$85 Million Live Local Act Project Breaks Ground In Allapattah

One of the first major affordable and workforce housing developments to move from legislation to construction under Florida’s Live Local Act broke ground Feb. 13 in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood.

Coral Rock Development Group, alongside state and city officials, launched Dulce Vida, a 227-unit mixed-income community. The development brings much needed workforce housing closer to the city’s Health District, airport corridor, and major employment centers such as downtown Miami to the east.

Households earning between 60% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) will have new housing options at Dulce Vida, helping address Miami’s rising rent pressures. The eight-story development is rising at 1785 NW 35th Street, on the site of the former Allapattah Branch Library. In its place, the project will include a new, state-of-the-art 8,500-square-foot branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library System, bringing upgraded community space alongside much-needed residential units.

“Dulce Vida is a masterclass in efficiency,” said Michael Wohl, principal of Coral Rock Development Group. “On just an acre and a half, we’re delivering 227 apartments and a new public library in one of Miami’s most employment-dense corridors. Mixed-income communities like this represent a new frontier for housing in our city. They create options for working families at different income levels while strengthening neighborhood infrastructure. It’s about building inclusive communities close to where people work and live.”

The approximately $85 million development is backed by a public-private financing structure that includes a $54 million construction loan from Citibank, $15 million from the City of Miami’s Miami Forever Affordable Housing Bond, and tax credit equity from Affordable Housing Partners (AHP).

At the groundbreaking, Miami City Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela, District 1, who played a key role in advancing the project, said he was excited about what Dulce Vida represents for the community. He noted that the development will give families homes they can afford close to where they work. He also emphasized the importance of the public and private sectors working together to bring developments like this to life.

Florida State Senator Alexis Calatayud, who sponsored the landmark Live Local Act a few years ago, also spoke at the event. She pointed to Dulce Vida as an example of what the legislation was designed to achieve. The goal, she said, is to close the workforce housing gap through market-driven solutions.

“What we envisioned is mixed-use, mixed-income housing all across the state of Florida, where children can grow up together with different socioeconomic backgrounds and understand the endless possibilities for their futures,” said Senator Calatayud. “The vision is making sure there are options for people to live where they work, and that regardless of your stage in life or level of income, you can live in our community.”

Construction is expected to continue through 2026 and 2027. In the meantime, a temporary library location will open in March to ensure uninterrupted service for the community.

Dulce Vida project highlights include:

• Residential Mix: The building features 70 studios, 128 one-bedroom units, and 29 two-bedroom units.
• Workforce Focus: 40% of units are reserved for households at 60% AMI, 35% for those at 100% AMI, and 25% for those at 120% AMI.
• Modern Amenities: Residents will have access to a resort-style pool, fitness center, yoga room, dog park, and EV charging stations.
• Community Hub: The ground-floor library will offer multipurpose meeting spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and co-working spaces for the neighborhood.
• Strategic Location: The site is surrounded by major employers including Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of Miami Health System.