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USAG-Miami hosts ceremonial coin laying for new South Florida community housing project

Doral, Fla. – U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) and U.S. Army Garrison-Miami (USAG-Miami) held a ceremonial coin laying to officially commemorate Cadence Communities, the new Army Community Housing Project. Featuring 139 homes at its completion, this development marks a significant milestone in the installation’s commitment to providing quality housing for military families. The project is a collaboration between the installation and privatized military housing partner, Centinel Public Partnerships (Centinel), as part of the Army’s Small Installation Privatization Initiative to revitalize military housing across the country.

The time-honored military tradition involved the placement of a commemorative coin in the foundation of the future housing development, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the families who will call the community home. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26) began the ceremony with remarks where he thanked military personnel for their service to the country and called it a “great day because it’s housing, affordable housing for true heroes.”

Before placing the coin, U.S. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, USSOUTHCOM commander, spoke about the importance of the bonds shared between USSOUTHCOM and the local community. “This is more than just families. It’s community. It’s feeling welcomed here,” said Holsey. “We are not just passers through this area, this is our home.”

Also in attendance were leaders from Miami-Dade County, Centinel Public Partnerships, and USAG-Miami.

“A few years ago, our Army partners challenged Centinel to find a solution for housing at USSOUTHCOM,” said Phillip Carpenter, President of Centinel. “Our response was clear: deliver modern, quality housing that is essential to military readiness and meets the unique needs of the service members and families assigned here. This project goes beyond just building homes, it’s about creating safe, stable communities where families can thrive, build lasting memories and stay mission-focused.”

The coin will be sealed with epoxy and incorporated into the foundation of the community gazebo area. “Today’s coin laying ceremony symbolizes our investment in the families who serve our nation,” said Brian Peterson, Garrison Manager at USAG-Miami. “This ceremony marks the start of vertical construction, the rising of the building structures for the new housing units that will provide modern amenities and an improved quality of life for our service members and their loved ones. This coin will remain as a permanent reminder of our commitment to providing exceptional housing. Today’s milestone is a significant accomplishment for all our partners, and we remain committed to enhancing the USSOUTHCOM, and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) mission through this effort.”

Project Highlights:
• Of the 139 homes planned for the project, construction began in late June and will include the first phase, composed of 60 two-bedroom casitas for unaccompanied service members. Occupancy is expected to begin in spring 2026.
• Next delivery will include 48 townhomes, with occupancy expected in February 2027.
• Following the townhomes will be 24 duplexes and seven single-family homes, expected to be ready for occupancy in May 2027.

USAG-Miami, founded in 2001, supports USSOUTHCOM, and is part of the U.S. Army’s Installations Management Command. It is responsible for providing quality installation support services, infrastructure, and force protection to support mission readiness for USSOUTHCOM, SOCSOUTH, tenant units, their service members, families, and Department of Army civilians.

Read the full release here

Chief Commercial Officer Kevin Davis is responsible for Centinel’s commercial services, including transactions, operations and government relations. He also oversees risk and compliance, along with leadership of Environment, Health and Safety, and Marketing and Public Affairs. Kevin spent 18 years with Lendlease in senior business development, commercial and legal roles, following earlier experience in private law practice and service in the U.S. Air Force.

With nearly two decades of experience in marketing and communications, Meryl Exley leads Centinel’s brand, communications and public affairs strategy as Executive Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs. She oversees corporate communications, client and customer engagement, public relations, media, and crisis management, strengthening the company’s reputation and community connections. Before Centinel, Meryl held senior marketing leadership roles at Lendlease, where she advanced growth and visibility for its military housing and lodging platform.

Matthew Garrett is Executive Vice President responsible for Centinel’s Air Force Housing and Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolios. He directs operations and strategic initiatives across both programs. Before joining Centinel, Matt held senior leadership roles at Lendlease, where he expanded its student housing platform and managed a military housing portfolio of more than 40,000 homes. He also led federal lobbying and outreach efforts, engaging with congressional and Department of Defense stakeholders. Earlier in his career, Matt served as a U.S. Army officer, earning a Bronze Star for Valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Leading Centinel’s legal, compliance and governance functions, Heather Niemeyer provides strategic counsel to support growth and manage risk across the portfolio. She brings more than 15 years of experience advising global organizations, including senior legal roles at Lendlease and earlier practice with two international law firms.

As Centinel’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeremy Martin is responsible for financial strategy, operations and reporting, guiding the company’s long-term growth and performance. He has more than 20 years of experience in corporate and real estate finance, with expertise in financial planning, compliance and risk management. Jeremy served as CFO for Lendlease (US) Public Partnerships Holdings LLC prior to the company’s acquisition by Centinel, where he directed financial operations for Lendlease Communities.

Gretchen Turpen serves as Executive Vice President, Asset Management, where she directs operations and asset, property and development management for Centinel’s Army housing portfolio of more than 25,000 homes. In this role, she leads corporate strategy, financial performance, and client and customer relationships. Previously, Gretchen was Head of Lodging, where she delivered the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program including the renovation of over 12,000 hotel rooms across 40 military installations nationwide.

In his role as President, Phillip Carpenter guides operations for Centinel’s Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) and Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolios. He is responsible for property management, asset management, development, construction, and environmental health and safety. With more than 40 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense, Phillip has held senior leadership positions with Lendlease and J&J Worldwide Services, bringing expertise in real estate, development and facilities management. 

Justin Kern, Chief Executive Officer of Centinel, sets the company’s strategic direction with a focus on long-term sustainment and outcomes for customers, partners and employees. He has more than 20 years of leadership in real estate finance, construction and operations. Prior to Centinel, Justin served as President and CEO of Lendlease (US) Public Partnerships Holdings LLC, where he oversaw asset management, property management and development for military housing and lodging communities.