Urban Builders Collaborative Proposes 16-story Transit-oriented Multifamily Project in Miami's Riverside

Urban Builders Collaborative, a New York-based developer, is planning a significant new project near Miami's Culmer Metrorail Station. The proposed 16-story multifamily building will feature 119 units and will be located on a 0.8-acre vacant lot at 1136 Northwest Eighth Avenue in Riverside, Miami. This development marks a noteworthy addition to South Florida's booming apartment construction sector.

Project Details and Zoning Considerations

The building will have an 11-story residential section positioned above a five-story podium that includes 123 parking spaces. Urban Builders is seeking a pre-application meeting with Miami-Dade County officials, a common step for developers to receive feedback on their proposals. The project’s location within a rapid transit smart corridor subzone is advantageous, as it permits larger developments due to its proximity to public transportation.

Developer Background

Urban Builders Collaborative is associated with Lettire Construction, a company established in 1979 by brothers Nicholas and Gerard Lettire. Both companies have a long history of involvement in real estate development and construction, focusing on projects that contribute to urban growth.

South Florida's Apartment Construction Boom

The project is part of a larger trend of increased apartment construction in South Florida, driven by high demand and rising rents from 2020 to 2022, fueled by the influx of out-of-state residents. Developers have responded by initiating a record number of projects, with 23,863 units expected to be completed by the end of the year, the highest number since 2002, according to a Berkadia report.

Other Recent Developments in South Florida

In addition to Urban Builders’ proposal, other significant developments are underway in South Florida. The Ben-Josef family recently submitted plans for a 561-unit apartment building near North Miami, which will range from 15 stories along Biscayne Boulevard to five stories at its center. Clara Homes also secured a $53.6 million loan to fund a six-story, 45-unit building in Bay Harbor Islands, part of a three-phase development project.