Focus and Group Fox secure administrative site plan approval for Brickell Apartment tower

Focus, a seasoned real estate development and construction firm, and Group Fox, a family-owned property and asset management firm, both headquartered in Chicago, have received administrative site plan approval for their latest project, the 517-unit Brickell Starlite apartment tower. This milestone sets the stage for the development of a 39-story luxury high-rise in the heart of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.

“We are thrilled to finalize the entitlements on this property in Miami,” said Tim Anderson, CEO and Founder of Focus. “The world-class design, unparalleled location, and favorable zoning were strategically developed to meet the needs of the modern renter flocking to the Brickell neighborhood.”

Located within walking distance of the Brickell Metrorail station, the property will offer seamless access to Miami’s Brightline, Tri-Rail, Metrorail, and Metromover transit systems, providing residents with connectivity across South Florida. The developers and design team, led world renowned architectural firm Gensler, proposed a pedestrian and vehicular paseo at the building’s base, linking 7th and 8th streets. This feature will enhance accessibility to retail spaces within the tower and improve connectivity to the nearby I-95 on- and off-ramps.

The Brickell neighborhood remains a focal point for rental demand in South Florida, driven by a booming economy, favorable tax policies, and national migration trends. In 2024, Miami recorded its most competitive rental market in recent history, with apartments renting in an average of just 33 days and nearly 20 renters vying for each available unit.

Focus and Group Fox are in the final stages of permitting for the project and have enlisted a Cushman & Wakefield team—including Chris Lentz, Chris Moyer, Jeff Altenau, Susan Tjarksen, and Marc Royer—to capitalize the development.

Chris Lentz, Executive Director at Cushman & Wakefield, emphasized the project’s significance: “Brickell Starlite is a landmark multifamily development in Miami’s most vibrant and sought-after Brickell neighborhood and represents one of the only new luxury high-rise multifamily products underway in this well-occupied submarket. With extremely limited new developments coming online in Brickell, and the most recent multifamily deliveries dating back to 2019 and 2021, Brickell Starlite is uniquely positioned to meet the strong sustained demand for luxury.”

$94.5M Construction Loan Secured for Excel Miami in Arts & Entertainment District

Clearline Real Estate has secured $94.5 million in construction loans to advance the development of Excel Miami, a 24-story multifamily tower situated at 1550 NE Miami Place in the Arts & Entertainment District. This financing is crucial for the completion of the high-rise, which aims to offer modern urban living while embracing the artistic culture of downtown Miami.

The loan package is anchored by a $68.5 million senior construction loan from Centennial Bank, spearheaded by Jay Brito. In addition, Southern Realty Trust Inc. (SRT) provided a $26 million subordinate loan, arranged through an affiliate of the company.

Excel Miami is being developed by Clearline Real Estate, a New York- and Miami-based firm led by Jenny Bernell. Clearline specializes in multifamily real estate investments across emerging markets in the United States, focusing on projects that align with population and economic growth.

The tower, designed by Arquitectonica, is set to bring a contemporary and sophisticated architectural style to Miami’s multifamily housing landscape. Excel Miami Apartments will cover 214,183 rentable square feet and offer 427 residential units. The diverse lineup of living spaces includes studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and 13 unique townhouse lofts, catering to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences.

Residents of Excel Miami will have access to an impressive array of amenities housed on a dedicated floor with 18-foot ceilings. The amenity package includes a pool, a yoga deck, a fitness room, co-working spaces, a screening room, and podcast suites—providing a balanced blend of relaxation, wellness, and productivity.

Strategically located near the Metromover School Board Station, the tower promotes a transit-friendly lifestyle that appeals to professionals and urban dwellers seeking both convenience and connectivity in the heart of Miami. Excel Miami is poised to elevate the standard for multifamily living, offering residents a seamless blend of modern design and accessibility to the city’s dynamic cultural scene.

