James Curnin Sells His La Gorce Island Waterfront Mansion For Miami Beach Single Family Price Per Square Foot Record $60 Million In Off Market Deal

Real estate developer James Curnin and his wife Jennifer have sold their stunning waterfront mansion on La Gorce Island in Miami Beach for a record setting $60 million. The sale establishes a new record for the price per square foot of single-family homes in the Miami Beach area, soaring to $6,224 PSF. The off-market deal was overseen by Jordan Karp of Jordan Karp LLC.

The meticulously designed residence, encompassing 9,640 square feet, was crafted over four years and exemplifies luxury living. Situated at 66 La Gorce Circle, the property commands captivating views of Normandy Isle from its 0.4-acre lot. Renowned architect Max Strang was responsible for the home's design, while New York-based Pembrooke & Ives curated its elegant interior and furnishings. The sale, executed off-market and inclusive of most furnishings.

Originally purchased for $7.5 million in 2020, the property came with an older structure that the Curnins had demolished to make way for their dream home. This latest venture is just one of many significant deals unfolding in the vibrant Miami Beach real estate market.

The home was not intended to be listed but Curnin decided to sell after being approached by brokers amidst the hot waterfront market for single family homes in Miami Beach. The island has seen considerable investment activity, with multimillionaire Anand Khubani reportedly acquiring adjacent properties for $100 million just last month.

Clara Homes, the development company led by Curnin, has active projects in South Florida including multifamily projects in Wynwood and Bay Harbor Islands.

Images via Jordan Karp LLC

Clara Homes Closes On $7.7 Million Residential Site in Miami's Wynwood Neighborhood And Reveals Kobi Karp Designed Renderings

Clara Homes, a Miami-based real estate development firm founded by James Curnin, has closed on a $7.7 million residential development site in Miami’s trendy Wynwood neighborhood. Located at 2601 NW 6th Avenue, the 17,000-square foot site is planned to become a 154-residence luxury rental building designed by architect Kobi Karp. The building will include at least 40% affordable workforce housing as part of the Live Local Act and will rise roughly 200 feet. Jordan Karp of Jordan Karp, LLC. represented Clara Homes in the deal, while the seller, men’s clothing wholesaler Austin Burke, was represented by Jeremy S. Larkin and Joseph R. Gallaher.

“Wynwood is one of the hottest Miami markets to invest in and only continues to increase in value as new cultural, dining and art institutions open in the neighborhood,” said James Curnin, CEO and Founder of Clara Homes. “When presented with the rare opportunity to acquire the land at such an attractive rate, we jumped at the chance to create a new rental experience in this rapidly growing part of town.”

The acquisition closed at $450 per square foot, approximately 40% below other Wynwood land sales, which typically average between $750 to $1,000 per square foot. The site was sold as a cap rate play instead of a redevelopment play, with attractive below-market seller financing at 5% and a sale leaseback for at least a year to a year and a half.

While plans are still in progress for the upcoming project, the luxury rental building is projected to offer a full suite of premium amenities and sophisticated touches, as well as 24-hour doormen, valet service, dedicated ground floor retail space and Miami’s first rooftop padel court, catering to the city’s heightening interest in the rapidly growing global racquet sport. Construction is expected to begin sometime within the next 12-15 months and will take about 18 months to complete.

Clara Homes is also in the process of developing its first multifamily development in South Florida, Clara Bay Harbor, following the firm’s success developing, building, and selling numerous luxury spec homes for above market rate prices. Clara Bay Harbor will be completed in three phases, having begun construction of the first building located at 10281 West Bay Harbor Drive.

PROFILE Exclusive: 12 Questions With Developer James Curnin Of Clara Bay Harbor

PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with James Curnin of Clara Homes, a Miami-based, vertically integrated real estate firm, to discuss how he has found success developing and expanding his brand in the Miami market following an accomplished start to his career developing luxury residential properties in Los Angeles. Founded in 2014 by James, Clara Homes offers residential and commercial development, operations oversight and custom homes.

