This November, Matt Kuscher, the proprietor behind the Kush restaurant chain, will unveil a distinctive mixed-use building in Wynwood, Miami. This development, named Kush Korner, will feature ten affordable studio apartments specifically reserved for hospitality workers, with rental rates safeguarded by law for the next 50 years.
Situated at 2003 N. Miami Ave., Kush Korner occupies a historic flatiron-style building dating back to 1926, which was slated for demolition before Kuscher acquired it in 2022 for $2.6 million.
According to Community News Papers, these studios, ranging from 350 to 450 square feet, are not exclusive to Kush employees but are available to any qualifying hospitality worker in Miami based on income requirements.
Among the ten units, eight are designated for households earning up to 80% of Miami-Dade's Area Median Income (AMI), amounting to $76,300 annually for an individual. The remaining two units cater to households earning up to 100% of the AMI, or $94,400.
Under Florida law, regulated rent cannot exceed 30% of a tenant's gross monthly income. This regulation caps the monthly rent for the most affordable units at approximately $1,908, a stark contrast to the $2,448 to $2,653 that a market-rate studio in Wynwood currently demands, with prices experiencing up to a 10% year-over-year increase.
Kuscher's inspiration for the project stems from a personal encounter: “It all started one day when one of my dishwashers was evicted, and I spent two days trying to find him a new place. Without a car, I walked around the neighborhood looking for 'for rent' signs and realized how difficult it was to secure housing. Despite having resources, I couldn't accomplish it in two days.”
The restaurateur highlights the core issue: “Miami is booming. But unfortunately, the people who make it work, the backbone of the city, are being priced out.”
Statistics back Kuscher’s concerns: Miami-Dade faces a shortage of over 118,000 affordable housing units for households earning up to 80% of the AMI, as reported by the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies at the University of Florida. Additionally, nearly 60% of renter households in the metropolitan area allocate more than 30% of their income to rent.
Data from MIAMI REALTORS and Yardi Matrix indicate that the average rent for multifamily buildings in the county rose by 2.0% year-over-year to $2,669 in September, far outpacing the national increase of 0.7%.
The project has garnered support from the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (Omni CRA), the Public Benefit Trust Fund, and Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo.
Besides housing, Kush Korner offers space for budding entrepreneurs, set up as a business residency. Kush Wynwood is also relaunching with its classic menu and a gallery showcasing works from 30 local artists.
Edward “Ned” Murray, associate director of the Jorge M. Pérez Metropolitan Center at FIU, champions the initiative, linking it to broader housing policy discussions: “Leisure and hospitality dominate employment in South Florida, but the sector often doesn’t pay wages sufficient for rent or home ownership. In affordable housing plans, we frequently discuss employer-assisted housing. We call it leading the charge and sharing the burden.”
Kush Korner has yet to publicly disclose the exact rent prices or the official application process for the studios. Interested parties can visit the site when it opens this November.
FAQs about Affordable Housing for Hospitality Workers in Miami
What is the income requirement to qualify for affordable housing at Kush Korner?
Eight units are reserved for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Miami-Dade, which is $76,300 annually for an individual. Two units are for those earning up to 100% of the AMI, or $94,400.
How does Florida law regulate rent for affordable housing?
Florida law mandates that regulated rent cannot exceed 30% of a tenant's gross monthly income, ensuring affordability for tenants within income thresholds.