PMG, Lion Development Group and LNDMRK Development Break Ground on One West Twelve Residences in Downtown Miami

National developer PMG, Lion Development Group, and LNDMRK Development have broken ground on One West Twelve Residences (ONE W12), a luxurious residential building in the heart of Historic Overtown, which officially commenced on October 1. The property features 372 bespoke residences boasting captivating views of both Miami’s iconic skyline and vibrant sunset vistas. Residents will have access to a dynamic lifestyle with centralized proximity to one of Downtown Miami’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. ONE W12 will additionally evoke iconic Miami glamour through a curated selection of engaging amenities and entertainment-oriented experiences for residents and the surrounding community. PMG Residential is leading sales for the project, which is currently 97% sold, and John Moriarity & Associates is the general contractor. Completion of ONE W12 is slated for 2028.

“This neighborhood has experienced tremendous growth and transformation over the past decade, and as a local business owner, it’s been a privilege to witness and to contribute to that with meaningful projects like ONE W12,” said Michael Simkins, CEO of Lion Development Group. “I couldn’t be prouder of the work that we are doing alongside our partners, PMG and LNDMRK. We are excited to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the many more ahead as we bring our vision to life.”

Notably, ONE W12 will be home to Vibe BBQ, an inviting quick-serve restaurant from acclaimed chef and eight-time James Beard Foundation award winner Marcus Samuelsson. Samuelsson’s restaurant Red Rooster Overtown further solidified the neighborhood as a top dining destination in South Florida while the concept has become a favorite among Miamians. The Vibe BBQ concept at ONE W12 will feature elements of ‘Miami flair’ in the form of an expanded lounge area and cocktail offerings. True to its core, Vibe BBQ will embody an all-day celebration of American comfort classics.

Designed by CUBE 3, ONE W12 will offer amenities focused on promoting a vivid, experiential lifestyle for residents and the local community. These amenities include an elegant lobby inspired by the glamour and playful spirit of the storied locale, an atmospheric rooftop garden and pool with lounge areas, a state-of-the-art fitness center, curated art installations throughout the property, the latest smart-building technology, and house cruiser bikes with storage.

“One West Twelve Residences underscores our continued commitment to creating engaging, community-focused developments that elevate and redefine the residential experience for years to come,” said Ryan Shear, Managing Partner at PMG. “This project is a fresh and design-forward concept that we are confident will complement Downtown Miami’s lively atmosphere with the historic charm of the area. We look forward to this next chapter of the development and its contribution to the evolution of modern Miami living.”

ONE W12 offers fully furnished and finished studio and one-bedroom residences, along with a limited collection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom townhomes. Short-term rental flexibility will allow residents the option to customize and optimize their living experience to fit their lifestyle.

“ONE W12 has been incredibly well received by the community, which is a testament to how it answers the demand for quality, highly activated luxury developments to meet the ongoing evolution of the neighborhood,” said Alex Karakhanian, Principal of LNDMRK Development. “We’re excited to officially break ground and be one step closer to delivering on that promise.”

Stand-out residence features include fully-integrated kitchens with custom countertops, backsplashes, and a contemporary under-mount sink, fully built-out closets bedrooms, custom shades, a Miele appliance package, imported and custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry by Italkraft, custom bathroom countertops and finished floors and walls in wet areas, modern bathroom fixtures, features, and accessories, a contemporary lighting package, and a built in top-of-the-line washer and dryer.

The property's centralized location gives its residents the best of both worlds, culture and entertainment through its proximity to the area known as the historic Overtown, Park West, and Miami's Arts and Entertainment District. Connectivity between South Florida’s largest metros is also made easy thanks to the property’s location nearby the MiamiCentral Station, a home base for South Florida’s rail systems including Brightline.

Renderings via ARX Creative

For more information about ONE W12 Residences or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

1.5M SF Mixed-Use Development Sawyer’s Walk Delivers Target in Miami's Overtown

Sawyer’s Walk, the largest mixed-use development in the historic community of Overtown, recently opened its retail section, marked by the launch of a 50,000-square-foot Target store. Over the next several months, additional major retailers are set to open, including Burlington, Five Below, Aldi supermarket, and Ross Dress for Less.

