A New Standard for Affordable Senior Living in the Miami Area
Sol Vista, a new 227-unit affordable senior apartment community celebrated its Grand Opening on December 3, 2024. The eight-story residential building is limited to residents aged 62+ who earn no more than 60% of the Area Median Income. Sol Vista combines affordability with modern design and amenities that rival even the most sought-after residences, setting a new benchmark for senior living.
At Sol Vista, every amenity space was designed with the purpose of building community. Whether it’s over a meal, a game, or a shared passion, these spaces transform the property into more than just a place to live — they create opportunities for meaningful interaction and lasting connections. The communal kitchen and dining area serve as the heart for social gatherings, offering a warm space for shared meals, and special events that bring neighbors together. Nearby, the computer center provides residents with opportunities to learn new technology, check emails, or video chat with loved ones.
For those focused on health and fitness, the on-site fitness center encourages residents to stay active and support each other in achieving their wellness goals. The game room offers a lively atmosphere for a friendly game of billiards, a round of bingo, or an evening of board games, fostering camaraderie and connection. For moments of tranquility, the relaxation space is a serene retreat, complete with reclining lounge chairs and soft lighting to help residents unwind. Additional social spaces, including card tables and gathering areas, invite residents to enjoy games like bridge or dominoes or simply share stories and laughter with friends.
Beyond these amenities, the complex includes a three-story attached parking garage, outdoor patios, on-site management, common area Wi-Fi, and secured building access. Sustainability is also a priority, with features like energy-efficient appliances, water-saving systems, low-water landscaping, and EV charging stations promoting environmentally conscious living.
Sol Vista’s development is part of a larger vision by MRK Partners. In 2020, MRK acquired Casa Devon Apartments, a neighboring 210-unit senior housing building, and executed extensive renovations. Updates included new windows, HVAC systems, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, a new serenity pool, and improved community spaces such as the leasing office and the fitness center.
When planning out the renovations and future plans for the property, there was significantly more space to expand and improve on what could be offered there. The existing Casa Devon building only took up about half of the property, with a large empty lot behind it — this space would eventually become the home of Sol Vista. While the vision was clear, the execution proved challenging.
“We looked in the area and we were able to take affordable and workforce housing density bonuses… [which] has to do with the number of units,” said Cathy Coler, Chief Operating Officer at MRK Partners. These allowances, combined with a reduction to the parking requirements, because it was affordable senior housing, increased the number of units that could be legally built on the property, dramatically expanding what could be done. And then… we subdivided [the land] so that there are two parcels. We could then transfer all of the remaining density to the vacant section… so that it could be its own property, four to eight stories, with the parking garage and such.”
What sounds like a simple and straightforward process comes with far more potential hurdles and roadblocks that need to be deftly navigated by an experienced set of hands. “Typically, you start with a land use attorney,” said Coler. The regulations are difficult to parse, but the familiarity and expertise of the attorney help outline what is possible. “From there, you want to go to the local authorities and make sure that everyone supports [and knows about] your project… You want to make sure that you’re respectful to all the local agencies and that you brief them on the plan and get their feedback. Then you send it to an architect to say, ‘How would this look on paper? Is it reasonable to build this amount of units? If that all looks right and the numbers work, then you start talking to the zoning department and commissioners.”
Understanding the nuances of local laws, and building good relationships with the people who need to give their approval for any of these types of projects to move forward is key to an efficient and smooth development plan. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year to go through the zoning approval process, which doesn’t even include getting the building permit approved. A misstep at any point in this process could result in a disastrous delay, and potentially even mean needing to restart the process from the beginning or scrap it altogether.
Public input is a vital part of the process, as issues like building design and waste management can impact neighboring residents. Building trust and maintaining open communication with stakeholders is crucial to avoid delays and ensure smooth progress. Balancing all of these requirements with the overall goal of creating exceptional affordable housing can be tricky, but this is exactly where MRK excels. From acquisition to development, MRK remains committed to creating exceptional affordable housing.
“I drove by the [Sol Vista] site a few months ago,” said Director of Acquisitions Hai Nguyen. “On the acquisitions side, what I see is basically just the raw stuff. I see the financials. If it’s acquisitions rehab, I see a building in rough shape. You lose sight sometimes when you’re in your day-to-day of what you’re actually doing. So when I drove that site it was very exciting to me, because you’re building 200-some senior units in a location that needs it. I think the opportunity for Sol Vista is, at the end of the day, great for the community. It’s great to increase the affordable stock in Florida, especially in Miami. You’re seeing rents increase, and you’re seeing a lot of dated housing. To have something that’s new for this vulnerable population, it’s exciting.”
Building vibrant, affordable communities like Sol Vista is central to MRK Partners’ mission. By pushing boundaries and expanding possibilities, MRK continues to redefine affordable housing. Sol Vista offers seniors a comfortable and stylish home while setting a new standard for what senior living can be.
Visit Sol Vista’s website for more information about living in this new property, or give the leasing office a call at (786) 347-3774 to discuss living requirements and availability.
