Investment Group Led by David Martin Set To Acquire Former-Miami Herald Development Site For $1.225 Billion

SmartCity Miami LLC, an investment group led by Miami-based Terra and it’s CEO David Martin is set to acquire the former-Miami Herald headquarters development site for a record $1.225 billion from Genting Group. The investment group has finalized terms for the acquisition of the 15.5-acre site which features 800’ of direct frontage on Biscayne Bay, the closing is set to take place later this year. The site which sits on the nexus of Downtown Miami and Edgewater is regarded as one of the largest and most valuable development sites in the United States.

“This is a prized piece of real estate in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing cities, and we are honored to have been selected as the property’s next owner. At Terra, we have a long history of enhancing communities and transforming neighborhoods through careful planning, beautiful design, and a focus on connectivity and resiliency. Our development on Biscayne Bay will continue this tradition.” Said David Martin, CEO of Terra Group.

Genting Group announced in March that it had received five bids over $1 billion following a marketing period led by Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group. The largest bid values the property at just under $1.5 billion for the rare Omni District waterfront site. The land is a ±15.5-acre development opportunity which was marketed as BayCity Miami and is currently host annually to ArtMiami and CONTEXT Art Miami during Miami Art Week as ArtMiami’s Art Wynwood show in February. The property was previously occupied by the Miami Herald headquarters which was demolished in 2014.

Located at 1431 N Bayshore Drive in Miami the property features 800 linear feet of direct Biscayne Bay frontage and highly aggressive zoning in one of Miami’s most dynamic and connected neighborhoods, it is considered the most desirable development site offering in the city’s history and one of the largest waterfront land assemblages currently available in the U.S. The property has the potential to build a landmark mixed-use office, retail, residential, hospitality, and entertainment destination.

“The scale and location of this site offers the opportunity to do something spectacular, something that all Miamians can the pride in, and we will deliver nothing short of that. For now, our team is focused on understanding the full potential of the property and the surrounding area. Our vision will evolve as we learn more. Over time, we will arrive at a plan that elevates Downtown Miami, improves access to the waterfront and is welcomed by our community.” Said David Martin, CEO of Terra Group.

Genting Group appointed Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group led by Avison Young Principals Michael T. Fay, John K. Crotty, CCIM; David Duckworth, and Vice President Brian C. de la Fé to spearhead the marketing and sale of property. Genting Group, one of the largest resort and entertainment and gaming corporations in the world which operates Resorts World, will remain invested in the Omni area, maintaining ownership of parcels spanning 10 acres west of Biscayne Boulevard.

Spanning several lots, including the former Miami Herald headquarters site, the property is in the Metromover subzone of Miami-Dade’s mixed-use zoning of RTZ (Rapid Transit Zone). With South Florida’s most generous zoning designation, the site has unlimited buildable square footage, no setbacks, a height limited only by the FAA regulations (649 feet) and a potential density of over 8,000 units. The RTZ zoning provides developers an enormous, highly flexible building envelope and the opportunity to develop a singular waterfront development of incredible scale.

Terra is a Miami-based real estate development and investment company that creates communities, enhances neighborhoods and connects people. Led by David Martin, Terra was founded in 2001 and is involved in all facets of residential and commercial development, including realty, mortgage, marketing and construction. Terra owns and operates a carefully curated portfolio of real estate developments valued at more than $8 billion that elevate quality of life; maximize the way in which people work, live and entertain; and innovate the urban and suburban landscape with an eye toward resiliency and sustainability. Since its launch, Terra has developed more than 5 million square feet of residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects across South Florida. Current projects include the nearby Major Food Group-programmed ultra-luxury tower The Villa, Mr. C Residences Coconut Grove and Five Park in South Beach.

Over the past 2.5 years, Miami has become a Tier-1 American city, on par with New York City and Los Angeles. According to proptech platform AVANT by Avison Young, Orbital Insight, Miami is outperforming most top U.S. metropolitan cities, including New York, as far as daily visitors to the city’s downtown urban core. Additionally, high-income earners and some of the most successful financial services, technology and cryptocurrency firms continue to relocate to Miami from other major metros. Rents across commercial real estate asset classes in Miami are at all-time highs, and development sales continue to break records.

