Rilea Group Breaks Ground on Mohawk at Wynwood Mixed Use Luxury Rental Development

Veteran South Florida developer Rilea Group broke ground on Mohawk at Wynwood, a 300-residence mixed-use development that will establish the defining link between the Wynwood Arts District and Midtown Miami. Located at 50 NE 29th St., Mohawk joins two neighboring projects: The Rider Residences, a boutique condominium developed in partnership with Ciprés, the next-generation real estate development firm, and The Boxer, an eight-story rental building Ciprés is spearheading at 20 NE 29th St. Together, the two firms are shaping nearly an entire city block through the three transformative projects at the nexus of Wynwood, Midtown, Edgewater and the Miami Design District.

Rilea Group, the sales and construction teams, banking and finance executives, members of the brokerage community and select media came together for a ceremony to celebrate the groundbreaking on Sept. 23, 2026.

Mohawk is situated approximately 100 yards from Amazon's new Miami offices, in the middle of a corridor where, according to Rilea Group, more than $11 billion of real estate development is currently underway.

Comprising 12- and eight-story residential towers, Mohawk will feature 300 apartments and 29,118 square feet of ground-floor retail, organized around an open-air, cobblestone pedestrian paseo connecting Northeast 28th and 29th streets.

"Mohawk is punk rock in a tailored jacket," said Diego Ojeda, Founder of Ciprés and President of Rilea Group. "It is a mixed-use project, 300 residences over retail, but nothing about it behaves like one. Chicago brick, blackened steel and glass on the outside. High fashion, photography and rock and roll on the inside. Art on every floor. Nobody has built a rental building like this in Miami, and that is exactly the point. We are also giving the neighborhood its widest sidewalks, because a great restaurant deserves a real terrace. Our retail owners get room for tables, while the runner, the dog walker and the stroller still glide past without touching a chair. That is how Fifth Avenue works. That is how the Champs-Élysées works. We did not design Mohawk to fit in. We designed it to be the talk of the town, and the retail numbers say the town has already noticed."

Mohawk is Rilea Group's sixth project with Coastal Construction, a relationship that includes 1450 Brickell, home to J.P. Morgan's Miami headquarters, and Banco Santander's U.S. headquarters now rising at 1401 Brickell Avenue. Construction financing was provided by Nuveen Green Capital and ABANCA, the Spanish bank headquartered in Galicia. The project is slated for completion in 2029.

A Facade from the Industrial North, Interiors from London

Designed by Deforma Studio, Mohawk's exterior is influenced by Chicago and Brooklyn’s brick facades, with blackened steel and glass - an homage to the industrial architecture of the Northern region’s warehouses and factory lofts, carried as far as modern materials allow.

“Mohawk is our homage to the industrial North - the brick warehouses and factory lofts of Chicago, Brooklyn and Philadelphia, reinterpreted through a contemporary Miami lens,” said Javier Barrera, Principal of Deforma Studio. “The reclaimed brick is authentic, salvaged from old factories across the North East and Midwest, so there’s real history embedded in the building. We paired that material with dark metal and glass to capture the character of that industrial architecture without trying to replicate it literally. Diego gave us the freedom to be genuinely creative on this one, and you can see that freedom in every elevation.”

Interiors by RADYCA will distinguish Mohawk as Miami's most fashion-forward and rock-and-roll-focused residential apartment building, with photography, sculptures and murals accenting the lobbies, paseo and amenity floors.

"I went to London to be inspired for Mohawk," said Ramón Alonso, President of RADYCA. "Camden, Shoreditch, the old punk clubs and the fashion houses that grew up next to them. That collision of high fashion and rebellion is what Mohawk's interiors are about. Raw brick, blackened steel, velvet, photography on the walls, a lobby lit like a stage. It is a home for people who would rather be in the front row than the back."

