Brian Keeley, Stephen Owens, Jorge Plasencia, Donna Shalala, Louis Wolfson, Matthew Gorson and Judy Zeder Put Their Commitment Behind Transformative Project
Miami, Fla. (April 3, 2018) – Friends of The Underline (FUL), a 501C3 non-profit organization advocating to transform the underutilized land below Miami’s Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and canvas for artistic expression, today announced that six of Miami’s most prominent business and community leaders have joined the organization’s board of trustees.

Those joining include:

• Brian Keeley, Baptist Health South Florida
• Stephen Owens, Swire Properties
• Jorge A. Plasencia, Republica
• Donna Shalala, University of Miami
• Louis Wolfson, Pinnacle Housing
• Matthew Gorson, Greenberg Traurig
• Judy Zeder, EWM

“We are honored this group of incredible leaders has agreed to join our board and help turn this project from an idea into a reality,” said Meg Daly, CEO of Friends of The Underline.  “Their commitment validates the importance this project has on Miami’s future and the opportunities it presents.”

The Underline’s Board of Trustees will support the Board of Directors and staff by leveraging their community and business expertise to provide guidance, oversight and recommendations relating to operations, fundraising, government relations and other issues.

FUL Board of Trustees member Brian Keeley says, “Like the Atlanta Beltline, The Underline will be a game changer with a positive impact on public health, connectivity and social equity.”

The Underline’s Phase I, Brickell Backyard, is fully funded with construction set to begin by the end of 2018.  Phase II from the Brickell neighborhood to SW 19^th Avenue  (2.14 miles) is also funded and will begin design in 2019. Most recently, the project received up to $15 million in funding from the city of Coral Gables that will come from impact fees making the total construction funding commitments over $60 million.

FUL Chief Development Officer Amy Rosenberg adds, “One of the most critical moments in Miami’s history will unfold this fall with the construction of the first phase of The Underline.  This extraordinary group of leaders will be instrumental in bringing the vision of The Underline to life by helping to build an endowment protecting and preserving this beautiful park for generations.”

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About Friends of the Underline

Friends of The Underline is a 501C3 non-profit organization advocating to transform the underutilized land below Miami’s Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and canvas for artistic expression to create a safer, healthier, more connected, mobile and engaged community. The Underline will be open to all and serve all with amenities and art that will connect people to place and each other.