Matthew Rieger is president and CEO of the Housing Trust Group (HTG), an experienced multifamily and affordable housing developer.
HTG has developed more than 4,000 units and has completed real estate transactions that exceed $4 billion across its home state of Florida and the Southeast, Arizona, Illinois, and Texas.
Rieger reflects on an early award-winning project that remains pivotal to him and HTG.
Development: Courtside Apartments
Location: Miami
Matthew Rieger
Briefly describe the development:
Built in 2016, Courtside Apartments is a $22.8 million, 84-unit affordable housing community located in the heart of Miami’s historic Overtown district. The six-story midrise offers a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, all reserved for families earning no more than 60% of the area median income (AMI), with nine units set aside for extremely low-income households earning no more than 33% of the AMI.
Co-developed by Housing Trust Group and AM Affordable Housing, with a $7.5 million grant from the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Courtside was envisioned as both a community anchor and a catalyst for broader revitalization. The site promotes walkability, connects residents to nearby services and job opportunities, and features amenities including a theater/media room, basketball court, covered outdoor barbecue area, fitness center, computer lab, and library.
Your role in the project:
HTG was brought into the project by Alonzo Mourning, a Miami Heat legend, an NBA Hall of Famer, and a passionate advocate for affordable housing. Working alongside him and his firm, AM Affordable Housing, we oversaw all development responsibilities, including financing, design, construction, and leasing. We worked closely with local agencies and community stakeholders to bring this vision to life.
The journey was far from easy. Courtside began in 2007, but the financial crisis forced us to put the project on hold. Despite major setbacks, including the loss of state financing, we remained committed. After nearly a decade, we opened the doors in 2016 to families who were in urgent need of safe, affordable homes.
Share why this development is meaningful to you:
Courtside Apartments is deeply meaningful to me on two levels. First, because it delivered critical affordable housing to a neighborhood that had been overlooked for too long—an impact that truly reflects our mission at HTG.
Second, because it introduced me to Alonzo Mourning. His integrity, vision, and commitment to giving back are rare. Working alongside him, we found a shared purpose that extended beyond just one project. Courtside became the foundation of an enduring partnership—one that continues to create communities across the state.
‘The Development That Changed My Life’ Series
“The Development That Changed My Life” is a series by Affordable Housing Finance. If you would like to take part and share a project that has been meaningful to you, contact Donna Kimura at dkimura@zondahome.com.
Read other stories in the series:
• Susan Friedland, CEO of Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, looks back on Frances Residence, the project that launched her career.
• Bob Simpson, founder and CEO of the Multifamily Impact Council and former Fannie Mae executive, tells the story of a development on the Blackfeet Native American Reservation in Browning, Montana.
• Kimball Crangle, Colorado market president for Gorman & Co., discusses Vista Verde, an inspiring community for workers in Breckenridge, Colorado.
• Larry Curtis, president and managing partner of WinnDevelopment, discusses the importance of The Apartments & Lofts at Boott Mills in his life.
Lesson learned from this development:
This project taught me the value of staying open to partnerships, to possibilities, and to people. I’ve always believed in the power of affordable housing, but Alonzo helped me see how deeply rooted it can be in community identity and pride. His vision challenged us to go beyond basic shelter—to build a place that reflects and uplifts the neighborhood.
How has this development changed your life?
More than anything, Courtside reminded me why I chose this path. The obstacles we faced and the determination it took to overcome them made the finished product that much more rewarding.
Working with Alonzo and learning about his personal journey inspired me to think bigger, not just about what we build, but why we build. It motivated me to keep innovating, to fight harder for the communities we serve, and to never lose sight of the people behind the developments. These are the kinds of projects that reignite our passion and push us forward.
