In this episode of Between Two Chairs, Fernando Arencibia and Jennifer Wollmann sit down with Jared Beck, Director of the Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency, to unpack why Homestead is becoming one of the most compelling redevelopment stories in Miami and South East Florida commercial real estate. The conversation explores how historic preservation, public-private partnerships, CRA incentives, workforce housing, tourism, and commercial investment are converging to reshape downtown Homestead without losing its authentic character.
What types of commercial projects does the Homestead CRA want to attract? Jared Beck explains that the Homestead CRA is focused on projects that add community value, including restaurants, bars, entertainment, retail, workforce and market-rate housing, employment centers, and compatible mixed-use development. The priority is investment that strengthens downtown Homestead while preserving its historic scale and authentic Old Florida character.
How can CRA incentives improve a redevelopment project in Homestead? Jared Beck outlines several potential tools, including commercial enhancement grants, relocation and expansion support, infrastructure improvements, and proposed tax-increment rebate programs. These tools can reduce upfront costs, support financing, and help investors align private returns with the CRA’s public redevelopment goals.
3 key takeaways:
· Workforce and employer attraction are central to Homestead’s growth strategy, with thousands of residents currently commuting out of the area for jobs.
· Retail, restaurant, and entertainment demand is underserved, with significant local spending power leaving the community every day.
· Historic downtown character is not a barrier to investment; it is one of Homestead’s strongest differentiators in the South East Florida commercial real estate market.
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