The 1.5 million-square-foot Sawyer’s Walk complex includes 578 residential units, primarily housing low-income seniors, as well as 175,000 square feet of retail space, a 25,000-square-foot public plaza, and 130,000 square feet of office space. MSC Group has secured the office space for its new North American headquarters, anchoring the development at 249 NW 6th St. The project was spearheaded by SG Holdings, a partnership between Swerdlow Group, SJM Partners, and Alben Duffie.

Among the new retail spaces, Burlington is scheduled to open in October with a 38,000-square-foot store. A 25,000-square-foot Aldi and a 10,000-square-foot Five Below will follow in November, while Ross Dress for Less is expected to open in March 2025.

Sawyer’s Walk was developed as a public-private partnership in collaboration with the City of Miami’s Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami-Dade County’s Department of Public Housing and Community Development, and city and county officials. The project aims to address both affordability and accessibility concerns in Greater Downtown Miami by delivering affordable residential options and value-focused retail stores.

The development also includes amenities designed to enhance the community, such as a public plaza with art murals, outdoor seating, a children’s playground, and a dog park. Residents and shoppers will have access to nearly 1,000 parking spaces and multiple public transit options, including Metrorail, Metromover, and Brightline.

Led by Michael Swerdlow, Swerdlow Group has been active in bringing new retail options and affordable housing to South Florida. The company has over 8,000 affordable housing units in the pipeline, with a focus on revitalizing underserved areas and addressing food access in designated ‘food deserts.’ Swerdlow Group’s portfolio includes over 30 million square feet of residential, retail, industrial, and office space developed across the region.

Bespoke Miami Residences From The High $400's, Only at One West Twelve

Bespoke Miami Residences From The High $400's, Only at One West Twelve 

One West Twelve Residences (ONE W12) is a 372-residence tower offering a lively lifestyle. ONE W12  will evoke iconic Miami glamour through a curated selection of engaging amenities, including a rooftop  pool & garden and a dining & lounge concept by acclaimed Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Paired with  captivating views of both Miami’s iconic skyline and centralized proximity to Miami's most dynamic neighborhoods, ONE W12 will provide residents a bespoke, all-encompassing living experience. 

Iconic Glamour with Modern Soul  

With over 60 percent sold, ONE W12 is rapidly capturing Miami’s real estate market with its curated  collection of move-in-ready, fully finished, and furnished residences. The property’s design draws from  the rich history of its neighborhood, bringing in unique textures, bold patterns, and organic shapes, to  create a welcoming aura and truly one-of-a-kind visual experience for residents. Inside, ONE W12  embodies classic elegance and mid-century modern design, where every detail is composed with a  storied charm and timeless twist. This harmonious blend of styles and artistic inspiration offers residents  a unique and vibrant lifestyle. 

Bespoke Residences 

ONE W12 boasts fully finished and furnished studios, junior one-bedroom, and one-bedroom  residences. The east facing side of the building features an exclusive collection of junior one-bedroom  residences, with captivating views of the iconic Miami skyline. These residences seamlessly blend style,  comfort, and functionality. Residents will be able to further customize and optimize their living  experiences for their lifestyles through the flexibility of the building’s short-term rental program. 

Residences at One West Twelve exude timeless glamor with a modern-edge. Each kitchen features fully integrated layouts with custom countertops and contemporary under-mount sinks, complete with a full  Miele appliance package. Both kitchens and bathrooms boast contemporary fixtures along with  imported & custom cabinetry by Italkraft. The bedrooms feature fully built-out closets outfitted with  shelving and drawers for optimal organization. Each residence comes equipped with a built-in washer  and dryer and a contemporary lighting package for an effortless and chic living experience. 