Genting Group Draws 5 Bids Over $1 Billion For The Former-Miami Herald Waterfront Development Site

Genting Group has received five bids over $1 billion following a marketing period led by Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group for the former Miami Herald site in Downtown Miami, one of the largest and most valuable development sites in the United States. The largest bid values the property at just under $1.5 billion for the rare Omni District waterfront site. The land is a ±15.5-acre development opportunity which was dubbed BayCity Miami and is currently host annually to ArtMiami and CONTEXT Art Miami during Miami Art Week as ArtMiami’s Art Wynwood show in February. The property was previously occupied by the Miami Herald headquarters which was demolished in 2014.

Located at 1431 N Bayshore Drive in Miami the property features 800 linear feet of direct Biscayne Bay frontage and highly aggressive zoning in one of Miami’s most dynamic and connected neighborhoods, it is considered the most desirable development site offering in the city’s history and one of the largest waterfront land assemblages currently available in the U.S. The property has the potential to build a landmark mixed-use office, retail, residential, hospitality, and entertainment destination.

Genting Group appointed Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group led by Avison Young Principals Michael T. Fay, John K. Crotty, CCIM; David Duckworth, and Vice President Brian C. de la Fé to spearhead the marketing and sale of property. Genting Group, one of the largest resort and entertainment and gaming corporations in the world which operates Resorts World, will remain invested in the Omni area, maintaining ownership of parcels spanning 10 acres west of Biscayne Boulevard.

Spanning several lots, including the former Miami Herald headquarters site, the property is in the Metromover subzone of Miami-Dade’s mixed-use zoning of RTZ (Rapid Transit Zone). With South Florida’s most generous zoning designation, the site has unlimited buildable square footage, no setbacks, a height limited only by the FAA regulations (649 feet) and a potential density of over 8,000 units. The RTZ zoning provides developers an enormous, highly flexible building envelope and the opportunity to develop a singular waterfront development of incredible scale.

Over the past 2.5 years, Miami has become a Tier-1 American city, on par with New York City and Los Angeles. According to proptech platform AVANT by Avison Young, Orbital Insight, Miami is outperforming most top U.S. metropolitan cities, including New York, as far as daily visitors to the city’s downtown urban core. Additionally, high-income earners and some of the most successful financial services, technology and cryptocurrency firms continue to relocate to Miami from other major metros. Rents across commercial real estate asset classes in Miami are at all-time highs, and development sales continue to break records.

Genting Group Seeking Over $1 Billion For One Of The Largest And Most Valuable Waterfront Development Sites In The U.S.

Genting Group is seeking over $1 billion for its Omni District waterfront land, a ±15.5-acre development opportunity dubbed BayCity Miami at 1431 N Bayshore Drive in Miami. With 800 linear feet of direct Biscayne Bay frontage and highly aggressive zoning in one of Miami’s most dynamic and connected neighborhoods, it is considered the most desirable development site offering in the city’s history and one of the largest waterfront land assemblages currently available in the U.S. Genting Group has tapped Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group to exclusively market the property.

“This site is among the most valuable in the United States, let alone South Florida,” said Michael T. Fay, Principal and Managing Director of Avison Young’s Miami operations who leads the team managing the sale. “The rarity of this opportunity coupled with the potential to build a landmark office, retail, residential, hospitality, and entertainment destination will attract prospective buyers from all over the world.”

Spanning several lots, including the former Miami Herald headquarters site, the property is in the Metromover subzone of Miami-Dade’s mixed-use zoning of RTZ (Rapid Transit Zone). With South Florida’s most generous zoning designation, the site has unlimited buildable square footage, no setbacks, a height limited only by the FAA regulations (649 feet) and a potential density of over 8,000 units. The RTZ zoning provides developers an enormous, highly flexible building envelope and the opportunity to develop a singular waterfront development of incredible scale.

