On the morning of September 13, Miami-Dade County officials will initiate the building of Royal Pointe Apartments, a new affordable housing development aimed at mitigating the housing affordability crisis in South Dade. The groundbreaking ceremony will see Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and District 9 Commissioner Kionne McGhee, among other dignitaries, take the initial step in addressing a critical community need. This collaboration between the local government, developers Cornerstone Group, and the historic Martin Memorial AME Church, signifies a targeted effort to provide income-restricted housing options to residents.
The forthcoming residential complex, Royal Pointe Apartments, is set to offer 102 units. According to details from Miami-Dade County's official release, the units will be split among qualifying income brackets; 17 units for households making 30% of the area median income (AMI), 38 units at 60% AMI, and 47 units at 70% AMI. Intended to serve families, the apartment's layouts range from one to three bedrooms, with amenities that include a gated entry, business center, space for social gatherings, a playground, and a fitness area.
The financing for this project comes from various local funding sources which total over $10 million. The county's investment reflects a commitment to supporting developments that will give lower-income residents a chance to secure stable and affordable housing in a market that has frequently been out of reach for many. The earmarked funds include contributions from Surtax, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and the HOME Program, illustrating a multifaceted approach to funding such crucial projects.
The address for the groundbreaking event is set at Martin Memorial AME Church, located at 14740 Lincoln Blvd in Miami, with the activities commencing at 10:30 a.m. The inclusion of the church in this project is noteworthy, considering its long-term ownership of the property and its mission to develop affordable housing. Pastor Anthony Reed of the Martin Memorial AME Church, along with Lenny Wolfe, President of Cornerstone Group, are slated to attend, symbolizing the community-church-developer partnership central to this development's inception. Project completion is anticipated by August 2026.
