Miami’s Largest Office Lease Transaction in 2024 Signed at Waterford Business District

Miami's prestigious Waterford Business District (WBD) continues to solidify its position as a premier corporate destination with the recent signing of a significant lease by global business services company Assurant. The lease, encompassing an impressive 78,000 square feet, marks the largest office transaction in Miami so far this year, further enhancing the district's reputation as a hub for top-tier businesses. Brent Woodruff, Matthew Goodman, and Tyler Wyant from CBRE represented Assurant in this lease transaction.

Situated on 250 acres adjacent to Miami International Airport, the WBD offers unparalleled accessibility to major residential and commercial centers. Boasting over 1.65 million square feet of prime office space across 7 Class A buildings, the district provides tenants with a blend of convenience, amenities, and a thriving business ecosystem.

"At Waterford Business District, we take pride in curating an environment where individuals find genuine enjoyment in their work," remarked Charles Russo, Nuveen's Senior Director and Head of Southeast- Workplace, Retail, and Mixed-Use. "Companies like Assurant are drawn to dynamic hubs like ours because of the exceptional office spaces and thriving business community. Our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of businesses makes WBD an irresistible destination."

Assurant's decision to relocate to WBD underscores its dedication to providing a workspace tailored to the evolving needs of its Miami-based workforce. The company joins esteemed tenants such as Subway and FedEx, further reinforcing the district's commitment to excellence.

Blanca Commercial Real Estate, the exclusive leasing agent for the WBD portfolio, facilitated the lease, marking one of their largest deals to date. "Our commitment to providing a workplace that blends cutting-edge amenities with convenience resonates with companies seeking a dynamic environment," stated Juan Ruiz, Vice Chairman of Blanca CRE.

Under the joint venture between Nuveen Real Estate and Allianz, managed by PIMCO Prime Real Estate, LLC, WBD has undergone significant transformations, establishing itself as a state-of-the-art corporate campus. Investments in amenities such as shuttle services, fitness centers, and waterfront outdoor areas, coupled with tenant-engaging activities, contribute to the district's vibrant atmosphere. Moreover, WBD presents unique build-to-suit opportunities with an additional 30 acres of fully entitled land, making it an ideal location for large enterprises seeking a highly accessible headquarters in the heart of Miami.

Waterford Corporate Centre Trades For $16.9 Million, To Become New Worldwide HQ For Benitez & Company CPA

The Waterford Corporate Centre, a multi-tenant office property which was renovated in 2019, ha sold for $16.9 million. The property is located at 5835 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, FL 33126 and spans 61,194 SF. The Waterford Corporate Centre was 97% leased at the time of sale and the tenant list includes The United States Department of Commerce, The State of Florida Department of Education, Volvo Group North America and World Trade Center Miami. The building will be the new worldwide headquarters for Benitez & Company CPA.

The buyer is Juan & Maria Benitez of the Benitez & Company CPA who was represented by Manny Chamizo III with ONE Sotheby's International Realty, while the seller was Blue Lagoon Investment, LLC who was represented by Cary Cohen with Blanca Commercial Real Estate.

The Waterford Corporate Centre was recently renovated in 2019 and features an impressive and elegant double-height lobby, tenant conferencing facility, and a rooftop helicopter landing pad.

"Despite changing market conditions, office buildings are continuing to transact in core markets," said Chamizo. "Miami’s momentum remains solid and South Florida based companies are reaping in the benefits - with many searching to expand their teams and offices. We are happy to have found the Class A space our client was looking for, the helipad was an attractive bonus.”

This property conveniently situated within the corporate-campus style Waterford Business District, fronting beautiful views of Miami International Airport and immediate access to the Dolphin Expressway. The prime location also connects the campus to several major Miami neighborhoods, including Doral, Coral Gables, Brickell, Downtown Miami and Wynwood.

Images attached. Credit for the building pictures goes to Cary Cohen.