Along with Fay, Avison Young Principals John K. Crotty, CCIM; David Duckworth, and Vice President Brian C. de la Fé will spearhead the marketing and sale of property. Genting Group, one of the largest resort and entertainment and gaming corporations in the world, will remain invested in the Omni area, maintaining ownership of parcels spanning 10 acres west of Biscayne Boulevard.

“South Florida’s popularity only continues to grow, and we are incredibly optimistic about our opportunity to bring a unique development to the area,” said Robert DeSalvio, President, Genting Americas East. “With our focus now locked in on 10 acres of prime real estate, we look forward to accelerating the process of outlining a project, putting shovels in the ground and getting a project built that all South Floridians can be proud of.”

Over the past 2.5 years, Miami has become a Tier-1 American city, on par with New York City and Los Angeles. According to proptech platform AVANT by Avison Young, Orbital Insight, Miami is outperforming most top U.S. metropolitan cities, including New York, as far as daily visitors to the city’s downtown urban core. Additionally, high-income earners and some of the most successful financial services, technology and cryptocurrency firms continue to relocate to Miami from other major metros. Rents across commercial real estate asset classes in Miami are at all-time highs, and development sales continue to break records.

Dubai-Based DAMAC Properties Closes On $120 Million Surfside Site Of Collapsed Condo, To Build Cavalli-Branded Condo

The Dubai-based DAMAC Properties, who was revealed as the she stalking horse bidder for the site of the former Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida which tragically collapsed in June 2021, has closed on the site for $120 million. DAMAC Properties, led by billionaire developer Hussain Sajwani, is planning to develop a Cavalli branded condo project on the site.

The developer agreed to a $120 million bid for the oceanfront property located at 8777 Collins Ave. via one of their US entities, East Oceanside Development, LLC. in September 2021. Court-appointed trustee Michael Goldberg issued the deed for the site at 8777 Collins Avenue which spans ±1.88 acres or ±81,886 square feet. The proceeds from the sale will go toward the $96 million settlement for the Champlain Towers South unit owners who lost their home in the tragic collapse.

The Cavallli Surfside condo will be DAMAC Properties’ first project in the United States. Sajwani’s private equity firm Vision Investments purchased the Cavalli luxury fashion brand in 2019. DAMAC Properties launched a 70-story Cavalli Tower in Dubai in 2021.

Honorable Judge Michael A. Hanzman and the court appointed receiver Michael Goldberg tabbed Avison Young, led by Michael T. Fay, to market the property in late-August 2021. Avison Young’s Michael T. Fay and his team John K. Crotty, David Duckworth, Brian C. de la Fé, and Berkley K. Bloodworth oversaw the sale, pro bono.

Two Roads Development Locks Down $150 Million In Funding From Lionheart Strategic Management and Bank OZK For Edgewater Condo Buyout

The South Florida-based Two Roads Development, led by Taylor Collins and Reid Boren, have locked down $150 million in funding for a waterfront condo buyout in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Lionheart Strategic Management LLC (Lionheart), an SEC-registered investment advisor that was formed in 2017 as the asset management affiliate of Fisher Brothers, will be providing a $45 million mezzanine loan, backed by a $105 million senior mortgage loan from Bank OZK. The financing will be used to fund the acquisition of an existing condominium in the Edgewater neighborhood of Miami in preparation for the future development of an ultra-luxury branded residential development on the property.

"This closing signifies our bullish investment thesis in South Florida development and the Miami market in particular," said Andy Klein, Managing Director and Co-Head of Investments at Lionheart Strategic Management. "We are continuously seeking high-quality investment opportunities in growth markets, and this property's irreplaceable waterfront views and proximity to Brickell, Downtown Miami, Wynwood, the Design District and Miami Beach present an undeniably attractive value proposition for future redevelopment. We are excited to partner with Bank OZK and Two Roads Development on this endeavor and look forward to all this project will bring to the area."

As waterfront property and development sites become scarce due to high demand in the Miami market, developers have shifted their sight to buying out older condominium buildings to demolish and develop. Two Roads Development plans to redevelop the 3.5-acre waterfront site of Biscayne 21, an existing 191-unit condo building located at 2121 N. Bayshore Drive in the Edgewater neighborhood of downtown Miami, into an ultra-luxury branded residential development. The project will be designed by Arquitectonica.

