Block E In Downtown Miami's Arts & Entertainment District Trades For $19.75 Million

A 37,252-square-foot development site known as Block E at 1550 NE Miami Place in the heart of the Arts and Entertainment District has traded for $19.75 million. The site is located within the boundaries of the opportunity zone and is zoned T6-24a O which allows the developer to build up to seven times the property land square footage and up to 500 units per acre.

Colliers’ Executive Managing Director Mika Mattingly and Senior Associate Cecilia Estevez of Collier’s Urban Core Divisionrepresented the seller, Kluger Family Trust, in the transaction. The buyer, Jenny Bernell of Clearline Real Estate, is a developer of multifamily and mixed-use real estate projects in the growing areas of Florida, New York and New Jersey. Clearline Real Estate currently has 1,500 multifamily units in the development pipeline. This transaction marks Clearline’s third development site acquisition in Miami in the last year with plans for multifamily development.

“This transaction showcases the continued growth of demand for development sites in Miami and emerging neighborhoods like the A&E district,” said Mattingly. “In a very short time we have seen the Arts and Entertainment District radically transform from a deserted, bleak industrial area, into a neighborhood with a thriving pulse.”

Block E is uniquely located 1,000’ away from the Metro mover, which provides connection to the Brightline station, downtown Miami, and Brickell. The access creates prime pathways of mobility so that tenants can embrace the “work, live, and play” aspect of the area. The district is also home to several landmarks such as the Adrienne Arsht Center for performing arts, the Perez Art Museum and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, all within a five-minute walk from Block E. Over the last three years, the A&E district has experienced tremendous growth with proposed developments on every corner and a number of surrounding residential projects at 100% occupancy within weeks of opening.

With the A&E district’s rapid growth capturing global attention from investors, developers, new tenants and the world’s most renowned creatives, the city of Miami made the development of the district a top priority with new zoning to allow residential and commercial density construction. Over the last two years, the number of multifamily units grew more than 20%, office inventory increased 50%, and the number of hotel rooms more than doubled. The district is quickly densifying with arts, retail and restaurants, vibrant new office development and new-to-market tenants as well as an influx of people, creating one of the most exciting new urban areas in the United States.

Image via Collier’s International Florida Urban Core Division

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences Receives TCO, Begin Closings In Miami Beach

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, the widely-anticipated, new boutique Bayfront residences and private marina in Miami Beach, has received its temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO), signaling the start of closings. The project was developed by Optimum Asset Management USA. Monaco Yacht Club & Residences offers just thirty-nine luxurious waterfront residences delivered fully finished with curated interiors by two of the most esteemed names in design, Piero Lissoni and Arquitectonica.

In addition to announcing this milestone, Optimum Asset Management USA has disclosed that only two residences remain – including a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom, plus den, villa with direct marina access and boat slip -- as the tower rapidly approaches a complete sell-out.

“Seeing Monaco Yacht Club & Residences come to fruition and receive TCO is an especially proud moment,” said Matthew Barry, Managing Director of Optimum Asset Management USA. “The global response to the tower has been nothing short of compelling and a testament to its international appeal. We are thrilled to be showcasing this building to the world and celebrating the continued excitement surrounding its unveiling.”

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences feature one to four-bedroom residences, ranging in size from 918 to nearly 5,000 square feet, and two one-of-a-kind penthouses with spacious living areas, private terraces and summer kitchens. Primed for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining, the meticulously designed homes feature expansive wraparound terraces – each with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline – as well as contemporary Italian kitchens by Boffi.

Additional highlights within the residences include stone countertops, 10 to 11-foot-high ceilings throughout, large walk-in closets, private elevator entrances, and premium bathroom interiors featuring imported Italian marble flooring, large tubs and frameless, glass-enclosed rainfall showers with designer faucets.

“The DNA of the Côte d’Azur is reflected in every single design element of Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, giving residents the unique opportunity to live the one-of-a-kind South of France lifestyle,” said Edgardo Defortuna, president and CEO of Fortune International Group, the exclusive brokerage of the project. “We have a lot of excited residents that we cannot wait to welcome and celebrate the very best Miami Beach has to offer.”

Each of the modern unit interiors were meticulously curated with precise attention to detail, inclusive of the refined Italian-made fixtures and finishes, while a design palette of warm whites and rich woods was used for the lobby and the premier “Resident’s Lounge,” which features a library and breakfast bar for leisurely waterfront dining.

