:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64047720/Randy_Rieger__Allen_Furst__Alonzo_Mourning__Matthew_Rieger.0.jpg)
With what feels like an infinite number of luxury condos and apartments in the South Florida pipeline, it’s refreshing to see a local legend like former Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning help bring affordable housing to an area in dire need of it.
Housing Trust Group and AM Affordable Housing, a nonprofit founded by the NBA Hall of Famer, unveiled Courtside Apartments on Friday in Overtown.
The 84-unit community at 1699 Northwest 4th Avenue cost nearly $23 million to build, featuring one-to-three bedroom apartments reserved for residents making an annual income of less than 60 percent of area media income, with rents ranging from $760 to $990.
"When housing is affordable, low- and moderate-income families are able to put nutritious food on the table, receive necessary medical care, and provide reliable daycare and schooling for their children," Mourning said. "I believed in this and I knew this community needed it more than ever."
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7170155/Exterior%2C%20Courtside%20-%20Finished.jpg)
Miami-Dade County has the highest share of "low-income" households of any county in the state, per a report from the University of Florida, with only 24 affordable and available units for every 100 low-income households.
The development is fully leased, with HTG President Matthew Rieger pledging their commitment to "easing the burden on Miami’s working families, and to bringing high-quality affordable housing to downtown Miami."
The architect is Cohen, Freedman, Encinosa & Associates, with Rosenberg Gardner Design handling the landscaping. Amenities include a basketball court (of course), fitness center, business center, laundry facilities, picnic area, media center, and carded entry.
The next phase of the development calls for 120 units for seniors upon financing.
In addition to his various contributions to the South Florida community, Mourning serves as Vice President of Player Programs with the Heat. Hopefully we’ll see more developments like Courtside and less luxury condos flooding the Miami market in the future.