Arbor Residences Receives Certificate of Occupancy at 80% Sold In Coconut Grove

Arbor Residences has officially received its Certificate of Occupancy, marking the completion of an extraordinary vision for Coconut Grove. The achievement for the 45-residence boutique condominium in Coconut Grove comes as the project has also passed 80% sold. With the Certificate of Occupancy resident move-ins can now commence.

The milestone holds profound meaning for the Kodsi family and the entire Arbor team. More than the completion of a building, it represents the fulfillment of a dream shaped by the late Isaac Kodsi, Arbor’s beloved developer and guiding force.

“Arbor is more than a residence; it’s a visionary answer to the ever-evolving Coconut Grove landscape, committed to offering a nurturing, enriching and satisfying way of life. Our goal is for residents to find not just a home, but a welcoming vibrant community, live in comfort and thrive.” Said developer Isaac Kodsi.

Designed by Behar & Font, Arbor Residences comprises 45 homes featuring high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural wood finishes, Bosch appliances, and spacious layouts that complement the Grove’s tree-lined character. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, pool deck, fitness center, 24-hour concierge service, and valet.

Located just around the corner from Coconut Grove’s central corridor and CocoWalk, Arbor offers a residential oasis within one of Miami’s most established and walkable neighborhoods. Pricing on available homes begins at $1.8 million, with two-bedroom-plus-den and three-bedroom, two-bath residences currently available. Sandra Masis of Cervera Real Estate, who has overseen sales since the project’s revival, continues to lead sales and marketing as Arbor enters its final phase.

Isaac Kodsi, the Miami developer and founder of Ark Capital Group, acquired Arbor out of foreclosure in 2023, returned buyers’ deposits, and restarted construction, restoring momentum to the stalled project. A longtime Coconut Grove resident, Isaac was deeply involved in the neighborhood and committed to its growth. He passed away unexpectedly in August 2025 while the building was nearing completion.

The development continues under the leadership of his daughter, Camilla Kodsi, who grew up in Coconut Grove and attended school in the neighborhood. Having worked alongside her father throughout the project, she has seen Arbor through final inspections and completion with the support of the Kodsi family. Camilla plans to continue her work as a developer in Miami, carrying forward both the Arbor vision and her father’s broader legacy at Ark Capital.

Images via World Red Eye

Past PROFILEmiami articles about Arbor Residences:

For more information about Arbor Residences or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Blue Road and Ilia Development Group's The William Residences Hits 35% Sold in North Miami Beach Participating in EB-5 Program

The William, a 374-unit, 26-story residential tower in North Miami Beach developed by Blue Road and Ilia Development Group, with sales and marketing led by Fortune Development Sales, has achieved 35% sold since launching sales in late Q3 2025. Situated at 2040 NE 163rd Street, the project continues to gain traction for its new construction offering, lifestyle-driven amenities, central location and international appeal.

The sales progress comes as buyers and investors are becoming more intentional about where they commit capital, looking for markets where connectivity, livability and relative value can support long-term appreciation. As limited availability and rising prices continue to define Miami’s most established neighborhoods, attention is shifting toward North Miami Beach, an area that has evolved into a coveted lifestyle destination.

“This milestone confirms what we believed from the beginning: buyers are ready to look at North Miami Beach differently,” said Jorge Savloff, founder and CEO of Blue Road. “The city has the access, lifestyle and momentum people are seeking, and The William is helping define what this next chapter can look like. Reaching 35% sold shows that buyers recognize the opportunity to be part of that growth early.”

The project spans a broad buyer base, from domestic purchasers seeking a more approachable path into Miami to international investors, particularly from Latin America, drawn to its EB-5 investment opportunity. Residences are priced starting in the mid $400,000s, providing a rare entry point into a new development elevated by world-class design.

“The William’s momentum stands out at a time when condo buyers are being highly selective,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “The interest we are seeing from Colombia, Argentina and Mexico speaks to the continued strength of international demand for Miami, particularly when buyers see a compelling investment opportunity in properties that offer new construction, excellent connectivity, and strong long-term growth potential.”