“It has been an honor to be part of the construction of this amazing architectural gem,” said Brett Atkinson, President of South Florida for Moss Construction, the tower’s general contractor. “It was a pleasure to work with Optimum Asset Management USA; we could not have reached TCO without our experienced subcontractors and suppliers.”

The nautically-themed, 12-story boutique building features a variety of resort-style amenities, including a rooftop terrace featuring panoramic views of the Miami skyline and a pool with poolside chaise lounge chairs, Jacuzzi and shaded lounge areas with a grill for entertaining. Offering the best of a yachtsman’s lifestyle, a 12-slip marina is exclusively available to residents of Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, as well as a yachting concierge and other waterfront amenities such as paddle boarding and kayaking.

Units at Monaco Yacht Club & Residences are priced from $1.1 million with exclusive sales and marketing overseen by Fortune Development Sales.

BH3 Starts Demolition On Future Site Of Design 38 Mixed-Use Office Development Coming To Miami Design District

BH3 Management has begun demolition to make room for a new nine-story, 90,000-square-foot retail, showroom and office development at 3801 N. Miami Ave designed by renowned architectural firm Sieger Suarez in Miami Design District. Dubbed Design 38, the project is positioned at the southwestern entrance to the Miami Design District. Construction is slated to commence this summer.

Design 38 will feature 25-foot ceilings on ground level and 14-foot ceilings on floors 2 through 9. Tenants will enjoy open floor plans with great branding visibility, including the opportunity for naming rights with Interstate 195 exposure. Rents vary based on the floor, but average approximately $70 per square foot for typical floors on a triple-net basis. Several letters of intent from notable tenants are already in place.

“Design 38 is poised to satisfy the pent-up demand of retailers, fashion brands, showrooms, studios, and office space users that want to be in the Design District, but don’t require ground-floor locations or the higher rents associated with them,” said Gregory Freedman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BH3.

Miami Design District is one of the hottest neighborhoods in the world, home to a number of luxury fashion houses, art galleries, fine dining experiences, and cafés. The open-air, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, known for its many distinct and artistic façades, notably boasts a highly energy-efficient infrastructure and became the first neighborhood in the world to achieve the Gold level (LEED ND: Built v4 Gold). The neighborhood was inspired by the worlds leading shopping districts including Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive and visitors can enjoy mature canopy-covered streets and walkways, sculptural specimen trees, and extensive rooftop gardens.

Adjacent to Design 38, a planned 15-story, 180,000-square-foot office project, The Ursa, was recently announced and will be developed by Miami Design District Associates, a partnership of Dacra, L Catteron Real Estate, and Brookfield Properties.

“Combined, Design 38 and The Ursa solidify the relevance of North Miami Avenue as the vertical core for Miami Design District,” Freedman added.

Design 38 will accept cryptocurrency as an option for lease payments. “With Miami emerging as the cryptocurrency capital of the world, accepting it as a form of lease payment is a timely point of differentiation for potential tenants,” said Daniel Lebensohn, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BH3.”

JLL Senior Vice President & South Florida Retail Lead Zach Winkler, Senior Associate Jonathan Rosen, and Associate Lee Koniver have been tapped to spearhead leasing for the project on behalf of BH3.

Check Out This $59 Million Kobi Karp-Designed Indian Creek Island Billionaire Bunker Built by Todd Michael Glaser Which Can Be Purchased In Crypto

A $59 million waterfront compound on the star-studded Indian Creek is now accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment. The tropical modern playhouse being developed by Todd Michael Glaser and features architecture and interiors by Kobi Karp. The new construction spec mansion spans nearly 16,000-sq.ft. with 12 bedrooms and 13.5 bathrooms on a 53,696-sq.ft. lot (1.25 acres).

The main level will feature 12’ ceilings, a club room, chef and prep kitchens, a media room and a gym studio. The backyard offers tropical modern vibes with lush landscaping, 134’ of water frontage with dockage for a yacht up to 110’ yacht, a large sun deck, and an infinity pool and tanning beds perfectly placed for soaking in the sun.

Indian Creek is home to a rolodex of high profile neighbors including Tom Brady & Gisele Bündchen, Ivanka & Jared Trump, Enrique Iglesias, and more. Known as “Billionaire’s Bunker” - the 300-acre island consists of less than 40 homes and is secured by its own police force and anchored by the Indian Creek Golf Course.

37 Indian Creek Island Road is listed for $59 million by Dina Goldentayer with Douglas Elliman and will be move-in ready within 18 months.