"Over the last decade, Two Roads Development has helped put Miami's Edgewater district on the map as one of the City's most in-demand residential neighborhoods with successful luxury condominium developments including Biscayne Beach and Elysee. Plans for our newest development, which will feature a signature architectural design by Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica, include a mix of ultra-luxe condominiums and signature branded residences that will elevate Edgewater's global appeal as Miami's premier enclave for luxury high-rise living," said developer Taylor Collins, managing partner of Two Roads Development. "We are pleased to partner with Lionheart and Bank OZK on this exciting new development."

Andy Klein, Robert Kamenec, and Benjamin Eshiwani led the transaction for Lionheart Strategic Management. Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group led by John K. Crotty, Michael T. Fay, David Duckworth and Brian C. de la Fé negotiated the sale on behalf the Biscayne 21 unit owners.

PEBB and Banyan Development Acquire Seven Building Portfolio at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® For $37.5 Million

PEBB Enterprises and joint venture partner Banyan Development closed another major office acquisition in the companies’ home base of Boca Raton. The venture paid $37.5 million for a long-term ground leasehold interest position in the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University®, consisting of a portfolio of seven multi-tenant office buildings totaling 308,305 square feet.

The sale of the ground lease closed on April 28. The seller was an international sovereign wealth fund represented by Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group. Avison Young Principal Keith O’Donnell listed the portfolio on behalf of the seller and led the off-market transaction.

PEBB and Banyan plan to embark on a substantial improvement program to upgrade the office-based research park and drive leasing activity in conjunction with the Research Park at FAU’s existing economic development team. The portfolio is currently 65% occupied. It is the only state university-affiliated research park in South Florida and considered a premier technology business incubator for the region.

Not only does the Research Park at FAU possess strong fundamentals in central Boca Raton, but it also has immediate access to a talented and motivated workforce and direct connection to the FAU campus. The Research Park at FAU allows for companies to work in partnership with FAU faculty across the University’s ten (10) colleges to collaborate and transform the property into a cutting-edge research & development park that can strengthen and diversify Boca Raton’s business community.

Collective goals are to grow and evolve the park as a leading university-affiliated healthcare and medical hub, as well as a biotech advanced engineering center, building upon a community where entrepreneurs and academic researchers come together to collaborate and develop thriving businesses. The group also sees tremendous opportunity in the fields of artificial intelligence, sensors, machine learning and others where the University already has a significant presence.

The long-term lease landlord remains the Research Park at FAU’s governing Authority, the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority, with a dual research and development and economic development mission, aligned with Florida Atlantic University. PEBB and Banyan have worked closely with the Research Park at FAU and will continue to work with it to pursue its mission.

“The commitment of the PEBB and Banyan teams to strengthening the tenant roster with companies focused on R&D and creating new technological and economic energy for Boca Raton and Palm Beach County is very exciting as we continue to seek to be the premier destination for innovative R&D companies in Florida,” said Andrew Duffell, president of the Research Park at FAU.

For PEBB, the acquisition continues a trend of investing in Boca Raton office properties with value-add potential. In 2021, the company purchased the 1801 Building in Midtown Boca and 5900 Building within the Park at Broken Sound.

“This is a unique opportunity to own and operate prime office space adjacent to the FAU campus,” said PEBB Enterprises President and CEO Ian Weiner. “The portfolio’s immediate access to I-95 and the Boca Raton Airport make it extremely appealing to tenants. We continue to target new investment opportunities in Boca Raton, which is underserved from an office supply standpoint.”

Located at 3600-3998 FAU Blvd., the office buildings were completed between 1998 and 2001.

The portfolio has a diverse mix of medical, technology and research businesses. Notable tenants include American Sugar Refining, Xeriant, Baptist Health Surgery Center, FAU College of Medicine Clinical Skills Simulation Center, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Sandow Media, GenesisCare and 4ocean.