Retail Built for Restaurants and Flagships

Mohawk's 27,990 square feet of ground-floor retail is for sale, with units from 642 to 2,544 square feet, each delivered with high ceilings, grease-trap-ready infrastructure and storefronts opening onto Northeast 28th Street, Northeast 29th Street and the paseo. Sidewalks along the project are 30 feet wide, sized to what shoppers find on Fifth Avenue in New York City or Calle Serrano in Madrid, with room for outdoor dining. On 28th Street, the retail abuts the new headquarters Rilea Group is building for Grammy-winning artist Pitbull.

The paseo, a cobblestone passageway inspired by New York's Meatpacking District, runs through the block from 28th to 29th Street, lined with shopfronts, sculpture and photography.

Retail sales at Mohawk have already set records. Approximately a third of the retail space is under contract at a blended price of about $1,800 per square foot, the highest retail pricing ever achieved in Wynwood or Midtown Miami. Early this year, an international buyer acquired five units for approximately $14 million settled in USDT, a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, the largest crypto-settled commercial real estate sale in Miami’s history, executed with tokenization specialist Propy. Cryptocurrency payments remain available for retail purchases. Cervera Real Estate and The Comras Company lead the retail sales team.

Residences and Amenities

Rising above the streetscape, studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will feature tile flooring throughout, Bertazzoni appliances and kitchens with Dekton by Cosentino countertops, backsplashes and cabinetry. Select homes will open onto spacious lanais and private outdoor living areas.

Rooftop amenities across both towers will include a pool deck, a padel court, secluded gathering areas and a dedicated dog park. Indoors, residents will find a Turkish hammam, a gym, a double-height lounge and offices designed for focused work. Recreational offerings will encompass a game room, indoor and outdoor children's play areas, a separate lounge and bar and a private park. An enclosed garage will accommodate 318 vehicles, with 17 additional on-street parking spaces adjacent to the property.

Past PROFILEmiami articles about Mohawk at Wynwood:

For more information about Mohawk at Wynwood fill out the form below:

Oak Row Equities Launches Pre-Leasing for Neo Edgewater Luxury Rental Residences

Oak Row Equities, a leading South Florida real estate investment and development firm, has launched pre-leasing at Neo Edgewater, a new luxury rental building offering 399 thoughtfully designed residences in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Located at 2600 Biscayne Blvd within a 41-story mixed-use development, the apartments feature ultra-fine finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows and remarkably open floor plans, providing a refined residential experience for modern Miami living. The building will be ready for move-ins this October.

“We’re excited to launch pre-leasing for Neo Edgewater and introduce future residents to a community that captures the energy of Edgewater with sophisticated design, exceptional amenities and a true sense of place,” said David Weitz, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Oak Row Equities. “As Miami attracts new residents from around the world, we’re confident Neo will resonate with renters seeking a luxury lifestyle in one of the city’s most vibrant and centrally located neighborhoods.

Designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Vida Design, Neo Edgewater will offer homes ranging from approximately 500 to 1,700 square feet, from studios to three-bedroom residences with select den layouts available, each crafted for effortless everyday living. Expansive ceiling heights and floor-to-ceiling windows create bright, open interiors, while private balconies in select residences allow residents to embrace Miami’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Designed with both style and functionality in mind, kitchens feature spacious islands, European-style cabinetry, quartz countertops and premium appliances. Throughout each residence, spa-inspired bathrooms, custom walk-in closets, blackout shades and in-unit laundry enhance everyday comfort. For those seeking a more elevated experience, Penthouse residences feature soaring ceilings, discreet paneled appliances, integrated wine coolers and upgraded designer features.

“As Edgewater evolves into a leading residential Miami neighborhood, demand for high-quality residences has never been stronger,” said Erik Rutter, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Oak Row Equities. “Neo reflects Oak Row Equities’ commitment to thoughtful development and our ability to bring transformative mixed-use projects to neighborhoods that are shaping Miami’s future.”

