University of Miami Unveils Gables Village: Set to Replace the Dated Mahoney-Pearson Dorm Complex
The University of Miami is preparing to completely redevelop the aging Mahoney-Pearson dorm complex, replacing it with Gables Village, a new residential district now under review by the City of Coral Gables. The project serves as the third and final phase of UM’s long-term Housing Facilities Strategic Plan, ending a multi-year effort to modernize student housing on-campus. Just a few months ago, campus officials celebrated the opening of the first phase of Centennial Village and are now nearing completion of the second. The new dormitory complex will comprise of two multi-story buildings designed by Arquitectonica, located at 1201 Stanford Drive and 1101 Stanford Drive. In total, the development will span 573,804 gross SF and introduce more than 1,000 beds, a new dining hall, and a range of amenities for incoming students. According to the University, the project is intended to provide “modern, sustainable housing that enhances the student experience for years to come.” The first residential building will rise nine stories and include 222 units, providing space for 735 beds. Units will not be limited to shared rooms; instead, the building will offer a mix of double suites, single suites, and single rooms. The second building, slightly taller at ten stories, will contain 207 units with a total of 723 beds, featuring the same unit types. Across the entire complex, single suites represent the most common room type. While the two towers are physically separate structures, they are unified through a pedestrian-oriented design featuring landscaped walkways and interconnected green spaces that link both buildings. Residents will have access to a variety of amenities, including great rooms and event space, package rooms, a 24,046 SF dining and kitchen facility with seating for 700, and multiple classrooms located on the ground floor. In addition, each floor will have access to ample natural light, along with access to amenities like viewing rooms, shared kitchens, lounge areas, study rooms, and both collective and private shower rooms, among other features. As part of the Gables Village redevelopment, the existing Mahoney-Pearson Dining Hall is slated for demolition to make way for the aforementioned new 700-seat dining facility. This replacement is both modern and updated to be closer to residents. According to elevations provided by Arquitectonica, the official architect of the project, Gables Village will feature a smooth facade complimented by large glass windows, accented in a palette of dark and light green tones alongside white. Unlike many modern apartments in Miami, the design does not include balconies. The first tower is planned to rise 118 FT, while the slightly taller second tower will reach 128 FT. In addition to the new residential towers, the University will construct a Central Energy Plant adjacent to the existing Mahoney-Pearson Garage. The 8,450 SF plant will house essential infrastructure while also featuring infrastructure space at around 10,720 SF. The Mahoney-Pearson Garage will continue to serve both residents and commuters, with its entrance relocated to the south side for access at Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Together, the energy plant and existing garage will strengthen campus infrastructure and accessibility, while supporting the functionality and sustainability of the new Gables Village complex. The Gables Village project is scheduled for review by Coral Gables’ Development Review Committee on November 21st. If the proposal is approved, campus officials are planning to begin construction in summer 2026, with the residential towers and new Central Energy Plant expected to be completed by mid-2029.
