and brings a portfolio reflecting decades of development experience. Related Urban Development Group’s Proposal: The third proposal was submitted by Related Urban Development Group, which is already leading phase one of Marina Village and is responsible for three buildings currently planned on the site. Related’s new submission proposes redeveloping its portion of Marina Village in two distinct phases, expanding both public amenities and revenue-generating uses along the waterfront. Phase one centers on the construction of a four-story parking garage with 578 spaces intended to serve Marina Village and surrounding businesses. The garage would include 9,800 SF ground-floor retail and a rooftop set with recreational amenities such as padel courts, soccer space, and additional active uses. Also included in the first phase are three waterfront retail bays totaling approximately 6,000 SF each, ten townhomes, and upgrades to the existing event center. Phase two would introduce a combined hospitality building containing a 120-key hotel and 224 residential units, supported by an additional 528 parking spaces. Approximately 6,000 SF of waterfront retail is planned at the ground level, alongside substantial improvements to Bicentennial Park, including a children’s playground, expanded event space, and other public-facing upgrades. Parking across the site will total 1,303 spaces, including on-street parking along several adjacent streets. On the south side of the property, 67 surface spaces are specifically designated for dock and marina-related
Redevelopment Vision Revealed for 25-Acre East Ybor Medical District by Darryl Shaw
Darryl Shaw’s efforts to redevelop underutilized portions of East Ybor City took a formal step forward, with the submission of a rezoning request to the City of Tampa for the proposed ‘East Ybor Medical District’. Filed by Ybor Land LLC under the Casa Ybor umbrella, the request covers the complete makeover of a 25.23-acre assemblage bounded by N. 25th Street and N. 29th Street, and by E. 6th Avenue and E. Adamo Drive. The master-planned district is envisioned as a mixed-use, health-oriented development incorporating medical, hospital, research, office, residential, and retail within 11 city blocks. The site is currently occupied by light industrial uses and vacant land, zoned for Industrial Heavy (IH) and Industrial General (IG). A related Comprehensive Plan Amendment seeking to rezone the property as Urban Mixed Use-60 received it’s first approval from City Council on January 29th, with a second reading scheduled for February 19th. Initial design guidelines submitted to the city outline a district that restores East Ybor’s historic street grid while accommodating a range of building forms, including mid-rise, and high-rise structures distributed across multiple city blocks. The framework integrates landscaped streets, open spaces, and parks intended to introduce green space throughout the redevelopment. The guidelines were prepared in collaboration with Of Place, which has previously worked on redevelopment efforts in Ybor City and the nearby Gas Worx project. While detailed architectural plans have not yet been released, submitted entitlement materials outline a program exceeding 3 million SF. The proposal includes approximately 540,070 SF of residential space (Blocks G8 and H8), 49,000 SF of retail (Blocks H9, H10, H11, and I9), 1,332,105 SF of commercial uses (Blocks H9, H10, H11, I8, and I9), and 169,000 SF of hotel space (Block I8). A 932,425-SF hospital is also planned on the eastern portion of the site and is expected to be anchored by Tampa General, according to the South Florida Business Journal. Given the limited availability of public transit surrounding the site, the proposal relies heavily on structured parking to serve the district. Parking ratios vary by use, with studio apartments requiring as few as 0.25 spaces per unit, while one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and larger residential units would require 0.75 spaces per unit. Hospital parking is proposed at a minimum ratio of 0.1 spaces per patient bed. Building heights will ultimately be determined through FAA review, though early massing studies indicate structures ranging from as few as three stories to as many as sixteen. Consistent with Darryl Shaw’s work at Gas Worx, the district is designed with more traditional architectural themes, including expansive windows and brick facades, rather than the contemporary, glass-heavy designs common in newer developments. The street network is designed with a strong pedestrian emphasis. Plans call for wide sidewalks incorporating lighting, street trees, seating, and landscaped buffers, with select corridors accommodating on-street parking. Sidewalk widths are shown at up to 13 FT on each side of the street, providing well than enough space. With the rezoning request only recently submitted, the approval process is expected to extend over the coming weeks or months. During that time, Darryl Shaw and his partners are nearing completion on several buildings within the Gas Worx development. Shaw has also advanced plans for additional redevelopment efforts nearby, including proposals affecting multiple parcels along East 7th Avenue and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office site.