Complementing the residences, Neo Edgewater’s amenity collection is designed to support the rhythm of everyday life, with spaces that center around wellness, productivity, and social connection. Residents will have access to a 30,000-square-foot Equinox flagship fitness center, a resort-style pool deck with cabanas, co-working spaces, a padel court on weekends, a rooftop deck on the 41st floor for private gatherings, along with a staffed residential lobby and pet-friendly amenities, adding convenience to daily living.

Beyond its residential offering, 2600 Biscayne, the mixed-use development encompassing Neo Edgewater, will include approximately 205,000 square feet of Class A office and retail space. Designed as a true live-work-play destination, the project has attracted a distinguished roster of commercial tenants, including Equinox, the globally recognized luxury fitness brand, Coastal Construction, one of South Florida's leading general contractors, and Ferraro Law Firm. The office component expands Oak Row Equities' growing commercial portfolio, which includes Wynwood Plaza, anchored by Amazon, and The Oasis, home to Spotify's South Florida headquarters. The office and retail building is scheduled to open alongside the residences this October.

Situated between Midtown, the Miami Design District, Wynwood, Downtown Miami, and Miami Beach, Neo Edgewater is at the center of Miami's cultural and lifestyle offerings. Residents will be minutes from waterfront green space at Maurice A. Ferré Park, acclaimed dining at Amara at Paraiso, luxury shopping in the Miami Design District, and cultural landmarks including the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, and Kaseya Center. Biscayne Boulevard, I-195, and I-95 provide seamless connectivity throughout Greater Miami.

Leasing at Neo Edgewater is exclusively led by Bozzuto.

Exterior renderings via Quantam Space Studio / Common space & residence renderings via Vida Design

Past PROFILEmiami articles about Neo Edgewater / 2600 Biscayne:

For more information about Neo Edgewater fill out the form below:

DFRE™ Begins The Triangle, A $35 Million Workforce Housing Development Designed by ODP Architects in Miami’s Health District

Miami-based development firm DFRE™ has revealed The Triangle, a $35 million mixed-use workforce housing development bringing 112 rental residences to Miami’s Health District, one of the city’s largest employment hubs. Located at 1750 NW 15 Street Road, the eight-story, 121,636-square-foot project is currently under construction and will provide thoughtfully designed, attainable housing within close proximity to the district’s major employers and transit connections.

The development comes as Miami-Dade County faces a need for approximately 35,000 additional workforce housing units to address the growing gap between housing costs and local incomes, a challenge particularly relevant in the Health District, which supports more than 46,000 jobs across healthcare, institutional and other essential sectors. The Triangle is being developed under Florida’s Live Local Act, with all 112 rental residences income-restricted to households earning up to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).

“Our responsibility extends far beyond developing real estate,” said Daniel Dias, principal at DFRE. “With The Triangle, we’re turning a site in the heart of the Health District into attainable, well-designed housing for the people who serve this community. It’s about giving Miami’s workforce the opportunity to live closer to where they work while creating a place that strengthens the neighborhood for the long term.”

Designed by ODP Architects—the Miami-based firm behind high-profile developments including Villa Miami—The Triangle brings a luxury-caliber design approach to workforce housing. Its articulated façade of projecting balconies, recessed glazing, vertical screening elements, and warm soffit accents create depth, privacy, and a strong indoor-outdoor connection. Generous glazing and integrated planting bring natural light and greenery directly into the residential experience. These features also provide shade and reduce solar exposure, demonstrating that thoughtful design and affordable housing can go hand in hand.

The development will feature:

• 112 rental, 450-square-foot studio units with private balconies and club membership included

• A landscaped 10,000-square-foot pool terrace located on the fifth level, featuring private cabanas, an outdoor television, dedicated gathering spaces, and a fully equipped outdoor grilling area

• A 3,500-square-foot ground-level fitness center featuring a health food and juice bar, complemented by private fitness studios and dedicated cardio rooms across the second through fourth levels

• Direct access to green space designed to promote wellness and community connection

• Additional amenities include dedicated parking, secure bicycle storage, resident club room, in-residence laundry facilities, full-time on-site staff, and a dedicated package room

Ground-floor uses will activate the streetscape, while the project’s walkable location connects residents to Jackson Memorial Hospital, the University of Miami Health System, public transit, neighborhood services and retail throughout the Health District. Local artists will also be incorporated throughout the development, reinforcing Miami’s cultural identity and creating a distinctive sense of place.