Plans Submitted to Miami’s UDRB for 805 Flagler, Featuring 354 Units in Little Havana
A joint venture between Brookstone Partners and the Cornerstone Group is moving forward with plans for an eight-story mixed-use development at 805 West Flagler Street, bringing a long-anticipated grocery store/pharmacy to one of Miami’s most underserved corridors. Filed under Brookstone 805 Flagler LLC, the proposal spans 14 parcels totaling roughly 103,000 SF. The developers acquired the largely vacant property for $15.8 million months ago and are now seeking approval from Miami’s Urban Development Review Board to move forward. According to recently released plans, the proposed development will span nearly an entire city block. A representative for the project described it as providing ‘infill density, reversing urban sprawl, and introducing a neighborhood-serving grocer and pharmacy with property access on three frontages.’ Designed by Corwil Architects, the building will feature a total of 354 residential units. Unit sizes will range from studios averaging 514 SF, one-bedrooms averaging 737 SF, and two-bedrooms averaging 1,081 SF. The project will also include 526 parking spaces in total, with 25 on-street spaces and 500 within a parking garage, ensuring at least one space per resident along with dedicated visitor parking. Among other amenities, there will be multiple courtyards fit with water features and seating, as well as a pool, BBQ area, and various other amenities including 8,035 SF solely for shared space on the 8th floor. On the ground floor, plans call for widened sidewalks and enhanced landscaping to improve the pedestrian experience. While early plans by the developer highlighted a potential 22,000 SF lease for an Aldi grocery store, that deal appears to have fallen through. The current plans instead show a 5,460 SF corner retail space, roughly the same in size to a typical Walgreens or CVS. From the base to the roof, the building will reach 97 FT. Corwil Architects notes that the exterior will combine aluminum balcony railings, gray-toned stucco, cement plaster finishes, and other carefully selected materials. The parking garage, often visible in modern Miami apartment buildings, is fully concealed by lined residential units. According to the architect: “The building’s structured parking podium is carefully designed to integrate seamlessly into the urban fabric. Rather than exposing parking to the street, the podium is fully lined with active residential units on all street-facing elevations. This design strategy transforms what is traditionally a service element into a vibrant, livable edge, ensuring the building maintains consistent activation at the pedestrian level”. Prior to seeking Urban Development Review Board approval, the joint venture secured key city approvals to move forward. In 2024, the City Commission amended the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) of the assemblage from “Medium Density Restricted Commercial” to “Restricted Commercial,”. The City Commission also updated the zoning for a portion of the property, changing it from T5-O to T6-8-O. As a result, current zoning supports a more mixed-use, dense development. If the developer was unable to secure standard zoning approval, Miami-Dade and the state offer alternatives. One option includes submitting the project under the county’s more flexible rules, while another route involves pursuing provisions under Florida’s Live Local Act, which encourages the inclusion of workforce housing within new developments. An Urban Development Review Board (UDRB) meeting scheduled for November 19th will evaluate the project’s design. While the board’s recommendation is advisory and not required for the project to move forward, developers often incorporate feedback or design adjustments suggested during the review process. Importantly, 805 Flagler will be the sole item on the UDRB’s November agenda.
Joint Venture Unveils 30-Story Tower at 1725 JFK Causeway, North Bay Village
A South Florida-based joint venture, composed of MG Developer and The Prosper Group, has submitted plans to Miami-Dade County for a luxury high-rise in North Bay Village. Located at 1681 and 1725 JFK Causeway, the project is proposed on a prime 1-acre waterfront site overlooking Biscayne Bay. The joint venture acquired the two parcels for $30.9 million last year, revealing plans for a groundbreaking 2027 and a completion in 2029. The project joins a growing lineup of high-rise developments along JFK Causeway in North Bay Village, where Continuum is planning a two-tower district to the east and Sunbeam Properties is advancing a large-scale mixed-use district to the west. Designed by Revuelta Architecture International, the 30-story modern tower is set to include 147 residential units and 12 guest rooms. According to a Graham Penn, an attorney representing the project, ‘all units within the building are large, family-orientated spaces, with the smallest unit size being approximately 1,027 square feet in size.’ Split between 21 one-bedroom units, 31 two-bedroom units, 74 three-bedroom units, and 2 four-bedroom units, almost every unit will have direct access to views of Biscayne Bay. Beyond its residential offerings, 1725 JFK Causeway will include amenity spaces planned across the ground floor, level six, and the rooftop, totaling several thousand square feet. In total, six pools are planned throughout the building, four reserved for private residences and two for shared common areas. Final programming and layouts for these spaces have yet to be confirmed. Each residence will also be allocated at least one parking space, for a total of 272 spaces within the parking podium. To enhance the building’s streetscape and conceal the structure from public view, the podium will be lined with residential units along its perimeter. Plans also include 3,308 SF of ground-floor commercial space and 6,433 SF of office space. Set to rise 390 FT, the 30-story tower will feature materials such as perforated metal panels along the podium, impact-resistant glass, and glass balconies. Unlike most developments in South Florida, the project stands out for its exceptionally high glass-to-stucco ratio. In fact, if plans remain unchanged, the building will include almost no stucco at all, offering residents expansive, unobstructed views. Because the joint venture submitted the project under Miami-Dade County, it is subject to a Shoreline Development Review, which applies to properties along Biscayne Bay. The review aims to preserve public views and access to the Bay by prioritizing pedestrian connectivity, water-related activities, and open view corridors. To meet these requirements, MG Developer and the Prosper Group plan to include a public waterfront walkway, known as the Island Walk, running along the edge of the property, which will eventually link with adjacent segments to create one of the longest continuous public walkways in North Bay Village. The project also maintains a 20% view corridor along the west side of the site. However, due to the property’s strict setback requirements, fully complying with shoreline requirements would make the site undevelopable, according to the project’s representative. As a result, the developer is requesting an exception to certain setback regulations. While The Prosper Group and MG Developer continue planning for this project, both firms have been expanding their work beyond North Bay Village. Earlier this year, The Prosper Group submitted plans for one of the tallest proposed developments in Brickell, located at 1040 S. Miami Avenue, which is currently under review. The firm is also involved in a joint venture for Ora Hotel and Residences in Tampa, where sales have reportedly been strong.