Timeless Hotel-Level Amenities 

ONE W12 brings residents on a journey through spirited living with its impeccable hotel-caliber  amenities. A stunning pool and garden lounge area grace the building’s rooftop, offering breathtaking  views of the downtown Miami skyline. The rooftop pool and lounge area offer residents another space  to relax and soak up the perfect Miami weather or enjoy a fun and lively day by the pool. With health  and wellness in mind, ONE W12 also includes a state-of-the-art fitness center where residents can take a  break from the lively Miami lifestyle and find relaxation and rejuvenation in the comfort of their own  home. 

Beyond traditional amenities, ONE W12 will be home to a lounge concept crafted by eight-time James  Beard Foundation award-winning Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Vibe BBQ will feature elements of ‘Miami  flair’ in the form of an expanded lounge area and cocktail offerings. 

Discover Your Future Home Today 

One West Twelve Residences offers luxury residences that capture the essence of the vibrant Miami  lifestyle. With unique amenities and bespoke design all starting at the high $400Ks, ONE W12 is a one of-a-kind offering. Learn more by calling 786.936.3217 or visiting www.onew12.com.

For more information about ONE W12 or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

PMG, Lion Development and LNDMRK Development Reveal One West Twelve Residences in Overtown

PMG, Lion Development Group, and LNDMRK Development have revealed One West Twelve Residences (ONE W12) in the heart of Historic Overtown, featuring 372 bespoke residences with captivating views of both Miami’s iconic skyline and vibrant sunset vistas. The property has sold over 50% of its residences in just one month and will offer a dynamic lifestyle with centralized proximity to Downtown Miami’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. ONE W12 will evoke iconic Miami glamour through a curated selection of engaging amenities and entertainment-oriented experiences for residents and the surrounding community. PMG Residential is exclusively leading sales with residences priced from $300,000.

“As a Miami native as well as a property and business owner in Overtown for over 12 years, we are thrilled to work with existing stakeholders in the community on One West Twelve Residences,” said Michael Simkins, CEO of Lion Development Group. “Working once more with esteemed partners like PMG and LNDMRK, we are committed to celebrating the history of this amazing neighborhood and creating a living experience that embodies the perfect blend of iconic Miami charm and modern living. This collaboration allows us to deliver a lively and playful lifestyle enriched by exceptional amenities and unparalleled access to Miami’s most exciting neighborhoods. Our shared vision and dedication to creating a dynamic community are evident in every detail of One West Twelve Residences, and we can’t wait to see this project come to life.”

Notably, ONE W12 will be home to Vibe BBQ, an inviting quick-serve restaurant from acclaimed chef and eight-time James Beard Foundation award winner Marcus Samuelsson. Samuelsson’s restaurant Red Rooster Overtown further solidified the neighborhood as a top dining destination in South Florida while the concept has become a favorite among Miamians. The Vibe BBQ concept at ONE W12 will feature elements of ‘Miami flair’ in the form of an expanded lounge area and cocktail offerings. True to its core, Vibe BBQ will embody an all-day celebration of American comfort classics.

Designed by CUBE 3, ONE W12 will offer amenities focused on promoting a vivid, experiential lifestyle for residents and the local community. These amenities include an elegant lobby inspired by the glamor and playful spirit of the storied locale, an atmospheric rooftop garden and pool with lounge areas, a state-of-the-art fitness center, curated art installations throughout the property, the latest smart-building technology, and house cruiser bikes with storage.

“PMG is excited to partner with both Lion Development Group and LNDMRK to execute this one-of-a-kind development,” said Ryan Shear, Managing Partner at PMG. “Launching ONE W12 Residences is a thrilling milestone for us. We are introducing a living experience that marries the iconic glamour of Miami with modern sophistication. Every detail, from the elegant lobby to the atmospheric rooftop garden, has been thoughtfully designed to offer a dynamic lifestyle. Situated in the heart of Miami's most lively neighborhoods, ONE W12 provides residents with unparalleled access to the best the city has to offer. This is not just a place to live—it's a journey into a lifestyle infused with spirited charm and contemporary elegance."