The Triangle reflects DFRE’s distinct approach to urban infill: transforming an overlooked, irregular “odd lot” parcel into a transit-oriented community designed around how residents live, work and connect. The triangular site, with a single point of ingress and egress along NW 15th Street Road, presented unique design and construction challenges. Through close collaboration between design and structural teams, DFRE transformed these constraints into opportunities, optimizing the building footprint, circulation, structural systems, and overall site functionality while creating a compelling design.

“Some developers see difficult sites. We see opportunities,” said Laura Weinstein-Berman, principal at DFRE. “The Triangle proves that workforce housing does not mean compromising on design or quality. We’ve approached the architecture, residences and shared spaces with the same level of intention you would expect from a high-end development, because thoughtful design should not be determined by price point. We want to create a place that residents are genuinely proud to call home.”

The Triangle is anticipated to top off in mid-2027, with completion slated for early 2028.

Unlike a traditional build-and-exit development model, DFRE owns, develops, operates and programs its properties, staying invested from acquisition and design through long-term operations. This model gives the firm a direct role in how its properties serve residents and contribute to their neighborhoods long after construction is complete.

The Triangle builds on a development model DFRE has already implemented across Miami. In Little Havana, El Jardín Inn transformed a collection of historic Art Deco buildings near Calle Ocho through adaptive reuse and historic preservation, introducing boutique hospitality, cultural programming and partnerships with local artists and businesses. In Overtown, Peach on 14th reimagined an underutilized urban site through a public-private partnership as a mixed-use neighborhood hub combining affordable work-live residences, commercial and civic uses, public space and an exhibition gallery.

Looking ahead, DFRE plans to expand its South Florida pipeline with additional workforce housing and mixed-use developments grounded in affordability, design, sustainability and long-term neighborhood investment.

Past PROFILEmiami articles about The Triangle:

For more information on The Triangle please fill out the form below:

Oak Row Equities and LNDMRK Development Top Off 2900 Terrace Luxury Rental Tower Coming To Edgewater

Oak Row Equities and LNDMRK Development have topped out 2900 Terrace, a 32-story luxury rental development in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Located at 401 NE 29th Street, 2900 Terrace will bring 324 luxury rental residences pairing generously proportioned homes with thoughtful, condo-level design and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. The project is anticipated to deliver in Q4 2027.

Oak Row Equities is a leading vertically-integrated real estate private equity and development company with over $3.9 billion of development in South Florida led by Erik Rutter and David Weitz. In Edgewater Oak Row Equities is also developing 2600 Biscayne, a 41-story mixed-use tower featuring 399 luxury rental residences, along with office and retail space.

LNDMRK Development is a principal based real estate company concentrated on mixed use urban development and opportunistic value based acquisitions led by Alex Karakhanian.

“Topping out 2900 Terrace is an exciting step forward as we move closer to delivering a truly differentiated residential experience in Edgewater,” said Erik Rutter, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Oak Row Equities. “Our vision has been to create a property that reflects how people want to live in Miami today, combining spacious residences and thoughtful design with exceptional amenities and easy access to everything the city has to offer.”

Designed by Arquitectonica, with interiors by Vida Design and construction led by Coastal Construction, 2900 Terrace will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom residences averaging 1,069 square feet, with select layouts featuring dens and enclosed studios. Thoughtfully scaled layouts set the residences apart from typical rental offerings, with wider living rooms, expansive balconies spanning the length of the home and floor-to-ceiling windows in select bedrooms that maximize natural light and frame views of Biscayne Bay. Kitchens will feature dedicated pantry storage in select layouts, while condo-level finishes and top-of-the line appliances bring an elevated level of design and functionality to everyday living.