Bilzin Sumberg Renews 85K SF Office Lease At 1450 Brickell In Miami's Financial District

Nearly 25 years since launching in the heart of Downtown Miami, preeminent law Firm Bilzin Sumberg is doubling down on its Florida growth strategy with a major office lease that will preserve the firm’s position as one of the major tenants at the 1450 Brickell office tower. The Firm has renewed its lease for nearly 84,000 square feet of space at the Class A building, representing one of the largest law firm footprints in Miami’s urban core. Bilzin Sumberg’s renewal of its lease coincides with an influx of residents, companies, and investment into South Florida, with the Firm pursuing a strategy of steady growth that has solidified its role as a catalyst for business and wealth migration.

Bilzin Sumberg became the first office tenant to sign a lease at 1450 Brickell when the tower was nearing completion in 2009. The development of 1450 Brickell led the transformation of the entrance to Brickell Avenue, elevating the area into a walkable hub for business, dining, hotels, and residential living. Since then, the 625,000 square-foot Class A tower has attracted best-in-class tenants including multinational companies, finance firms, and professional services firms. The unique building features include a curtainwall glass system comprised entirely of large missile impact glass and two major generators that provide tenants with over 4,000 kw of power during electrical outages, making 1450 Brickell the country’s most storm-hardened office tower.

“For more than two decades, Bilzin Sumberg has presided over the evolution of Downtown Miami and the Brickell Financial District, from a 9-to-5 business center, into a vibrant 24-7 city,” explains Managing Partner Al Dotson. “Our office at 1450 Brickell has put our attorneys at the center of one of the most dynamic business, residential and lifestyle districts in the United States. Along the way, Bilzin Sumberg has been a key figure in transformative projects that have taken shape in our backyard, while also serving a national and international clientele from our homebase at 1450 Brickell.”

Bilzin Sumberg was represented by the JLL brokerage team led by Barbara Liberatore Black, Matthew Goodman and Jeff Gordon. “After spending over a year reviewing all options in Miami’s office market, Bilzin Sumberg decided to renew its lease and remain as one of the major tenants at 1450 Brickell for all of the same reasons they initially chose the building over 10 years ago,” said JLL’s Barbara Liberatore Black. “With the business growth Miami’s Brickell Financial District continues to experience and the 1450 Brickell office tower’s strategic location at the entrance to Brickell, it made all the sense for the law firm to maintain a presence in the center of the city’s premier live-work-play district.”

Tere Blanca and Danet Linares of Blanca Commercial Real Estate represented building owner 1450 Brickell, LLC.

“From the time of its development through today, 1450 Brickell has attracted prestigious domestic and international tenants,” added Tere Blanca, whose firm has exclusively leased 1450 Brickell since its conception. “While there were two other office towers under construction at the time it was being built, 1450 Brickell’s location and unique features helped drive strong pre-leasing with top quality tenants. Bilzin Sumberg, with deep roots in South Florida and an international clientele, first saw the value of locating in 1450 Brickell, a LEED Gold certified trophy tower designed to stand the test of time. The Firm’s tenancy set the wheels in motion for what would become one of the most successful pre-leasing campaigns in Miami history.”

Bilzin Sumberg counsels clients whose business and legal opportunities and challenges span the United States and cross borders to Europe, Latin America, Canada, the Middle East, and Asia. The firm's growth has paralleled that of its Miami home base, a region known for its rich cultural, social, and professional diversity. Bilzin Sumberg lawyers concentrate on services at the heart of both regional and international commerce, including real estate, land development and government relations, environmental, corporate law, joint ventures, domestic and international tax and estate planning, business litigation, finance, and public-private partnerships.

PPG Development Acquires Bay Harbor Towers For $32 Million

PPG Development, led by Ari Pearl, have acquired Bay Harbor Towers, located at 10141 and 10143 East Bay Harbor Drive. The 1.03-acre property sold for $32 million, which equated to a price of $1,066,667 per existing unit. The transaction was overseen by Cary Cohen of Blanca Commercial Real Estate and Deme Mekras of MSP Group.