With work spanning South Florida to Los Angeles, the Clara Homes has collaborated with some of the industry’s most innovative architecture firms, including Vertoch Design Architects, McClean Design and Strang Design, to differentiate its portfolio from others in the market. Currently in the pipeline are three waterfront spec homes, three privately owned custom homes, as well as a 150-unit, three-building rental development in Bay Harbor Islands named Clara Bay Harbor which broke ground in March 2023.

Recent completed projects include a single family spec home project, a Modern Farmhouse located at 6341 Allison Road on Allison Island, which sold for $13,875,000, as well as 416 W San Marino Drive which is currently pending for $29 million. Curnin also delivered a project on Sunset Island II and other homes on Miami Beach. Homes currently under construction include properties on La Gorce Circle, Davis Road and Pinetree Dr Circle. PROFILEmiami recently caught up with James following his site approval for the third building as part of his Clara Bay Harbor development to see how he has taken the Miami market by storm:

PROFILEmiami: Tell us about your background, how did you get involved in real estate?

James Curnin: I was always drawn to real estate. My great grandfather had an impressive portfolio of buildings around New York City, and I grew up knowing that one day, I would follow in his footsteps. When I was finally old enough to start working for the family business, I was 14. It was hard work, but it solidified what I already knew to be true: I would grow up to be a real estate developer. My great grandfather’s company gave me my start. I contributed to major tri-state area projects such as Parker Meridien Hotels, Parker Towers and Parker Plaza. After some time, I decided to leave New York City and start my own legacy. In 2014, I founded Clara Homes, starting in Los Angeles. Great weather, a favorable business landscape and the promise of opportunity brought me to Miami. Here in South Florida I’ve grown Clara Homes into a vertically integrated real estate firm offering residential and commercial development, operations oversight and custom homes.

PROFILE: What was your first real estate development project?

JC: A single-family home in the bird streets of Los Angeles.

PROFILE: What is your development philosophy?

JC: Chase every penny, as frequently told to me by my great-grandfather when I was just getting started in the business.

PROFILE: You have built a name for yourself in Miami developing Spec Homes, can you tell us about your past projects? Are you currently working on any?

JC: I got my start in Miami building and selling spec homes, and it’s been an incredible journey. Just as the pandemic was setting in, we were completing four residences throughout the city. It was a time when everyone was in quarantine looking for more space, warm weather and private outdoor access, so we were able to quickly sell the listings and rapidly grow a good reputation for our use of quality materials and thoughtful design. Ever since, buyers have come to recognize our work and trust that we strive for perfection. We collaborate with the best architects in the area to design modern, tropical homes that truly suit the needs of families today, and people have even started coming to us for help to build their own custom homes. Currently, we’re finishing construction on three new spec home projects. I’m excited to report that all of them are now under contract. We will close when the homes complete, which will probably be in the next six months.

PROFILE: As a developer what is your strategy or some of the key items you take into account when developing an ultra-luxury home on spec?

JC: I like to invest in areas with a high barrier to entry, like Miami’s many islands. The land is fleeting and people are always going to want to be on the water, so there’s a much better chance these homes will hold their value over time. I’ve made it a point to hone in on opportunities such as waterfront and extra secluded properties to really maximize my portfolio.

PROFILE: You recently broke ground on Clara Bay Harbor on Miami’s Bay Harbor Islands, can you discuss the process of developing a high-end rental community in a neighborhood that did not have one?

JC: We’re developing Clara Bay Harbor as the premier rental community for Bay Harbor. The project will have three buildings, totaling 150 expansive apartments. The first broke ground in the beginning of this year, and the two following buildings have been approved by the Town of Bay Harbor Islands. We expect to begin construction on them soon.

Getting development rights in Bay Harbor is a challenge because there is a limited number the town has left to give and a ton of interest to go around. The town sold us the last of their TDRs, and now our entire site plan is approved and ready to go vertical.

A luxury rental development project of Clara Bay Harbor’s caliber will help to redefine and reinvigorate the neighborhood, introducing an elevated precedent for luxury in Bay Harbor Islands. With the influx of in-migration to South Florida in the last few years, there is a need for full-service rental offerings in the area that can accommodate young families. Clara Bay Harbor will feature private amenity spaces, concierge services and the level of hospitality where all staff, from the doormen to the pool attendants, know your name, your children’s names and your dog’s name.