Elevate 54 Planned in Brownsville, Miami-Dade Through the Live Local Act
Another multifamily proposal is advancing near Brownsville’s Metrorail Station, as transit orientated development in Miami picks up. Known as Elevate 54, the project intends to serve as a 75-unit multifamily development, developed by 54 St Owner, LLC, an affiliate of Bay Heights Capital. It’s the latest project under the group, which has proposed multiple developments under the ‘Elevate’ branding in Miami-Dade. The development is planned for 2845 NW 54th Street, at the intersection of NW 29th Avenue and NW 54th Street. Plans indicate the project is intended to move forward under Florida’s Live Local Act, a state housing program that allows qualifying residential developments to bypass certain local zoning restrictions in exchange for the inclusion of workforce or affordable housing. Projects approved under the legislation may benefit from increased density, additional height allowances, and other incentives. The development site consists of four assembled parcels totaling 0.702 acres. The properties were acquired in late 2024 for a combined purchase price of roughly $1.225 million. The properties were acquired in late 2024 for a combined purchase price of $1.225 million. The site is currently cleared and operates as a car lot, conditions that are expected to limit the scope of site preparation required prior to ground breaking. Units in the 75-home development will range from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. One-bedroom units account for the majority of the total, representing more than half of the project’s residential mix. While the project is being submitted under Florida’s Live Local Act, which allows for a maximum residential density of up to 250 units per acre, the proposed development utilizes a substantially lower density of approximately 100 units per acre. In exchange for these zoning changes, the project is required to allocate 40% of its units, or 30 apartments, as workforce housing priced at or below 120% of Area Median Income. At ground level and within the podium, the development will include 1,090 SF of retail space alongside parking for 75 vehicles. Additional ground-floor uses include a residential lobby, leasing office, and expanded sidewalks buffered by landscaped greenery. Under Miami-Dade County code, qualifying workforce housing projects are eligible for reduced parking requirements. Based on the project’s residential square footage, only 36 parking spaces would be required, down from an original requirement of 88. Designed by Caymares Martin Architecture, the development is planned to rise eight stories, reaching 90 FT at its tallest point. For context, the only taller structure in the immediate area is Brownsville Village, where the tallest building rises to roughly 150 FT. The building’s facade will feature a palette of red, white, and gray tones. Exterior materials will include smooth stucco finishes, aluminum railings, impact-resistant glass, and vertically articulated textures across select portions of the elevation. There are no permits submitted to Miami-Dade as of February 2026. It’s unknown if Elevate 54 is being planned for construction, or to be sold with entitlements. However, the application submitted to the county is still under review. Submitted through an Administrative Site Plan Review, the development will move through approvals faster, primarily because the Live Local Act expedites projects by limiting public review.
