President of Black Lion, Robert Rivani, the real estate and hospitality visionary who has invested over $250 million into Miami real estate in the past few years, is venturing into the commercial office sector with his largest and most ambitious acquisition to date, the $62.5 million purchase of ‘The Lincoln’ in Miami Beach. Robert has plans to invest an additional $50 million to reimagine the property into ‘Class X’, an innovative concept that aims to redefine luxury and service standards in the office industry. Named the ‘Rivani’, the reimagination will deliver a meticulously-designed, highly amenitized experiential office and retail property that transcends the standard, mundane office space.
“While luxury residential and hospitality projects push the boundaries of service and experience to attract discerning clientele, office spaces remain conventional, failing to meet today’s expectations. Companies are struggling to entice employees back to the workplace,” said Robert. “I see an opportunity to cultivate an environment that isn't just functional, but genuinely desirable - something people will truly want to be a part of. I am introducing a whole new category of office space that will reinvent the luxury office and set a new standard for the entire industry.”
Inspired by Robert’s travel to world-class destinations across the globe, ‘Class X Office’ will seamlessly integrate luxury with convenience, establishing elevated benchmarks for amenities, design, technology, and hospitality-infused services. Designed by renowned architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, ‘Rivani’ is poised to become a beacon office destination unlike any other, showcasing features you would find at an exclusive 5-star hotel, including a concierge, spa, meditation room, fitness center, salon, cafe, living room for meetings and gatherings, a podcast room, plus a Japanese restaurant and speakeasy. Members also gain access to private event spaces.
“Rockwell Group is thrilled to partner with Robert and Black Lion on this pioneering project,” said Shawn Sullivan, Partner, Rockwell Group. Rivani is an opportunity to bring a luxurious, tailored, and timeless experience to Miami’s office sector. We were inspired by the dichotomy of French and Japanese design influences: Sophisticated, layered, artful moments juxtaposed with meditative, distilled and crafted spaces. Throughout, we celebrate exquisite views, the geometry of the existing building, and the lushness of Miami.”
"Rivani is redefining Miami's office design landscape by seamlessly blending opulent hospitality with a tranquil, wellness-centric ethos,” said Carlos Rodriguez from Escala Forma Studio. "Through a harmonious fusion of calming aesthetics and high-end amenities, our design transforms the workspace into a sanctuary of style, comfort, and productivity, elevating the overall work experience."
Ideally located in the heart of Miami Beach at 1691 Michigan Avenue next to buzzy Sunset Harbor and Lincoln Road, the landmark property showcases 118,658-square feet of interior office space, 5,000 of which will serve as Black Lion’s new flagship Miami headquarters, 43,166-square feet of retail, and 318,000-square feet of parking. Current tenants include Apple, West Elm, William Sonoma, Morgan Stanley, and Coldwell Banker.
The building is one of the largest in the area and the transaction marks the largest office transaction in Miami Beach since 2016. Christian Lee and Sean Kelly from CBRE represented the seller while Jeremy Hakala, Clay Sidner and Brandon Shores with Newmark represented Black Lion in the transaction and will oversee leasing. Completion for the project is expected mid 2025.
“This transaction stands out as a milestone in South Florida’s commercial real estate industry, underscoring Black Lion's confidence in the area’s office and retail sector,” said Hakala. “At a time when people are betting against office ventures, Robert is boldly investing millions and going full force, positioning himself as a pioneer in redefining the asset class in a city that demands it.”
Within just 2 years since entering the Miami market, Black Lion has established a formidable presence, amassing a portfolio that now exceeds $250 million in South Florida alone and disrupting the real estate hospitality scene by signing world-renowned brands including Delilah at Brickell Bay Boardwalk, CATCH at the Continuum, Amara at Paraiso with chef Michael Schwartz, and Gekko by David Grutman.
“This marks an unbelievable personal and professional achievement for me,” said Robert. “Being able to close such a significant deal without partners or investors at the age of 34 is a dream come true, and validates what I have been working so hard to build. It wasn’t long ago that I was selling Jordan sneakers and being a serial entrepreneur. Now I’m buying my own office building, establishing my company headquarters there, and pioneering a whole new ‘Class X’ sector. This isn’t just a real estate transaction, but the start of an entirely new frontier for how people will experience luxury at the office.”
