Lotus House will break ground on its $25 million facility in Overtown on Friday.
Named Lotus Village, the modern, five-story complex will replace an aging, makeshift shelter for women, youth and children. Constance Collins, executive director of the shelter, has secured a $19 million construction loan for the project, but is also expected to announce a major corporate donation on Friday. A spokesperson for the shelter declined to disclose more information on the gift.
City commissioners in June approved the much-anticipated expansion after a contentious zoning hearing earlier this year.
The facility, at 217 Northwest 15th Street, will feature courtyards, fountains, community rooms, training centers, and a fully equipped wellness center. It currently houses about 250 homeless people, with the expansion providing 500 beds.
Plans call for 120,000 square feet with 140 living units; a computer library; yoga, exercise and meditation room; an art and activities lab; a children’s wellness center; a trauma-focused daycare; full health clinic with women’s wellness and pediatrics; a dining pavilion; beauty salon; vegetable garden; teaching kitchen and more.
Collins, who has a background in commercial real estate, plans to pay the construction loan back to art collector and developer Martin Margulies with private donations. – Katherine Kallergis