la-joya-apartments_web.jpgNARANJA — A low-income neighborhood in South Miami-Dade is slated to get some 150 housing units in two walk-up buildings slated for completion in February.

The La Joya Apartments complex will be built in Naranja, a predominantly black neighborhood that has been designated a Miami-Dade County Community Targeted Urban Area, according to a statement from the office of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dennis Moss, who represents the area.

La Joya Apartments will be located at 26700-26790 SW 142nd Ave. “and it is a huge piece in the county’s goal to create an authentic village in Naranja, where people can live, work, eat, and shop all within walking distance,” the announcement said. 

Groundbreaking is set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 9.

The project is being built by Tower Road Gardens, in conjunction with the county and its development partners, JPMorgan Chase  and SunTrust Community Capital.

Project manager Jonathan Sherman said the total cost of the development will be around $23 million.

The complex will comprise one-, two- and three bedroom apartments which will rent from $650 a monthfor a one-bedroom, one-bath unit to $900 a month for the largest units. Sherman said construction is somewhat ahead of schedule so tenants will start moving in around October/November, with completion expected in February.

The apartments will include kitchens with high efficiency appliance packages comprising range/oven combinations, refrigerator, garbage disposals and dishwashers, with granite countertops and wood cabinetry. 

All units will also include a washer and dryer, as well as a large walk-in closet and a balcony. 

The developer said the project will be a National Green Building Standard Certified development with high efficiency central air conditioning systems, lighting, landscaping and doors/windows that are hurricane impact rated.

The complex will contain a clubhouse with a swimming pool, a fitness center, a playground, a computer lab and an “eco-friendly” car care center for residents.

“It has always been very important to me to make sure that any affordable housing developments that go up in this district be of the highest quality and visually appealing,” Moss said in the announcement. 

“Bringing a National Green Building Standard certified development to our Targeted Urban Areas will benefit those who need it the most for years to come,” he said.

 Developer Lewis Swezy praised the work of the county in aiding the project’s formulation and development, according to the announcement.

“We are extremely grateful to be supported by a county and public housing agency that truly foster the development of affordable housing,” Swezy said.

“It is with the help of the entire Board of County Commissioners and, specifically, Commissioner Moss and our development partners, that we are able to provide life – changing opportunities to so many families in the community,” he said.

The complex was designed by Forum Architecture and Interior Design Inc. and is being constructed by Design Management & Builders Corp. The cost of the project and the rental to be charged were not immediately available.