Swire Properties Sells Brickell City Centre Retail and Parking Components to Simon Property Group For $512 Million

In a significant real estate transaction for Miami’s urban core, Swire Properties Inc. has finalized the sale of its interest in the retail and parking components of Brickell City Centre to Simon Property Group for approximately $512 million. The deal marks the conclusion of a decade-long partnership between the two firms and further consolidates Simon’s presence in one of Miami’s most high-profile mixed-use developments.

Prior to this acquisition, Simon, one of the world’s largest real estate investment trusts focused on premier shopping, dining, and mixed-use destinations, held a 25% stake in the retail component of Brickell City Centre. Swire Properties, the original developer of the project, retained a 75% interest in the retail and full ownership of the parking facilities. With the completion of this transaction, Simon now assumes full ownership and management responsibilities for both the retail and parking at the development.

Completed in 2016, Brickell City Centre has become a defining element of Miami’s evolving skyline and urban experience. The project spans approximately five million square feet and includes a 500,000-square-foot open-air retail center, designed with its signature Climate Ribbon—an architectural canopy that provides shade, enhances airflow, and collects rainwater, contributing to the center’s sustainability features.

The retail center stretches across three city blocks and offers four levels of shopping, dining, and entertainment, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and home to more than 90 retail stores, including Apple, Chanel Fragrance & Beauty Boutique, Nike, Coach, Zara, and Richard Mille. Dining and entertainment options range from Casa Tua Cucina and Motek to CMX’s luxury cinema and PuttShack, reinforcing Brickell City Centre’s position as a premier lifestyle destination.

Swire Properties described the divestment as part of its ongoing capital recycling strategy, which focuses on reallocating resources into new growth opportunities. Proceeds from the sale will support the company’s HK$100 billion global investment plan announced in 2022, with HK$20 billion allocated specifically for residential development projects such as The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. That project has already surpassed $1 billion in contract sales, with more than 50% of South Tower units sold.

Simon has indicated that it will retain as many members of Brickell City Centre’s existing operations team as possible to ensure a seamless transition. The acquisition consolidates Simon’s position within Miami’s growing retail and mixed-use market, adding another high-profile asset to its portfolio at a time when the Brickell district continues to attract global attention as a center for finance, technology, and luxury development.

Images via Swire Property Group

The Melo Group Acquires Lot Adjacent To Brickell City Centre From Swire Properties For $211.5 Million In All Cash Deal

The Melo Group has acquired 2.83 acres of premium land from Swire Properties at 700-799 Brickell Avenue, strategically located next to Brickell City Centre, Miami’s premier shopping and culinary destination. The acquisition, valued at $211.5 million with the potential to increase to $221.5 million, was completed as an all cash deal. This acquisition places The Melo Group in a strategic position with unique and irreplaceable land next to Brickell City Centre which was previously the site for Swire Properties and Related Companies proposed One Brickell City Centre supertall office tower.

“This transaction was executed between both companies with remarkable collaboration and precision. We extend our sincere gratitude to Swire Properties, its president, Henry Bott, and the entire team for their professionalism and collaboration in ensuring a seamless process,” said Martin Melo, Principal at The Melo Group. “We are pleased to have secured such a significant property and look forward to unlocking its full potential in the heart of Brickell.”

The Melo Group is currently building waterfront dual tower Aria Reserve, a luxury enclave in the popular Edgewater neighborhood in Miami, and Downtown 6, a rental community in downtown Miami. They have built more over 8,000 units in the Downtown Miami area over the past 15 years.

“We have chosen this land in Miami’s urban core because we have witnessed its remarkable growth, continue to see its immense potential, and appreciate how vibrantly it has evolved into a cosmopolitan city.” Adds Carlos Melo, Principal at The Melo Group.

CBRE successfully marketed and facilitated the sale of the property on behalf of Swire Properties, with efforts led by Robert Given, Troy Ballard, Brad Capas, and James Quinn. "For a project of this scale and complexity, the buyers moved remarkably fast," said Given. "With their deep expertise in Miami, the Melo Group swiftly recognized the quality of the site and committed to an aggressive acquisition timeline."

MOTEK Opens Largest Location To Date In Brickell City Centre

MOTEK, the acclaimed Israeli Mediterranean-inspired bistro, has continued its highly anticipated expansion with the opening of a new location in the heart of Miami’s Financial District at Brickell City Centre. Known for its vibrant flavors and genuine interpretation of traditional Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, MOTEK’s largest expansion to date showcases the brand’s devotion to elevating Miami's Mediterranean food culture by strategically extending its reach within the city's premier culinary destinations.