The Fletcher District Gains Approval from the Florida Board of Governors, Set to Break Ground in Early 2026
The University of South Florida has reached a major milestone in advancing its long-anticipated “Fletcher District”, a mixed-use neighborhood set to replace the former golf course known as The Claw. On November 6th, the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s public universities, voted to approve the project’s first phase. The development will transform the defunct golf course, which closed in 2023 at the corner of Fletcher Avenue and North 46th Street, into a vibrant district featuring student housing, multifamily residences, a hotel, retail space, and public amenities. Plans have been steadily progressing, with the USF Board of Trustees granting its approval on September 9th and construction expected to begin in spring 2026. Phase one will span 27 acres of the former Claw golf course’s 138-acre site. The plan includes 150 cottages, 350,000 SF of research space, 5,000 SF of conference space, a 150-room hotel, 60,000 SF of retail, 700 student beds, and 150 market-rate housing units. The development will also include over 1,000 parking spaces to support both academic and leisure uses within the district. For students seeking housing close to campus, 400 of the 700 planned beds will consist of one-, two-, and four-bedroom units, each featuring a one-to-one bedroom-to-bathroom ratio, addressing strong demand for more private student housing at USF. The 150 multifamily units will also serve university employees, faculty, graduate students, alumni, and community members, with a portion also available to the general public. According to the USF Oracle, the university is expected to generate over $509 million in profit from rent over the 40-year lease term, both from multi-family and student housing. You can find financing documents, the project’s summary, and more from yesterday’s meeting archive here. The Fletcher District will be developed through a public-private partnership between the University of South Florida and ACE Fletcher, LLC, whose members include Capstone Development Partners, Capstone Communities, Aureate Development, and Ellison Development. Under this agreement, USF will create separate ground subleases for each parcel, lasting between 40 and 99 years. The development team will design, build, finance, operate, and maintain their respective parts of the project, retain ownership during the lease, and fund their share of infrastructure and maintenance expenses. After the lease term ends, ownership of all facilities will revert to USF as required by Florida law. This means the first phase of the project, estimated at $268 million, will be funded mostly by the development team through private financing. USF’s direct financial role will be limited to constructing its own academic building and contributing to parts of the shared district infrastructure. When plans were first discussed to redevelop the golf course known as The Claw at USF, initial proposals had included parcels within the adjacent USF Forest Preserve. This sparked controversy among students and faculty, ranging from Indigenous heritage sites to critical habitat for native wildlife. After protests and study, the university clarified its intention. In a recently published FAQ the University of South Florida stated: “No. The Fletcher District is being developed entirely within the footprint of the former golf course, which was previously developed.” Instead, the adjacent USF Forest Preserve will continue to serve as a site for research, fieldwork, and educational use. The university has confirmed that there are no plans in the foreseeable future to alter or develop the preserve.