Construction Begins on Richman Group’s Capri Place II in Miami-Dade
NW 27th Avenue, a major corridor home to multiple commercial hubs, Metrorail stations, and large-scale development proposals, has recently seen construction begin on a new affordable housing project. The development, known as Capri Place II, will deliver an 8-story multifamily building designed by Behar Font. Led by the Richman Group, a national developer with a portfolio spanning both affordable and market-rate housing, the project has been under consideration for several years and was initially envisioned as a 12-story structure. With construction now underway following a groundbreaking, the project will add new affordable and workforce housing to an area that has increasingly benefited from Miami-Dade County’s transit-oriented development framework. The project is located on a 2.6-acre parcel at 8001 NW 27th Avenue, located directly across from Northside Shopping Mall. The site was cleared in the early 2010s and was acquired by the Richman Group in late 2021 for approximately $6 million. Ortega Construction has been recently selected to serve as the project’s general contractor. Although the development was originally expected to break ground in the fourth quarter last year, site activity has now commenced. Recent updates from the contractor indicate that clearing work has been completed and that topsoil removal is complete via multiple excavators. County permitting records show that several approvals have already been granted, with additional permits still progressing through review. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ortega Construction Company (@ortegaconstructioncompany) Issued permits to date include the site plan, while permits related to temporary construction facilities, a general construction permit, and other supporting work remain under review. The approved site plan permit reflects a construction valuation of $15 million, while the pending general construction permit lists a projected value of $33,572,527. Capri Place II is planned to include 180 residential units, despite zoning allowances that would permit as many as 374 units on the site. The residential mix will consist of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Along the eastern portion of the property, the parking garage will be partially concealed by a row of two-story townhome-style units. Future residents will have access to a broad amenity package, including a swimming pool, fitness center, yoga studio, clubroom, business center, mail facilities, literacy and library spaces, multipurpose rooms, and an outdoor pavilion with seating. Parking will be provided through a 254-space garage, resulting in a ratio that allows larger units to be allocated more than one parking space. At street level, the development will introduce 2,821 SF of retail space facing NW 27th Avenue. Based on the Richman Group’s previous projects, retail spaces are often leased to local organizations or small businesses rather than national tenants, though leasing plans for Capri Place II have not yet been disclosed. Additional ground-floor elements include landscaped buffers, widened sidewalks, and pedestrian-oriented improvements along the frontage. Architectural elevations prepared by Behar Font indicate the eight-story structure will rise approximately 81 FT, excluding a rooftop crown that brings the overall height to more than 90 FT. The exterior design incorporates smooth and scored stucco finishes, aluminum framing, and impact-resistant glazing. With early foundation activity now underway, Floridian Development anticipates the project reaching completion in late 2026 or early 2027.
546 Foot Tower Proposed West of Downtown Fort Lauderdale Following FAA Filing
While new proposals and active construction have shown signs of slowing in Fort Lauderdale, the city remains far from dormant. Just a few days ago, an FAA height application was submitted for a 546 FT tower planned at 301 SW 2nd Street, signaling continued interest in high-density development near the downtown core. The site is located just west of the existing high-rise cluster in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, marking another project to extend the city’s skyline in a new direction. Although formal plans have not yet been submitted to the city’s Development Review Committee, the FAA filing identifies Integritas Capital as the developer (working in partnership with New York-based Heights Advisors), with FSMY listed as the project’s architect. The development team assembled the site through multiple acquisitions, beginning with the purchase of a surface parking lot at 111 SW 3rd Avenue for approximately $6.6 million in late 2021. This was followed by the acquisition of an adjacent low-rise property in late 2022 for roughly $4.6 million. Together, the purchases give the partnership control of three parcels along the block, while a fourth corner property at 329 SW 2nd Street is incorporated into the development concept but has not yet been acquired as part of the assemblage. The under-review FAA application, which lists a tower height of either 546 FT or 549 FT above sea level, represents a resubmission of an earlier filing from 2022. At that time, the partnership sought approval for a slightly taller 596 FT structure on the site. While the revised proposal reflects a notable reduction in height, the tower would still become the tallest building in Fort Lauderdale if constructed. More detailed plans for a tower at the site first surfaced publicly last year, when The Real Deal reported that the development team was pursuing a 57-story mixed-use project. Early concepts outlined a program consisting of approximately 550 residential units, including roughly 300 condominiums, alongside a 253-key branded hotel and structured parking. In prior statements to The Real Deal, Integritas Capital indicated that construction costs would be partially mitigated through the use of concrete sourced from a company-owned plant in Broward County, a move the firm says could deliver significant per-foot savings. According to Integritas principal, Stephen Palmese, condominium pricing was previously targeted in the $500,000 range, with units not expected to exceed $1 million. Projected apartment rents were cited at $5.50 per square foot. Given the updated FAA filing lists a maximum height of 546 FT, well below what is typically associated with a 57-story tower, it’s likely that the project’s size has been reduced or reconfigured since those early reports. No revised architectural plans have been made public, but that may soon change. If the project has been reconfigured, the development could also qualify for approval under Florida’s Live Local Act, a state-level program that allows eligible projects to bypass local zoning restrictions in exchange for the inclusion of workforce housing (priced at or below 120% of AMI). Developments approved under the legislation may benefit from reduced parking requirements, increased density allowances, and expedited review timelines. Floridian Development is currently in the process of working with the City of Fort Lauderdale to gather proposals submitted under the Live Local Act. Should this proposal appear in the records request, a follow-up report will be published.