“2900 Terrace reflects the continued evolution of Edgewater into one of Miami’s most desirable residential neighborhoods,” said Alex Karakhanian, Principal of LNDMRK Development. “With spacious residences, condo-level finishes, expansive outdoor living and a robust collection of wellness, lifestyle and work-from-home amenities, the project is designed around how residents want to live in Miami today.”

The development’s amenity program is designed to support the many ways residents live, work and spend their time at home. Wellness offerings will include a fitness center, spa, yoga and hammam facilities, while outdoor spaces will center around the pool, pool lounge and padel courts. Residents will also have dedicated spaces for work, entertainment and gathering, including coworking and meeting spaces, a cinema, private dining room and clubroom, with dedicated areas for families and content creators rounding out the experience.

“2900 Terrace brings together the quality of a condominium with the flexibility and convenience of a professionally managed rental building,” said David Weitz, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Oak Row Equities. “We put a strong emphasis on design and service to make the property, and its amenities feel like a true extension of home. Combined with its location in Edgewater, we believe 2900 Terrace offers a compelling new standard of living for renters in Miami.”

Situated in Edgewater, 2900 Terrace is located east of Biscayne Boulevard and one block away from Biscayne Bay, offering residents a quieter waterfront setting with convenient access to Miami’s urban core. Residents will be steps away from the Baywalk, a public waterfront promenade along Biscayne Bay, while nearby Biscayne Boulevard and I-95 provide connectivity to surrounding submarkets and employment centers including the Design District, Wynwood, Brickell, Downtown, and Miami Beach.

Past PROFILEmiami articles about 2900 Terrace:

For more information about 2900 Terrace please fill out the form below:

Oak Row Equities and LNDMRK Development Lock Down $210.5 Million In Financing and Break Ground on 2900 Terrace in Miami's Edgewater Neighborhood

Oak Row Equities, a leading vertically-integrated real estate private equity and development company with over $3.9 billion of development in South Florida led by Erik Rutter and David Weitz, and LNDMRK Development, a principal based real estate company concentrated on mixed use urban development and opportunistic value based acquisitions led by Alex Karakhanian, have broken ground on 2900 Terrace, a premier luxury multifamily tower in Miami’s vibrant Edgewater submarket. This milestone follows the successful closing of $210.5 million in construction financing this summer, including a $142.5 million senior loan from Bank OZK and a $68.0 million mezzanine loan provided by Canyon Partners Real Estate.

2900 Terrace has been meticulously designed by the preeminent architecture firm Arquitectonica to appeal to Miami’s most selective tenants. Its coveted location within the urban core is on one of the last undeveloped parcels east of Biscayne Boulevard. The building will feature protected Biscayne Bay views, an abundance of natural light, spectacular finishes, and exceptional private and shared outdoor spaces. Completion is anticipated by Q4 2027.

“2900 Terrace will up the caliber of multifamily product in Miami by orders of magnitude. We are thrilled to break ground and service a true market gap for oversized, condo-quality rentals that are purpose-built for discerning tenants,” said Erik Rutter and David Weitz, Managing Partners at Oak Row Equities. “Commencing construction on 2900 Terrace is a significant milestone for our growing portfolio and we are eager to deliver an unparalleled rental experience to the city.”

Spacious one, two, and three-bedroom residences (324 in total) are crafted for design-conscious renters. Many offer large wraparound terraces and home offices. Interior finishes feature calming color schemes and opulent materials that evoke a sense of permanence rarely seen in multifamily towers. Residents will also benefit from concierge services and and abundance of convenient amenities.

The tower’s extensive amenity program spans two levels, with wellness as a guiding principle. Indoor amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, co-working spaces with podcast and content creator studios, card room, resident lounge, treatment rooms, sauna, golf simulator, theater, and a children’s playroom.