Residences at The William range from studios to three-bedroom floor plans spanning 552 to 1,412 square feet, with sweeping balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring light, views and outdoor living into the everyday experience. Interiors offer imported porcelain flooring throughout, setting a refined foundation for daily living. Kitchens bring together form and function with custom Italkraft cabinetry in a warm tobacco walnut finish, accented by tinted glass doors, brushed black chrome fixtures by Hansgrohe, quartz countertops with seamless backsplashes, and a fully integrated suite of Bosch appliances. Bathrooms echo this attention to detail with contemporary Italkraft cabinetry, quartz surfaces, porcelain tile walls and flooring, and Hansgrohe fixtures.

More than 40,000 square feet of amenities across the tower are designed around everyday living. Offerings include a resort-style pool and sun deck, fitness and wellness facilities, spa treatment rooms, outdoor dining and lounge areas, co-working and café spaces, a children’s playroom and playground, and rooftop gathering areas featuring a pickleball court, courtside lounge and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Architecture is led by internationally renowned Carlos Ott in collaboration with Behar Font & Partners, with interiors by Miami-based Urban Robot. Together, the design team brings a high-caliber residential vision to North Miami Beach, pairing a striking louvered façade with warm, contemporary interiors and shared spaces.

Positioned between I-95 and the Atlantic Ocean, The William places residents at the center of it all. Aventura Mall and Bal Harbour Shops, Oleta River State Park, golf courses, marinas, and world-class healthcare are minutes away, while access to I-95, SR-826, two international airports, and the Brightline Aventura station ensure effortless regional and global travel.

The William’s sales gallery is located at 16251 West Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach.

Renderings via The William Residences / Blue Road

Past PROFILEmiami articles about The William Residences:

For more information about The William Residences or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Arbor Residences Achieves TCO in Coconut Grove As Sales Pass 70%

Arbor Residences, the 45-residence boutique condominium in Coconut Grove, has achieved Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), marking a major milestone for the family-led development as sales surpass 70%.

The milestone carries particular significance for the Kodsi family. Isaac Kodsi, the Miami developer and founder of Ark Capital Group, acquired Arbor out of foreclosure in 2023, returned buyers’ deposits, and restarted construction, restoring momentum to the stalled project. A longtime Coconut Grove resident, Isaac was deeply involved in the neighborhood and committed to its growth. He passed away unexpectedly in August 2025 while the building was nearing completion.

Today, development continues under the leadership of his daughter, Camilla Kodsi, who grew up in Coconut Grove and attended school in the neighborhood. Having worked alongside her father throughout the project, she has seen Arbor through final inspections and completion with the support of the Kodsi family. Camilla plans to continue her work as a developer in Miami, carrying forward both the Arbor vision and her father’s broader legacy at Ark Capital.

“Reaching TCO at Arbor is an incredibly meaningful milestone,” said Camilla Kodsi. “It was an honor to work alongside my father through every stage of the project, and I’m deeply grateful to the Arbor team whose dedication brought the building to completion. Having grown up and now living in Coconut Grove, it’s especially rewarding to contribute something lasting to a neighborhood that means so much to me. I look forward to continuing my work developing projects in Miami.”

Sandra Masis added, "Coconut Grove has always been one of Miami’s most special neighborhoods, and buyers can feel the care that went into Arbor,” she notes. “From the scale of the building to its walkable location steps from CocoWalk, the parks, and the Grove’s vibrant and growing dining scene, this is a place designed to fit seamlessly into the neighborhood and feel like home from day one.”

Designed by Behar & Font, Arbor Residences comprises 45 homes featuring high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural wood finishes, Bosch appliances, and spacious layouts that complement the Grove’s tree-lined character. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, pool deck, fitness center, 24-hour concierge service, and valet.

Located just around the corner from Coconut Grove’s central corridor and CocoWalk, Arbor offers a residential oasis within one of Miami’s most established and walkable neighborhoods. Pricing on available homes begins at $1.7 million, with two-bedroom-plus-den and three-bedroom, two-bath residences currently available. Sandra Masis of Cervera Real Estate, who has overseen sales since the project’s revival, continues to lead sales and marketing as Arbor enters its final phase.

