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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-26-0027 Backup_Request for Infrastructure Reimbursement GrantMSDG, LLC 114 W. 118th St, NY, NY 10026 917.204.2978 May 15, 2026 Mr. James McQueen Executive Director Southeast Overtown / Park West Community Redevelopment Agency 1490 NW 3rd Avenue Miami, Florida 33136 Re: Request for Infrastructure Reimbursement Grant — Clyde Killens Pool Hall / Red Rooster Ove rtown Dear Mr. McQueen, On behalf of MSDG, LLC and Red Rooster Overtown, we respectfully submit this request for a $1,500,000 infrastructure reimbursement grant pursuant to the Southeast Overtown / Park West CRA redevelopment policy in connection with the redevelopment and adaptive reuse of the historic Clyde Killens Pool Hall property located within the CRA district. The requested reimbursement relates to substantial hard and soft costs incurred for infrastructure improvements, utility upgrades, roadway reconfiguration, parking improvements, site work, and building redevelopment necessary to complete and operationalize the approved project. As acknowledged in the attached materials, the Agency previously awarded approximately $1,750,000 toward the redevelopment of the project. Those funds were fully utilized toward the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the building. However, the total redevelopment costs substantially exceeded the original grant amount due to additional infrastructure and operational requirements encountered during project implementation. Specifically, the project required significant unforeseen utility and infrastructure improvements to support the operational needs of the venue and broader cultural district activity. These improvements included utility capacity upgrades, roadway reconfiguration along NW 2nd Avenue between NW 9th and 10th Streets, and the creation of adjacent parking infrastructure necessary to support the operations of the Clyde Killens Pool Hall / Red Rooster Overtown and the surrounding Overtown Cultural and Entertainment District. The enclosed supporting documentation includes payment backup materials, invoice registries, and related records corresponding to the infrastructure and redevelopment expenditures associated with the approved project. All relevant invoice amounts are highlighted and cross- referenced for ease of review. MSDG, LLC hereby certifies that the expenses submitted for reimbursement were incurred directly in connection with the approved redevelopment project and represent legitimate project -related hard and soft costs associated with the redevelopment and activation of the Clyde Killens Pool Hall / Red Rooster Overtown property. Additionally enclosed is a memorandum summarizing the project's broader community impact, including economic development, job creation, cultural programming, tourism activation, community partnerships, and alignment with the CRA's mission for Historic Overtown. We sincerely appreciate the CRA's continued partnership and support of culturally rooted redevelopment efforts within Historic Overtown and respectfully request your consideration of this reimbursement request. Derek Fleming Partner MSDG, LLC / Clyde Killens Pool Hall / Red Rooster Overtown Memorandum To: Southeast Overtown / Park West CRA Board From: Red Rooster Overtown/ Clyde Kittens Pool Hall Re: Community Impact & Contributions to CRA Mission Date: March 19, 2026 Red Rooster Overtown was established as both a hospitality destination and a community - centered cultural institution rooted in the legacy of Historic Overtown. Since opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant has served as an economic, cultural, and social anchor —creating jobs, supporting artists, activating tourism, and partnering with local organizations. This memorandum summarizes Red Rooster's contributions to the CRA's mission, demonstrating how culturally rooted investment can drive economic revitalization, cultural preservation, and community wellbeing. Opening in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Red Rooster chose to lead with community commitment, serving thousands of meals to not just local residents, but those in need from across Miami, while building a business that would create jobs, opportunities, and renewed visibility for the neighborhood. In doing so, the restaurant has demonstrated how hospitality can transform to being more than a restaurant, performing as place -based economic development, and cultural tourism catalyst, supporting both livelihoods and cultural expression. Few restaurants undertake the dual responsibility of operating a thriving business while actively cultivating a neighborhood's cultural ecosystem. Red Rooster has intentionally embraced this role, in recognition of its community partners, in particular, the CRA, working alongside local organizations, artists, cultural institutions, and civic leaders to help build a cultural tourism and creative economy platform for Historic Overtown. Through this approach, Red Rooster has helped reintroduce the neighborhood to visitors, media, and cultural audiences while reinforcing the community's pride in its own history and identity. Today, Red Rooster stands as a catalyst for the next chapter of Historic Overtown, demonstrating that when culture, community, and economic opportunity move forward together, neighborhood revitalization becomes both authentic and enduring. Red Rooster Overtown remains deeply committed to working in partnership with the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, neighborhood residents, and local stakeholders to ensure that the ongoing revitalization of Historic Overtown reflects both the community's extraordinary cultural legacy and its future economic promise. As additional welcomed investment and development take shape across the neighborhood, it will only enhance Red Rooster's ability to serve as a gathering place where culture, community, and economic opportunity intersect. Through sustained collaboration and shared vision, we believe Overtown can continue to evolve as a vibrant destination that honors its history while creating meaningful opportunities for the people, in particular legacy residents, who call the neighborhood home. Key Impact Highlights Impact Category Local Employment Food Security Creative Economy Key Metrics Over 400 jobs created, primarily filled by residents of Overtown and surrounding communities 7,000+ free chef -prepared meals served during the COVID-19 pandemic Platform for over 60 local artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners Tourism Activation Over 5500+ visitors brought to Overtown annually through regional arts, cultural and culinary events Community Partnerships Collaboration with 15+ local organizations and youth institutions Community Safety Convened stakeholders leading to $1 million grant in safety funding Leadership from the City of Miami, Police Department to Overtown CRA for Community Safety measures Economic Development & Job Creation Red Rooster Overtown has served as a consistent economic anchor during a period when broader redevelopment in Overtown is still emerging. Key contributions include: • Creation of 400 + jobs, largely filled by residents of Overtown, Liberty City, Little