OVERTOWN: THE NEW FOODIES DESTINATION

OVERTOWN: THE NEW FOODIES DESTINATION

Miami, FL |February 26, 2016: Jackson Soul Food, House of Wings, and People’s Bar-B-Que ranks among Yelp’s top restaurants in Miami and specifically in Historic Overtown. Who could be joining the ranks next? The Southeast/Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) released a Request for Qualifications on January 7, 2016 seeking responses from qualified developers or individuals interested in leasing commercial space at 920 NW 2nd Avenue, the former Clyde Killens Pool Hall. Proposed intended uses of the space include, but are not limited to: a high-end restaurant, lounge, cigar bar, sports bar, jazz/blues lounge, or supper club.

On February 9, 2016, the CRA received responses from seven proposers including the Marcus Samuelson Development Group, Overtown Lounge, Privacy, Taste of Soul, A Game, Crescendo Jazz & Blues Lounge, and Morgan’s. The top ranked bidders include: 1. The Marcus Samuelson Development Group 2. Crescendo Jazz & Blues Lounge and 3. Morgan’s. This ranking will be presented to the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA
Board) at an upcoming board meeting for approval. If approved, the CRA will enter into negotiations with the top ranked firm to develop 920 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami, FL into a restaurant/entertainment venue and ultimately the Board will approve the proposed development concept. Should negotiations fail with the top ranked firm, the CRA would retain the right to negotiate with the next ranked firm on the list.

The Marcus Samuelson Development Group is founded by award-winning (James Beard Award recipient) chef and cookbook author Marcus Samuelsson whose repertoire ranges from high-end restaurants to fast-casual cafes. The most popular of the Marcus Samuelson Development Group’s restaurants is the Red Rooster, one of NY’s iconic destinations and a community staple in Harlem that have host
ed heads of states including President Barack Obama. Red Rooster has been able to provide cultural experiences through music and art, community forums, children and senior workshops,
workforce development and economic empowerment initiatives, as well as engaging settings for Harlem’s young couple’s. Their proposal includes establishing a premier dining and entertainment destination, embracing and inspired by the history of Historic Overtown.
Crescendo Jazz and Blues Restaurant and Lounge previously operated from 2010 to 2013 on Biscayne Blvd in Miami, FL and offered American and Caribbean inspired Soul Food with the sounds of funk and blues. Their proposal seeks to establish the same jazz and blues restaurant and lounge in Historic Overtown with an attached local flavored gift shop.

Morgan’s is an established restaurant currently located in Wynwood, at 28 NE 29th Street and serves comfort food with a modern flare. Their proposal seeks to relocate its existing restaurant to Historic Overtown.The selected restaurant will transform the former pool hall which was once owned and operated by the legendary Clyde Killen’s. The famed promoter brought entertainers such as: Count Basie, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Patti Labelle
and Ella Fitzgerald into Historic Overtown during the 1950’s and 60’s. In an effort to highlight and preserve the historical significance of the building, the CRA has invested $850,000 into putting the vacant building back into adaptive reuse. The funding provides for interior improvements and the buildings 40 year re-certification. The renovations to the former pool hall are a part of the CRA’s plans to re-establish Historic Overtown as a desirable entertainment district for residents and visitors to enjoy. Renovations of this historic landmark are currently underway and is expected to reopen later this year.
To learn more about the Southeast/Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (“CRA”) and its initiatives, please visit www.miamicra.com/seopwcra or call 305.679.6800. For media inquiries, contact Jonelle Adderley at JAdderley@miamigov.com or (305)679-6800.

Foodies Destination Press Release