Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, Commissioner Eileen Higgins, and The Related Group to host Redevelopment Ceremony at Robert King High Towers in District 5

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins, and The Related Urban Development Group are hosting a Redevelopment Ceremony at Robert King High Towers on Thursday, October 29 at 3:00 p.m. This redevelopment project includes the rehabilitation of 315 public housing units and a renovation of the community center, which is used as a main dining and activities center for the elderly residents of the community.

“Thanks to our strong public-private partnership with The Related Urban Development Group, Miami-Dade County has been able to leverage local, state and federal funding to make the rehabilitation of this historic site a reality,” Mayor Gimenez said. “Wise use of P3’s enabled our County to work miracles in other developments, such as Liberty Square and Martin Fine Villas. Now with this same smart fiscal planning, we will be able to dramatically upgrade this development to meet the most recent building codes, ensuring the health and safety of the elderly residents who live here at Robert King High Towers.”

The renovations will respect the historic design integrity of the original structure, which was first built in 1963. Modernizing individual units, the development will be rehabilitated and upgraded to current life-safety and wind-impact codes, while allowing for increased privacy and better livability for the residents of this development. Additionally, the redevelopment includes the reconfiguration of the existing parking lot to allow for a linear park to be created along the western boundary of the site, creating a pedestrian promenade connecting Northwest 7th Street to the public riverwalk along the Miami River.

“Preserving existing units is one of the best tools we can use to solve our affordable housing crisis in District 5 and throughout the County,” said Commissioner Higgins. “This site will not only maintain the historic nature of the community and give our elderly residents a safe and comfortable place to live, but it also will make their surroundings more beautiful and help them access and enjoy the Miami River. Everyone, no matter their income, should be able to live comfortably in District 5.”

The renovation is part of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program being carried out by Miami-Dade County’s Department of Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD). The RAD financial structure allows for increased subsidy over time making for a more sustainable model, including funding for maintenance and improvements. RAD also vastly increases opportunities for affordable and workforce units. The Robert King High Towers renovation is part of a larger public-private partnership between PHCD and The Related Urban Development Group, which will increase capacity from 840 preserved public housing units to more than 3,000 units.

The redevelopment includes state-of-the-art energy saving features, such as Energy Star refrigerators, low-flow faucets, energy efficient light fixtures, daylight sensors, and more.

Media must RSVP to Annette Molina at 786-469-4110 or [email protected]. Wearing a mask is required.