The Dubai-Based DAMAC Properties Revealed As $120 Million Stalking Horse Bidder Of Site Of Collapsed Surfside Condo

The stalking horse bidder for the site of the former Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida which tragically collapsed in June 2021 has been revealed as the Dubai-based DAMAC Properties, led by billionaire developer Hussain Sajwani. The developer agreed to a $120 million bid for the oceanfront property located at 8777 Collins Ave. via one of their US entities, East Oceanside Development, LLC. East Oceanside Development will be required to submit a $16 million deposit with $150,000 non-refundable and the developer will now begin two months of due diligence on the site. The Surfside land at 8777 Collins Avenue spans ±1.88 acres or ±81,886 square feet.

Once the initial bid is finalized by Honorable Judge Michael A. Hanzman other developers will be able to submit bids on the property to potentially push the price higher. Judge Hanzman has the final decision over which developer wins the bidding considering input from the lawyers overseeing the class-action negligence case with the final decision expected in the spring of 2022. Hanzman wants the sale to produce as much proceeds as possible in order to help compensate the families of the 98 people who lost their lives in the collapse and countless others who lost their homes. The victims and their families will also be the beneficiaries of a $49 million insurance payout.

Honorable Judge Michael A. Hanzman and the court appointed receiver Michael Goldberg tabbed Avison Young, led by Michael T. Fay, to market the property in late-August. Avison Young’s Michael T. Fay and his team John K. Crotty, David Duckworth, Brian C. de la Fé, and Berkley K. Bloodworth are spearheading the sale, pro bono.

Miramar Park of Commerce Sells For $18 Million At A Record Price Per Square Foot For Broward County

The Miramar Park of Commerce has sold for $18 million. The 56,072-square-foot industrial/flex building is located at 10315 USA Today Way in Miramar, Florida. At $321.02 per square foot, the transaction represents the highest price per square foot secured for an industrial/flex property in Broward County.

On behalf of the seller, Zeta Associates, LLC, Avison Young’s Industrial leasing team and Florida Capital Markets Group teamed up to complete the record-setting disposition to CRG Acquisition, LLC. The effort was led by Principals Tom Viscount, David Duckworth, Michael T. Fay, John C. Crotty, Wayne Schuchts, and Senior Associate Bobby Benton.

“The sale demonstrates both the resilience and attractiveness of the South Florida industrial market,” said Viscount. “Specifically, the significant price per square foot is indicative of the high demand for class A industrial and flex space, as investors continue to see South Florida as a key growth region. Due to the extraordinary demand and limited supply, less than 10 flex buildings over 50,000 square feet sold in the past year.”

The asset’s buyer is an investor who was attracted to Miramar Park of Commerce’s great location, well-maintained properties, and the prestige of the park. They plan to renovate the building to create a high-end educational campus-like setting to lease it to one of their national clients that operates a medical school.

“The buyer recognized the uniqueness and value of the building’s overall footprint and quality infrastructure sitting on seven acres, which cannot be replicated in today’s market,” added Viscount. “These factors certainly contributed to the notable sales price.”

Equidistant from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Miramar Park of Commerce is a light industrial park campus in Southwest Broward County fronting the Florida Turnpike just one mile east of the Red Road Interchange. With over 5 million square feet of office/service, laboratory, pharmacy, light manufacturing, and distribution space, the world-class park is home to 10,000 employees from more than 170 national and international companies.

Distressed Office Building In Lake Worth Auctioned On Ten-X For $5.5 Million

A distressed office building in Lake Worth, FL has successfully been auctioned on the Ten-X online auction platform as the sale reflects the low inventory yet high demand for distressed and medical office assets. JFK Medical Building, located at 4801 South Congress Ave. in Lake Worth, closed for $5.55 million in the online auction.

JFK Medical Building is a four-story, multi-tenant medical office building totaling 35,078 rentable square feet. The property is located at 4801 South Congress Ave in Lake Worth, situated in one of the two primary office nodes of Palm Beach County’s Palm Springs/Lake Worth submarkets.