ONE W12 offers fully furnished and finished studio and one-bedroom residences, along with a limited collection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom townhomes. Short-term rental flexibility will allow residents the option to customize and optimize their living experience to fit their lifestyle.

“With Miami’s continued evolution in mind, we wanted to create a project that brings the historic charm of this neighborhood to today's residents. ONE W12 is a transformative project that will strive to do this across every aspect of its design, pairing Miami’s vibrancy with a stylish, all-encompassing living experience,” says Alex Karakhanian, Principal of LNDMRK Development. “Partnering with PMG and Lion Development Group was an obvious choice to bring this project to life because of their continued commitment to thoughtful placemaking and vision for Miami's future.”

Stand-out residence features include fully-integrated kitchens with custom countertops, backsplashes, and a contemporary under-mount sink, fully built-out closets bedrooms, custom shades, a Miele appliance package, imported and custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry by Italkraft, custom bathroom countertops and finished floors and walls in wet areas, modern bathroom fixtures, features, and accessories, a contemporary lighting package, and a built in top-of-the-line washer and dryer.

The property's centralized location gives its residents the best of both worlds, culture and entertainment through its proximity to the area known as the historical Overtown, District 11, the newly approved Under Deck Park and Miami's Arts and Entertainment District. Connectivity between South Florida’s largest metros is also made easy thanks to the property’s location nearby the MiamiCentral Station, a home base for South Florida’s rail systems including Brightline.

Renderings via ARX Creative

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

Lion Development, PMG and LNDMRK Development Team Up To Purchase Overtown Development Site

Michael Simkins’ Lion Development, Property Markets Group (PMG) and Alex Karakhanian’s LNDMRK have partnered to purchase Overtown’s Block 19 located at 105 NW 11th Terrace for $16.5 million. The 1.5 acre development site will be a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) with a combination of market-rate and workforce housing apartments, along with parking for residents and visitors. City National Bank has provided an initial $8.25 million mortgage on the property.

As one of the largest property owners in Overtown, Lion Development Group has been a longtime catalyst for growth and vitalization in the area, working alongside the community and partner agencies such as the Southeast Overtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to reinvigorate the area with the goal of creating a dynamic and walkable urban core, promoting economic advancement and culture-building environments.

“We are proud to bring this new development to life by working alongside community leaders and organizations to enhance the Overtown neighborhood, as well as bolster the growth and economic impact of the area,” says Michael Simkins, CEO of Lion Development Group. “As local business owners committed to the neighborhood, it’s been incredible to see the growth and revitalization of Overtown over the past decade. We believe this development will further invigorate the area and provide additional opportunities for locals and guests alike to thrive through new investment that is dedicated to honoring this culturally significant neighborhood.”

"PMG is looking forward to partnering once again with Lion Development Group and LNDMRK in the collaborative effort to bring the Block 19 project to Overtown,” says Ryan Shear, Managing Partner of PMG. “Our longstanding partnership with Lion Development Group has consistently yielded transformational properties, and Block 19 will be no exception. This development aligns with our vision to develop impactful mixed-use residential projects in Miami and beyond.”

“LNDMRK is very excited to be part of this project alongside Lion Development and PMG,” says Alex Karakhanian of LNDMRK. “Our visions align and we are motivated to bring a project that not only fills a gap in the marketplace, but adds new elements of energy and transformation to the Overtown community. We look forward to moving onto the next phase of development and bringing the neighborhood a project that will set the tone for new buildings in the area.”

Overtown currently hosts a collection of culturally significant businesses and organizations that have thrived with the support provided by the Southeast Overtown Community Redevelopment Agency. The team has a unique vision for the future of Overtown that includes making the neighborhood more walkable and connected to the Downtown core, specifically through Miami-Dade County’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) area requirements. By incorporating features such as improved walkways, bike lanes, and enhanced roads, among other elements, the initiative seeks to attract residents from neighboring areas while simultaneously enhancing the daily lives of those residing and working in Overtown.