UniDos Affordable Housing in Miami’s Omni Neighborhood Announces Groundbreaking Date
A long-anticipated affordable housing project in Miami’s Omni District is set to officially break ground, following a joint announcement by the developer and the City of Miami. Known as UniDos (also branded as Uni + Dos), the tower is planned for 1445 N Miami Avenue and represents the district’s latest addition to its growing affordable housing inventory. Spearheaded by NR Investments, UniDos follows the recent completion of Uni Tower, a 252-unit affordable housing project that marked the firm’s earlier investment in the neighborhood. A ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for February 24th at 10:00 a.m., marking one of several milestones required before the tower can begin vertical construction. Recently elected Mayor Eileen Higgins is expected to attend the event, following a campaign where she placed a strong emphasis on expanding affordable housing development across the city. The development site is the result of a multi-year assemblage of nine properties, acquired between 2014 and 2016 for a combined price of just under $9 million. Transactions involved both private property owners and the Omni Redevelopment District Community. Today, the parcel is largely cleared, with only limited landscaping and a surface parking area remaining. UniDos is planned to deliver 398 income- and rent-restricted affordable and workforce housing units. Earlier plans submitted to the city outlined a unit mix consisting of micro-units, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences. According to a construction permit filed last year and still under review, the residential portion of the project will add 406,694 SF of new construction, spanning from levels 8 through 31 of the tower. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on the eighth floor, which will include a swimming pool, outdoor lounge areas, and roughly 14,000 SF of indoor amenity space. The project is also planned to accommodate 451 parking spaces, a supply intended to meet anticipated resident demand. At street level, the building adopts a distinctive footprint, forming an S-shaped profile in response to the presence of historic structures along the block. In addition to widened sidewalks and pedestrian improvements, the ground floor will incorporate 8,539 SF of retail space, contributing to street-level activation in the area. Designed by Corwil Architects, the tower will feature a contemporary facade defined by gray balconies and a palette of white and gray tones. The podium will incorporate ventilated mesh elements alongside patterned panels intended to mimic greenery. Once complete, the building is expected to rise approximately 321 FT. While vertical construction is not imminent, as site clearing and additional permitting remain outstanding, a general contractor has already been selected. First Florida is listed as the contractor for the project, and despite remaining pre-construction steps, vertical construction is still anticipated to begin by the end of the year. When it does, UniDos will become the second tower under construction in Miami’s Omni District, following the start of vertical work at Excel Miami.
