Miami Beach could choose developer for workforce housing project
Atlantic Pacific Communities could be selected to build an artist-focused housing project in Miami Beach.
On July 17, the City Commission will consider approving the start of negotiations with APC, the highest-ranked bidder in an intent to negotiate issued by the city in January. There were two bidders. Both City Manager Jimmy L. Morales and an evaluation committee recommended APC over rival bidder Servitas. Morales noted Miami-based APC has developed or acquired over $2 billion in real estate, including multiple affordable housing projects in South Florida.
“We look forward to engaging with city of Miami Beach to refine the city’s vision for workforce housing at Collins Park,” said Kenneth Naylor, chief operating officer of APC. The city has been working since 2016 to develop affordable housing on the 19,750-square-foot site at 224 23rd St. Currently a parking lot, it’s on the north side of a county library and east of the Miami City Ballet. It’s just north of Collins Park.
Morales stated in the agenda item that the city hopes Miami City Ballet will be part of the project. According to the city’s proposed terms, the workforce housing must be marketed to employees of local artistic institutions and educators.
Miami Beach is among the most expensive cities in South Florida, yet it has many popular artistic organizations. The city hopes more of those artistic workers can live in the city. It has a similar affordability issue with teachers at Miami Beach schools.
Under APC’s tentative plans, the 7-story project would have 72 workforce housing units for people making up to 120% of area median income, 2,900 square feet of ground-floor community space for local arts organizations, a community room with a kitchenette, a fitness center, and a business center. There would be 15 parking spaces and 30 bicycle spaces.
A rendering has yet to be created, but APC is working with Corwil Architects. APC’s application did not include proposed financial terms of the deal. Those would be worked out during negotiations with city staff, and require approval from the City Commission. The city is seeking a 50-year land lease with two 20-year renewal options, according to the agenda item.