Glaser and his partners acquired the property in the summer of 2021 for $24 million from “Sábado Gigante” host Mario Luis Kreutzberger Blumenfeld, also known as “Don Francisco,” in an off-market deal overseen by Dina Goldentayer. The existing house on the property was built in 1987 and was quickly demolished to make way for the new modern home.

Cryptocurrency closed sales and listings have been becoming more common place in Miami over the past several years. In 2021 a unit in Arte in Surfside sold for $22.5 million in crypto. The sale was followed by several in Downtown Miami including a $7.2 million sale at the nearby One Thousand Museum and Unit 5306 in Marquis Residences sold for $7.2 million in Ethereum. Recently the $34 penthouse at Regalia Residences announced that they would be taking cryptocurrency as a form of payment as well in partnership with RealOpen.

Images and renderings via Todd Michael Glaser, Dina Goldentayer and Kobi Karp

Arquitectonica-Designed Boutique Condo 42 Pine Launches Sales On Miami Beach's Pine Tree Drive And 41st Street

Sales have launched for 42 Pine, an exquisite collection of residences redefining luxury living in one of Miami Beach’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The boutique building will offer fifty move-in-ready residences ranging from one-to-three-bedrooms, including eight penthouses, meticulously crafted to deliver a bespoke lifestyle rooted in community and convenience.

“42 Pine is a building that is truly singular, there is nothing else like it in the neighborhood,” said Jay Phillip Parker, Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Elliman Florida. “New development in Miami Beach is scarce, and this project presents a rare opportunity to own a home of this caliber in one of the most in-demand areas – setting a new standard for luxury on 41st Street.”

With architecture and interiors imagined by renowned firm Arquitectonica, the eight-story building will reflect timeless sophistication and serve as a beacon for the neighborhood. Spanning 700 square feet to 2,700 square feet for combined units, each elegantly appointed residence is designed to maximize space and build a connection to the outdoors–with sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows and doors ushering in an abundance of natural light. Private terraces with glass railings provide a seamless indoor/outdoor living experience.

“This building represents an important urban design step for the area, adding quality development along its western frontage,” said Bernardo Fort-Brescia, Principal of Arquitectonica. “We drew our inspiration for the design of 42 Pine from the idea of a hill town. The expression is one of individual villa clusters to create a vertical neighborhood. The concept is reinforced by the use of contrasting materials that highlight the cubic village idea.”

For ease of ownership, the residences are delivered ready to be occupied with refined interior finishes that include french white oak hardwood flooring and marble countertops. Gourmet chefs' kitchens showcase marble countertops, custom Italian cabinetry, top-of-the-line Wolf and Subzero appliances, and are designed to meet kosher standards. Spa-inspired bathrooms offer indulgent features including glass-encased showers, soaking tubs, dual sinks with custom Italian vanities, honed flooring and premium fittings that elegantly create a serene and warm environment.

Resort-style amenities and services include thoughtfully curated indoor and outdoor spaces such as an amenity deck with a 52’ pool, relaxation spa, cabanas and poolside service, plus a yoga and meditation lawn all surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. The property's state-of-the-art fitness center offers advanced cardio and weight-strengthening equipment complemented by an outdoor deck. Community-minded social spaces include a club and game room, large outdoor terrace, media lounge, and children’s play room. A dedicated team including concierge, doorman, valet, and porter service is available to anticipate residents’ every need.

Located in one of the most coveted residential neighborhoods in Miami Beach, at the intersection of Pine Tree Drive and 41st Street, residents can enjoy access to the beach, top-rated schools, fine-dining, houses of worship and boutique shopping experiences all within walking distance.

Construction on 42 Pine is expected to be completed by Q4 2023, with residences priced between $700,000 to $4,000,000. The building is located at 340 W 42nd Street with sales and marketing managed exclusively by Mushka Jacobson with Douglas Elliman.

For more information about 42 Pine, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Hyatt and Gencom Propose Arquitectonica-Designed Mixed-Use Redevelopment To Activate Downtown Miami Riverfront

Hyatt has teamed up with Miami-based luxury hospitality and residential developer Gencom, with the goal of redeveloping Downtown Miami’s iconic Hyatt Regency Miami, improving access in and out of the urban core, and activating a key piece of Miami’s riverfront. The Hyatt and Gencom venture is proposing a privately funded redevelopment that will comprise a reimagined upscale Hyatt Regency hotel with 615 hotel rooms and premium meeting space, more than 1,500 residential apartments, and open-air public space along the Miami River.

