Miami-Dade County embarks on a new chapter. It is breaking ground on Liberty Square Phase V. A new facility for the elderly is also starting. This marks a significant step. It is the fifth phase of redevelopment. The Liberty Square public housing community is in Liberty City. This initiative is part of Liberty City Rising.
Project Details Unveiled
Liberty Square Phase V is a major undertaking. It will feature 408 family units. These are for low-income families. The development will be mixed-income. This means diverse housing options will be available. Ground-floor retail space is planned. A community service provider will also be located there. This adds crucial amenities. Residents will have access to shopping and support.
Liberty Square for the Elderly is also under construction. This new building focuses on senior residents. It will have Jessie Trice Community Health System on its ground floor. This ensures vital healthcare access. It is dedicated to serving the elderly population. The development will offer 132 affordable units for seniors. These are for those earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Funding and Partnerships
Miami-Dade Housing and Community Development is a key partner. They contributed $1 million from the Capital Fund Program. The overall Liberty City Rising initiative has significant backing. Miami-Dade County committed $74 million. This aims to leverage over $390 million in private investment. The redevelopment of Liberty Square itself is a $46 million effort. It seeks to generate over $307 million in economic activity.
Related Urban Development Group is the development partner. They are working closely with Miami-Dade County. This partnership guides the extensive redevelopment. Various funding sources support these projects. They include tax-exempt bonds and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Equity. The Florida Housing State Apartment Incentive Loan program is also involved. Miami-Dade County Surtax funds are also used.
A Look Back: History of Liberty Square
Liberty Square holds deep historical significance. It was built in 1937. It was the first public housing project for African Americans in the Southeastern United States. It was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Initially, it housed 243 families. The original project aimed to improve housing conditions. However, it also reinforced racial segregation. A wall physically separated residents from white neighborhoods.
Over decades, conditions declined. Crime and poverty became prevalent. The area faced racial tension. Now, a massive redevelopment seeks to change this narrative. Liberty City Rising aims to revitalize the community. It addresses issues of poverty. It also seeks to raise the standard of living.
Transforming Liberty City
The redevelopment is transforming Liberty City. The overall Liberty Square project will feature 1,800 new units. This includes public, affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing. The goal is to create a mixed-income community. This approach aims to foster economic revitalization. Residents’ collective income before redevelopment was under $9 million. With ongoing phases, it has risen to $56 million. Future projections estimate $140 million. This increased buying power attracts more investment and businesses.
New amenities are part of the plan. These include parks, retail spaces, and green spaces. A healthcare center is already complete. The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce also has its headquarters on site. They offer business incubator services. This supports local entrepreneurs. The project includes roadway and drainage upgrades. These improve infrastructure. The vision is to rebuild a community, not just housing.
Future Outlook
The groundbreaking signals continued progress. Phase V is the largest phase yet. It adds 408 units to the project. The elderly housing phase adds another 37 units. Construction delays have occurred. However, the county anticipates completion around 2028. The project shows a commitment to residents. It aims to fulfill long-promised commitments. This news is trending in the Miami area. It represents a significant development for the community. It brings new opportunities and improved living conditions to Liberty City. The project is a testament to community transformation. This news provides hope. It is a vital step forward for Miami.