Haiti and other nearby communities • Created career development Training and advancement opportunities in hospitality and culinary arts for under -represented that has propelled black and brown aspirants into high - quality, high -income career tracks • Establishing a high -quality hospitality destination that attracts visitors to the neighborhood • Operating as the only full -service restaurant, bar, and events venue in Overtown proper Red Rooster demonstrates the viability of destination hospitality within Historic Overtown. Cultural Preservation & Creative Economy Red Rooster actively helps to sustains the historic cultural legacy of Overtown. Key contributions include: • Providing a platform for local artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners • Hosting exhibitions highlighting artists from the African diaspora • Supporting and Cultural economy and ecosystem, compensating musicians and artists for performances • Maintaining and preserving an award winning, curated art collection celebrating African American cultural expression Cultural Heritage Programming • Annual Educational tours with local schools, including a partnership with Booker T. Washington High School explaining the building's history as Clyde Kittens Pool Hall • Storytelling with local middle schools about Overtown's role in the Green Book era • On -going programming connecting contemporary audiences to Overtown's legacy as a center of Black culture and music Cultural Programming & Global Arts Engagement For nearly a decade, including the years leading up to the restaurant's opening, Red Rooster has connected Overtown to major cultural moments in Miami. Art Basel Engagement • Hosted and subsidized gatherings during Art Basel Miami Beach for 8 consecutive years • Provided a platform for South Florida's diasporic artists and cultural practitioners • Brought internationally recognized artists, curators, collectors, and cultural leaders to Historic Overtown These events connect Overtown to the global arts ecosystem while elevating local creative talent. Tourism & Destination Activation Red Rooster has played an important role in expanding the footprint of the internationally recognized South Beach Wine & Food Festival into Historic Overtown. Key contributions include: • Hosting festival programming introducing new audiences to the neighborhood • Supporting and showcasing 10+ local Black -owned culinary businesses each year. • Drawing 300-500 visitors to Overtown annually during SoBe's event These activities position Historic Overtown as a cultural and culinary destination within the region. Community Safety Leadership Red Rooster has played a proactive role in supporting neighborhood safety. Key efforts include: • Hosting monthly safety convenings with residents and stakeholders • Bringing together 15+ community organizations and leaders • Partnering with the Miami Police Department, promoting collective community safety measures These efforts, hosted and sponsored by Red Rooster Overtown, helped the Overtown community secure $1 million in grant funding supporting neighborhood safety initiatives. Press Recognition & National Visibility Bringing National and International Attention to Historic Overtown Through consistent national media coverage, culinary awards, and cultural recognition, Red Rooster Overtown has helped introduce Historic Overtown to new audiences across Miami, the United States, and the global hospitality and arts community. Numerous publications have highlighted Red Rooster not only as a notable restaurant, but as a symbol of the vibrancy and cultural energy returning to one of Miami's most historically significant neighborhoods. Articles have frequently focused on how the restaurant's culinary program, art collection, and community -centered programming celebrate Overtown's legacy while helping reestablish the neighborhood as a destination within Miami's cultural landscape. This sustained press attention has amplified the story of Historic Overtown—bringing visibility to its history, its cultural assets, and its potential as a place where heritage, creativity, and economic activity intersect. In doing so, Red Rooster has helped elevate the neighborhood's profile locally, nationally, and internationally, reinforcing the important role that culturally rooted institutions can play in the revitalization of historic communities. Major National & Industry Recognition Michelin Guide - Bib Gourmand Distinction • Red Rooster Overtown was part of the first class of Miami restaurants recognized with the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand distinction • Highlights restaurants offering high -quality cuisine at exceptional value • First restaurant to bring Michelin recognition to Historic Overtown Michelin Recognition - Red Rooster Creamery • The Red Rooster Creamery also received Michelin recognition. Conde Nast Traveler -Top Restaurants in Miami • Recently named among the Top 20 Restaurants in Miami 2026. Regional Culinary Recognition • Named Miami New Times - Best New Restaurant recognizing Red Rooster's impact on Miami's culinary scene. Conde Naste Traveler Best New Restaurants in the World Cultural & Design Recognition Red Rooster Overtown has received recognition for its design and storytelling celebrating the history of Clyde Killens Pool Hall and Overtown's cultural heritage. The Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency was awarded with the Outstanding Rehabilitation, Reuse Project award for its project Red Rooster Overtown in the 2020 Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Awards. Media coverage has highlighted the restaurant's ability to blend heritage preservation with contemporary hospitality design, building on the legacy of the community. Arts & Cultural Recognition Time Out - Best Restaurant Art Collections • Recognized as having one of the best restaurant art collections in Miami, highlighting works celebrating African American cultural expression. Impact of Media Recognition Media attention has helped: • Elevate the visibility of Historic Overtown • Attract visitors and media attention to the neighborhood • Reinforce the role of culturally rooted hospitality in revitalization • Build the thesis for investment in the Overtown Community • Position Overtown as a destination for culture, food, and history Community Partnerships &Youth Engagement Red Rooster works closely with community organizations supporting youth development and neighborhood wellbeing. Examples include: • Overtown Youth Center- Alonzo Mourning Foundation • Honey Shine Foundation • Lotus House • Health in the Hood • City Year • OCYC • Optimist • Historic Ward Rooming House • United Way of Miami -Dade • Kristi House Additional youth engagement includes partnerships with the Miami Heat, Miami Marlins Shane Battier Foundation Booker T. Washington High School Strategic Cultural & Institutional Partnerships Red Rooster has collaborated with leading cultural institutions to introduce new audiences to Historic Overtown. Key partners include, but not limited to: • Faena Art • Soho House Miami • Perez Art Museum Miami • The Bass These collaborations have connected Overtown to Miami's broader arts ecosystem and introduced cultural leaders and collectors to the neighborhood