Avison Young Principals John K. Crotty, CCIM; David Duckworth; Michael T. Fay, who is also Managing Director of the firm’s Miami office; Vice President Brian de la Fé; and Associate Berkley Bloodworth completed the sale of the foreclosure property on behalf of the owner, JPMCC 2006-LDP7 OFFICE 4801, LLC. BD 4801, LLC was the buyer.

“As REO [real estate owned] distressed asset inventory remains low, the 30-percent-occupied JFK Medical Building represented a significant investment opportunity at a considerable discount to replacement cost,” said Crotty. “The asset’s recent renovations, coupled with it’s proximity to the JFK Medical Center, will provide the buyer with tremendous upside from lease-up opportunities.”

Located within a half-mile of the main campus of the JFK Medical Center, a 486-bed medical and surgical facility, and HCA East Florida-affiliated hospital, JFK Medical Building boasts excellent frontage, access, and visibility on Congress Avenue, and is just one mile west of Interstate 95. Over the past two years, ownership invested over $500,000 in major capital expenditure work including, new elevator cabs, a new common-area HVAC system, new flooring in the lobby, a resealed parking lot, new exterior landscaping, refaced monument signage, and a partial ceiling tile replacement.

Leasing activity has been strong in Palm Beach County to date in 2021, with strong in-migration coming from the Northeast contributing to the market’s economic growth. As a result, average base rents the county continue to climb and are among the highest in the country, according to Avison Young.

For more information about commercial sales or leasing in the Palm Beaches, private showings or availability/ pricing information please fill out the form below:

McGuire Development Company Acquires The Atrium West Office Building In Sunrise For $12.1 Million

The Buffalo, NY-based McGuire Development Company has acquired the Atrium West office building in Sunrise, FL. Atrium West is a 99,870 SF office building situated on 8.78 acres at 7771 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in Sunrise, Florida. Atrium West represents McGuire Development Company’s first Southeast Florida acquisition.

The transaction was overseen by Avison Young Principals David Duckworth; John K. Crotty, CCIM; Michael T. Fay, who is also Managing Director of the firm’s Miami office; Vice President Brian de la Fé; and Associate Berkley Bloodworth, who represented the seller, Douglas Pike Associates, LLC. Brian Askey, AVP Florida Real Estate at McGuire Development represented the buyer throughout the transaction. George Vail, Principal with Avison Young, secured the debt for the buyer, an affiliate of McGuire Development Company.

“Atrium West represented an opportunity for a savvy investor to acquire a South Florida asset priced below replacement cost and generate significant cash flow,” said Duckworth, who also spearheaded the previous sale of the asset in 2015. “The buyer was attracted to the property’s solid tenancy at 81% occupancy, as well as its excellent value proposition to office tenants seeking a high-quality building without the high rental rates currently quoted in the nearby Plantation and Sawgrass Corporate Park submarkets.”

“While our family has invested in a variety of opportunities in Florida over many years, we are drawn to Atrium West and other synergistic opportunities because of the sustained population growth and business friendly climate of South Florida. As a Fort Lauderdale Resident I feel the positive impact of growth in the community and I look forward to continuing to participate in the success of the region,” said Jim McGuire, CEO of McGuire. McGuire Real Estate Services of Florida will be providing leasing services for the property. The company continues to actively pursue investment opportunities with the intent to grow.

“There was exceptional interest from multiple lenders for this deal,” said Avison Young Principal George Vail, who secured the $8.9 million loan for the buyer. “This is especially due to the best-in-class sponsorship and to the property’s location in South Florida, which has continued to see accelerated growth as companies have relocated to the area en masse since the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Conveniently located in Central Broward County, Atrium West is just minutes from Florida’s Turnpike, Sawgrass Expressway, and Interstate 95. Area amenities include Sawgrass Mills Mall and many restaurant and banking locations. Fully renovated in 2015, some of the building’s attributes include picturesque interior and exterior landscaping, a sculpture fountain and modern furniture throughout the lobby, and plentiful parking which can accommodate just about any parking requirement.

For more information about commercial sales or leasing in Sunrise/ Fort Lauderdale, private showings or availability/ pricing information please fill out the form below: