33-acre Underdeck may be named for former commissioner

After years in the works, the 33-acre green space being developed below the I-395 signature bridge known as the Underdeck may finally receive a formal name honoring staunch civil rights advocate and Miami’s first Black male commissioner, Reverend Edward T. Graham.

Today (4/11), the Miami City Commission is considering a proposal to name the mile-long linear park the Reverend Edward T. Graham Greenway.

The resolution is sponsored by Chairwoman Christine King, who represents Overtown, the neighborhood through which the Underdeck will run and where Rev. Graham preached at the historic Mt. Zion Baptist Church for nearly 30 years.

Born in South Carolina, Rev. Graham came to Miami in 1943 as executive director of the United Service Organization. Upon his arrival, he quickly became a staunch advocate for civil rights and social justice in the city, leading the first wade-in in the United States to protest against segregated beaches.

During his three decades with the church, its membership increased more than 200% from 416 in 1948 to over 1,400 by the time Rev. Graham retired in 1976. He founded the Negro Service Council and was executive director of from 1945 to 1948.

He become the first Black male commissioner of the city in 1970, and in 1972 became the second Black male Dade County commissioner.

The Underdeck is the working name for the 33-acre public open space under the reconstructed I-395 bridge that is to become a multi-purpose green space connecting Overtown to Biscayne Bay. Announced in 2018, the project is a partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the City of Miami.

Design plans feature bike paths and walking trails intertwined in the green space with outdoor amenities including an amphitheater, event lawn, community plaza, children’s play area, dog park, multi-use court and water feature.

During a virtual information meeting hosted by the Underdeck Committee on Feb. 13, David Hoot, the city’s consultant on the project, updated its progress, stating that consultants for FDOT were in final negotiations for design efforts expected to begin soon.

Oscar Gonzalez, an FDOT representative, confirmed the bridge above is on track for completion in late 2027.

On March 14, Miami received the largest grant in the city’s history of $60 million from the US Department of Transportation to support the Underdeck. Total cost of the project is estimated at $83 million, with the rest of the funding coming from FDOT and the city.