Jencarlos Canela: The Miami Musician Redefining Urban Living in Hialeah
- laurie2769
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
How a hometown visionary is blending entertainment, culture, and community in the lively Amelia District.
Born and raised in Hialeah, Jencarlos Canela made a name for himself in the entertainment industry before turning his focus to something more personal—his hometown. With a passion rooted in community, culture, and creativity, he's helping lead one of the most ambitious redevelopment projects in Miami-Dade: the Amelia District. Blending hospitality, sports, music, family spaces, and urban innovation, the project reflects the same drive and originality that fueled his career in music and acting.
In this exclusive interview, Miami Living talks with Canela about the inspiration behind the district, giving back to his community, and visions for the future.
Miami Living: What inspired you to become involved in real estate development?
Jencarlos Canela: I always wanted to contribute something to my hometown. Give this generation and the ones to follow things in my city I didn't have growing up.
Miami Living: During your career in entertainment, did you ever see yourself leading a major redevelopment project like the Amelia District?
Jencarlos Canela: I can't say I completely led it because I had a great team of mentors in prestige and my business partner Dennis, but I'm very proud to say I ran point on many hospitality and entertainment initiatives for the Amelia district. I never would've thought my entertainment career would merge into real estate development the way it has.
Miami Living: How has your Cuban-American culture and creativity as an artist shaped your approach to designing this community?
Jencarlos Canela: Everything we've done at the Amelia district has been inspired by our community. We created a space for families because of the family values our community is built on. Sports because our community loves sports, and we noticed the outdoor courts were full and there were no indoor options. Concerts and all sorts of parties and music events because of my relationships in entertainment as well as the house party culture that I grew up around in our community.
Miami Living: Can you tell me a little bit about the Amelia District? What sets it apart from other urban projects?
Jencarlos Canela: We have over two thousand apartments, an eight-court indoor pickleball facility, a live events venue that fits over four thousand people, a food truck court, a fine dining restaurant, a Vanilla Espresso Cafe, barber shops, a tattoo spot, a spa, Grammy award-winning producer Marlo's music studio, podcast studios, a dance studio, gym, daycare, Cao Bakery and 500+ acres of all sorts of sports and family activities as well as water skiing in Amelia Earhart Park.
Miami Living: In this community, you've incorporated everything, from schools to sports facilities. How did you decide what elements to include in this district? What aspect is your favorite?
Jencarlos Canela: We just wanted a community that catered to our community. Simple as that. My favorite aspect of the Amelia District is exactly that. A community of locals for everyone.
Miami Living: How does the legacy of Amelia Earhart inspire and influence this development?
Jencarlos Canela: Everyone told us no one would go to the Amelia district to party or play pickleball. In the same way, they limited Amelia and told her she was too ambitious. We took flight anyway, as did she.
Miami Living: This project emphasizes empowering the surrounding communities. What drew you to Hialeah, and what kind of impact do you hope to make there?
Jencarlos Canela: What drew me to Hialeah was having been born and raised there. It's home! I just hope to drive by Hialeah in a few years and see the transformation I've seen in Brickell but in our own way without abandoning our essence and family-oriented nature.
Miami Living: How are locals being involved in the district's future?
Jencarlos Canela: Being mindful of what they need, want, and what they can afford. Also, providing our spaces and expertise to locals with great business ideas that we can help bring to life.
Miami Living: You've mentioned expansion into Latin America. What's your vision for urban development in the region?
Jencarlos Canela: I love Latin America, and with the recent immigration issues we are seeing, I want to contribute efforts to improving any and every way I can the quality of life in LATAM. I have big plans and goals for Latin America.
Miami Living: What's been the biggest challenge in bringing the Amelia District to life? And what's been the most rewarding moment so far?
Jencarlos Canela: It's very challenging to establish a new business and also create a new market. Being the first is always harder, but a challenge we've accepted.
Miami Living: You've had a dynamic career—spanning music, acting, and now real estate. Can fans expect any new songs or upcoming acting projects in the near future?
Jencarlos Canela: Yes, they can!!
Miami Living: On a more personal note, what's something about you that would surprise most people?
Jencarlos Canela: I just went back to college. I'm going to study law.
Miami Living: As a Miami native, what are some of your favorite local spots to hang out or unwind?
Jencarlos Canela: When I'm not in Space, Factory Town, or The Yards, I just go where Dave Grutman and Kirk tell me.
You can learn more about the Amelia District at ameliadistrict.com. Follow along with Jencarlos Canela's journey and stay up-to-date on his latest @jencarlosmusic.