The Town Square Neighborhood Development Fund

What is the Underdeck?

The Underdeck is a transformative, mile-long linear public space slated for completion in 2027, that will foster a sense of community, bridge neighborhoods and cultural assets in downtown Miami, and reconnect Overtown to as an integral part of the heart of Miami.

This ambitious project designed to revitalize the area beneath Miami’s new I-395 Signature Bridge will create a vibrant urban landscape by introducing green spaces, pedestrian pathways, cultural installations, and community amenities such as gardens, playgrounds, and an amphitheater. By reducing the number of supporting columns and raising the highway span, the Underdeck will open up more light-filled, accessible areas, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and usability of the space. The project will serve as a connective hub for multiple neighborhoods, including Overtown, Omni, Downtown, and the Innovation District, fostering greater connectivity and cohesion within the urban fabric of Miami.

Beyond its physical transformation, the Underdeck is a community-centric initiative aimed at bridging neighborhoods and cultural assets in downtown Miami, reconnecting the historic neighborhood of Overtown to the city’s core. Extensive community engagement has been a cornerstone of the project’s development, with significant input from local residents and stakeholders through meetings, charrettes, and surveys to ensure the space meets the community’s needs and aspirations. Supported by grants from foundations and philanthropic donors, the Underdeck is poised to become a landmark destination, promoting social equity, economic development, and cultural vibrancy. This dynamic and inclusive environment will enhance the quality of life for Miami’s residents and celebrate the city’s diverse heritage and vibrant urban life.

Overtown – The HEART of Miami

Overtown, one of Miami’s oldest Black communities, was a thriving hub of Black culture and commerce before the 1960s, home to hundreds of businesses and a vibrant middle class. However, the construction of I-95 and I-395 forcibly displaced thousands of Black residents, decimating the community and replacing homes and businesses with highways, government buildings, and parking lots. This so-called “urban renewal” not only widened Miami’s racial divide but also reduced Overtown’s population from 50,000 to 10,000, causing long-lasting socio-economic damage. This project seeks to address these historical wrongs head-on by transforming the space beneath the highway into a vibrant public area, reclaiming lost community space, and fostering healing through acknowledgment of past injustices. Active engagement of Overtown residents and small business owners has been essential in the development of our collective recommendations.  This will be a critical priority through construction and operation.   The project aims to restore Overtown’s vitality and honor its legacy, creating a public space that symbolizes unity and revitalization.

Who are The Friends of the Underdeck?

The Friends of the Underdeck is a dedicated group of community members formed to champion the transformative Underdeck project in downtown Miami. This initiative represents the latest chapter in a series of civic advocacy efforts that began in 2016 alongside the development of the Signature Bridge. The group’s mission encompasses raising awareness, educating the public, engaging civic leaders and residents, and securing funding to support the project’s successful partnership with the City of Miami and other stakeholders.

In 2018, a diverse coalition of civic leaders, business leaders, philanthropic leaders, adjacent landowners, small business owners, nonprofits, and residents came together to advocate for the future of the Underdeck. Over the years, they have worked closely with city administration to advocate for state-level funding, contribute to the concept design submitted to FDOT, and develop community-driven solutions.

The Underdeck Committee, a precursor to the Friends of the Underdeck, secured significant grant funding from the Knight Foundation, the Health Foundation of South Florida, the Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation, and the Bloomberg Foundation. This funding, along with raised matching funds, powered the planning process. The Town Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (TSNDC) played a crucial role by incubating the Underdeck Committee’s work within their nonprofit structure, allowing the group to manage funding and plan effectively.

With the City of Miami Commission’s approval of a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2021, the Underdeck Committee began a collaborative planning process involving extensive community engagement. This process included numerous meetings, surveys, and the development of comprehensive recommendations for the project’s future design, governance, management, and branding.