With TCO secured and move-ins approaching, Arbor Residences stands as a completed boutique development shaped by family stewardship and long-term commitment to Coconut Grove. Resident move-ins are slated for early spring 2026.

Images via World Red Eye

Past PROFILEmiami articles about Arbor Residences:

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Blue Road and Ilia Development Group Reveal New Renderings of The William Residences in North Miami Beach

Blue Road and Ilia Development Group have revealed new renderings for The William Residences, a new luxury condominium development in North Miami Beach. The visuals offer a glimpse into the project’s social amenity spaces, part of a 40,000-square-foot interconnected lifestyle program spanning the ninth floor and rooftop. Conceived by Miami-based Urban Robot, the interiors of the 26-story tower blend sculptural lighting, layered textures, curved forms, warm wood ceilings and lush greenery, all seamlessly connected to outdoor environments. From sunset-facing lounges to garden-framed firepit terraces, each space is designed to feel immersive and intimate.

The newly revealed spaces reflect The William’s approach to design-forward, lifestyle-driven living including a fitness studio with outdoor training and recovery zones; a rooftop Coral Lounge and indoor bar; landscaped firepit lounges with hammock seating; a children’s playroom; and a poolside outdoor bar and social terrace.

Situated at 2040 NE 163rd Street, The William brings to the market 374 residences amid 26 stories. Designed as more than a place to live, it creates a community that blends design, lifestyle, and long-term value, appealing not only to local buyers but also to international investors through its planned EB-5 opportunities, offering both a home in South Florida and a potential pathway to U.S. residency. Residences are priced from the high $300,000s, with sales and marketing exclusively represented by Fortune Development Sales.

Residences at The William are available in studio- to three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 552 to 1412 square feet, with expansive balconies framed by glass railings and floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light and views. Interiors offer imported porcelain flooring throughout, setting a refined foundation for daily living. Kitchens bring together form and function with custom Italkraft cabinetry in a warm tobacco walnut finish, accented by tinted glass doors, brushed black chrome fixtures by Hansgrohe, quartz countertops with seamless backsplashes, and a fully integrated suite of Bosch appliances. Bathrooms echo this attention to detail with contemporary Italkraft cabinetry, quartz surfaces, porcelain tile walls and flooring, and Hansgrohe fixtures.

An expansive array of amenities span more than 40,000 square feet, creating a destination as much as a home. On the ninth floor, residents can enjoy lifestyle experiences focused on wellness, connection, and leisure. This includes a resort-style pool and sun deck, alfresco dining stations with BBQ/summer kitchens, an outdoor bar and terrace lounge with firepits, a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, an outdoor training and recovery zone, locker rooms, and private spa treatment rooms. The floor also offers a co-working lounge with a terrace and library, an indoor café station, and a self-serve market, while families benefit from an interactive children’s playroom and outdoor playground.

Rising to the rooftop, residents are greeted with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Distinctive spaces for recreation and gathering include a pickleball court and courtside lounge with a game room, hammock grove, sunset terrace, summer kitchen, and the Coral Lounge, a reservable bar and event space for private celebrations. Four-legged companions are also part of the lifestyle, with a dedicated rooftop pet run and grooming station.

Conveniences will make daily life seamless, including high-speed WiFi, a smart package locker system, seven levels of secure parking with EV charging stations, and a professionally staffed reception with 24-hour concierge and security.

Architecture by internationally renowned Carlos Ott, in collaboration with Behar Font & Partners, gives The William its striking louvered façade. The design is complemented by lush landscaping that evokes a sense of tranquility and renewal, softening the tower’s contemporary lines. Interiors are envisioned by Miami-based Urban Robot, whose multidisciplinary team is known for narrative-driven design that balances form, function, and human connection. Together, the design teams created residences and shared spaces that merge artistry with livability and a modern aesthetic that feels both refined and welcoming.