Adam Neumann Launches First Condo Project at Miami Worldcenter

Adam Neumann, co-founder of Flow, has announced the launch of his first condominium development project in Downtown Miami, marking Flow's expansion into the ownership market. The project, named Flow House, will be located in Miami Worldcenter and will include 466 units spread across 40 stories. Slated for delivery in 2025, Flow House will offer luxury living with a range of amenities, including coworking spaces, a fitness center, poolside restaurant, and spa. Sales will be managed by One World Properties led by Peggy Olin, with prices starting at $450,000 for studios.

Flow House is designed to address the growing demand for community-focused urban living, reflecting Flow’s ethos of integrating work, wellness, and connectivity into the residential experience. The project targets a wide range of buyers, with options from studios to larger one-bedroom units, all offering floor-to-ceiling windows and high-end finishes. Some units include private balconies, and residents can upgrade to gourmet kitchens as part of the customization options available.

Located at 697 N Miami Avenue, Flow House is part of the rapidly growing Miami Worldcenter district, a prime location close to restaurants, entertainment, and major transportation networks. The development aims to provide residents with both the convenience of city living and the wellness-focused amenities associated with Flow properties.

“We learned while building Flow over the last two years that the exact same needs faced by renters are also faced by owners in terms of lack of community and lack of connectivity,” said Flow co-founder Adam Neumann. “We are excited to build upon our vision and bring the full Flow experience, which is rooted in community and a sense of belonging, to anyone looking for a better experience from their permanent residence.”

In addition to the residential units, Flow House will feature a variety of shared spaces designed to enhance the resident experience, including coworking areas, a resort-style pool, yoga studios, and concierge services. The development also includes amenities such as a dog run, restaurant, and spa facilities, which cater to both the professional and leisure needs of residents.

Flow, which has been supported by venture capital firm a16z, is expanding its portfolio across the U.S. and internationally. The Miami condo project represents a major milestone in the company’s growth as it continues to develop properties that prioritize community, connectivity, and sustainable living.

For more information about Flow House or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Royal Palm Companies Secure $86 Million Financing for Tuscany Village

In a significant stride towards expanding quality residential options in Orlando, Royal Palm Companies led by Dan Kodsi and the Mattoni Group proudly announce the securing of an $86 million construction financing loan and the launch of Tuscany Village, a sprawling 420-unit multifamily complex set to enhance the Sanford area.

Strategically located at the southwest corner of State Road 46 and Upsala Road, Tuscany Village is poised to become a cornerstone community within Sanford, spanning 21 acres with seven four-story buildings. With construction slated to commence in the coming weeks and phased completion expected by 2026, the project is primed to transform the local residential landscape.

The acquisition of the development site at 4201 West First Street in June for $12.7 million laid the foundation for this ambitious venture. Financing for Tuscany Village has been secured through a partnership with City National Bank and Abanca USA, contributing $68 million in loans, and Origin Investments, providing $18 million in preferred equity. Notably, these financial arrangements feature floating interest rates without a rate cap, reflecting confidence in the project despite current economic uncertainties.

Royal Palm Companies, renowned for its innovative approach to real estate development since its inception in 1978, boasts a portfolio of $4.7 billion in developed, repositioned, and under-construction projects, including over 9,500 completed residential units. The collaboration with the Mattoni Group underscores the significance of Tuscany Village, leveraging their combined expertise to ensure the delivery of a top-tier residential community.

Despite challenges such as elevated interest rates, insurance premiums, and regional specifics like high concrete costs in South Florida, the decision to proceed with Tuscany Village reflects the unwavering commitment of Royal Palm and Mattoni Group to innovation, quality, and meeting the evolving needs of Florida's residents.

More than just a development project, Tuscany Village represents a future home for hundreds of families and individuals, meticulously designed to foster a vibrant and connected community. Royal Palm Companies and Mattoni Group are dedicated to bringing this vision to life, positively impacting the Sanford region and the broader Florida housing market.

THE ESTATE COMPANIES GRANTED SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR SOLESTE POMPANO BEACH LUXURY MIXED-USE RENTAL COMMUNITY

The Estate Companies (EIG), a leading developer of luxury multi-family projects throughout South Florida, has obtained site plan approval from the City of Pompano Beach for Soleste Pompano Beach, an eight-story, mixed-use community with 253 luxury apartments and 4,000 square feet of commercial space at 208 N. Federal Highway in Pompano Beach.

