(MIAMI, October 15, 2014) – Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, District 11 County Commissioner Juan Zapata, the Internal Services Department (ISD) Director Lester Sola, and Miami-Dade Public Housing and Community Development Director Michael Liu announce the grand opening of the Gran Via Affordable Housing Apartments for the Elderly, 12700 SW 8 Street, to serve elderly residents of District 11 in Miami-Dade County. The grand opening celebration will take place on Thursday, October 16, at 10:00 a.m.
“We are honored and excited to expand the availability of affordable housing for the elderly residents of Miami-Dade County,” said Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “We are grateful to the many partners in this community who care for the elderly, and who are willing to work side by side with the County to provide a safe and affordable home for our elderly residents.”
Designed and managed by the County’s Internal Services Department, the Gran Via Affordable Housing Apartments, situated on 2.32 acres, offers 104 brand new residential units for elderly residents who qualify for the County’s Affordable Housing Program. For more information about this program, please visit http://www.miamidade.gov/housing/ or call 3-1-1.
Gran Via is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental design (LEED) Silver certified facility which incorporates the latest in energy efficient technology, and features a functional and aesthetically beautiful design. The design concept of this space creates a nurturing and welcoming environment that also highlights the importance of safety and security for residents.
The artwork featured on the exterior of the building is the work of local artists, Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre, entitled Dreaming Forever-Glades. Situated just a few miles from the Everglades, the artwork recognizes a rare ecosystem that is characterized by cypress swamps, mangrove forests and exotic wildlife. This simple approach resulted in a powerful transformation of the entire façade and parking areas of the Gran Via complex. As the artists state, “Our greatest satisfaction is to know that this project has the magnitude and exposure to visually challenge and creatively inspire the surrounding neighborhood and the hundreds of people that drive by each day.”