A long-planned affordable housing development in Little River officially broke ground this week, marking a major milestone for a project that has spent nearly a decade moving through planning and financing.
Known as Citadelle Village, the development is being led by the Haitian American Community Development Corporation in partnership with local organizations and the City of Miami. The project aims to deliver nearly 100 affordable housing units in a neighborhood facing growing housing pressure and rising costs.
Citadelle Village is planned for 181 NE 82nd Street, the former site of the developer’s offices before demolition activity began roughly a year ago. Since then, the property has been cleared and a formal groundbreaking ceremony has now been held on-site. Total construction costs are estimated at roughly $52 million, with the City of Miami contributing approximately $5.5 million toward the project.
According to plans submitted in 2023, the development will contain 96 residential units consisting of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, with studios making up the largest share of the unit mix. Residences will range from approximately 628 square feet to 1,182 square feet.
The project is primarily targeted toward residents earning up to 80% of Area Median Income, though the developer has stated that a portion of the units will be reserved at deeper affordability levels for households earning as little as 30% AMI.
Residents will have access to a range of community-oriented amenities, including a club room, teenager game room, computer lounge, children’s play room, and multiple seating and gathering areas throughout the building.
At street level, the development will include 1,177 square feet of commercial space fronting NE 82nd Street, alongside roughly 4,000 square feet on the third level dedicated to the future offices of the Haitian American Community Development Corporation.
According to elevations prepared by Anillo Toledo Lopez Architecture, the 10-story structure will rise approximately 117 feet. Renderings depict a facade composed of smooth stucco finishes, metal balconies, and mesh screening covering the parking podium (which is set to include 102 parking spaces).
Victor Turner, director of Miami’s Department of Housing and Community Development, said the project represents another opportunity to expand housing options for nearby residents, stating, “We’re very excited about providing another opportunity to assist our low to moderate income residents to Miami”.
Completion is currently estimated between late 2028 and early 2029. Once finished, the development will join a growing list of affordable housing projects reshaping Little River, including Little River Plaza by AHF, a recently started 12-story project planned to deliver 250 affordable housing units nearby.