“We are extremely excited to bring this project to the City of Pompano Beach and thank the city officials, planning and zoning board, and staff for their confidence and support,” stated Nicholas Diaz-Silveira, senior development associate at The Estate Companies. “This community-oriented development will provide a truly enhanced lifestyle experience for residents through our vast collection of luxurious amenities and social components at an attainable price point.”

Ranging in size from 450 to 1,050 square feet, Soleste Pompano Beach will include studio apartments, one- and two-bedroom units, and live-work units with a combination of residential and business space. A parking garage will include 367 spaces with another 11 parallel parking spaces at the ground level.

The Estate Companies is known for its Soleste Living brand portfolio of luxury multi-family rental developments throughout South Florida, all of which feature health and wellness offerings and social components. Soleste Pompano Beach will include a resort-style pool and amenity deck with fitness center on the sixth floor and public open space with a picnic area.

Soleste Pompano Beach is situated on one of South Florida’s main arteries, U.S. 1, just north of East Atlantic Boulevard, and in close proximity to many local attractions including the beach and a myriad of entertainment and dining options. The project is slated to break ground toward the end of Q3 2022.

The Estate Companies has numerous other projects in various stages of development throughout the tri-county region including Hialeah, Spring Gardens, North Miami Beach, Hollywood, Dania Beach, Riviera Beach, and West Palm Beach.

City of Miami Beach Approves Ocean Terrace Redevelopment Plan Along North Beach Beachfront

The City of Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board has approved the Ocean Terrace Holdings (OTH) redevelopment plan and Ocean Terrace streetscape masterplan. Led by OTH principals Sandor Scher and Alex Blavatnik, the redevelopment plan includes a 20-story, 75-unit residential building, new restaurant and retail options, and a 127-room hotel that incorporates the carefully renovated and unified historic Broadmoor and Ocean Surf properties. Following years of community outreach and negotiations with the City, the approval of OTH’s redevelopment plan will revitalize this underutilized area in North Beach along Collins Avenue, between 74th and 75th Street.

“The approved plan for Ocean Terrace is more economically viable, will attract a world-class hotel operator, and will incorporate a beautifully-designed oceanfront greenspace for the entire community to enjoy,” said Sandor Scher, principal of Ocean Terrace Holdings, LLC. “We look forward to getting to work on our long-awaited project, which will restore the street-level historic architecture, transform Ocean Terrace into a lushly-landscaped oasis and give new life to this cherished beachfront.”

The approved plan includes a few recently added enhancements that will elevate the project’s hotel and residential components. To help attract a world-class hotel flag to the project, the plan adds a new hotel building with 72 rooms that will be built within previously approved height restrictions. The hotel will be managed as one operation with the historic Broadmoor and Ocean Surf hotel buildings. The hotel will include restaurants, bar, meeting rooms, fitness, spa, outdoor pool and deck, rooftop lounge, and on-site parking.

With an historically inspired design, the residential component will feature curvilinear designs reflective of MiMo style, such as curved balconies and eyebrows. Units will range in size from 2 to 5 bedrooms and feature a full complement of luxury amenities. The masterplan also calls for approximately 15,000 square feet of commercial space along Collins Avenue and approximately 3,000 square feet along Ocean Terrace.

“We are grateful to the North Beach community and City of Miami Beach for working together with us to create a vision for Ocean Terrace that incorporates historic preservation, activation of the oceanfront, and economic revitalization,” said Alex Blavatnik, principal of Ocean Terrace Holdings, LLC. “We are excited to now be able to bring that vision to life, starting with an iconic and activated public space that will belong to the City for future generations.”

The first stage of the redevelopment plan will focus on a new $15 million, five-acre public greenspace along Ocean Terrace designed by world-renowned landscape architect Raymond Jungles. The asphalt street will be converted into an active, pedestrian-focused greenspace with native trees that will provide much-needed shade. A public-private partnership with the City of Miami Beach, the streetscape plan will also offer new walking trails, water features, public seating, and a covered pavilion. A mid-block open breezeway in the Ocean Terrace development will also connect Collins Avenue retail to Ocean Terrace, allowing enhanced public access to the oceanfront. OTH will fully fund the park, with no cost to taxpayers, and will deliver the greenspace on an expedited timeline.