The proposed development seeks to amend and restate the ground lease that ushered in development of the existing Hyatt hotel in the early 1980s to include, without limitation, an extension of the lease renewal term from 45 to 99 years. This summer, Hyatt and Gencom will ask the City of Miami Commission to place a referendum on the November 2022 ballot asking voters to approve the revised ground lease and the proposed development. If approved by a majority of voters, construction on the Hyatt Regency Miami site is expected to begin in 2025.

“The City of Miami had the foresight to designate this property for an upscale hotel and meeting complex that would establish Downtown Miami as a hub for tourism, business and major events. In the four decades since, Hyatt Regency Miami and the James L. Knight Center have helped fuel downtown’s rise as a thriving hospitality, residential and commercial district,” says Phil Keb, Executive Vice President of Development at Gencom. “Our team’s privately financed upgrades will help ensure the Hyatt hotel site remains a critical economic engine for decades to come, while unlocking benefits in the form of new public space along the Riverwalk, improved access, upscale housing, and increased revenue for the city.”

Designed by Miami-based Arquitectonica, plans for the site include three towers offering residents and hotel guests panoramic views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. Towers one and two, rising 61-stories, will include 682 multifamily apartments, a 615-room Hyatt Regency with over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, and 264 serviced apartments. The towers will be linked at the top by a Skybridge featuring an upscale destination restaurant and lounge perched 700 feet over the city. Tower three, which is anticipated to include 860 residential apartments, will become one of the tallest buildings in South Florida.

“The Downtown area where Hyatt Regency Miami is located represents a nexus between the Brickell Financial District and the Central Business District, and it sits at a vital entry point for many people entering the urban core,” adds Bernardo Fort Brescia of Arquitectonica. “Redeveloping this land is an opportunity to rethink the way people will access this site over future decades – by foot, bike, train, car, and boat. The new vision for this development will enhance the flow in and out of Downtown and create vital public space along the Miami River, which is growing in importance as more people take residence in the neighborhood.”

“This proposed redevelopment represents a strategic opportunity to thoughtfully reinvest in the Downtown Miami community, which we have proudly been a part of since Hyatt Regency Miami opened its doors in 1982,” said Pete Sears, Americas group president, Hyatt. “With Gencom, we remain committed to pursuing redevelopment plans that add value to the Miami community and demonstrate care for our guests, colleagues and customers.”

The development’s planned multifamily and hotel components will meet growing demand among new residents and visitors. Downtown Miami currently attracts six million visitors each year, more than 120,000 people now call the district home, and the neighborhood’s existing base of residential apartments is approximately 95 percent occupied, according to the Miami Downtown Development Authority.

The three towers will sit atop a podium structure housing 190,000 square feet of Class A meeting space, representing a 50 percent expansion of the capacity currently available within the James L. Knight Center. The podium will include 12,000 square feet of space designated for food and beverage and retail uses, 1,100 parking spaces, as well as 20,000 square feet of coworking space. Outside, over 50,000 square feet of new public space will connect the Miami riverfront with family-friendly dining options located within the development.

In reconfiguring the existing site, the venture plans to improve access in and out of the property. A large arrival and drop-off area within the development’s footprint will alleviate vehicular congestion on surrounding streets. The development will complete a key portion of the long-anticipated Miami Riverwalk, creating a riverfront promenade spanning more than 480 feet in length. These improvements will create seamless connectivity with Biscayne Bay and Bayfront Park to the east, as well as the Metromover’s Riverwalk station to the west. An improved pedestrian bridge will offer residents, guests, and meeting attendees direct, covered connectivity to the Metromover’s Knight Center Station. Four zones within the site will be designated for bike parking. Additionally, the team is exploring further activation of a ferry dock along the riverfront which is presently used by a water ferry service between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.

Renderings via Arquitectonica

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. The term “Gencom” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Gencom and/or one or more of its affiliates.

St. Regis Residences, Miami Launches Sales At Second Tower Amid Strong Sales At East Tower

A partnership between Related Group and Integra Investments have launched sales at the second tower at The St. Regis Residences, Miami, an uncompromising new condominium set to redefine Miami’s skyline in Brickell. The launch of the western located William Tower comes amid strong sales and buyer response at the eastern Astor Tower which launched earlier this year. Residences in the William Tower are priced from $2.8 for a 2,300 SF two bedroom residence.

The two-tower property is set at the pinnacle of design, combining the talents of Robert A.M Stern Architects (RAMSA) and Rockwell Group spearheading architecture and interiors, respectively. The 354 bespoke residences set across both towers will offer an equally sophisticated experience. The project has a sell-out expected to exceed $2 billion.

