Why Allapattah?

I can’t begin to count the multitude of times that I’ve been presented with this question by professional peers and friends alike, all wondering what drew me to this often-overlooked Miami neighborhood. The answer lies in the community itself. A diverse hub bustling with distinct soul and Latin flavor, Allapattah is home to a busy Health District on one side, the acclaimed Rubell Museum (one of the biggest private contemporary art collections in North America) on the other, with Downtown Miami, Miami Design District and Wynwood just minutes away, making it a prime spot for Miamians looking to reside in the center of all the exciting things Miami has to offer.

When I started Neology Life Development Group almost 20 years ago, my initiative was to take under-developed areas and elevate the quality of life of its residents by not simply building new properties but also introducing opportunities for new businesses that would allow each neighborhood to expand into a bustling urban oasis. Since breaking ground on our first projects, Neo Lofts and Neo Vertika, in Miami’s Little River District, Neology Life Development Group has stayed true to my initial vision, becoming South Florida’s foremost residential and commercial real estate firm synonymous with redefining urban neighborhoods in South Florida, and building more units than any other developer along the River and its surrounding areas.

Expanding into the neighboring Allapattah is a natural progression as Miami’s urban core grows inland and marks Neology Life’s continued investment in Miami. Reflective of my commitment to enhancing theneighborhood’s appeal through significant residential and commercial real estate investment, Neology Life is also building The Julia, a 14-story, 323-unit project at 1625 Northwest 20th Street, named after one of my personal heroes, Julia Tuttle — a woman who became a founder of our sunny city, and whose grit and passion continues to inspire new generations of women in South Florida and beyond.

I’d like to think that Julia would be proud of the work that Neology Life is rogressing with in Allapattah. I know I am, which is why this was the ideal moment to give residents and visitors alike a glimpse into this burgeoning neighborhood, where the culture of its people has arguably been the heart of its resiliency. With AllaWay, our readers can educate themselves on the many cool spots to explore, including amazing restaurants, art spaces, fashion shops, and hipster bars, all in proximity. Many thanks are extended to my great friend and now collaborator Jenny Starr Perez, Neology’s creative ace Maria Galli, the entire team at Kreps PR, and my professional family at Neology Life Development Group for making this amazing project a reality.

What a time to be in Miami. What a moment to continue building its legacy. What an opportunity to showcase it all in AllaWay magazine.

Lissette Calderon,
CEO and President
Neology Life Development Group.