"Sharing our concept with the dynamic community of Brickell is a significant milestone for both my wife, Tessa, and me. With the community being so responsive to MOTEK, our team is honored to extend our presence across Miami with our largest location to date. We're confident that MOTEK will elevate the area’s culinary offerings even further and look forward to opening our cherished concept in Brickell City Centre."Said Charlie Levy, Founder of MOTEK.

The family-owned restaurant, celebrated for its warm hospitality and award-winning Arayes Burger, has gained a reputation for offering famed kosher-style dishes inspired by Founder Charlie Levy’s childhood in Israel. MOTEK has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering an unparalleled dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors and diverse cultures of Israel, the Middle East, and the Eastern Mediterranean. MOTEK was originally established in June 2020 in Downtown Miami and offers innovative dishes rooted in traditional Mediterranean cuisine with quality and freshness at its forefront.

MOTEK's new 10,000 sq. ft. location will boast the brand’s signature sunshine yellow accents and flowery yet warm ambiance in a prime location on the fourth floor of Brickell City Centre. The space will be equipped with MOTEK’s first in-house bakery, signature wood-fired ovens, a 255-seat indoor and outdoor dining area, and a full 24-seat bar. MOTEK Brickell City Centre will also introduce an all-new beverage program for the brand, helmed by locally acclaimed mixologist and Beverage Director, Randy Perez. The program will debut at Brickell City Centre before rolling out company-wide, offering a new approach to concept-driven cocktails that imbibe Israel, the Middle East, and the Eastern Mediterranean to complement MOTEK’s beloved menu. MOTEK’s decision to open its doors at Brickell City Centre is driven by the area's unrivaled reputation as a premier destination for luxury, fashion, and dining. MOTEK's arrival adds a touch of culinary excellence to the vibrant mix of high-end retail and entertainment offerings found within.

MOTEK Brickell City Centre will feature an array of menu items including All Day Brunch standouts like the Shakshuka, Hummus Shakshuka, and Jerusalem Grilled Cheese; a variety of Hummus options made fresh daily; extensive Cold & Hot Mezzes; refreshing Salads; show-stopping Kebabs; Homemade Flat-Pitas; Wraps with a variety of proteins; and Burgers including the bistro’s famed Arayes Burger, which has been awarded the coveted People’s Choice Award at South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s popular kick-off Burger Bash two years in a row. Ranging from hummus to hearty meat dishes with a variety of gluten-free & vegetarian options, MOTEK’s menu has something for everyone.

MOTEK’s Brickell City Centre outpost is located at 701 S Miami Ave, Unit 412A Brickell City Centre, Miami, FL 33131, and will open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch in November 2023. MOTEK currently has four locations situated in Downtown Miami, Aventura, Aventura Mall’s Treats Food Hall, and Coral Gables; and is gearing up to open its sixth location in Miami Beach, followed by a new sister concept, Sesame Bakery, at SoLé Mia in early 2024.

Images via MOTEK

Swire Properties and Related Companies Commence Demolition On Future Site of One Brickell City Centre Supertall Office Tower

Swire Properties Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of global developer Swire Properties Limited, and Related Companies, one of the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States, have officially commenced demolition on the site of the future One Brickell City Centre, an approximately 1,000-foot supertall tower that will be the tallest commercial building in Florida. Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez, Henry Bott, the President of Swire Properties and Stephen M. Ross, the Chairman and Founder of Related Companies, were in attendance at the event today to celebrate moving forward with this premier office development that validates the tremendous strength of the Miami office market. As part of the program, one of the buildings currently on the site was partially demolished through a stunning display where multiple floors of glass and concrete were carved out of the structure.

One Brickell City Centre will feature 1.4 million total square feet of office space and the largest floorplates ever approved for a commercial office building by the City of Miami. Located in the heart of Miami’s financial district, at the corner of Brickell Avenue and SE 8th Street, it will overlook the Miami skyline offering 360-degree views of Biscayne Bay, Miami River, and Downtown Miami. One Brickell City Centre is the second phase of Brickell City Centre, a $1.05-billion, 4.9-million-square-foot, mixed‐use development that opened in 2016 and was developed by Swire Properties.