Construction on the public greenspace is set to begin in the third quarter 2022. Pre-construction sales for the residential building are also estimated to launch in 2022.

Deco Green Mixed-Use Rental Development Approved In Lake Worth Beach

Office America Group, a boutique real estate development firm based in South Florida, has obtained site plan approval for Deco Green, an approximately 125,000 SF mixed-use community featuring four buildings with 127 residential units, approximately 8,000 SF of retail and office space, and 20,000 SF of green space located at 1715 N Dixie Hwy in Lake Worth Beach. The city commission voted in favor of the project at its second hearing on Aug. 17th. Groundbreaking is estimated for Q2 2022.

“We thank the City of Lake Worth Beach and the community for their support,” stated Ricardo Hernandez, founder and CEO, Office America Group. “Deco Green will offer a variety of rental opportunities at an attainable price point and is the first new development to offer three-bedroom units in Lake Worth Beach.” Hernandez added, “Our team has designed a project that we believe will invigorate the area and deliver a real connection and destination for the community. With art, culture, entertainment and a green space, we are confident that Deco Green will serve as a sought-after rental option for young professionals and young families.”

Designed by Martin Architectural Group, Deco Green features a mix of Art-Deco and Bauhaus style design. Future residents will have the option to select from a variety of well-designed units containing sleek, modern kitchens, walk-in closets and private balconies overlooking a courtyard. Facing Dixie Highway, the buildings will be adorned with two murals by internationally recognized artist, Leonardo Moleiro.

As a community-oriented development awarded by the Lake Worth Beach CRA through a request for proposals (RFP), Deco Green will include a vast collection of social components including “The Courtyard,” featuring 20,000 square feet of central green space with thoughtful landscaping designed by Landscape Architect Andres Montero, a children’s playground, dog park, office, retail and more.

“The courtyard is intended to be a gathering place for picnics, yoga classes, art festivals and more for residents and the surrounding community to enjoy,” stated Montero.

Situated on 2.3 acres on the west side of North Dixie Highway between the 17th and 18th Avenues, the property is conveniently located two minutes from downtown Lake Worth with a plethora of dining, cultural and entertainment options, including a historic theater and a museum, live music clubs, coffee houses, art galleries, antique malls, retail stores and a variety of restaurants. The project is one mile from the beach and Lake Worth Golf Club, eight minutes from West Palm Beach, 10 minutes from Boynton Beach, and 15 minutes from Delray Beach.

Brightline Reveals New Renderings of Recently Approved Boca Raton Brightline Station

Brightline continues to cement their expansion connecting South Florida by rail after Boca Raton’s Planning and Zoning Board approved the proposed design for the Boca Raton Brightline Station. Brightline revealed new renderings of the station where preliminary work on the site is already underway. Construction on a community garden and temporary parking lot which will enable construction of the station are expected to be completed by August 2021. The project will have to go through a final vote by the Boca Raton City Council in August and a request for proposals will be issued to contractors for the station in the near future.

The Federal Railroad Administration is planning to award $16.5 million towards construction of the project. On July 7, 2021 a pre-award approval was issued to Brightline to begin to purchase materials for the project.

Deco Capital Group's Mixed-Use Office Development Eighteen Sunset Approved In Sunset Harbour

One of South Florida’s most in-demand neighborhoods is getting a new offering of residential and commercial space following the approval of Eighteen Sunset, a mixed-use development set to rise in Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour district. Eighteen Sunset is being developed by Deco Capital Group and was designed by DOMO Architecture + Design.

The five-story building will feature street-level retail and restaurant space, two floors of Class A offices, and an exclusive top-floor penthouse residence with a private rooftop deck. Plans for the development won unanimous approval from the Miami Beach City Commission on May 12, 2021. Construction is scheduled to begin in late summer 2021, with completion anticipated in 2023.

Situated between Purdy Avenue and Bay Road, overlooking Biscayne Bay and Maurice Gibb Park, Eighteen Sunset will offer unmatched walkability and accessibility in the heart of Sunset Harbour, which has emerged as one of South Florida’s hottest lifestyle, retail and dining destinations.