36-Story Atlantic Square Reaches Completion, Adding Mixed-Income Housing to Overtown
A major addition to Miami’s Overtown neighborhood has officially reached completion, marking a milestone in the community’s ongoing transformation. Rising 36 stories, Atlantic Square introduces new housing and amenities as part of the county and city’s larger effort to spur mixed-income growth and renewed economic investment in the neighborhood: bridging Overtown and Downtown Miami. Developed by Atlantic Pacific Communities and designed by Corwil Architects, the 391 FT tall tower has 616 residential units, with roughly 60% reserved as affordable and workforce housing and the remainder offered at market rate. The building replaces what was once a county-owned parking lot, transforming it into a dense, transit-oriented community in one of Miami-Dade’s most connected areas. According to the most recently submitted plans to the county, subject to minor revisions, the development includes 24,865 SF of ground-floor commercial space designed to activate the streetscape and promote walkability throughout the neighborhood. It will also provide 625 parking spaces, including 21 on-street spots, accommodating both residents and retail patrons. Atlantic Square offers a range of floor plans, from studios to one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. Alongside units are amenities such as pools, coworking and lounge areas, and outdoor recreation spaces including a dog park and landscaped terraces. The project also sits adjacent to key transit lines, with easy access to Metrorail, Metrobus, and Brightline. According to a quote provided by NBC6 South Florida, the county’s Director of Transportation notes, ‘We want residents here to be connected—to jobs, to schools, to opportunity—without having to rely on a car’, ‘This is the kind of project that sets a new standard for smart, equitable urban development.’ Following several years of planning, design, and construction, Atlantic Square has officially reached completion in late 2025. The project underwent multiple design changes throughout its lifetime, including updates to the parking podium. The final design features a striking blue metal facade designed by artist Marielle Plaisir, who described the work as ‘cut from aluminum with waterjet precision and bathed in my signature blue’, marking ‘a powerful new chapter in my public art journey.’ While Atlantic Square has completed construction, momentum in Overtown continues to build. Several developers are now setting their sights on the neighborhood’s next wave of projects. Most recently, Floridian Development reported on plans for Overtown’s tallest tower yet: a 55-story residential high-rise at 1210 NW 2nd Avenue, with at least 40 percent of its units designated as workforce housing under Florida’s Live Local Act.
13th Floor, Key International Unveil Nobu-Branded 74-Story Waterfront Tower at 619 Brickell Ave
Nobu Hospitality is expanding its South Florida presence with its first branded residential project in Miami, a 74-story tower planned along Biscayne Bay in the city’s Brickell district. Developed in partnership with Miami-based firms 13th Floor Investments and Key International, 619 Brickell will bring 300 luxury condos, a full collection of high-end amenities, and a new Nobu restaurant to the heart of Miami’s core. Designed by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Sieger-Suarez Architects, the development will rise beside the historic First Presbyterian Church of Miami at 609-619 Brickell Avenue, one of the few remaining religious buildings on Brickell Avenue. In 2024, city officials removed the historic designation from the east side of the property, allowing for the future demolition of the building’s addition and surface parking lot. Plans call for 300 residences, which, according to Miami Residential, will range from one- to four-bedroom layouts. Each unit is designed by Foster + Partners to capture panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, with interiors reflecting Nobu Hospitality’s signature Japanese aesthetic. According to Nobu Hospitality, residents will also have access to 90,000 SF of private amenities, including a full-scale spa and wellness retreat, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a poolside cafe. However, it’s important to note that unit sizes or configurations aren’t set in stone and may change at any time during the planning process. At the lower levels, Miami’s second Nobu restaurant will open within the tower, joining the brand’s existing Nobu Hotel and restaurant in Miami Beach. The new Brickell restaurant will feature a unique circular design and expansive waterfront views, envisioned as one of Miami’s most futuristic and modern dining locations. In a joint statement, Arnaud Karsenti, Managing Principal of 13th Floor Investments, and Inigo Ardid, Co-President of Key International, said: “We are honored to partner with Nobu Hospitality and Foster + Partners on this extraordinary project in the heart of Brickell. 619 Brickell represents the perfect convergence of design, service, and lifestyle — a residential experience elevated by Nobu’s world-class hospitality and commitment to exceptional service. Together, we are creating a landmark destination that reflects Miami’s sophistication and energy, and we look forward to unveiling it in the near future.” The 74-story tower will become one of the tallest buildings in Brickell. While full-scale renderings and official height counts have not been released, the building is expected to reach ‘supertall’ levels, internationally considered as structures rising above 300M. Only a handful of buildings in Brickell are planned to reach this scale, and none of them have broken ground yet.