“This will be an iconic building that will reshape the Miami skyline, the third-largest skyline in America. It will attract the world’s best talent to Miami. Thank you to Related and Swire, who have doubled down with confidence in the future of our city,” said Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez.

“One Brickell City Centre is a transformative development that sets the standard for the future of office buildings and showcases to the world’s leading companies that Miami is the new destination to call home. Swire Properties and Related Companies take great pride in collaborating on a truly innovative office development that features thoughtful design, cutting-edge technology and amenities and features that aren't available elsewhere in Miami’s office market,” said Henry Bott, President of Swire Properties Inc.

“Today marks an inflection point in the Miami office market as the workplace of yesterday is torn down to make way for future,” said Stephen M. Ross, Chairman and Founder of Related Companies. “One Brickell City Center combines the best-practices of luxury hospitality and wellness projects with the latest workplace insights to create the flexible, amenity-driven, lifestyle workspace that leading companies, many of them already Related tenants in other markets, are increasingly looking for to fuel collaboration, engagement and retention of top talent.”

Internationally renowned architecture firm Arquitectonica designed the building with the office of the future in mind, with features and amenities ideal for tenants in Miami’s fastest growing sectors including financial services and technology. One Brickell City Centre features thoughtfully envisioned and spacious floor plans, outdoor terraces on nearly every floor, column free interiors, numerous indoor/outdoor spaces for meetings and gatherings, and state-of-the-art technology features to meet the needs of the most discerning office tenants.

One Brickell City Centre marks the first time Swire Properties has collaborated with Related Companies. Both companies share a vision for creating vibrant neighborhoods that change the urban landscape with innovative developments that positively impact communities for generations to come.

Related Companies has extensive experience in Florida and has redeveloped Downtown West Palm into one of the nation’s fastest growing commercial, retail, culinary, art and tourism destinations. Related Southeast leads the market in Class AA office with 360 Rosemary, CityPlace Tower, Esperanté, Phillips Point and the forthcoming 1 Flagler, as well as the celebrated destinations of Rosemary Square, Hilton West Palm Beach, and RH West Palm. Swire Properties has spearheaded the transformation of Miami as well as Brickell’s history and skyline by instilling its core values of quality, integrity, originality and long-term focus to each of its developments, which include Brickell City Centre, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, EAST Miami hotel and restaurants, as well as the entire island community of Brickell Key.

One Brickell City Centre is situated at the entrance to Brickell City Centre, which is LEED Gold Certified and includes: 500,000 square feet of shopping, culinary and entertainment offerings; the 352 key EAST Miami hotel; the condominium towers Reach & Rise; two additional office towers providing 260,000 square feet of space; the $30 million Climate Ribbon, which promotes sustainability through water conservation and energy efficiency; and a 2,600-space underground parking garage. It can be accessed directly from the I-95 at SW 8th and is in close proximity to many city transit options.

Other supertalls coming to Miami include Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami which was recently issued the first vertical construction permit for a supertall in Florida. The tower is nearly sold-out and is being developed by PMG and Grey brook Realty Partners, Mohari Hospitality, S2 Development and global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT). Another is 888 Brickell, a luxury condo tower at 888 Brickell Avenue being developed by JDS Development which was previously branded as MAJOR in partnership with Major Food Group. Most recently billionaire hedge fund magnate Ken Griffin and his firm Citadel are planning a supertall bayfront mixed use office tower at 1201 Brickell Bay. Related Companies has also been quite active in the Palm Beach office market.

Mens Activewear Brand Rhone Opens First Miami Store In Brickell City Centre

Mens high performance activewear brand Rhone has opened their first Miami store, located at the coveted Brickell City Centre. The store marks the brand’s 8th brick-and-mortar location and first in the Southeast region. The new 1,464 square-foot space is the latest demonstration of Rhone’s commitment to fostering meaningful customer connections through a thoughtful store experiences, providing a one-stop-shop for accessing unparalleled performance apparel.

The store features an inviting, open floor plan alongside crisp, modern design elements, exemplifying Rhone’s dedication to community, innovation, and style. Customers will have the opportunity to shop Rhone’s latest offerings, including their widely loved Commuter Collection, premium activewear including treated with their proprietary GoldFusion anti-odor technology, along with key essentials like socks, underwear and tees.

