PROJECT PEACH, a visionary mixed-use infill development by Cúre & Penabad, addresses critical urban challenges in Overtown, Miami. This innovative project tackles housing affordability, climate resilience, and urban density by integrating community services with residential units on a remarkably compact site. It introduces a fresh paradigm for urban development, offering a scalable solution for similar underutilized spaces across the city.
Situated on a mere 3,500-square-foot parcel, half the size of typical Miami residential lots, the development champions a model often overlooked in contemporary urban planning: a mixed-use residential structure on a narrow infill plot. This building serves as the new headquarters for CATALYST Miami, a non-profit dedicated to fostering grassroots networks. It ingeniously combines ground-level micro-retail, a second floor for offices and shared community spaces, and three accessible housing units above. This strategic layering ensures a vibrant, integrated urban experience.
Overtown, a district deeply rooted in Miami's Black history, faced significant decline due to mid-20th-century urban planning that fragmented its community. PROJECT PEACH offers a revitalization strategy through small-scale development. Rather than displacing residents, the project’s architectural form and programmatic density strengthen community presence. Affordable housing is not an afterthought but a central design principle, seamlessly interwoven with spaces for local businesses and employment opportunities.
The building's design revolves around a central courtyard, a feature that significantly enhances natural ventilation, maximizes daylight penetration, and fosters organic social interactions. This thoughtful spatial arrangement minimizes reliance on mechanical systems, creating comfortable indoor-outdoor environments perfectly suited to Miami's subtropical climate. The vertical stacking of diverse uses efficiently increases density within a limited footprint, providing a viable alternative to conventional development models that often favor expansive plots and high-end residential offerings.
By intentionally situating affordable housing above community-centric functions, PROJECT PEACH strengthens the symbiotic relationship between living, working, and civic engagement. This configuration enables residents to remain connected to Overtown's rich cultural fabric while ensuring easy access to essential services, public transportation, and employment prospects. The project's adaptable scale and layout establish a robust framework that can be replicated across other underserved urban sites throughout Miami, paving the way for broader urban regeneration.
Cúre & Penabad's PROJECT PEACH redefines affordable housing as a vital piece of urban infrastructure, integrating it within a climate-responsive and community-focused architectural approach. Its compact form, multifaceted program, and courtyard-centered design present a groundbreaking infill strategy that aligns with Miami's long-term urban, environmental, and social objectives. This project stands as a testament to how innovative design can address complex urban challenges, fostering resilient and inclusive communities.