Mixed-Income Apartments Dubbed The Gem Proposed in Hallandale Beach
A new mixed-income development is working its way through the approval process in Hallandale Beach, where Dragonfly Investments has submitted plans for a 12-story apartment building in the city’s Harlem Village neighborhood. Dubbed “The Gem,” the project is proposed for 411 N. Dixie Highway and would bring 170 units to a nearly one-acre assemblage that the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency has been looking to activate for years. The CRA, which owns the entire assemblage spanning roughly 39,000 square feet, launched a formal request for proposals in 2024 with a clear vision in mind: a mixed-use development with retail, a meaningful residential component, and built-in affordability. Four developers threw their names in, with Dragonfly Investments coming out on top. What emerged from that process is a project where 60% (or 102 units) of units are designated as affordable or workforce housing. The CRA’s original RFP outlined specific income tiers targeting households at 30%, 50% and 60% of Area Median Income, with at least five units set aside for senior housing at 20% AMI. But, those targets may look different by the time the project breaks ground. The developer has since indicated that the income structure is still being worked out, hinting that the brackets laid out during the RFP process are likely to shift as the project moves through approvals. Given the changing nature of affordable developments, notably rising costs, this isn’t unexpected. The 170 units will span studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, averaging 706 square feet per residence. The smallest unit will measure 474 square feet, while the largest stretches to 1,116. Regardless of income level, all residents will have access to the same amenity package, which includes a pool, lounge space, and a rooftop terrace (the latter of which was specifically required by the CRA). At street level, The Gem is designed to engage with the surrounding neighborhood. A total of 12,390 square feet of retail space is planned for the ground floor, with 1,000 square feet specifically for a local business. The surrounding streetscape is set to receive wider sidewalks, added greenery, and a colonnade along the building’s perimeter: offering pedestrians some cover from the elements. The Gem itself will sit atop a three-story podium clad in decorative mesh screening, rising to 137 feet at its tallest point, or about 126 feet to the roofline. Corwil Architect, a locally based firm, is behind the design. The facade is characterized by floor-to-ceiling windows, nearly 10-foot ceilings, private balconies, and a gray color palette that has become something of a Corwil signature. The project will feature 256 parking spaces; while the project’s application did not specify the total parking count dedicated to the public, the CRA’s RFP required that at least 50 spaces be owned by the city and made available for public use. The land conveyance (or disposal/transfer) from the CRA to the developer has been approved, although current county documents still show the assemblage under city control. The project is still in the proposal stage, though approval is expected to follow. If things stay on track, Dragonfly Investments is targeting a groundbreaking in the first quarter of 2027.
Moss Construction Tops Out Elemi at Grove Village Phase 2, Planned to Add 27 Apartments
Construction has topped out on the second phase of Elemi at Grove Village, a five-story luxury development in Coconut Grove that will add 27 apartments to a block that has quietly been taking shape for the better part of two years. The project broke ground at the end of 2025 and hit the milestone toward the end of March, with local general contractor Moss Construction announcing the achievement as the structure reached its full height. Elemi Phase Two is being developed by Silver Bluff Development in partnership with Abbhi Capital, and marks the second project the team has brought to the block. The first phase launched successfully last year, delivering 46 rental units, with Moss serving as general contractor on that project as well. Once phase two wraps up, the developer plans to shift its focus to another parcel in Coconut Grove for a much larger project called Bimini Block. All of the developments sit within an opportunity zone, making them eligible for certain tax benefits. Located at 3384 Grand Avenue, the assemblage fronting the avenue was acquired in 2021 and 2022 for $4.4 million. Recent aerial photos released by Moss show the building’s shell nearly complete, with roof installation now underway. Window installation, balconies, facade work and other finishing touches are expected to follow as the project moves toward a completion date early next year. “Moss is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside Silver Bluff,” said Fernando Del Campo, vice president and project executive at Moss, in a press release. “The topping out of Phase 2 is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the dedication of the team working on the project every day. We remain focused on delivering this luxury community with a keen eye for detail, which Moss is known for.” One of the more distinctive features of the development is its layout. Each of the 27 residences will feature a two-story floor plan, with units ranging from one to three bedrooms and each offering its own private terrace. Shared amenities will include co-working spaces, gathering areas, a fitness center and a pool, and more. Pre-leasing is expected to begin later this year. At street level, the building will include 3,111 square feet of retail space geared toward food and beverage uses, along with wider sidewalks, public seating, and additional street foliage. While official elevations have not been released, the building likely topped out at around 60 feet, consistent with height in the surrounding area. The project has not been without criticism. First reported by Coconut Grove Spotlight, some residents have raised concerns about displacement in what is a historically Black neighborhood, pointing to the market-rate nature of the development. Neither phase one nor phase two includes workforce or affordable housing. The developer has acknowledged the concern, however, and says a separate project aimed at below-market rents is in the works for another site in the West Grove.