Photo Credit: Michael LeGrand/Jeffrey Totaro Photography

Nike Launches New, Live Store Concept 'Nike by Brickell' In Miami

Nike has launched their latest Live concept store in the heart of downtown Miami, Nike By Brickell in Brickell City Centre. Nike By Brickell is Nike’s first Live store in Miami, exemplifying Nike’s retail growth across North America to serve the sport marketplace of the future, which is digitally enabled and powered by Nike Membership. The store, which opened on August 4, 2022, is designed for and inspired by the local Brickell neighborhood. Nike By Brickell offers digital and convenience-led services through the Nike App to allow consumers to discover the best of Nike online or in-store.

The Nike By Brickell exterior mural facade was designed by illustrator and designer Xoana Herrera and takes inspiration from Brickell’s vibrant and diverse neighborhood. Hailing from Argentina, but now based in Los Angeles, Herrera was inspired by sport and by the Brickell community, complementing the design with her signature bold, geometric style to uniquely represent the Nike By Brickell community. Herrera previously created murals for other Nike Live stores including Nike By Long Beach and Nike By Glendale, which also borrowed from both these neighborhoods’ unique vibes.

A few key details about Nike By Brickell include:

Serving Her: Women are shaping a new future of fitness, one that is more inclusive and centered on personal progress and inclusivity. Although there are Men’s and Women’s Lifestyle and Performance products in all Nike Live stores, the Live concept has a sharp focus on serving Women through product, services and experiences in-store.

What the Neighborhood Wants: Through consumer insights, Nike knows Brickell consumers outpace the rest of the region for fitness activities such as Running and Training. To serve their needs, Nike By Brickell will focus its offerings around performance apparel and footwear styles such as the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39, Nike Dri-FIT Alate Minimalist Sports Bra, the Nike Fast Tie-Dye Training Tank and more.

Creating More Consumer Touchpoints: Powered by Nike Membership, Live stores provide consumers the convenience to use the same services they have across channels - via the Nike App, online and in store - giving them seamless opportunities to shop wherever and whenever they want. These services include Buy Online, Pickup in Store (BOPIS), Digital Returns, Swoosh Text and Curbside Pick-Up.

Powering Community: Nike store athletes dedicate themselves to increasing access to sport in their local communities, and guide consumers in their personal fitness journey. Nike store athletes redefine sport for a new generation by volunteering their time with local community organizations that support underserved children and communities.

Related Companies and Swire Properties Reveal One Brickell City Centre Supertall Office Tower

Related Companies and Swire Properties have revealed plans for One Brickell City Centre, a new supertall office tower which will be adjoined to Brickell City Centre. Construction is expected to start in 2023 and the tower will be the tallest commercial tower in Florida upon completion. One Brickell City Centre is designed by Arquitectonica and will offer 1.6 million SF of office space as well as the largest floor plates for a Class A office tower in Miami.

The tower will be located at 700 Brickell Avenue and 799 Brickell Plaza and will be connected to Brickell City Centre, which features over 500,000 SF of shopping, dining and entertainment and was developed by Swire Properties. The announcement signifies strength and growth in the Miami office market as the city continues to attract top technology and finance companies from high-tax states such as California and New York.

Other supertalls coming to Miami include Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami which was recently issued the first vertical construction permit for a supertall in Florida. The tower is nearly sold-out and is being developed by PMG and Grey brook Realty Partners, Mohari Hospitality, S2 Development and global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT). Another is MAJOR, a Major Food Group-branded luxury condo tower at 888 Brickell Avenue being developed by JDS Development and Major Food Group and Related Companies has also been quite active in the Palm Beach office market.

KAR Properties and Fortune International Group Buy Out Remaining Reach and Rise Residences at Brickell City Centre

KAR Properties and Fortune International Group have bought out the remaining 81 unit inventory at Reach and Rise Residences at Brickell City Centre, officially marking the sell out of the residential development. KAR Properties and Fortune International Group will be focusing on selling the recently purchased units with Fortune Development Sales leading these efforts. 

“As fellow developers in the downtown Brickell area, we have great respect for Swire. The company has played an integral role in the transformation of Brickell,” said Shahab Karmely, CEO and Founder of KAR Properties. “The most dynamic part of Miami is downtown, particularly along the riverfront, where we are developing One River Point by Rafael Viñoly as part of a three-phase luxury development located directly across the river from Brickell City Centre.” 

