The Allen Morris Company and Black Salmon have recently paired up to introduce its first residential tower in Highland Park, a development unveiled in 2023 that called for over 1,000 residential units, distinct office space, hotel rooms, and more: all within a 6.4-acre master plan. The first tower, coined ‘The Aurea’, is set to feature 352 units, retail space, and parking using Florida’s recently enacted Live Local Act. Situated in close proximity to rapid transit, the development at 1321 NW 9th Avenue currently features T6-8-O zoning, which entails a maximum building height of 8 floors and 150 units per acre. With the Live Local Act, the property is now granted zoning from within a mile away, with the possibility for 1,000 dwelling units per acre.
In the case of ‘The Aurea’, the property will feature density of 416 units per acre, divided into units composed of either studio, 1-bedroom, or 2-bedroom apartments. As is the standard for all Live Local projects, developments must designate 40% of its units as workforce housing, priced for households earning up to 120% of the area’s median income. These units target the “missing middle”: vital workers like teachers, nurses, and first responders who earn too much for low-income housing assistance but still face challenges when affording market-rate rent. ‘The Aurea’ will include 141 of these specialized units, with residents no matter the income level having access to an amenity deck on the top floor, equipped with a liquor lounge, swimming pool, barbecue area, lounge seating, and more.
The highrise will incorporate 291 parking spaces and 360 bicycle parking spots within its podium, despite the Live Local Act waiving parking requirements for developments in transit orientated areas. The project also aims to enhance the pedestrian experience through thoughtful street design, including widened sidewalks up to 25 feet and a public courtyard on the east side of the property, complete with art installations and a water feature. The property also features a 3,611 SF retail space on the corner of NW 13th St and NW 9th St.
According to elevations, the tower will rise 300 FT at its tallest point, comprised of parking from floors 2 to 6, residential units from floors 7 to 28, and amenity deck on level 29. Designed by Arquitectonica, the project, “draws inspiration from its transit-oriented surroundings by translating that movement directly into the
geometries of the facades of the project. These facades are divided into three zones vertically – the podium,
the tower, and the rooftop amenities where each zone displays a distinct yet cohesive language.”
