‘Topping Off’ ceremony held for the John & Anita Senior Residence

The project is expected to have 79 one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent by seniors over 55

On Friday, Sept. 18, the John and Anita Ferguson Senior Residence "topped off."

“This is a celebration of the completion of the structure. The building is not complete but the structure is,” said Mark Valentine, executive director for the SBC Community Development.

Construction workers witness the topping off ceremony on Sept. 18.

This type of event takes place when the essential structure is put in place at a construction project. The Senior Residence is located adjacent to Second Baptist Church in the heart of the Richmond Heights community. It is named after the development founder, the late Reverend John A. Ferguson and his late wife.

“This is a vision that Pastor Ferguson started in 1973 and here we are 42 years later. He had a vision in faith and now Pastor Alphonso Jackson is running with it. …We intend to make this a legacy for the South Dade community,” Valentine went on to say. Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Dennis Moss concurred, “Sometimes when new leadership comes in the vision changes but it is great leadership that comes in and realizes a great vision and follows through with it.”

The project is expected to have 79 one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent by seniors over 55. Geri Fernandez, general contractor of Cornerstone/Brookstone Construction thanked all of the different agencies who put in countless hours to get to this day. “I want to thank our very dedicated team … all of the people who have made this project complete in a timely manner.”

A team with members like the Slatons, a Richmond Heights family known for their construction business. They were able to work on the project and did all of the concrete pouring for the project. “We are very privileged to have minority sub-contractors from this community work on this job,” said Valentine.

“Soon we are going to be here doing a ribbon cutting where we are going to be welcoming the first residents to this beautiful facility,” said Commissioner Moss.

The Senior Residence plans a winter 2016 opening. Applications are available at www.sbccdc.com under the programs tab or at Captiva Club, 17692 SW 102 Ave., Miami. For more information call 305-232-0499 ext. 113.