Alta Development Advances Plans for 16-Story SOMI Walk Student Housing Near University of Miami
A new student housing tower is on the horizon for South Miami, as Alta Development prepares to move forward with SOMI Walk, a 16-story project planned near the University of Miami. The Miami-based developer has spent the past year refining the proposal through multiple planning stages and design iterations, with the latest version now submitted to the City of South Miami’s Design Review Board for review. Located at 5959 SW 71st Street and 7090 SW 59th Place, the 1.01-acre site currently houses a mix of hotel and office space that will be replaced by student housing to meet surging demand in the area. Designed by FormGroup Architects, SOMI Walk would mark one of the tallest additions to South Miami’s core, following the completion of Vox Miami nearby. According to plans submitted to the city, the development will include 173 residential units, with the potential for possible EB-5 investment funding. Units will be offered in a range of configurations, from one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom layouts. Planned amenities include a rooftop deck, pools, a fitness center, wellness lounge, business center, terrace space, and more. The ground floor will include a spacious lobby, a bike shop, and a dog salon, along with a 3,168 SF public plaza for the public. Parking will occupy the first three levels, providing 173 spaces that include standard, accessible, and double-stacked lift options for residents. According to elevations prepared by FormGroup Architects, the 16-story tower will rise 192 FT at its tallest point. The facade incorporates stucco, brick, aluminum railings, and other modern finishes. Achieving this height, however, required navigating South Miami’s strict zoning regulations, which initially limited development. Because the site’s existing zoning only permits 8 stories, the developer had to make several adjustments to qualify for an additional height bonus, bringing the total to 16 floors. To achieve this, the project must contribute to open space, affordable and workforce housing, and sustainability initiatives by developing LEED Gold or LEED Platinum-certified buildings. If those standards are not met, the developer is required to make a payment in lieu of the city. Additional bonus floor area is also granted under these regulations. Prior to submitting plans to the Design Review Board, Alta Development secured approval on March 31st, 2025, for key land use and zoning changes affecting the SOMI Walk property. The updates changed the site on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) to Transit-Supportive Development (TSD) and assigned it a TSDD zoning district, paving the way for the project’s current 16-story proposal. According to Alta Development, the team behind the development is planning to begin demolition soon, with groundbreaking in January. Once completed, it will be Alta Developments first project in South Miami.
Announcing the Floridian Development Newsletter: Daily Updates on Florida’s Growth
Florida’s development landscape is changing fast, from high-rise residential towers to transformative mixed-use districts reshaping cities across the state. With new proposals popping up weekly and projects finally moving toward construction, the need to keep track of everything happening in Florida’s built environment has never been more important. To deliver the most current, reliable, and detailed coverage straight to your inbox, Floridian Development is launching a new newsletter. Subscribing is free and provides daily emails featuring development and infrastructure news, upcoming feature updates from Floridian Development, and more, ensuring readers never miss what’s next. Receiving updates will be almost instantaneous, as the site will use automated emails that deliver notifications the moment a new article is published, faster than manual updates on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Floridian Development is proud to be among the first sources to publish information on major projects across Florida, and this newsletter makes staying informed even easier. To sign up, simply visit https://floridiandevelopment.com/newsletter/ through the site’s header. After signing up, you’ll receive a confirmation email; once confirmed, you’re set to start receiving updates. No name is required, and we’ll never send spam. You can unsubscribe at any time.