Foundation Permits Filed for Channelside’s Largest Hotel at 111 N. Meridian Avenue
Channelside’s largest hotel project is moving closer to construction in Tampa, following the recent submission of foundation permits to the city. Led by McKibbon Hospitality, the development is planned as a dual-flag hotel featuring both AC Hotel and Moxy, brands operated under the Marriott International umbrella. Planned for 111 N. Meridian Avenue, the 13-story hotel would add a modern presence to the Channelside district. Designed by Atlanta-based LPB & Associates, the project has advanced quickly, with the recent permitting activity marking the latest step in a months-long process that included rezoning approval from Tampa City Council just a few months ago. McKibbon Hospitality acquired the 0.74-acre site for approximately $9.3 million in early 2025. The property was previously slated for a self-storage facility by UDR, though those plans were abandoned after only the residential component of the masterplan was completed. Once delivered, the hotel will become the second in the immediate area, following the opening of a nearby dual-flag hotel at N. Meridian Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard in 2019. The site is currently cleared following earlier site preparation and demolition work completed under the property’s previous developer, UDR. The newly submitted permit is limited in scope, covering drilled piers and concrete footings for the tower’s foundation, with designs helped by recent surveying and geotechnical work. Given the scale of the project, measuring roughly 280,000 Gross SF, the development is subject to additional structural and safety reviews to meet code requirements. A construction contractor has not yet been identified yet. However, multiple firms are listed on the application, including Bohler, which is serving as the project’s civil engineer. Plans filed with the city indicate the hotel will include 310 guest rooms, When first reported by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the room count was broken down into 175 rooms under the AC Hotel brand and 135 rooms under Moxy, a configuration that appears unchanged in the latest filings. Parking plans have also evolved since early reporting. Initial concepts called for just 57 spaces, but updated civil plans now show a significantly increased parking program. The project is currently proposed to include 202 parking spaces, a figure more realistic considering the size of the parking podium and the number of hotel rooms listed previously. At street level, the hotel will include an AC Lounge, a retail space, and a main reception area. Overall, the project is planned to deliver approximately 25,000 SF of commercial space, consisting of roughly 14,000 SF of retail and 11,000 SF dedicated to restaurant uses, according to the latest plans. A designated drop-off area for valet and parking will be located along East Washington Street. The hotel will feature a facade composed of light and dark blue tones, accented by white and gray finishes across stucco surfaces and impact-resistant glass. A distinctive crown, defined by a sloped roofline, will cap the structure. According to the developer, the building is expected to rise approximately 179 FT to its tallest point. The foundation permit is still pending approval and represents the only construction permit applied for the site thus far. McKibbon Hospitality had previously targeted a February 1, 2026 groundbreaking; however, with the permit submitted on January 26, meeting that timeline appears unlikely unless the event is ceremonial. However, a 2026 start for vertical construction remains very much on the table and continues to look probable.
AHF Breaks Ground on Little River Plaza, a 250-Unit Affordable Housing Community
In Miami’s Little River neighborhood, where housing affordability remains a growing concern, a new development is moving forward with the goal of expanding access to supportive housing. The Healthy Housing Foundation, a subsidiary of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), recently broke ground on a 12-story residential project aimed at serving individuals and families in need of housing assistance, including those experiencing homelessness. The project, designed by Glavovic Studio, was marked by a ceremonial groundbreaking held on January 23rd between 10:30 A.M. and noon. The event took place at 7952 NE 3rd Avenue, the site where the building will rise. The 0.9-acre property was acquired by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation for $6 million in 2022 and was previously occupied by a single-story strip mall and surface parking lot. Demolition of the existing structures was completed in 2023, and recent activity on-site, including site work, signals the start of vertical construction. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AIDS Healthcare Foundation™️ (@aidshealthcare) Coined as Little River Plaza, the project will deliver 250 affordable housing units targeted to households earning up to 50% of Miami-Dade County’s Area Median Income and below. The unit mix will consist of micro-studios and one-bedroom residences, with sizes ranging from approximately 380 to 540 SF. The groundbreaking event was attended by Mayor Eileen Higgins, who noted ‘you will not meet anyone in Miami that doesn’t know someone who is struggling to pay the rent’. At the heart of the building, residents will share a large common space, designed as a multi-story open-air atrium. The space functions similar to a hotel-style courtyard, providing lighting and fresh air to circulate throughout the structure. At ground level, the high-rise will include a designated drop-off zone and a total of 205 parking spaces, including five on-street spaces reserved for guest use. In addition to parking, the project will include 2,888 SF of ground-floor retail space designed for a single tenant. While no retailer has been announced to date, the space will be supported by widened sidewalks, on-site landscaping, and other pedestrian-oriented improvements intended to activate the street frontage. Glavovic Studio approached the design with cost efficiency as a core principle, allowing the project to pencil out while maintaining affordability. Architectural elements such as balcony railings are repeated across the podium to limit the need for custom materials and reduce construction costs. The zig-zagging aluminum balconies and parking screens serve a dual purpose, helping to reduce solar heat while adding visual movement and texture to the facade. According to architectural elevations, the building is expected to rise 134 FT at its tallest point. Permitting activity at the site has been active, with a master construction permit, electrical permits, and other required approvals now being issued. Gomez Construction Company is listed as the project’s general contractor. Once complete, Little River Plaza will join a growing pipeline of new development in Little River, much of it centered on affordable and workforce housing. The site was selected in part for its proximity to transit and daily amenities, including direct access to a bus stop along the property frontage.