Perfectly positioned between the I-95 and the Atlantic Ocean, The William places residents at the center of it all. Aventura Mall and Bal Harbour Shops, Oleta River State Park, golf courses, marinas, and world-class healthcare are minutes away, while access to I-95, SR-826, two international airports, and the Brightline Aventura station ensure effortless regional and global travel.

The William’s sales gallery is located at 16251 West Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach.

Renderings via The William Residences / Blue Road

Past PROFILEmiami articles about The William Residences:

For more information about The William Residences or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Sales Pass 50% At Alta Developers' Cassia In The Merrick Park District of Coral Gables

Sales have passed 50% at Alta Developers’ Cassia – The Residences at Coral Gables, following its groundbreaking last month, with construction moving forward quickly. Located in the vibrant Merrick Park District at 4011 Salzedo St., the development has already attracted significant interest, reflecting the excitement around this exceptional new addition to the area.

Cassia features a collection of 174 fully furnished turnkey residences, designed by the award-winning Behar Font & Partners. Offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that range from 662 and 1461 square feet, residence features include sleek European appliances, RH furnishings, and Italian cabinetry from Italkraft that elevate the day-to-day living experience at Cassia.

"Surpassing the 50% sales threshold represents a significant milestone, highlighting the strong demand for Cassia," remarked Raimundo Onetto, Principal and CEO of Alta Developers. "We are both encouraged by the overwhelming response and confident that the remaining units will continue to sell with equal momentum. Cassia is poised to be a transformative force in the Merrick Park District, seamlessly integrating luxury with convenience, and catering to the refined tastes of today’s most discerning buyers."

Cassia’s world-class amenities, designed by IDDI and furnished in RH, are tailored to enhance residents’ everyday lives. From a welcoming front desk reception to resort-style offerings, every detail is curated for convenience and comfort. Residents will enjoy segmented lobbies, an executive lounge and business center, a tranquil pool area with outdoor barbecues, fitness studios, and a cutting-edge wellness center complete with a treatment room, steam room, dry sauna, and indoor pool.

Located adjacent to Merrick Park, residents will have access to over 100 retailers and fine dining options, including luxury retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. The district also offers wellness spots like Equinox Fitness, SoulCycle, and Elemis Spa, making it a complete lifestyle destination.

Starting at $700,000, sales for Cassia are exclusively managed by Cervera Real Estate.

"Cassia presents a rare opportunity to own a residence in one of Coral Gables’ most sought-after neighborhoods, the Merrick Park District," said Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, Managing Partner and Principal of Cervera Real Estate. "With meticulously designed residences and world-class amenities, Cassia offers the ultimate elevated lifestyle. As we have already reached the 50% sold mark, and as demand continues to rise, prospective buyers should act quickly—these homes won't be available for long."

For more details, visit the Cassia sales center at 4201 S LeJeune at the Altara Avenue crossroad

For more information about Cassia or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Alta Developers Breaks Ground on Cassia Coral Gables

Alta Developers has broken ground on Cassia Coral Gables, a new condominium located in Miami’s fashionable Merrick Park District at 4011 Salzedo Avenue. Showcasing a collection of 174 exquisite, fully furnished turnkey residences in a chic cosmopolitan setting, Cassia is designed by the award-winning architectural firm Behar Font & Partners. Each masterfully designed and furnished by RH, Cassia offers a curated selection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units spanning between 662 and 1461 square feet, featuring sleek European appliances, RH furnishings, and Italian cabinetry by Italkraft that will define daily living at Cassia.

“Today marks an exciting milestone for our team. We are beyond excited to see construction begin to take shape,” said Raimundo Onetto, Principal and CEO of Alta Developers. “Cassia will bring a new level of sophistication and convenience to Coral Gables, and we look forward to seeing our vision evolve and come to life. At only 12 stories tall, we expect a fairly quick construction timeline.”

Cassia offers an array of world-class amenities designed by IDDI to elevate everyday living. From a welcoming front desk reception to resort-style offerings, every detail ensures convenience and comfort. Residents will enjoy segmented lobbies, an executive lounge and business center, a serene pool area with outdoor barbecues, fitness studios, and a state-of-the-art wellness center featuring a treatment room, steam room, dry sauna, and indoor pool.