Prior to the marketing of the site, the Board of Directors at Bay Harbor Towers designated a committee and instructed them to explore the sale, which led to their interviewing and receiving proposals from several brokerage houses, including some of the world’s largest firms. After a highly competitive interview process, the committee elected to have Cary Cohen of Blanca Commercial Real Estate along with Deme Mekras, of MSP Group, represent the many owners of Bay Harbor Towers. The duo signed exclusive listings with 100% of the 30-unit owners and commenced a far-reaching marketing campaign.

“Bay Harbor is no longer Dade County’s hidden treasure. Our extensive marketing process elicited global interest from numerous top-tier developers, as we expected, given the truly unique nature of this opportunity,” said the listing team. The duo shared that “Coordinating a sale of an entire association is one of the most rewarding transactions. It brings life changing wealth to so many people as the existing units traded for over 300% of their market value on an individual basis.” This rare, waterfront Bay Harbor Islands development site was highly sought after due to its immediate views of Biscayne Bay, Bal Harbor, Sunny Isles and distant views of South Beach, Edgewater, and Downtown Miami.

The buyer, PPG Development, LLC, led by Founder and CEO, Ari Pearl, is a commercial and residential real estate developer focused on the South Florida market, which has a substantial pipeline of development projects already underway, such as 700 planned multifamily units in North Miami Beach and the ongoing redevelopment of the Diplomat in Hallandale. PPG also has recent experience in Bay Harbor market with their purchase of The Altair Hotel.

“Development sites with amazing bay views rarely come to market anywhere in Miami, much less on coveted Bay Harbor Islands. Ultimately, a significant bidding war ensued leading to a $32 million sales price,” they continued, “and we firmly believe this was a win-win for both buyer and sellers,” said list agents Cary Cohen and Deme Mekras.

We Florida Financial Sells Fort Lauderdale Site to AutoNation for $11.8 Million

AutoNation has acquired a Fort Lauderdale site from We Florida Financial for $11.8 million. The 71,307 square foot property features prominent frontage on South Federal Highway in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. The property is located on 1300 S. Federal Highway plus 617 and 705 N.E. 14th St with maximum exposure to passing traffic. The transaction was overseen by Cary Cohen, Executive Vice President, and Christina Stine Jolley, Vice President & Dir. Of Business Development of Blanca Commercial Real Estate, who represented the seller.

“Given the current real estate market in South Florida, this offering presented the rare opportunity to acquire a site with a prime location,” said Cary Cohen. “Even with interest rates rising, we received several bids on the site and continue to experience tremendous activity,” he adds.

The property offers a close proximity to La Olas Boulevard, some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Port Everglades, and is at the core of the city’s residential communities..

AutoNation is one of the largest dealers in the nation with $25.8 billion in revenue in 2021. Its sales have been growing in recent years and automobile prices have been climbing.

Neocis Establishes New 38K SF Headquarters At 545wyn in Miami's Wynwood Arts District

Neocis, the leader and pioneer in robot-assisted dental implant surgery, has signed a new lease for 38,000 SF of Class A office space at 545wyn in the Wynwood Arts District. The move is scheduled for October 2022 following Neocis’ exponential sales and employee growth since securing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) market clearance for its Yomi® Robot-Assisted Dental Surgery System in 2016. As the first and only robotic-assisted surgical system cleared by the FDA for dental implant surgery, Yomi has been used to place more than 10,000 dental implants to date and has steadily increased in usage among dental implant surgeons throughout the United States. Since 2016, over 140 dental surgeons have completed cases using Yomi. 

“Miami is an excellent market for business growth and this relocation will provide us with even more space and flexibility to build upon our footprint as a healthcare technology innovator,” said Alon Mozes, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Neocis. “Over 75 Yomi systems have been installed thus far and we expect this number to rise significantly as our employee headcount increases in the new office.” 

The Neocis team currently consists of more than 130 employees. The company made over 60 new hires in 2021 and plans to continue expanding throughout 2022. 

