Published November 5, 2025
Developers File Plan for 640 Apartments on Former Bank Site in Homestead
Developers File Plan for 640 Apartments on Former Bank Site in Homestead
A new zoning proposal could transform a 6-acre office property just north of Homestead into a massive residential community — signaling another step in South Dade’s housing evolution.
The site, located at 28801 SW 157th Avenue, currently houses a 71,003-square-foot office complex that was originally built between 1974 and 1986. It’s anchored by a SouthState Bank branch, which remains in operation.
The owners — Homestead Office LLC, managed by Fred Berliner and Centerhome LLC, led by Todd Leoni — acquired the property for $6.8 million in 2020. They’ve now filed a request to rezone the land from “BU-1” and “RU-1” to “Leisure City Community Urban Center District (Mixed Use).”
If approved, the change would allow up to 640 residential units, along with potential retail and community spaces.
Holding for the Right Time
Despite the filing, Leoni says there are no immediate plans to redevelop the property. “We want to keep all the doors open,” he said, citing elevated construction costs, higher interest rates, and a cautious real estate market.
Even without immediate construction, the rezoning could substantially increase the land’s value — making it a strategic long-term move for the owners.
Why Homestead?
South Miami-Dade has become a focal point for new residential growth as housing affordability challenges push residents further south. Developers are betting on the area’s expanding infrastructure — including the recently launched Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system — to drive demand.
The site’s proximity to major transit routes and shopping centers makes it an attractive candidate for a mixed-use community that combines residential and retail amenities.
What’s Next?
Attorney Alejandro Uribe represents the applicants. Miami-Dade officials will now review the proposal before forwarding it to the County Commission for approval.
If approved, this project could mark a major step toward reshaping north Homestead’s landscape — turning a decades-old bank site into a vibrant, transit-connected neighborhood.