Sawyer's Walk Overtown Mixed-Use Development Now 100% Leased, Set To Open This Summer

The transformative development Sawyer’s Walk comprising 1.5 million square feet is now fully committed and considered one of the largest mixed-use project set to deliver in decades in the historic community of Overtown in Miami, Florida. The project will add 175,000 square feet for credit retailers, 578 housing units for predominantly low-income seniors helping to meet the critical need for affordable housing in Miami-Dade County, and 130,000 square feet of office space acquired by MSC Group that will anchor MSC Cruises new North American headquarters.

SG Holdings, a partnership among Swerdlow Group, SJM Partners, and Alben Duffie, is constructing the 3.4-acre development located at 249 NW 6th St., which broke ground in June 2021. The successful public-private partnership was made possible through a collaboration with the City of Miami’s Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Miami-Dade County’s Department of Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD), and Commissioners Christine King and Keon Hardemon. The development was designed by Miami-based, award-winning architecture firm Arquitectonica and construction is led by Coastal Construction.

With completion estimated for this summer, Sawyer’s Walk will create a new mixed-use destination with a variety of highly demanded retailers such as Target, Aldi, Ross and Burlington, the largest affordable senior living community to deliver in the US in the last 10 years, and a 25,000-square-foot public plaza that will feature a pedestrian promenade with outdoor seating and children’s playground benefitting the Overtown community and Greater Downtown Miami.

“Since we broke ground on Sawyer’s Walk in 2021, we have experienced overwhelming demand for the mix of uses the development will bring to Miami’s Overtown community, including affordable housing for seniors, value-add retail offerings and quality office space, leading to our project reaching 100% leased before completion,” said Michael Swerdlow, Managing Partner of Swerdlow Group. “The anticipated delivery of our mixed-use development will serve as an economic catalyst for Overtown, with the creation of over one thousand quality jobs, the opening of a new full-service supermarket and mix of national retail stores that will serve the immediate community and surrounding neighborhoods.”

MSC Group, a privately owned international company that is a global leader in container shipping and has the world’s third largest cruise line, will bring together its South Florida cruise and cargo operations under one home within Sawyer’s Walk. The modern office space purchased by MSC Group will bring together over 250 current employees based in South Florida from MSC Cargo, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. With this move, the global organization is making a $100 million investment in Miami-Dade and is expected to generate over 600 direct and indirect jobs over the next three years, as MSC Cruises prepares to open North America’s largest cruise terminal in PortMiami later this year.

“The relocation of the MSC Cruises North American headquarters to Sawyer’s Walk will significantly contribute to the daytime population that the shops and restaurants will serve,” said Nick Swerdlow, Vice President of Swerdlow Group. “The opening of our Sawyer’s Walk development coincides with the continued growth Greater Downtown Miami is benefitting from as more new residents, businesses and visitors are attracted to Miami’s thriving urban core.”

The upper floors of Sawyer’s Walk will be home to 578 units designated for seniors earning at or below an average of 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The apartments will include studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms. Residents will enjoy resort-like amenities that exceed what is traditionally offered at affordable housing projects, including a roof-top swimming pool and sun deck complete with lush landscaping, outdoor seating and grilling stations, a modern fitness center, clubhouse, and more.

The retail component will include a 50,000-square-foot Target store, a 25,000-square-foot Aldi supermarket, and new locations for Ross Dress for Less, Five Below, Burlington and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. The public plaza will also feature art murals, an outdoor seating area and a dog park. The property will provide over 1,000 parking spaces and access to numerous public transit options such as the Metrorail, Metromover and Brightline.

Situated in the heart of Overtown, one of Miami’s most historic communities, Sawyer’s Walk is located alongside I-95, adjacent to Downtown Miami’s Central Business District and blocks from Brightline’s Miami Central station, the 27-acre destination Miami Worldcenter, the Historic Lyric Theatre, Government Center, and Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus.

The Cushman & Wakefield team of Alan Kleber, Tyler Reynolds, Scott Quick, Diego Rodino di Miglione, and Shannon O’Hare represented MSC Group in the transaction, while Greg Masin of Cushman & Wakefield advised SG Holdings.