"I was so excited to learn that Neocis was re-committing to the Magic City. Their presence is critical to our expanding healthtech industry, and they are a Miami success story. With $122M+ raised and 100+ employees, they are further proof that you can raise capital, find talent, and scale within our ecosystem.” Said Mayor Francis Suarez 

Dental implant surgery, which has become the standard of care for replacing missing teeth, requires extreme accuracy to avoid critical anatomical structures. Yomi allows the dentist to precisely pre-plan the dental implant procedure and then guides their hand during the surgery according to the pre-operative plan by using haptic robotic feedback. Due to the increased accuracy and digital planning provided by Yomi, dentists are often able to operate with a smaller incision, resulting in less pain and faster recovery for patients.  

JLL Managing Director, Cameron Tallon, represented the tenant, Neocis, in the lease transaction totaling 38,000 square feet. The Blanca Commercial Real Estate team of Juan Ruiz and Randy Carballo represented Sterling Bay, the 545wyn property’s ownership. 

Developed by Sterling Bay and designed by Gensler, 545wyn is Wynwood’s first-ever Class A office and retail property, offering tenants an unmatched suite of exclusive, highly sought-after tenant amenities including a state-of-the-art wellness center, touchless entry technology, indoor/outdoor conference rooms, sweeping outdoor lounges and private balconies. After recently achieving WELL Health-Safety Rating, 545wyn has also achieved RESET Air marking the property as one of the healthiest commercial buildings in Miami. Featuring bold, colorful street art both within the property and on its exterior, 545wyn authentically reflects Wynwood’s vibrancy and embraces its reputation as a hub for innovation and culture. 

Leading Crypto Firm Blockchain.com Signs Lease At Tricera Capital and LNDMRK Development's Cube Wynwd

Leading crypto firm Blockchain.com has finalized a lease to occupy the top two floors of Tricera Capital and LNDMRK Development’s Cube Wynwd as its new Miami office. The ~22,000-square-foot lease brings Cube Wynwd to full occupancy less than 10 months after Tricera and LNDMRK acquired the Class A, 100,000-square-foot office and retail building. The deal also gave Blockchain.com naming rights for the building. Blockchain.com, one of the most widely used consumer crypto products and the leading institutional solutions provider, will soon begin designing its permanent office on the seventh and eighth floors.

Danet Linares, Tere Blanca and David Valdez of Blanca Commercial Real Estate, Inc. represented Blockchain.com in the Cube Wynwd lease. JLL’s Eric Groffman, Cameron Tallon and Edward Quinon represented Tricera and LNDMRK.

“We are thrilled to welcome Blockchain.com to Cube Wynwd and the Wynwood neighborhood,” said Tricera Co-Founder and Managing Principal Ben Mandell. “Blockchain.com’s leadership shares our long-term belief in Wynwood, which still has vast potential on top of the incredible growth and activity that has already occurred.”

In 2021, Blockchain.com announced its intentions to relocate its national headquarters from New York to Miami and aggressively hire throughout the local Miami job market. It also committed to make a significant investment to support the South Florida STEM community.

“As Miami solidifies its status as a mecca for crypto, we couldn’t be more excited to announce the location for planting our permanent roots in the city,” said Peter Smith, Blockchain.com CEO. “The speed at which our business is growing matches that of Wynwood and Miami itself, creating the perfect backdrop for us to continue scaling worldwide from our very own Blockchain.com building.”

Tricera and LNDMRK purchased Cube Wynwd, which also includes ground-floor retail space and a verdant rooftop terrace occupied by popular Japanese restaurant Kissaki, in an April 2021 off-market transaction. The 222 NW 24th St. Cube Wynwd, the neighborhood’s first boutique office-over-retail building, was just ~35% occupied at the time of Tricera and LNDMRK’s acquisition.

The joint venture partners rapidly stabilized the building with a compelling mix of tenants, including Ecuadorean fintech firm Kushki, Shaolin Capital Management, Brazilian footwear manufacturer Grendene, office supply and furniture online retailer Poppin, tech firm Transmit, and more.

