Related Urban Development Group and Miami-Dade County broke ground Feb. 27 on the next phases of the Liberty Square redevelopment, advancing what officials describe as one of the nation’s largest affordable housing transformations.
The new phases, Oasis at Liberty Square and Soul at Liberty Square, will add 540 affordable units to the historic Liberty City site, according to a press release announcing the groundbreaking. The expansion is part of a nine-phase master plan that will ultimately bring 1,900 homes to the 57-acre community.
Together, the two phases will include 408 family-oriented units and 132 apartments designated for seniors. All units will serve residents earning at or below 80% of the area median income.
(L-R) Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins, and Related Urban President Albert Milo.
(Courtesy of Related)
“Liberty Square is about more than housing. It’s about dignity, belonging, and forward progress,” said Albert Milo Jr., president of Related Urban, in a statement. “We’re building a community where families, seniors, and local businesses can grow together, and where longtime residents are not only prioritized but empowered. This project also restores the historic business corridor, strengthening our neighborhood and ensuring generations of residents can thrive. It’s been a long journey, but we remain committed to delivering on every promise we’ve made.”
Expanding housing and services
Phase five, Oasis at Liberty Square, will introduce 408 one-, two- and three-bedroom units designed for families, including multigenerational households. The apartments will feature open-concept kitchens, energy-efficient appliances, walk-in closets and in-unit washers and dryers.
The phase also includes approximately 6,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space along Northwest 15th Avenue, part of efforts to restore the area’s historic business corridor. Planned amenities include outdoor green spaces, on-site parking, playgrounds, a fitness center, multipurpose community rooms and computer rooms.
Phase six, Soul at Liberty Square, will add 132 fully affordable units dedicated to seniors. The residences are designed with accessibility features such as grab bars, spacious hallways and in-unit washers and dryers. Amenities will include a fitness center, an oversized community lounge and outdoor seating areas.
The senior building will also house a Jessie Trice Community Health Center on the ground floor, providing primary care services tailored to senior residents.
Residents cheer during the Liberty Square groundbreaking on Feb. 27.
(Courtesy of Related)
Progress to date
With four phases completed and leased, the redevelopment has delivered 790 homes so far, according to the press release, welcoming more than 793 families, including more than 245 legacy families who have returned to new units.
The project has generated more than $220 million in public-private investment and, according to Related Urban, has increased neighborhood buying power six-fold.
Originally constructed in the 1930s, Liberty Square is one of the oldest public housing communities in the southeastern United States. The redevelopment aims to replace deteriorated public housing with new mixed-income residences while incorporating infrastructure improvements, healthcare access and economic development initiatives.
Previous phases have included new housing for former residents, community health services and plans to revitalize commercial corridors. The broader vision includes workforce training, educational programming and public art investments exceeding $2 million, according to the developer.
The redevelopment has not been without controversy. The 2024 PBS documentary Razing Liberty Square examined concerns from some residents and activists about displacement, construction issues and gentrification. Related Urban has previously maintained that the block-by-block approach was designed to avoid displacing residents who wished to remain and has said it addresses construction concerns as they arise.
As phases five and six move forward, Related Urban and Miami-Dade County say the project continues to serve as a model for community-rooted redevelopment.
“We’re building a community where families, seniors, and local businesses can grow together,” Milo said, “and where longtime residents are not only prioritized but empowered.”