Located adjacent to Merrick Park, Cassia residents enjoy a premier shopping and dining experience with over 100 retailers and restaurants, including luxury brands such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. Additionally, Merrick Park features esteemed fitness and wellness establishments such as Equinox Fitness, SoulCycle, and Elemis Spa.

Prices start from $700,000, with sales exclusively managed by Cervera Real Estate.

Renderings via Imerza, Restoration Hardware, IDDI and Alta Developers

For more information about Cassia Coral Gables or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Arbor Residences Hits 50% Sold In Coconut Grove

Arbor Residences in Coconut Grove has now reached 50% sold. Since launching sales early last year, Arbor has achieved over $33 million in transactions, with an uptick in buyer activity since early 2025. This milestone underscores the growing demand for well-priced, newly built luxury residences in one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

Originally stalled due to financial challenges, Arbor was revitalized under Isaac Kodsi’s leadership, who acquired the project, refunded buyers’ deposits, and reintroduced it to the market. The project is expected to be completed in Q2 2025 and is the only new construction in Coconut Grove building offering 2025 occupancy.

Arbor Residences carves its niche in Coconut Grove with an intimate collection of 45 residences designed by local firm Behar & Font. The development provides premium living with a touch of understated luxury, celebrating the harmony between modern living and nature. Nestled in this verdant, family-friendly, and walkable neighborhood, Arbor Residences stands out as an extraordinary value proposition, with premium residences starting at $1.2 million, a rare find in Coconut Grove’s luxury market. Sales are overseen by Cervera Real Estate.

Inspired by the lush surroundings and the giant oak trees that define the Coconut Grove neighborhood, the residences are designed to accommodate a variety of households, with eight distinct floorplans from two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, townhomes, and penthouses. Thoughtful design by Behar & Font features expansive terraces and spa-like suites. Offering an organic connection between modern living and nature, residences offer between 10–20-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural wood finishes, wide-plank porcelain wood-grain floors, spacious spa-inspired master bathrooms, large closets, chef-style kitchens with Bosch Appliances and custom oak cabinetry.

Amenities abound, from the rooftop terrace complemented by outdoor entertainment areas such as a bar and lounging space, followed by the second floor with a pool deck area and a swimming pool, as well as state-of-the-art fitness center, 24-hour concierge service, valet, and more. Located in the heart of Coconut Grove and near the newly renovated Cocowalk – an open-air shopping mall – residents are within walking distance to cafes, restaurants, high-end boutique shops and entertainment spaces, as well as schools and numerous lush parks, such as Peacock Park.

Renderings via Arbor Residences

For more information about Arbor Residences or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

ELLE Residences Miami Reveals New Renders of Amenity Spaces

ELLE Residences Miami, the highly anticipated residential tower from the renowned fashion and lifestyle media brand ELLE, has just released stunning renderings of its luxurious amenities. Reflecting the bold and cutting-edge design found in the pages of ELLE DECOR, the amenity spaces promise to offer residents a lifestyle filled with elegance and sophistication in Miami's vibrant Edgewater neighborhood. This venture, a collaboration with Vertical Developments and Urban Network Capital Group (UNCG), represents a significant expansion for ELLE, combining the brand’s signature Parisian influence with Miami’s vibrant culture.

Spanning two floors, the amenities at ELLE Residences Miami cater to all aspects of a luxurious lifestyle. Wellness enthusiasts will appreciate the high-tech gym, outdoor fitness lawn, and meditation garden, while those seeking relaxation can indulge in the luxurious spa with steam, sauna, and cold plunge. The outdoor spaces are perfect for socializing, with a gourmet summer kitchen, fire pit, and outdoor movie theater. The sundeck, inspired by the French Riviera, features a resort-style pool and private cabanas, while the rooftop pool offers breathtaking views of the city. Residents can also enjoy a stylish resident-only lounge with an entertainment salon and listening bar.