Coworking operator Spaces occupies about 30% of the office space and about 1,700 square feet of the retail space in Cube Wynwd’s lobby. Renowned chef Gabriele Bonci’s Rome-based Bonci Pizza and Mini Market are among the existing retail tenants. The building features loft-style office space with expansive floorplates.

“Cube Wynwd is a case study for how we identify off-market opportunities and move quickly to execute our hands-on ownership approach,” Tricera Co-Founder and Managing Principal Scott Sherman. “We are proud of the building’s dynamic tenant roster, with Blockchain.com joining numerous new-to-market companies. Wynwood will continue to experience intense corporate relocation demand from the technology and finance sectors.”

Tricera and LNDMRK are frequent collaborators on real estate investments and developments. The companies are partnering with The Related Group to develop The Dorsey, a 12-story apartment building with a parking garage and nearly 95,000 square feet of office and retail space on a former Coca-Cola plant in Wynwood.

Image via Richard Novak

The CocoWalk Mixed-Use Property Reaches 100% Leased in Miami’s Vibrant Coconut Grove

Less than a year since its reopening, the newly renovated CocoWalk mixed-use property announces its retail and office components are fully leased in Miami’s vibrant Coconut Grove neighborhood. Following an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation, the property now features 150,000 square feet of prime retail space leased to leading local, national and international restaurant and retail brands and a newly built, 85,745-square-foot office building that is home to regional and global businesses. The mixed-use property is owned by a joint venture comprised of Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE: FRT), The Comras Company and Grass River Property.

“The office and retail leasing success CocoWalk has achieved demonstrates how Coconut Grove is becoming a leading destination for business and leisure,” said Stuart Biel, senior vice president of regional leasing at Federal Realty Investment Trust. “The diverse mix of service-oriented retail, chef-driven restaurant concepts and entertainment the reimagined CocoWalk offers will serve locals and visitors alike, while also providing onsite amenities to the daytime population occupying our office spaces.”

Along with reaching 100% leased, CocoWalk has completed leasing its office spaces attracting seven companies representing the financial and investment, hospitality and cruise industries, amongst the fastest growing in the region. The latest businesses to ink office leases are: cruise line Azamara; Creating Culinary Communities, or C3, a company led by Sam Nazarian, the founder of global hospitality firm sbe Entertainment Group that operates multiple SLS, Mondrian and Delano hotel locations; Uno Management Services; Lagoon Advisors, an investment banking advisory firm; Baymount Management, an investment management firm; The Jordan Company, a private equity firm with offices in New York, NY; Stamford, CT and Chicago, IL; and OC Investment Management, LLC.

Following the extensive remodel, CocoWalk now features three levels of prime retail space, the newly built class A office building One Cocowalk and renovated office space on the property’s west side known as Two Cocowalk. New-to-market tenant The Jordan Company is leasing 12,717 square feet; Uno Management Services will occupy 8,273 square feet; Lagoon Advisors will take 3,510 square feet; Baymount Management 1,928 square feet; and OC Investment Management, LLC another 1,247 square feet at One Cocowalk. Meanwhile, upscale cruise line Azamara inked a 9,286-square-foot lease; and C3 will occupy 9,205 square feet that will be home to its headquarters, a test kitchen, and culinary institute at Two Cocowalk.

The newly signed companies join an office tenant roster that includes American Land Ventures, international law firm Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn & Dial, LLC, private equity firm Boyne Capital, and creative co-working pioneer Spaces. Amenities at the office building include dedicated elevators connecting office users with private parking, 24/7 security, a full-service, on-site gym and access to the building’s rooftop terrace and event space that overlook Coconut Grove’s lush tree canopy and bay views.

The exclusive leasing agent for the office space at CocoWalk is Blanca Commercial Real Estate led by Founder, Chairman and CEO Tere Blanca, Executive Vice Chairman Danet Linares and Vice Chairman Juan Ruiz.

“The successful leasing of CocoWalk’s office component has been a result of the quality office space, strategic location and direct access to dozens of dining and shopping options that the property offers,” said Tere Blanca, Chairman and CEO of Blanca Commercial Real Estate.

