Developers of The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Secure $418.3 Million Construction Loan Package

Fortune International Group and Château Group, developers of The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, announced today that they have secured a $418.3 million construction loan package. Bank OZK was the lender. The total package ranks among the largest ever for Sunny Isles Beach real estate.

The latest financing for the under-construction, two-tower oceanfront development comes on the heels of significant sales activity and international buzz. The Residences’ South Tower is now 90% sold, while at the adjacent North Tower – the community’s second and final building – the volume of contracts continues to underscore sustained buyer demand.

“We are pleased to confirm that The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami closed its construction loan with Bank OZK, which was the existing lender on the property for a number of years, completing the capital stack of the project,” said Edgardo Defortuna, CEO of Fortune International Group. “Securing this loan confirms the strong confidence lenders have in our vision.”

“This loan reflects the pace-setting sales and sustained demand for this project and South Florida’s evolving luxury market,” said Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of Château Group. “Our project has firmly established itself as one of the region’s most desirable new developments. We look forward to delivering its completion and welcoming our owners.”

Featuring an unprecedented 435 linear feet of oceanfront – the most of any residential enclave currently rising in the region – The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami was designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Arquitectonica, with construction overseen by industry authority Coastal Construction.

The South Tower, with 170 residences, is on track for completion in late 2028. The North Tower, comprising 150 residences, will break ground next year. The total sell-out for both towers is projected to exceed $3 billion.

Remaining residences start at $5 million. The on-site, oceanside sales gallery is located at 18801 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach.

Interior renderings via Binyan Studio unless otherwise noted

The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Marriott”). La Playa Beach Associates, LLC uses the St. Regis marks under a license from Marriott, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made about the project.

For more information about The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Mast Capital & AEW Sell 342-unit Apartment Building in Miami River District

Mast Capital and AEW Capital Management have completed the sale of Remi on the River, a 342-unit luxury apartment community along the Miami River, to Valeris Capital. CBRE’s Robert Given, Troy Ballard, and Michael Mulkern advised on the sale. The transaction highlights continued investor demand for well-located multifamily assets in Miami’s growing urban core.

Delivered in 2024, Remi on the River is located at 999 NW 7th Street, minutes from Brickell, Downtown Miami, and the Miami Health District. The waterfront property spans more than 400 feet of river frontage and offers a mix of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging from 465 to 1,334 square feet.

Residences feature European-style kitchens with stainless-steel appliances, select units with built-in wine refrigerators, and expansive views of the river and city skyline. Amenities include a resort-style pool, aqua lounge, fitness center, coworking lounge, clubroom, and access-controlled parking. The project was designed by Corwil Architects.

“The sale of Remi on the River underscores the property’s exceptional lease-up performance, the quality of its design and amenities, and the growing appeal of the Miami River District as a premier destination for waterfront living,” said Camilo Miguel Jr., CEO and Founder of Mast Capital.

The Miami River has emerged as one of the city’s most dynamic residential and mixed-use submarkets. Stretching 5.5 miles through the city, the river corridor is home to commercial cargo operations, boating activity, and a growing number of lifestyle and residential developments.

Remi on the River’s location places residents within reach of Miami’s cultural institutions, including the History Miami Museum, Miami Children’s Museum, and Museum of Graffiti, as well as nearby retail and dining in Brickell, Wynwood, Midtown, and Miami Beach.

For Mast Capital, the deal reflects the firm’s broader strategy of investing in transformative projects across Miami. “This project reflects our commitment to investing in the continued revitalization of this vibrant neighborhood,” Miguel added.

Berkadia Secures $57M Bridge Loan for Midtown Capital Partners’ Lake Worth Apartment Project

Berkadia has arranged a $57 million bridge loan to refinance the construction debt on Astor Sound at Lake Worth, a new 230-unit multifamily community in Palm Beach County that is nearing completion.

The financing team included Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg, Managing Directors Scott Wadler, Brad Williamson, and Matt Robbins, along with Vice President Patrick Johnson. The loan was secured on behalf of the sponsor, Midtown Capital Partners, a Miami-based real estate investment advisor, operator, and developer with a portfolio spanning the U.S. and Spain. Infinity Collective originated the two-year loan, which includes an option for a six-month extension. The transaction closed on September 19.

Located at 2201 Tenth Avenue North, Astor Sound is designed as a garden-style community with four residential buildings ranging from two to five stories, along with a clubhouse on a 6.5-acre site. The property offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans sized between 715 and 1,160 square feet. Units feature chef-inspired kitchens with center islands, quartz countertops, luxury flooring, front-loading smart washers and dryers, and oversized walk-in closets.

Community amenities include a resort-style pool with pavilion and summer kitchen, fitness center, co-working lounge, coffee bar, game room, conference room, dog park and spa, and outdoor trails. The development is located minutes from downtown Lake Worth, with convenient access to I-95, Palm Beach State College, HCA Florida JFK Medical Center, and Palm Beach International Airport.