Nation's Largest Women's Shelter 'Lotus House' Breaks Ground On Children's Village In Miami's Overtown Neighborhood With $1 Million Gift From Gisele Bündchen

Lotus House, the nation’s largest women’s shelter, has broken ground on their new Children’s Village that will advance the nonprofit’s mission of ending, and preventing, homelessness. Centered on the educational, wellness, and special needs of children and youth, the five-story facility will expand Lotus House’s reach into the surrounding community, complementing the organization’s 500-bed shelter, Lotus Village, located directly across the street. Features of the new building will include a preschool for children ages three to five, afterschool and summer programs, child and family therapeutic services, access to healthcare and social services, a playground, and a vast array of community resources and programming.

Development of the Children’s Village kicked-off during a groundbreaking ceremony on April 25th at the project site, located at 219 NW 14th Terrace in Miami’s historic Overtown District. Hundreds of neighbors and community stakeholders attended, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, City of Miami Commission Chair Christine King, City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes, and The Children's Trust of Miami-Dade County President & CEO James Haj.

During the event, Gisele Bündchen, a passionate philanthropist and dedicated advocate for women and children in need, announced $1 million in support for a new playground for the preschool at the Children’s Village, along with educational programming to take place within the facility upon opening.

“Lotus Village was built on the premise that a shelter centered on the acute needs of women and children, complete with trauma informed, evidence-based therapies and holistic programming, could end homelessness. We know this model works, and we know that what makes this model so successful is the generosity of our community, stepping forward time and again to make all that we do possible,” said Lotus House founder Constance Collins. “In the Children’s Village, we are calling on our ‘village’ again, to help our sheltered children and the children of our beloved Overtown community blossom into who they are meant to be. Together, we will take another step forward to end cycles of poverty and homelessness by empowering children and families with enriched educational and therapeutic supports, exciting and diverse programming for kids, and greater access to health and social services. We have launched a $25 Million capital campaign and need everyone’s help, because it takes a village – the Children’s Village.”

Building a solid community for children is so important, especially for those who are vulnerable and in need. Like everything in life, it takes a seed of an idea for something to grow, and I am honored to help Lotus House grow its impact with the creation of the Children’s Village,” said Gisele Bündchen. “Funding the playground for the Children’s Village is important to me because the benefits of play include physical fitness, social interactions, cognitive development, self-confidence, and overall well-being. All these elements build a strong foundation for growth.”

Last month, Lotus Endowment Fund, Inc., the sponsor of the Children’s Village, and its nonprofit subsidiary, Lotus Village II, LLC, closed on $32 million in New Market Tax Credit Financing that will enable the ground-up development of The Children’s Village. Financing for the project was arranged by The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, US Bancorp Community Development Corporation, Florida Community Loan Fund, and Enterprise Community Investment, Inc. Construction is expected to last between 15 and 18 months with an aim to open in time for the school year in the fall of 2024.

Since opening its doors with 34 shelter beds in 2006, Lotus House has grown to serve more than 10,000 women, children, and youth. In 2018, the organization debuted the state-of-the-art Lotus Village, which has set national standards for shelter design, operation, and programming. Today, more than 80 percent of the shelter’s guests successfully exit the shelter system following their time at Lotus Village, far exceeding the national average of between 60 and 65 percent.

The Children’s Village will serve as a community hub for nonprofit providers equipped to support children sheltered at Lotus Village along with those from the surrounding community. Partners will include the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition, Legal Services of Greater Miami, Overtown Optimist Club, Urgent Inc., Miami Mindful Kids, Alliance for LGBTQ Youth, Nana’s Restart, Girl Power Rocks, Easterseals, and Lotus Children’s Services, in addition to a coalition of health and wellness providers.