There is a south-facing landscaped deck which offers endless opportunities for entertaining and recreation. Outdoor amenities feature a stunning swimming pool, cold plunge, poolside cabanas and lounge seating, BBQ grills and picnic seating, a hot tub, summer kitchen, two padel courts, a children’s playground, and a co-working terrace.

Arquitectonica’s exterior design masterfully juxtaposes warm bronze-like accents with off-white tones throughout the exterior facade. Inventive material use brings a nuanced and textured effect to the lower portions of the facade, while perforated corrugated metal, reflective glass, and charcoal window frames and mullions create visual interest throughout.

Located on 1.5 acres, 2900 Terrace will feature a carefully-considered ground floor experience with sprawling landscaped areas set back more than ten feet from the street, offering a plethora of places to gather. Residents will arrive via a covered loggia, and the property will provide over 500 parking spots, including EV charging stations.

Edgewater offers an abundance of lifestyle amenities, including the lush eight-acre Margaret Pace Park, chic dining, and retail options. 29th Street has convenient pedestrian access to Wynwood and is just one block from a new Whole Foods and a future Brightline rail station. Wynwood, Midtown, and the Design District are just moments away. Miami International Airport, I-95, Miami Beach, and Brickell are all easily accessible from this prime location.

Oak Row Equities has rapidly ascended as a preeminent development firm in the South Florida real estate industry. Wynwood Plaza, home to Amazon’s South Florida headquarters and luxury rentals celebrated its grand opening last week. The firm is currently under contract on the largest single land acquisition in South Florida for a 4.25-acre waterfront property in Brickell for $520 million. World-caliber tenants in the portfolio include Amazon, Spotify, Equinox, Coastal Construction, and Ferraro Law, among many others.

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.”

The Agency Expands Presence in Florida with Fort Lauderdale Office

Global luxury real estate brokerage, The Agency, continues its rapid expansion with the opening of its newest office in Fort Lauderdale. This latest addition marks the firm’s fifth location in Florida, joining established offices in Miami, Naples, Orlando, and Palm Beach.

Leading the Fort Lauderdale office is a team of distinguished Managing Partners: Mauricio Umansky, Founder and CEO of The Agency; Santiago Arana, ranked as the #6 top agent in the U.S. by RealTrends; and Howard Elfman, a seasoned real estate professional with over 25 years of experience in South Florida, who will also serve as Managing Broker. Among the office’s standout listings is 733 Middle River Drive, one of Fort Lauderdale’s most expensive properties, priced at $47.9 million and represented by Rick Teed.

Fort Lauderdale has emerged as a key market for luxury real estate, driven by its vibrant lifestyle and strong investment appeal. Mauricio Umansky emphasized The Agency’s dedication to the region, stating, “With some of the industry’s most influential leaders at the helm, our Fort Lauderdale office is poised for success as we continue to expand throughout South Florida. Fort Lauderdale has quickly become a prime destination for buyers, and The Agency’s unmatched global network and expertise are perfectly positioned to serve this dynamic market. With its vibrant lifestyle and strong investment potential, we’re excited to bring The Agency’s signature brand to this thriving region.”

The Fort Lauderdale launch is part of The Agency’s significant global expansion efforts. In 2024 alone, the brokerage opened 28 offices, bringing its total to over 130 locations across 12 countries. Recognized by The Financial Times as one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies, The Agency has also ranked on Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing private companies for seven consecutive years.

In addition to its global reach, The Agency has cemented its reputation as a leader in the luxury real estate space, earning accolades such as Inman’s Luxury Brokerage of the Year and a top 20 spot on the 2024 RealTrends 500 list.

The new Fort Lauderdale office, located at 901 E Las Olas Blvd #204, positions The Agency as a vital player in the region’s luxury market. Howard Elfman expressed his excitement, stating, “Fort Lauderdale is experiencing incredible growth, and I am personally honored to expand our office with passionate, like-minded agents who share our commitment to collaboration.”

$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.