The 25-story tower will feature 180 turnkey residences, with floor plans ranging from 450 to 845 square feet, offering one or two bedrooms. Priced from the $525,000s, ELLE Residences Miami also offers a collection of penthouses. The interiors, in collaboration with ELLE, will be led by The One Atelier, while the striking facade was designed by Behar Font & Partners.

Situated at 3618 NE 5th Avenue, ELLE Residences Miami will be exclusively represented by Fortune Development Sales. With its exquisite amenities and prime location, ELLE Residences Miami is set to redefine luxury living in Miami's Edgewater neighborhood.

Lissette Calderon's Neology Life Tops Off 'The Julia' Allapattah Multifamily Development

Neology, led by Lissette Calderon, has topped off construction of “The Julia” a $100 million, 14-story residential tower that will deliver 323 upscale one- and two- bedroom apartments to Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood in downtown Miami in February 2024. Inspired by Miami’s original real estate visionary, American businesswoman Julia Tuttle, The Julia will embrace a “tropics-meets-metropolis” aesthetic combining elements of Art Deco with 1950s-style glam. The project was designed by Behar Font Architects, with interior design by designBAR and landscape architecture by Witkin Hultz Design. JAXI Builders, Inc. is overseeing construction.

Located at 1625 NW 20th Street, just a few blocks west of the main entrance to Jackson Memorial Hospital, The Julia is located in the heart of Allapattah, a historic neighborhood that includes Miami’s Health District and borders Wynwood. Allapattah has quickly become one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods. It features a cluster of elite cultural institutions (including the Rubell Museum and Superblue) as well as many new businesses, restaurants and nightlife establishments. It’s also situated just a few blocks from Neology’s first Allapattah apartment community, No. 17 Residences, which opened in May of 2021 and leased up in record time. Neology’s third Allapattah community, “Fourteen Allapattah Residences,” broke ground in August 2022 and will deliver 237 apartments, along with 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, in early 2024.

“We are thrilled to be approaching our goal of introducing The Julia to Miami – offering one-of-a-kind, curated living experiences with cutting-edge amenities, spectacular city skyline views and design features to appeal to a diverse cross-section of today’s urban renters,” said Lissette Calderon, President and CEO of Neology. “There is incredible demand for high-quality housing in downtown Miami thanks to the more than 50 companies that have relocated to or expanded in Miami in the last year.”

The pet-friendly property will offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 600 to 1,000 square feet featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, 9-footceilings, walk-in closets, and balconies in every apartment. Apartments will also have energy efficient, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, European-inspired kitchen cabinetry, and in-unit washer and dryers.

Interior common areas will feature neoclassical elements such as brass accents, wood details and colorful mosaics alongside bright, botanical patterned wallcoverings and other fun, punchy colorful elements for a mood that is romantic, sophisticated and timeless.

The Julia’s ninth floor “Sky Lounge” will be a destination in itself, featuring a resort-style pool deck with shaded gardens and cabanas, an indoor/outdoor club lounge with gourmet kitchen, a wellness center with virtual fitness, and a starlight dining terrace. The property will also include co-working areas with private offices, a dog park and spa, a children’s play area, high-speed fiber optics throughout the building to meet today’s technological needs, 15,000 square feet of street-level retail space, along with curated artwork throughout the exterior and interiors.

The Julia is centrally located just a few blocks from the Civic Center Metrorail Station, the University of Miami Health System, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Miami-Dade College Medical Center. The property is just a short car or public transit ride away from both Brickell and Downtown, home to several large employers and dining and shopping destinations, along with popular attractions such as Marlins Park, American Airlines Arena, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Perez Art Museum Miami and Frost Museum of Science, and the new Brightline commuter rail station connecting Miami to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and eventually Orlando.

Neology’s current ownership portfolio consists of 1,200+ apartments recently built or under construction in Miami’s urban core, with another 1,600 apartment units in the predevelopment phase and a pipeline of 2,000 additional units in South Florida and beyond.