“Lotus House has proven that a holistic support model which brings together various organizations centered around a common goal can end a family’s homelessness and restore the lives and dignity of women, youth and children,” says James Haj, President & CEO of The Children's Trust of Miami-Dade County. “As a funder, we greatly value community collaboration, and the innovative collective impact model in the Children’s Village will broaden the benefits to families by promoting wellness, building confidence among our youth, and ensuring every child has the support they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life.”

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 many volunteers, including general contractor Civic Construction; Behar-Font & Partners architects; engineers M2E Consulting, Inc.; civil engineers Avino & Associates; Savino & Miller Design Studio; Permit Me expediters; and law firm Bilzin Sumberg, where a team of attorneys including John Sumberg, Sara Barli Herald, and Javier Aviñó are spearheading all facets of land use, zoning and permitting, and tax credit financing.

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

Swerdlow Group Breaks Ground On Sawyer's Walk Mixed-Use Development In Miami's Overtown Neighborhood

Construction has begun on the largest mixed-use development to take shape in Miami’s historic Overtown neighborhood in decades, paving the way for new shopping and dining options, affordable residences for seniors, and thousands of job opportunities. Sawyer’s Walk, a 1.4 million-square-foot development led by Swerdlow Group in collaboration with the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), will include 250,000 SF of destination retail alongside 578 apartments designated for low-income seniors.

Swerdlow Group and its partners, SJM Partners and Alben Duffie, acquired the 3.4-acre property at 249 NW 6th Street from the CRA and broke ground on the development at a June 23rd ceremony. Construction is expected to be completed in 2023.

“In working with the CRA and listening to nearby residents, it became clear that senior housing, affordable shopping options, and quality jobs are among the most pressing needs in Overtown,” said Swerdlow Group CEO Michael Swerdlow. “Sawyer’s Walk will check all of these boxes, while also creating a new destination for retail and dining that will activate city streets and attract people from throughout Downtown Miami and surrounding neighborhoods.”

The development of Sawyer’s Walk coincides with a rush of new residents, businesses and visitors into Miami’s urban core. Greater Downtown Miami is now home to 115,000 residents, 250,000 daytime visitors, and six million annual visitors, according to the Miami Downtown Development Authority.

Retail offerings at Sawyer’s Walk will include a 50,000 SF Target, a 25,000 SF Aldi supermarket, and new locations for Ross Dress for Less, Five Below, and Burlington. Additionally, 25,000 SF of public space at street level will feature restaurant space, outdoor seating, a children’s playground, a pedestrian promenade, a dog park, and a City of Miami NET office.

The upper floors of Sawyer’s Walk will offer 578 apartments set aside for low-income seniors earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. The unit mix will include studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms. Amenities will include a rooftop pool deck, a clubhouse and entertainment lounge, meeting rooms, and a complimentary health club membership for all residents.

“Sawyer’s Walk will be a triple-win for the Overtown community and the City of Miami, delivering a positive impact in the form of new jobs, additional revenue, and an affordable place to call home for hundreds of our local seniors. These benefits will help sustain quality of life in Miami while advancing the mission of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA,” said Jeffrey Watson, Chairman of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA.

Sawyer’s Walk is located alongside I-95, adjacent to Downtown Miami’s Central Business District and blocks from Brightline’s Miami Central station, the 27-acre Miami Worldcenter development, the Historic Lyric Theatre, Government Center, and Miami-Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. The site is bounded by NW 3rd Avenue on the west, NW 7th Street to the north, NW 2nd Avenue on the east, and NW 6th Street to the south.

Target & Aldi Coming To Block 55 In Downtown Miami

Target and Aldi have been announced as the first tenants at Block 55 in Overtown, just across the street from Virgin Train’s 3 MiamiCentral. The megaproject will feature 355,000 SF of retail space, 1,050 parking spaces and 506 apartment units designed by Arquitectonica. Target will occupy 51,088 SF of ground floor retail in addition to bringing a CVS Pharmacy and Starbucks. Other tenants are expected to include Aldi, Dave & Busters, Burlington, Ross, Ulta, and Youfit. Construction is expected to begin in March 2020 with a projected completion in 2023. John Moriarity & Associates as the general contractors.