The Avery Inches Towards Groundbreaking at 2517 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa
The Avery, a six-story multifamily development planned along Tampa’s West Kennedy Boulevard, is edging closer to a groundbreaking as the developer has recently filed for multiple construction permits. Located at 2517 West Kennedy Boulevard, the project will introduce new residential density to a corridor that has seen growing development interest in recent years. Led by The Avid Group and designed by ODP Architecture, the project has been in planning since 2022, when the developer purchased the site for roughly $2 million. The proposal has since gone through several design revisions over the past two years, with the latest plans reflecting the most refined vision for the property. Set to feature 36 residential units across six floors, the project will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts. Unit sizes will range from 562 SF for the smallest studio to 1,333 SF for the largest two-bedroom residence, with one-bedroom units making up the majority of the offerings. Units are designed with an emphasis on natural light, efficient flow, and tall ceilings. In addition to residential space, the development will include approximately 6,130 SF of office space and 3,000 SF of ground-floor commercial space, activating the Kennedy Boulevard frontage and encouraging pedestrian activity. The building’s design also incorporates an expanded sidewalk and on-street parking. A total of 43 parking spaces will be provided in the development, with most spaces being in a surface parking lot next door. According to elevations provided by ODP Architecture, the building is set to rise 81 FT, one of the tallest buildings in the area. The modern facade will be composed of smooth stucco, exposed concrete, aluminum railings, and other design choices. According to ODP’s website, ‘the building’s clean, rectilinear volumes create a grounded podium that supports five levels of residences, articulated through recessed balconies and detailed facades. This disciplined use of concrete allows for large-format windows that animate the street rhythm and frame views above.’ The site was cleared roughly two years ago in preparation for construction. Recent permit activity includes threshold building permits, utility permits, and right-of-way applications, signaling that construction is imminent. While there is no official construction timeline, construction is estimated to begin next year.
The Gallery at Wagner Creek: First Tower of Related’s Health District Redevelopment Secures Financing
The Related Group has secured key financing for The Gallery at Wagner Creek, a mixed-income high-rise planned for Miami’s Health District that will include affordable housing. The project marks the first phase of a larger multi-tower development that will eventually involve the demolition and redevelopment of the nearby Jackson Medical Towers. Envisioned as a transit-oriented, mixed-income community, the development is located at 1165 NW 11th Street: just steps from the UHealth-Jackson Metrorail Station. On October 29th, Miami’s Housing and Commercial Loan Committee approved the allocation of $4,848,080 in Miami Forever Bonds to The Related Group. Miami Forever Bonds are part of a measure approved by voters to fund essential infrastructure, resiliency, and affordable housing projects. The $4,848,080 loan for the Gallery at Wagner Creek development is a key part of the project’s more than $190 million cost. Other sources of financing, including from the state, have also been awarded. The Gallery at Wagner Creek required financing from multiple institutions due to its large scale of affordable housing; the project will include 460 residential units, with 184 designated as either workforce or affordable housing for at least 30 years. These units will be priced for households earning between 30% and 120% of the area’s median income (AMI). Of the deeply affordable units, 70 will receive city assistance, including 35 specifically reserved for special-needs households in need of stable housing. This 40% workforce and affordable housing requirement stems entirely from the developer submitting the project under Florida’s Live Local Act. To avoid lengthy public hearings, the developer filed an administrative application, allowing the proposal to be reviewed solely by county officials. The Live Local designation also grants the developer greater flexibility, including increased height, density, and reduced procedural hurdles. A representative of the developer writes, ‘Pursuant to the Live Local Act, a maximum density of 250 units per acre is permitted. According to the revised survey, the gross acreage of the North Site is 1.98 acres permitting a maximum density of 495 dwelling units. For this first phase, the Applicant is proposing 460 units on the North Site, providing much needed affordable housing stock to the area’. According to floor plans provided by the architect, Cohen Freedman Encinosa & Associates, units will range from studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units. Residents will have access to a range of amenities, including a pool, lounging space, a health club, co-working space, and much more. The development is also set to feature 346 parking spaces and 3,200 SF of ground floor commercial space. When the development was first submitted, parking counts were slightly higher. Elevations show a 27-story tower rising 305 FT, featuring materials such as smooth stucco, picketed railings, and louvered cladding. The building’s height is limited by nearby flight paths, with a maximum allowable elevation of 310 FT in this zone. To comply with aviation safety regulations, the roof will also include aircraft warning lights. While the project is still moving through approvals, it has already cleared several key steps. The site, currently used as a surface parking lot, has been granted site control through a ground lease, giving the developer long-term rights to design, finance, and operate the building without full ownership of the land. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with completion targeted for 2028.