Mysterious Developer Files Application for Holland Park, a 3,200-unit Live Local Act Project in West Little River

A developer has submitted a proposal for a significant affordable housing project in West Little River, aiming to create 3,233 units. This initiative marks the largest affordable housing effort under the Live Local Act in Miami-Dade County and potentially in all of South Florida.

Project Details

The proposed development, named Holland Park and designed by Arquitectonica, features six towers, with the tallest reaching up to 37 stories. The 11.7-acre site, located at 8400 Northwest 25th Avenue in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, will include two 37-story buildings, along with towers of 26, 29, 33, and 35 stories. Additionally, the project will have two nine-level garages with 4,249 parking spaces and a one-level amenity building. Retail spaces totaling more than 57,000 square feet will be distributed across the tallest towers and the garages.

Ownership and Background

Pablo Castro, who purchased the site for $29.3 million in October, owns the property through an affiliate. The current site includes 140 residential units, a church, a one-story office building, and a maintenance shop. Despite his significant investment, Castro remains a mysterious figure in South Florida real estate, with no prior media coverage of his ventures. His representative, Ricardo Cruz, noted Castro's preference for anonymity.

Development Plans and Legal Aspects

Attorney Anthony De Yurre, representing the project, did not confirm whether Castro would develop the project himself or involve another firm. The Live Local Act, which expedites project approvals and relaxes zoning restrictions, requires developers to allocate at least 65% of a mixed-use project for residential use and 40% for affordable housing. Consequently, at least 1,293 units in Holland Park must be designated as below-market rate, although the application does not specify the exact number of workforce-priced units or whether market-rate units will be apartments or condos.

Legislative Context and Comparable Projects

The Live Local Act, enacted last year, allows for administrative project approvals without public hearings and grants flexibility in zoning restrictions. Following recent amendments to the Act that removed floor-area ratio development restrictions, there has been a surge in development applications. Projects can now match the tallest heights and highest densities allowed within a mile of their location. For instance, Holland Park’s site permits up to 12 stories, but the proximity to a 37-story permissible site at 7900 Northwest 27th Avenue allows for taller buildings.

Other notable developments under the Live Local Act include Bazbaz Development’s 48-story building proposal in Wynwood and Whitman Family Development’s controversial high-rise plans in Bal Harbour, which have sparked legal disputes and community opposition.