Years ago, we set out to create such a community on a block in Deerfield Beach that had long been neglected. Broward County gifted us six residential infill lots on this block, offering a unique opportunity to revitalize the area. 

We began by hosting workshops, inviting Broward residents to share their dreams and aspirations for the neighborhood. Their insights were invaluable, helping us design homes that met practical needs while reflecting the community’s cultural richness and character.

The design was led by the talented team at Birse Thomas Architects, selected in a competitive process sponsored by Enterprise Community Partners and hosted by the SFCLT. Inspired by the area’s rich Bahamian heritage and by the community input, the architects created designs that seamlessly blended modern aesthetics with traditional elements.

Sustainability and climate resilience were priorities. The homes were designed to be both “Enterprise Green Certified” and “Energy Star Certified,” ensuring they are energy-efficient, water-conserving, healthy, and resilient. In addition, spacious porches, breezeways, and thoughtful landscaping promote outdoor living and can help reduce energy consumption. Unlike traditional approaches where outdoor spaces are often an afterthought, this project integrated outdoor design seamlessly with the home’s layout. This approach not only enhances homeowners’ connection to their natural surroundings but also expands their usable living space. Existing trees were preserved to provide shade, and native Florida plants were selected to minimize water usage.

The designs were recognized for their innovative approach to infill development. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale awarded them the Honor Award for Design Excellence and the Honor Award for Sustainable Residential. These prestigious awards celebrated the project’s integration of community engagement, sustainability, and architectural excellence.

By December 2019, six families — including a school bus driver, a recent college graduate, a TK and a TK— purchased the homes and moved in just in time to celebrate the holidays. This was a life-changing moment for each of them. (Read one of their stories here.) 

Today, the homes stand as beautiful symbols of hope and opportunity. Their existence has sparked further rehabilitation and new construction on a block that was once neglected, showing how a single investment can catalyze broader community revitalization. By building not just homes but also a sense of place and pride, we create a ripple effect that attracts more resources, improves the neighborhood’s overall quality of life, and encourages long-term growth.

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This project Beach homes wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our partners. The City of Deerfield Beach, Broward County, Enterprise Community Partners, Iberia Bank, Expo Studios, Cadence, Craven Thompson, Calvin, Giordano & Associates and Greenspoon Marder all contributed resources, expertise and time. 

The South Florida Community Land Trust is making history in Miami-Dade County with its groundbreaking Place Louverture project in Little Haiti. This development marks the county’s first community land trust and homeownership condominium project, addressing the affordability crisis in a historically rich yet increasingly vulnerable neighborhood.

In July 2018, SFCLT acquired the property from the Haitian American Community Development Corporation (HACDC), forming a crucial partnership. HACDC has since provided outreach, homebuyer counseling, will also be providing access to down payment assistance programs.

After securing city approvals, Place Louverture’s plans were finalized in 2024. The project, which will be completed in 2025, will transform a vacant block into 13 affordable townhomes, designed to serve Miami’s working families. These homes, which will be priced in the $200Ks and $300Ks, will remain permanently affordable, ensuring long-term housing stability for first-time homebuyers, primarily within the 60-80% range of the Area Median Income (AMI), with a few units reserved for households earning up to 140% AMI. 

The architectural design of Place Louverture blends the vibrant coastal aesthetic of Jacmel, Haiti, with Miami’s MIMO style. To ensure the project aligned with the community’s desires, the South Florida Community Land Trust engaged local residents in a series of workshops and discussions. 

Their input was instrumental in shaping the final design, incorporating elements that reflected the community’s unique culture, character and preferences. This collaborative process not only strengthened the project’s connection to Little Haiti but also ensured the townhomes would be a welcoming addition to the neighborhood.

More than 50 years after the migration movement that established it as a cultural hub, Little Haiti continues to be confronted with the challenges of skyrocketing housing costs and climate gentrification. SFCLT has been at the forefront of efforts to develop equitable housing solutions that can help stem the tide of displacement, partnering with other local organizations, including HACDC, Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, and Partners for Self-Employment, SFCLT on LESPWA, a plan to bring hope to the community.  

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This project is made possible by the generous support of our partners: Citi Community Foundation, City of Miami, Florida Community Loan Fund, JPMorgan Chase, Little Haiti Revitalization Trust, Miami-Dade County, Miami Homes for All, and Solar Energy Loan Fund.

Property Details
This beautiful and large, 3 bedroom/2 bathroom home with a back yard pool sold in 2015 for $150,000. The home includes recently updated appliances, laundry, hurricane resistant, and energy efficient features.

Status
Sold

Income Restriction
Moderate-Income (120% AMI)

Units
1

Property Details
South Florida CLT sold this recently renovated, 2-bedroom/1-bathroom home in 2016. This quaint home is located in the central Oakland Park neighborhood, has recently updated appliances, is hurricane resistant, and has energy efficient features. The home was appraised at over $200,000 and sold for $92,000!

Status
Sold

Income Restriction
Priority Very-Low Income (50% AMI) up to Moderate-Income (120% AMI)

Units
1

Property Details
South Florida CLT sold this large, newly renovated, 4 bedroom/2 bathroom home in 2015 for $130,000. The property includes a garage, front and back yard, and recently updated appliances as well as hurricane resistant, and energy efficient features.

Status
Sold

Income Restriction
Moderate-Income (120% AMI)

Units
1

Property Details
This newly renovated, 2 bedroom/1 bathroom home with a large yard and detached garage sold in 2013 for less that $70,000. The home includes recently updated appliances, laundry, hurricane resistant, and energy efficient features.

Status
Sold

Income Restriction
Moderate-Income (120% AMI)

Units
1

Property Details
This newly renovated, 2 bedroom/1 bathroom home with a huge back yard is located in a central neighborhood near amenities. The property includes recently updated appliances, laundry, hurricane resistant, and energy efficient features.

Status
Coming Soon

Income Restriction
Moderate-Income (120% AMI)

Units
1

Property Details
South Florida CLT sold this beautiful, newly renovated, large, 3 bedroom/2 bathroom home with over 2,300 Square feet, including a garage and pool in early 2016 for $163,700.
The property was sold with recently updated appliances, hurricane resistant, and energy efficient features.

Status
Sold

Income Restriction
Moderate-Income (120% AMI)

Units
1

Property Details
South Florida CLT sold this charming, newly renovated, large, 2 bedroom/1 bathroom home in 2015 for $115,000. The property includes a garage, large yard, fruit trees, and recently updated appliances as well as hurricane resistant, and energy efficient features.

Status
Sold

Income Restriction
Moderate-Income (120% AMI)

Units
1