Among the restaurant and retailer concepts already signed at CocoWalk are Planta Queen, Sushi Garage, Mister 01 Extraordinary, Botanico Gin & Cookhouse, Salt & Straw, Sweetgreen, Narbona Natural Foods & Farm Market, Bluemercury, Edward Beiner, Edite Mode and The Spot Barbershop.

Five New Tenants Including Bradesco BAC Florida Bank Sign At The Plaza Coral Gables

Five notable new tenants have signed leases at The Plaza Coral Gables, a Class A office building currently under construction in Downtown Coral Gables, developed by Agave Holdings. The tenants include Bradesco BAC Florida Bank, who leased 63,009 square feet for their headquarters; the Naples, FL-based digital payments firm ACI Worldwide Corp., who leased 27,712 square feet; private equity firm H.I.G. Capital, who leased 22,227 square feet; PNC Bank, who leased 7,039 square feet; and Raymond James, who leased 4,396 square feet.

Tere Blanca, Danet Linares and Andres del Corral of Blanca Commercial Real Estate represented Agave Holdings overseeing the new lease signings. Patrick Duffy of Newmark represented Bradesco BAC Florida Bank, Shay Pope of CBRE represented ACI Worldwide Corp and PNC Bank, Alan Kleber of JLL represented H.I.G Capital, and Todd Brandon of Cushman & Wakefield represented Raymond James.

Located in the heart of Coral Gables’ central business district, The Plaza Coral Gables consists of approximately 2.1 million square feet of mixed-use real estate on approximately seven acres and spans three city blocks. Construction on the North tower was completed in late 2020 and the South tower is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

Located at 2801, 2901 and 3001 Ponce de Leon Blvd, just south of Miracle Mile in downtown Coral Gables, The Plaza Coral Gables features a 4.5 star 242-key Loews Hotel, two office towers, dining, retail and entertainment space, approximately 174 residential rental units, and +/-2400 parking spaces. The office component features 455,008 square feet, which is 30% leased. Other tenants include Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, Next Level Lounge and The Butchery.

For more information about commercial leasing at The Plaza Coral Gables please fill out the form below:

Blackstone Group Signs Long-Term Lease At MiamiCentral For South Florida Expansion

Blackstone Group has signed a long-term lease at 2 MiamiCentral in Downtown Miami as the investment group moves forward with their South Florida expansion which was announced in October 2020. Blackstone will occupy 41,000 square feet over two floors in the recently completed 2 MiamiCentral where the group plans to have over 200 employees who will be focused on tech. The lease was overseen by Alan Klebar and Ryan Nunes of JLL, who represented Blackstone, as well as Danet Linares and Andres del Corral of Blanca Commercial Real Estate, who represented the landlord. The newly signed lease brings 2 MiamiCentral, which is owned by Shorenstein Properties, to 98% occupied with other tenants included Ernst & Young, Carlton Fields and New Fortress Energy. Asking rates at 2 and 3 MiamiCentral are $40 NNN.

“Miami is a vibrant city with a pipeline of top technology talent available from best in class university programs, as well as an experienced workforce that will enable us to diversify our talent pool and grow our technology team. 2 MiamiCentral’s prime downtown location and access to mass transit make it an ideal office location,” said John Stecher, Blackstone’s Chief Technology Officer.

MiamiCentral was developed by Florida East Coast Industries and completed in 2018. The 2 MiamiCentral and 3 MiamiCentral office buildings have highly efficient, open rectangular floor plates, floor to ceiling windows boasting unobstructed views, market leading amenities, and direct access to local and multi-city mass transit. The 17-story 2 MiamiCentral is located at 700 NW 1st Avenue and features 190,000 square feet of Class A office space with a 288-stall valet parking garage that sit adjacent to Miami Central Station, the transportation hub serving four rail lines including the Brightline. Combined 2 and 3 MiamiCentral feature 320,000 square feet of Class A office-space and were acquired by Shorenstein Properties for more than $159 million in 2019.