Located at 1809 Brickell Avenue, the residential development will offer an everyday hotel-inspired living experience, complete with historic five-star service. Owners will enjoy lifestyle offerings worthy of the legendary St. Regis name, offering over 55,000 sf amenity areas – from an indoor lap pool to the iconic St. Regis Tea Room – as well as the brand’s signature Butler service and curated assortment of iconic rituals. Never-ending views of Biscayne Bay’s turquoise waters, rounds out the picture-perfect package.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has set the standard for glamour and sophistication for more than a century. The original St. Regis New York City property, which opened in 1904, has long been a destination among the world’s elite, including cultural icons such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí and Marilyn Monroe. With its new Miami entry, St. Regis continues its legacy of being at the bleeding-edge of luxury and culture.

The sales gallery for The St. Regis Residences, Miami is expected to open early next year. Sales and marketing are being overseen by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.

For more information about The St. Regis Residences, Miami,, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

NBA Star Tim Hardaway Jr. Buys Non-Waterfront North Bay Road Home Built By Todd Michael Glaser For Record $9.15 Million

Todd Michael Glaser has broken the record on North May Road for most expensive non-waterfront single-family home purchased to date. NBA star Tim Hardaway Jr. closed on the newly developed 6015 North Bay Road for $9.15 million. Nelson Gonzalez of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty represented the seller in the transaction.

The new contemporary luxury home on exclusive North Bay Road developed by Todd Michael Glaser with ultra-modern design and architecture by DOMO Architecture + Design. Situated on a large 9,371 SF lot, the home features a two car garage and driveway. The 4,684-SF home offers 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and 1 half-bath. The downstairs features an open floor plan with open chef’s kitchen and living areas overlooking the lush pool areas. Upstairs offers an upper family room as well as 4 large bedrooms, including a lavish master suite taking the entire pool side of the house. Outdoors is finished with lush landscaping, 2 pools including a lap pool, covered porches, summer kitchen, and garden for ample space for outdoor living in Miami Beach.

Shoma Group Acquires 2.5 Acre Transit-Oriented Site in Coral Gables To Develop Shoma One Mixed-Use Multifamily

Miami-based developer Shoma Group has announced its latest acquisition, a 2.5-acre site at 3650 Bird Road, currently home to Deel Volvo, near Coral Gables for $34 million. It will be the site of Shoma One, a mixed-use project with a 391-unit apartment community and a Shoma Bazaar food hall. The development is expected to cost $220 million to build.

“Miami is more popular than ever and the robust demand for housing that we’ve seen over the last couple of years is here to stay,” said Masoud Shojaee, Shoma’s CEO and chairman of the board. “This location is ideally positioned between Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, with the bustling entertainment and dining scenes of Miracle Mile and CocoWalk just a short drive or bike ride away. We are very happy to bring this live-work-play mixed-use project with upscale apartments and fantastic amenities, including a Shoma Bazaar, to this thriving area.”

Designed by MSA Architects, Shoma One will comprise of two 18-story towers. It features thoughtfully designed amenities–a signature of Shoma's multifamily projects–including a bowling alley lounge, child daycare, 1,161-square-foot yoga and spinning studio, dog park, co-working café, rideshare lounge for awaiting Ubers and Lyfts, and a spa with steam room, sauna and massage rooms. Each tower will have a rooftop sky lounge on the 18th floor, where residents can take in expansive views of Coconut Grove extending all the way east to Biscayne Bay, as well as its own lobby and secure mail and package room.

Atop the eight-story gated parking garage it will have a 2,500-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center, a club room, and a pool and pavilion with an outdoor grill, water features and lounge areas equipped with large projection screens for viewing parties.

A bicycle-friendly development, Shoma One will also have a designated bike room for storage with a repair station for conveniently performing light maintenance. The site appealed to Shoma because of its proximity to the Metrorail and the Underline. Shoma One’s courtyard will link to the linear park, giving residents direct access to its lush green landscaping and cycling and running paths.

The apartments will be stylish and modern, with upgraded finishes and tech-savvy details for seamless living, including biometric fingerprint door entries for keyless, secure access. They will range in size from 375-square-foot micro studios, which will be furnished with space-efficient convertible furniture, to 1,400-square-foot two-bedroom units. There will also be seven two-story live-work residences, which allow for separate office and bedroom spaces on each floor, ranging from 1,344 to 1,400 square feet.

Michael Fay of Avison Young was the agent representing the seller, Deel Volvo, in the transaction. Shoma One is scheduled to break ground in January 2023 and is expected to be completed in 18-24 months.

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