Founded in 2010, Midtown Capital Partners is an SEC-registered, vertically integrated real estate firm with offices in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Madrid. The company oversees more than $1 billion in assets across 22 investment vehicles, representing over 200 investors.

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.

Aztec Group Facilitates $55.6 Million Financing for Arcadia Gardens in Palm Beach Gardens

Aztec Group, a prominent real estate investment and merchant banking firm serving Florida for four decades, has announced its successful arrangement of $55.6 million in bridge financing for Arcadia Gardens, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This luxury age-restricted rental apartment community, encompassing 220 units across 10.64 acres, represents a significant investment in senior living infrastructure.

Developed in 2021, Arcadia Gardens offers residents a premium living experience coupled with a comprehensive amenity package. The centerpiece is its 15,210-square-foot clubhouse, featuring a plethora of amenities such as a fitness center, salon, movie theatre, and various sports courts including pickleball, bocce, and croquet. The community also boasts a pool, spa, walking trail, community garden, and full onsite dining facilities, ensuring residents have access to everything they need for a fulfilling lifestyle.

Strategically located in Palm Beach Gardens, Arcadia Gardens offers residents the convenience of easy access to over 2.9 million square feet of retail space within a one-mile radius. The proximity to The Gardens Mall, a renowned upscale shopping destination, further enhances the appeal of this vibrant community.

The project is managed by affiliates of the United Group of Companies based in Troy, NY, and Sina Companies of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The United Group of Companies brings over 50 years of industry expertise to the management of Arcadia Gardens, further ensuring the success and quality of the development.

The financing for Arcadia Gardens was secured through MetLife and provides favorable terms, including full-term interest-only and a 36-month term. Peter Mekras, President of Aztec Group, emphasized the meticulous selection process, stating, “Aztec sourced multiple proposals for the financing of Arcadia Gardens and worked with the sponsors to select the capital source that could move quickly and understood the unique attributes of this age-restricted community.”

Aztec Group's success in arranging nearly $200 million in bridge financing in the first five months of 2024 underscores its expertise and commitment to facilitating transformative real estate projects.

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.

Terra Closes on $127 Million Refinancing Loan for Natura Gardens Development

Terra and New Valley, the development partners behind Natura Gardens, a new multifamily community in Northwest Miami-Dade County, have secured $127 million in permanent financing for the development. The loan, issued by an affiliate of MF1 Capital, will be used to pay off and refinance an existing $65 million construction loan, which was provided in 2021 by Bank OZK. Completed in Summer 2023, Natura Gardens includes 460 garden-style rental apartments across 23-acres in Miami’s West Hialeah neighborhood.

At more than 97% leased, Natura Gardens’ one- to three-bedroom apartments measure between 727 and 1,603 square feet in size, with rental rates ranging from approximately $2,000 to $3,350 per month.

“Our ability to refinance Natura Gardens reflects the leasing success we’ve experienced at the property as well as the increasing demand for market-rate rental housing in the West Hialeah area,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra. “Natura Gardens continues to fulfill an unmet need for quality suburban living for thousands of working families seeking to minimize their daily commutes.”

Walker & Dunlop’s New York Capital Markets team, led by Keith Kurland, Aaron Appel, Jon Schwartz, Adam Schwartz, and Michael Diaz arranged the loan proceeds to refinance the existing construction loan of Natura Gardens.

Situated along NW 170th Street between I-75 and Florida’s Turnpike, Natura Gardens is located immediately south of the planned American Dream retail and entertainment complex, and a short drive from several large employers, including Boeing, Royal Caribbean International, Preferred Freezer Services, and The Home Depot.

Natura Gardens was designed by Pascual, Perez, Kiliddjian Architecture (PPK), with the development’s clubhouse and model units imagined by tennis champion Venus Williams’ design firm V Starr Interiors.

 Apartments have high-end finishes and fixtures, expansive balconies, custom shaker-style kitchen cabinetry, spacious built-in pantries, kitchen islands with breakfast areas, stainless steel appliances, full-size washer and dryers, spacious living and dining rooms, walk-in closets, and en-suite bathrooms.

Amenities at the gated community include a two-story clubhouse with a resort-style pool and spa; a covered kitchen prep area and grilling station, sink and refrigerator; outdoor tiki hut areas with hammocks, tables and umbrellas, and lounge chairs on comfortable beach sand; a media room, billiards and children’s playroom; a sophisticated lounge with a bar and kitchen; a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga, aerobics and spinning studios; a business center with co-working spaces and a coffee bar; a children’s tot-lot with recreational equipment and electronic car charging stations, and a residents-only dog park.

Inspired by the area’s natural surroundings, the community features lush landscaping, open lawns, lakes and preserves. Residents also have access to lush, green spaces with sitting areas and mobile device charging stations throughout the entire community.

