Witkoff Secures $302.6 Million Construction Loan for First Phase of Kobi Karp-Designed Residential Development in Miami Worldcenter

Another major residential development is moving closer to construction in Downtown Miami after Witkoff, in partnership with Monroe Capital, secured a $302.6 million construction loan for the first phase of its planned three-tower community at 700 North Miami Avenue in Miami Worldcenter.

The financing marks a significant milestone for one of the final large-scale undeveloped parcels within Miami Worldcenter. The nearly five-acre property, formerly home to the historic Miami Arena, is planned for a master-planned residential development designed by Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design.

The financing was provided by Athene Annuity and Life Company, an affiliate of Apollo Global Management, together with J.P. Morgan Chase. The transaction refinanced approximately $57.3 million in existing debt while providing roughly $245.3 million in new construction financing. Lotus Capital Partners arranged the financing.

The project's first phase will include a residential tower rising approximately 600 feet with 894 residential units. Plans also call for 17,367 square feet of ground-floor retail space and a nine-story parking garage encompassing approximately 167,237 square feet.

Upon completion, the full development will feature three residential towers rising 50, 51 and 53 stories. The master plan includes 2,346 residential units, approximately 30,535 square feet of commercial space and 2,078 parking spaces, creating one of the largest planned residential communities within Miami Worldcenter.

The development continues to move through the City of Miami's permitting process. Site preparation has already been approved, while the master building permit and phased vertical construction permit remain under review. Construction costs for the first phase are estimated at nearly $270 million, with Coastal Construction serving as the project's general contractor.

Witkoff and Monroe Capital acquired the property for $94 million in 2021 after earlier redevelopment plans for the site were never realized. Before the current vision, the parcel had been slated for a Marriott Marquis hotel and convention center project that ultimately did not move forward.

The property occupies the former site of the Miami Arena, which opened in 1988 as the original home of the Miami Heat before later hosting the Florida Panthers, as well as concerts, sporting events and other entertainment throughout its history. The arena was demolished in 2008.

Located within walking distance of Brightline's MiamiCentral Station and other regional transit connections, the project represents another major step in the continued evolution of Miami Worldcenter as Downtown Miami's mixed-use neighborhood continues to expand.

Renderings via Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design

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Finvarb Group Adds To Deerfield Beach Assemblage With Acquisition Of Mixed-Use Property For $9.3 Million

Ronny Finvarb’s Finvarb Group has added to their Deerfield Beach assemblage with the acquisition of a mixed-use property at 233-245 N. Ocean Dr. in Deerfield Beach for $9.3 million. The 60,310 SF property was developed in 1988 and features a mix of office and retail tenants including Remax, 4D Gelateria, RNR Securities and Umberto’s Pizza. It was 97.2% leased at the time of transaction. The seller was Atlantic Pavillion Holdings who acquired the property in 2012 for $2.7 million.

233-245 N. Ocean Dr. is located adjacent to a 41,679 SF parking lot and JB’s on the Beach, a 9,000 SF beachfront restaurant located at 300 NE 21st Ave. which Finvarb Group acquired in March 2021 for $11 million. The most recent acquisition completes a complex transaction for the entire assemblage which totaled $20.4 million and was financed with a $14.2 million acquisition loan from Apollo Bank.

The Miami Beach-based Finvarb Group is led by hospitality and real estate investor Ronny Finvarb and one of the fastest-growing real estate development companies in the nation. Finvarb Group has developed and owns hotels in Miami Beach as well as different parts of Florida, Arizona and Texas. They recently completed the Kobi Karp-designed Kimpton Palomar South Beach which features Osteria Morini Miami Beach, a trendy, high-end Italian restaurant operated by the award-winning Altamarea Group.

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The 48-Story Five Park Locks Town $345 Million Construction Loan In South Beach

The developers of Five Park, a 48-story residential tower coming to the entrance of South Beach at 500 Alton Road, has locked down a $345 million construction loan. The loan is the largest residential construction loan to be funded in South Florida since the pandemic took hold and is being provided by Blackstone and Apollo. Five Park is being developed by a partnership between Terra, led by David Martin, and the Galbut Family Office in partnership with New Valley. The 519-foot development will become the tallest building in Miami Beach upon its completion in 2023.

“Miami Beach is well-positioned for long-term growth as a global gateway city, with continued demand coming from both foreign and domestic buyers. Five Park is poised to become the address of choice for the City’s newest residents, offering direct pedestrian access to Canopy Park and the Miami Beach Baywalk, panoramic views across the cityscape and Biscayne Bay, and best-in-market amenities,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra.

Five Park is designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Gabellini Sheppard. The tower will include approximately 280 residential units with a blend of condominium and multifamily residences as well as 3-acre public park. The units mix is made up of spacious two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences and penthouses. Building amenities will include an amenity deck with two swimming pools, a restaurant, sunset viewing lounge areas, a resort-style spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with outdoor exercise areas. The tower will also feature a grand lobby with a gourmet café as well as a Sky Club lounge with a second fitness center, a private dining room, and a building concierge offering in-room dining and other specialized services for residents.

The development also includes the construction of Canopy Park, Miami Beach’s newest public park, which broke ground in July 2020. The three-acre park, located between the 600 and 700 blocks of Alton Road, will include an array of resiliency and sustainable features along with open green spaces shaded by native tree species, pedestrian and bike paths, an outdoor gym and dog run, a MONSTRUM-designed children’s playground, and public art displays. Construction of Miami Beach’s newest world-class city amenity is currently underway and is slated for completion in Summer 2021.

Approved plans for the site also include a third phase, Miami Beach Canopy, which will encompass a signature pedestrian bridge spanning 5th Street designed by internationally renowned artist Daniel Buren and is anticipated to get underway in 2022. The Miami Beach Canopy — subtitled Walking Under, Along, and On the Colors: work in-situ by Daniel Buren — will complete the Miami Beach Baywalk, creating a safe and seamless connection running from South Pointe Park north to the Lincoln Road District and east to the beachfront. The Canopy will become an instant icon for Miami Beach and a beloved work of public art that guides pedestrians along a rainbow of colorful shadows.

The $345 million loan is the latest sign that Blackstone is going long on the Miami market following the news that the firm has purchased the office towers at 2 and 3 Miami Central in Downtown Miami for $230 million. Blackstone is planning a 200-person tech-focused office in Downtown Miami.

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