The former residents of an apartment building destroyed by a massive fire in Miami last June, including several Cubans, have started a new chapter in their lives by moving this Monday to a modern condominium in Downtown Miami.
More than 60 families who lived in the Temple Court Apartments complex, located at 431 Northwest 3rd Street, which was consumed by flames on June 10 and had to be demolished a week later due to the risk of collapse, received comfortable housing in the Sawyer’s Walk building in downtown Miami.
The Atlantic Housing Foundation, owner of Temple Court, and the City of Miami provided new homes to the displaced tenants, most of whom are elderly and disabled. The new building is located at 249 NW 6th Street, very close to their former residence, and features modern amenities and all necessary comforts.
“A great day in our city! A new chapter awaits the residents of Temple Court Apartments, who today moved into their new permanent housing just a couple of blocks from their previous residence. Now at Sawyer’s Walk, they have new appliances, modern facilities, and pleasant amenities,” celebrated Miami Mayor Francis Suárez.
He also thanked Commissioner for District 1, Miguel Gabela, and the President of the Miami City Commission, Christine King, for “playing a decisive role in completing this relocation.”
Those who benefited from the new apartments expressed gratitude for this opportunity after spending three months in hotels and the homes of family and friends, awaiting a solution. “We have gone through very difficult days and have been suffering for months, but thank God, we are here now,” said one emotional woman.
“Today is a very beautiful day for the residents of Miami who lost their homes in the massive fire. Today, they move into a brand-new building in the same neighborhood with affordable housing, which is what they had before,” Mayor Suárez told América TeVé. “It was a great tragedy because they lost all their possessions, but today we can restore a bit of the dignity they lost.”
The massive fire that devastated Temple Court began on the morning of June 10 and was started by one of the tenants, Juan Francisco Figueroa, 73, who was arrested and taken to the Miami-Dade TGK Jail. The man also shot a building service employee, Feder Biotte, 30, who was found injured after the fire broke out but survived.
Figueroa was charged with attempted murder, first-degree arson, and brandishing a firearm while committing a felony. The burned building was partially destroyed, and county authorities deemed the structure an imminent collapse risk, leading to its demolition on June 18. The former residents could not recover their personal belongings.
Several Cubans lived in the apartment complex, including singer María Antonieta Fernández, who said she lost everything in the fire.
FAQs on Miami Fire and Relocation Efforts
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the massive fire in Miami and the subsequent relocation of the affected residents.
What caused the fire at Temple Court Apartments?
The fire at Temple Court Apartments was caused by one of the tenants, Juan Francisco Figueroa, who was later arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including first-degree arson.
Where have the displaced residents been relocated?
The displaced residents have been relocated to the Sawyer’s Walk building in downtown Miami, which is close to their former residence.
Who facilitated the relocation of the residents?
The relocation was facilitated by the Atlantic Housing Foundation and the City of Miami, with significant contributions from Commissioner Miguel Gabela and Miami City Commission President Christine King.
Were any personal belongings recovered from the fire?
Unfortunately, the former residents could not recover their personal belongings due to the extent of the fire and the subsequent demolition of the building.