Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart attended a ceremonial coin laying event in Miami, Florida, marking the commencement of a new military housing complex for U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) service members and their families. The event was organized by SOUTHCOM and U.S. Army Garrison-Miami to commemorate the Department of Defense’s initiative.
“Today, we marked an important milestone for the brave men and women serving at SOUTHCOM and their families with the coin laying in the cornerstone brick, a time-honored military tradition,” said Congressman Díaz-Balart. He highlighted the significance of this development as it is the first military housing project in South Florida since Hurricane Andrew destroyed existing facilities at Homestead Air Force Base in 1992.
Díaz-Balart acknowledged collaboration with Admiral (Ret.) Craig S. Faller, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Army in identifying land for quality housing. “I remain committed to tirelessly championing our military, and I look forward to continuing this vital work alongside Admiral Alvin Holsey in the completion of this housing complex,” he added.
The ceremony involved placing commemorative coins into the foundation of future housing developments as part of a longstanding military tradition symbolizing good fortune for residents. These coins will be embedded into the community gazebo area.
The project plans include 139 homes, with vertical construction beginning in late June. The first phase will feature 60 two-bedroom casitas for unaccompanied soldiers, expected to be ready by January 2027. Following phases will deliver 48 townhomes by February 2027, and subsequently 24 duplexes and seven single-family homes by May 2027. Additional amenities such as a community center, dog park, playground, and splash park are also planned.
