Redevelopment of Historic Affordable Housing Complex RKH awarded by Related Group

DAR Finish Specialties has been awarded the Central and South Towers of the Robert King High Towers, an affordable housing complex built in the early 1960's and named after affordable housing advocate and Miami Mayor Robert King High. The total amount of units between South and Central towers totals 214. DAR Finish Specialties, Inc. has been tasked with furnishing and installing Doors, Frames, Door Hardware, and Millwork (running trim). Contractor is Fortune Urban Construction of Related Urban Development Group.

The renovations will respect the historic design integrity of the original structure, which was first built in 1963. Modernizing individual units, the development will be rehabilitated and upgraded to current life-safety and wind-impact codes, while allowing for increased privacy and better livability for the residents of this development. Additionally, the redevelopment includes the reconfiguration of the existing parking lot to allow for a linear park to be created along the western boundary of the site, creating a pedestrian promenade connecting Northwest 7th Street to the public riverwalk along the Miami River.

The renovation is part of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program being carried out by Miami-Dade County’s Department of Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD). The RAD financial structure allows for increased subsidy over time making for a more sustainable model, including funding for maintenance and improvements. RAD also vastly increases opportunities for affordable and workforce units. The Robert King High Towers renovation is part of a larger public-private partnership between PHCD and The Related Urban Development Group, which will increase capacity from 840 preserved public housing units to more than 3,000 units. The redevelopment includes state-of-the-art energy saving features, such as Energy Star refrigerators, low-flow faucets, energy efficient light fixtures, daylight sensors, and more. - Miami-Dade County Public Housing and Community Development

“Thanks to our strong public-private partnership with The Related Urban Development Group, Miami-Dade County has been able to leverage local, state and federal funding to make the rehabilitation of this historic site a reality, Wise use of P3’s enabled our County to work miracles in other developments, such as Liberty Square and Martin Fine Villas. Now with this same smart fiscal planning, we will be able to dramatically upgrade this development to meet the most recent building codes, ensuring the health and safety of the elderly residents who live here at Robert King High Towers.” - Mayor Carlos Gimenez

“Preserving existing units is one of the best tools we can use to solve our affordable housing crisis in District 5 and throughout the County, This site will not only maintain the historic nature of the community and give our elderly residents a safe and comfortable place to live, but it also will make their surroundings more beautiful and help them access and enjoy the Miami River. Everyone, no matter their income, should be able to live comfortably in District 5.” - Commissioner Eileen Higgins.