KAR Properties and Fortune International Group believe the existing inventory in today’s market is attractive for the consumer looking to buy and live in Miami now. The continued investment Swire Properties placed into the development, the timing in today’s real estate market, the residences’ prime location and its elite quality are just a few of the reasons the two firms believed in this investment. 

“Brickell City Centre has enhanced Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, bringing high end retailers, global cuisine and entertainment to the community. As Miami’s global appeal and market demand rises, real estate continues to be a smart investment option,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “Our firm has had long-term success in the industry with a strong grasp on what is happening in the South Florida market. It is clear Swire Properties has developed a landmark destination for the community.” 

The luxury condominium towers are an anchor for the mixed-use property of Brickell City Centre developed in 2014. This master plan destination stands out as a hallmark of Brickell’s live-work-play lifestyle, attracting both local and international residents and celebrities.

“Swire Properties is delighted to sell the remaining inventory of 81 units to respected investors KAR Properties and Fortune International Group, in a significant transaction that reflects their shared commitment to this outstanding product and belief in Brickell City Centre,” said Kieran Bowers, President of Swire Properties. “Swire Properties will continue to invest in Brickell over the coming years and attention will now turn to the development of the remaining phases and parcels surrounding Brickell City Centre.”

Brickell City Centre Launches Digital Turnkey Units

Swire Properties has designed digital turnkey units at Reach and Rise Residences at Brickell City Centre. The customized digital spaces give buyers a real-life glimpse at how their unit will look before they even step foot in it. Swire Properties has strategically partnered with the NYC design firm, Interior Marketing Group, to target the New Yorkers moving to South Florida seeking lower taxes. With threats from the COVID-19 pandemic, buyers from out of state have been buying homes without seeing them in person. These digital turnkey units can be purchased exactly as they appear in digital renderings, starting at $500,000. Out of state buyers can move into their new Brickell City Centre residences having trust that their units will look exactly as they expect from the digital renderings. All new home owners need to bring is their toothbrush after choosing a digital turnkey unit from Reach or Rise are residence.

Brickell City Centre Unveils A Two-Story Penthouse In Reach Residence

Reach Residence of Brickell City Centre just unveiled their two-story exclusive penthouse listed for $6.690 million. Brickell City Centre is a $1.05 billion mixed-use luxury development, “city within a city,” in the middle of Miami’s financial district. Developed by Swire Properties Inc. and designed by award-winning Allan Malouf, the penthouse of Reach Residence crowns the top of Brickell City Centre with new images unveiled for buyers to see.

“We have worked with Allan Malouf for over three years through our annual Art Basel activation, CASACOR Miami. I am always blown away with his level of creativity and how people gravitate towards his design during the exhibition,” said Maile Aguila, senior vice president of residential sales for the project. “With the Brickell neighborhood continuing to lead in condo sales in South Florida, we knew that we had to bring Allan’s forward-thinking design to offer our buyers a turnkey unit that only requires you to receive the key and feel at home. He created a cozy atmosphere in a refined way in our two-story penthouse at Reach Residence that still feels inviting and elegant.”

The fully furnished penthouse is decorated in earth tones for a minimalistic and polished look. The 3,933 sq.ft. of interior houses four-bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms and high ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows show off the panoramic city landscape and water views of this luxurious home. The penthouse is also complete with a private rooftop pool, garden and outdoor kitchen.

“I wanted to create a universal design that appeals to the couple who is looking for the upmost privacy, snowbirds who are looking to downsize or the entrepreneur who wants a bachelor pad,” said Allan Malouf with over 20 years of experience in architecture, interior design and real estate acquisitions. “To create the contemporary space, we played with earthy-toned colors, velvet and rustic textures, brought in artwork from artist Andre Poli, select pieces from Pure Project Home and wood panels from the Ukraine, all to enhance the level of luxury this unit offers.”

Reach Residents attract buyers not only because of extravagant interiors, but offers the perks of living in the heart of Brickell City Centre. This urban living experience is perfect for buyers who want a work-hard-play-hard lifestyle. Weekly events held at Brickell City Centre are at at your fingertips, along with some of Miami’s trendiest restaurants, shops and bars. Reach Residents also offers many exclusive amenities such as a spa with hair and nail service, poolside café service, and an entertainment suite.

Reach Residence is located at 68 SE 6th Street in Brickell. All residences come fully furnished for buyers to start enjoying everything Brickell City Centre has to offer from the moment they move in.