The Mark, a Long-Debated Student Housing Project Near UM Moves Forward Under County Control
A student housing proposal near the University of Miami that has drawn years of debate is moving again through the approval process, following a recent filing by Landmark Properties with Miami-Dade County. Planned for 1250 S. Dixie Highway in Coral Gables, the project calls for an eight-story student housing project located just steps from the University Metrorail Station. Designed by Behar Font Architecture, the development would mark Landmark’s second student housing project in the city if constructed. The latest submission, filed in mid-January, reopens long-running discussions surrounding allowable height, density, and zoning authority in the area. The proposal was first introduced in 2023 as a two-building concept on a 3.17-acre site, currently occupied by a mid-century shopping center and surface parking. Early versions were reviewed locally by Coral Gables’ Development Review Committee, but stalled amid growing concerns over the project’s scale. As city-level approval became increasingly uncertain, the development team shifted its attention for approval under Miami-Dade County’s Rapid Transit Zone. The designation, which was granted last year, transferred planning and zoning authority to the county, opening the door to higher-density development adjacent to major transit infrastructure, effectively pushing the project beyond the hands of Coral Gables politicians. In response, Coral Gables later pursued its own University Station transit overlay in an effort to retain local design review and architectural control along the corridor. However, by that point, the project had already transitioned into the county approval process, significantly limiting the city’s ability to directly influence the proposal’s scope or configuration. While the proposal has now been formally submitted under Miami-Dade County jurisdiction, the project’s overall density remains unchanged: a silver lining for some concerned residents. Plans first outlined in 2024 called for a total of 393 residential units, a figure that has been carried forward into the current submission. The unit mix will range from studios to five-bedroom residences, with four-bedroom units representing the most common configuration. Residents would have access to a comprehensive amenity program, including a pool deck with outdoor seating and lounge areas, covered terraces, a wellness suite, study lounges, a fitness room, and a centrally located courtyard. The project also proposes 680 parking spaces, despite county code allowing zero required parking for transit-oriented developments. In addition to serving student residents, the parking supply is intended to support eight ground-floor retail spaces totaling 14,960 SF. At street level, the development would introduce widened sidewalks, updated landscaping, and a vehicular entrance to the parking garage accessed from Madruga Avenue, a nearby residential street where most site-related traffic would be directed. One of the more notable changes tied to the county submission involves both the building’s form and height. The project has shifted from a two-building layout to a single, more unified massing. At the same time, the height has increased modestly, rising from the previously proposed eight stories (or 97 FT) to nine stories (102 FT) at its tallest point. Architecturally, the updated design adopts a contemporary palette of whites and light grays, incorporating stucco finishes, score lines, metal balconies, impact-resistant glazing, and trellis elements. The revised approach is a byproduct of the county’s design playbook, which places fewer constraints on setbacks and architectural style than Coral Gables’ code, allowing the project to move away from Mediterranean design requirements and toward a more modern proposal. While the project may be controversial, especially over its visual impact, there is little the city can do. That concern was raised months ago during public discussions, when Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson warned that prolonged delays would push developers to seek county oversight instead. At the time, she warned that doing so would likely result in larger projects with fewer setbacks, weaker design controls, and diminished opportunities for resident input. With the proposal now firmly under Miami-Dade County’s jurisdiction, that scenario has effectively played out. Plans were submitted only yesterday (January 21st), meaning the approval process is still in its early stages and further design revisions remain possible. According to sources, the property is currently under contract but has not yet changed hands. The most recent recorded sale of the site occurred in 2015, when it sold for approximately $4.2 million.