Lotus House Woman's Shelter Reveals Children's Village In Miami's Overtown Neighborhood

Sixteen years after its founding, the nation’s largest women’s shelter is embarking on an ambitious expansion plan that will extend its reach deeper into the Miami community to better serve children and youth. Lotus House, a nonprofit shelter in Miami’s historic Overtown district, is growing its suite of supportive services with the creation of a “Children’s Village” that will feature deeper educational supports and programming for children and youth of all ages, community support facilities, therapeutic and social services, and a long awaited playground. The Children’s Village will also serve as home to other community-based nonprofits, offering an array of resources and programming for children and youth and their families in Overtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Children’s Village will be located directly across the street from Lotus Village, the organization’s state of the art shelter which opened its doors in 2017. Lotus Village currently serves up to 500 women and children nightly through an evidence-based model that has set a national standard for the delivery of wrap-around services to women and children experiencing homelessness, many of whom are victims of domestic violence. The new building will comprise five floors housing classrooms, supportive services and resources for children and youth of all ages from within Lotus Village and the surrounding community.

The nonprofit’s expansion is made possible through Lotus Village II, LLC’s recently completed $3.5 million acquisition of five parcels of land located at NW 14th Terrace and NW 2nd Avenue. The total project cost is estimated to be $20 million, which will be funded through a combination of philanthropic gifts and financing arranged by Lotus Endowment Fund, Inc. Lotus Endowment has launched a capital campaign to raise the private funds needed to build, operate, and maintain The Children’s Village at Lotus Village.

Development of The Children’s Village represents a natural next phase for Lotus House, filling critical gaps and expanding essential therapeutic and educational supports for both the children and youth they shelter and those who live nearby. Currently, children aged newborn to three access the United Way Center for Early Education and Childcare housed within the shelter. The Children’s Village will continue that educational continuum and provide enriched supports through the pre-school years and beyond, including high school.

“When it comes to ending homelessness among our youth, ensuring access to education and the socialization that comes with it is just as essential as providing food, healthcare, and shelter. I am often reminded that play is children’s work. Play is how children learn, express themselves creatively, develop strong social and emotional skills, explore and discover the world around them. The Children’s Village will offer therapeutic services, educational support, diverse programming, and a creative environment for the children and youth of Overtown, including those sheltered at Lotus House, equipping them to succeed in school and life,” says Constance Collins, Executive Director of Lotus House.

“By co-locating with other non-profits within The Children’s Village, we are establishing a new model for unprecedented collaboration, community engagement, cooperation, and holistic support for children and families. The pandemic has exacerbated so many inequities, gaps, and needs in our community, particularly for the children and youth we shelter. With our community’s generous support, The Children’s Village will make many more dreams come true here in the heart of Overtown,” she added.

Since launching in 2006, Lotus House has sheltered more than 9,000 women, youth and children experiencing homelessness, with more than 80 percent of the shelter’s guests successfully exiting the shelter system and achieving greater financial self-sufficiency. More than providing a sanctuary, Lotus House offers holistic support services including restorative therapies for children and adults, job readiness training, employment assistance, life skills training, early childhood education, medical and mental health services, and more. Together, these tools empower women and children to heal, transform, and achieve greater self-sufficiency.

Undeterred by the pandemic, Lotus House served a record-breaking number of people last year, sheltering 1,526 women, youth, and children through December of 2021. Lotus Village has invested heavily in operational protocols aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of shelter guests – from deep cleaning protocols to investments in UV light technology that eliminates airborne bacteria. The shelter also introduced programs and therapies to assist children and adults in adapting to the realities of the pandemic. Shelter guests have had access to weekly COVID-19 testing and vaccine administration onsite.

Creation of The Children’s Village will be made possible by the support of Lotus Endowment Fund, Inc, a non-profit foundation that supports Lotus House and its initiatives. The development will benefit from the continued in-kind support of general contractor Civic Construction; Behar-Font & Partners architects; engineers M2E Consulting, Inc.; law firm Bilzin Sumberg, where a team of attorneys including Sara Barli Herald, Brittany Chung, Enza Boderone, Brianna Sainte and Howard Nelson is spearheading all facets of acquisition, financing, zoning and permitting; and construction attorneys at Cole Scott Kissane, among others.

Image via Behar Font