Robert King High

Robert King High is the substantial rehabilitation of a 315-unit elderly public housing development in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Housing and Community Development.  A critical element of the River Parc Master Plan, Robert King High consists of fully rehabilitated 14-story high-rise buildings with one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, as well as revitalized community center. The rehabilitation scope includes central air conditioning, hurricane impact windows, exterior in-fill wall replacement, new exterior unit facades including new doors, new flooring, new kitchens with Energy Star appliances and plumbing fixtures, new roofing, painting, new VTAC mechanical system, new electrical systems, fire sprinklers and other structural repairs. Other resident amenities include a new fitness center, a new activities room and outdoor amenities including a verdant courtyard and domino tables overlooking the river. The renovation project has also included the reconfiguration of an existing parking lot to improve the resident experience and additional of lush landscaping.

The renovation of the approximately 15,000 square foot community center, originally constructed in 1964, preserved important elements of the original design including the open-air courtyard and interior terrazzo flooring while providing modern enhancements. A full-fledged commercial kitchen was installed to improve service delivery of the daily meals program that cater to the low-income seniors who live in Robert King High and surrounding developments. The kitchen is also intended to serve as an emergency operations center in the event of a natural disaster. Important life safety improvements were also made including the addition of fire sprinklers and a generator. The main dining room was enhanced with new lighting, a new sound system, a new projector screen and art procured from local artists paying tribute to the site’s unique location along the Miami River. In addition, an exhibit highlighting the historic importance of both Robert King High the individual and the development was added near the entrance to the building.