Natura Gardens is the latest among Terra’s portfolio of newly completed multifamily developments across South Florida, which includes Grove Central, a transit-oriented mixed-use development with residential and retail uses in Coconut Grove; and Pines Garden at City Center, a garden-apartment community in Broward County’s City of Pembroke Pines. Terra is also currently developing CentroCity, which will include up to 1,200 apartments as part of a larger 38-acre mixed use development in central Miami-Dade County, just west of Little Havana; and Upland Park, which will include up to 1,700 apartments as part of a 47-acre mixed use transit-oriented development at the Miami-Dade County Dolphin Park-and-Ride Station.

Inside the PROFILE South Florida Capital Markets Summit at E11EVEN Residences Miami

On Wednesday February 7, 2024 PROFILEmiami hosted its inaugural, sold-out South Florida Capital Markets Summit at the E11EVEN Residences Beyond sales gallery in Downtown Miami’s fast growing District 11 and Miami Worldcenter. The luxurious event featured PROFILEmiami’s highly regarded Bespoke Networking powered by E11EVEN Vodka and an engaging panel exploring the current state and future of how real estate in Miami is valued, financed, and transacted with South Florida’s top real estate and finance executives. The exclusive panel featured industry leading developers Dan Kodsi of Royal Palm Companies, Juan Pedro San Martin of Merrimac Ventures and financiers Raul Llanes of City National Bank, Michael May of Silverstein Capital and Justin Oates of Cain International; moderated by Matt Einheber of TitleEQ.

Panelists had a comprehensive discussion about the current capital stack in commercial real estate deals and explored strategies that sponsors can employ to optimize their capital structure. The discussion also delved into the market's underwriting standards and loan-to-value ratios, uncovering their influence on loan approvals; as well as a spectrum of financing options, from debt and equity to mezzanine financing and EB-5, and grasp typical terms offered. The industry leading panelist also shared stories about their past experiences and how they navigated their careers to get to where they are today.

Part of PROFILEmiami’s highly-regarded PROFILEconnect bespoke networking event series, the event brings together Miami’s real estate industry and business professionals to network and connect outside of a traditional business setting. Guests enjoyed E11EVEN Vodka and an open bar powered by Title EQ as well as Zeroe Plant Based Caviar.

PROFILEconnect: South Florida Capital Markets Summit at E11EVEN Residences Beyond on 2/7/24

On Wednesday February 7, 2024 PROFILEmiami will host its inaugural South Florida Capital Markets Summit, exploring the current state and future of how real estate in Miami is valued, financed, and transacted with South Florida’s top real estate and finance executives.

Discover the intricacies of commercial real estate investment and financial markets where industry leaders will dissect the impact of changing interest rates, inflation, and global economic conditions on investment decisions. The exclusive panel features industry leaders developer Dan Kodsi of Royal Palm Companies, Dev Motwani of Merrimac Ventures, Raul Llanes of City National Bank, Michael May of Silverstein Capital and Justin Oates of Cain International; moderated by Matt Einheber of TitleEQ.

Panelists will have a comprehensive discussion about the current capital stack in commercial real estate deals and explore strategies that sponsors can employ to optimize their capital structure. The discussion will also delve into the market's underwriting standards and loan-to-value ratios, uncovering their influence on loan approvals; as well as a spectrum of financing options, from debt and equity to mezzanine financing and EB-5, and grasp typical terms offered. The discussion serves to educate attendees to anticipate future challenges and opportunities in the commercial real estate financing landscape while acquiring best practices for managing and mitigating risks, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.

Part of PROFILEmiami’s highly-regarded PROFILEconnect bespoke networking event series, the event brings together Miami’s real estate industry and business professionals to network and connect outside of a traditional business setting. Guests will have the opportunity to network and share their experiences in South Florida through thoughtful discourse, while forging new relationships with industry leaders as they discuss the industry’s most pressing topics. The evening is hosted by Demetri Demetri Demascus and Katya Demina of PROFILEmiami.

Panelists:

• Dev Motwani, Merrimac Ventures

• Dan Kodsi, Royal Palm Companies

• Michael May, Silverstein Capital

• Raul Llanes, City National Bank

• Justin Oates, Cain International

• Moderator: Matthew Einheber, TitleEQ

Who Should Attend: Developers, Investors, Brokers, Lenders, Private Equity, Family Offices, Architects, Lawyers, Designers, Wealth Managers, Financial Planners, CPAs and other Business Professionals.

Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Where: E11EVEN Residences Beyond Sales Gallery, 1018 N Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33136

Time: 6 PM - 9 PM

Music: DAKAP

Food & Drinks: Zeroe Plant Based Caviar, E11EVEN Vodka

Schedule:

• 6 PM - 7 PM: Cocktails & Networking w/ sound by DAKAP

• 7 PM - 8 PM: Architecture & Interior Design Panel

• 8 PM - 9 PM: Cocktails & Networking w/ sounds by DAKAP

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