“Eighteen Sunset will be a premier address for shopping, dining, working and living just as Miami Beach enjoys a surge of new residents and businesses,” says Deco Capital Group Founder Bradley Colmer. “No other building in Miami Beach offers this level of Class A, luxury office and prime retail space looking out onto the water. The penthouse residence will be an unparalleled home in the sky in the center of Miami Beach’s most exciting neighborhood.”

The crown jewel of Eighteen Sunset is a penthouse residence featuring more than 15,000 SF of interior space as well as a breathtaking rooftop pool deck. The residence comprises over 32,000 SF of private indoor and outdoor space in total. The rooftop includes a pool and hot tub, an outdoor dining room, and expansive gardens, seating and recreational areas affording the owner and their guests panoramic vistas of Biscayne Bay, the Downtown Miami skyline, and evening sunsets to the west. The penthouse owner will have private ownership and use of a ground floor foyer/lounge, as well as a private garage accommodating at least six cars on the building’s second floor, offering direct elevator access to the residence.

“The Penthouse at Eighteen Sunset will be the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity in Miami Beach, making it unlike any private residence the city has seen,” says Oren Alexander of Douglas Elliman. “This is perfect for a buyer drawn to the idea of taking an elevator down to the ground floor and being immersed in a vibrant, walkable neighborhood that offers everything from sidewalk cafés and coffee shops, to trendy boutiques and a marina across the street. All of this is available in a building offering beautiful views and the amenities and security features of a world class building.”

Eighteen Sunset’s ground floor totals approximately 15,500 SF of high-visibility, rentable commercial space, offering retail and restaurant concepts prime frontage along pedestrian-friendly Purdy Avenue. A central breezeway and cantilevered sidewalk cover will feature shaded seating areas and create seamless connectivity with Maurice Gibb Park.

Floors three and four will be comprised of approximately 32,000 SF of Class A-plus office space tailor made for finance and investment firms, family offices, technology firms, and professional service companies in the market for space offering waterfront views, proximity to Miami’s most desirable residential neighborhoods, and Sunset Harbour’s stylish mix of shops and eateries just steps away. Office tenants will have secure parking on the building’s second floor.

“Today’s office users are placing emphasis on planning and building custom-designed space in areas that are walkable, accessible, and which offer proximity to outdoor recreation. Eighteen Sunset checks all of these boxes – and more,” explains Stephen Rutchik of Colliers International. “We are finding that Eighteen Sunset’s best in class data connectivity, sustainability initiatives, private balcony spaces, and 24/7 full building generator for all tenant systems are appealing to firms looking to establish their presence in one of Miami’s most sought-after districts.”

Stephen Rutchik of Colliers International is leading leasing the Eighteen Sunset’s office space, Sara Wolfe of Koniver Stern is marketing the retail offerings, and Oren Alexander of Douglas Elliman selling the penthouse.

For more information about Eighteen Sunset or commercial leasing in Sunset Harbour, private showings or availability/ pricing information please fill out the form below:

Adler Group's Nexus Riverside Mixed-Use Multifamily Approved In Downtown Miami

Adler Group’s mixed-use Class-A multifamily project Nexus Riverside has been approved by Miami’s Planning & Zoning Department. Located at 230 SW 3rd St., Nexus Riverside will be a multi-phase project in which Phase 1 will feature 428 apartments units, 278,379 square feet of office, 4,000 square feet of retail and 1,307 parking spaces. The office component will be used by the City of Miami and will replace their existing adjacent Miami Riverside Center. The residential tower will rise 38-stories, 430’, and the office tower will rise 20-stories.

The multifamily component will offer residents over 40,000 square feet of amenity space split between two amenity decks. Amenities include an oversized rooftop pool providing 360° unobstructed views of the Miami skyline, a state-of-the-art fitness center with on-demand training and a yoga/spin room, a social club, media lounge, game room, co-working-style business center, and a meditation garden.

Adler Group is currently awaiting their construction permit which they initially applied for in December 2020 to commence construction.