PROFILE: As the developer how does the process differ between housing built for sale and housing built to lease?

JC: I approach every project with the same mindset. I want each to be of the highest quality, with the finest materials, blurring the line between apartment and condominium. The rentals I’m developing will have a luxury lifestyle one would expect to see within a resort-style condominium tower. That’s something I think will set Clara Bay Harbor apart from other multifamily offerings throughout Miami.

PROFILE: What is your outlook on the real estate market in Miami amid a changing economic environment and rising interest rates?

JC: Over the past few years, we have seen a rollercoaster of a real estate market, but Miami has sustained tremendous demand that is on an entirely different level from the rest of the nation. Even as interest rates rise, Miami will always be a destination that attracts people. Thousands are relocating to South Florida and many more have plans to purchase real estate. What we’ve seen, though, is that many would-be buyers are turning into luxury renters to wait out high interest rates and other market conditions. These renters are the people who will be attracted to our apartments at Clara Bay Harbor. For this reason, I’m very bullish on the rental market across the Miami area. I find it’s a huge, untapped opportunity, as there are not many professionally managed buildings designed specifically for renters with a high-touch experience in mind.

PROFILE: What was the first gift you brought yourself following a career milestone?

JC: More real estate.

PROFILE: What is your favorite restaurant in Miami?

JC: My favorite restaurant in Miami is either The Surf Club or Makoto.

PROFILE: Describe your perfect Saturday night in Miami?

JC: A perfect Saturday in Miami would be spending quality time with my family, especially with everyone’s busy schedules. Whether going out to dinner by the water or hanging out with friends.

PROFILE: Where do we find you on your day off?

JC: As a real estate developer, I’m afraid I never really have a true “day off” but in my spare time I’m actively involved with the Institute of Contemporary Art and Perez Art Museum in Miami. I hold leadership positions at both museums, so I try to be as hands on as I can with any events, awards, or activations going on. I also try to be outdoors as much as possible whenever I can, so I love going over to the beach and playing tennis or golf on my off days.

Images via Clara Homes

Clara Homes Receives Site Approval For Third Rental Building At Clara Bay Harbor

Clara Homes, a Miami-based real estate development firm founded by James Curnin, has received the approval for its third building and site plan at Clara Bay Harbor, a three-building ultra-luxury rental community in Miami's Bay Harbor neighborhood. Located from 10200 to 10290 East Bay Harbor Drive, the project's third and final six-story building will feature 77 expansive apartments as the largest of the three, spanning 1.3 acres. The site is the largest of the three spanning 1.3 acres, and following this latest city approval, construction is set to commence in 2024 for the third building. Clara Bay Harbor is a luxury rental community near Bal Harbour and Indian Creek, set to reinvigorate the Bay Harbor neighborhood into a premier luxury living destination with New York-style, personalized service and a spread of amenities including coworking lounges and rooftop pool.

As Clara Homes achieved approval for the third building, the firm also separately negotiated the purchase of Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) from the Town of Bay Harbor Islands, a rare occurrence representing the need for rental product in the neighborhood and the trust the city has in the developer.

Int total Clara Bay Harbor will deliver a collective 150 luxury rental residences to Miami’s Bay Harbor neighborhood. The three buildings it comprises are being developed concurrently and cohesively, each with their own dedicated suite of amenities and services.

The first building, located at 10281 West Bay Harbor Drive, broke ground this February. Expected to open in fall 2024, it will feature 28 two- to five-bedroom apartments. Groundbreaking for the second building of Clara Bay Harbor, located at 1147-1163 100th Street, will take place later this year. With 45 expansive apartments, the site totals to about 145,000 gross square feet.

Clara Bay Harbor is Clara Homes’ first South Florida multifamily development, following the firm’s success developing, building and selling numerous Miami and Los Angeles luxury spec homes for above market rate prices.

Founded in 2014 by James Curnin, Clara Homes is a Miami-based, vertically integrated real estate firm offering residential and commercial development, operations oversight and custom homes. With work spanning South Florida to Los Angeles, the company has collaborated with some of the industry’s most innovative architecture firms, including Vertoch Design Architects, McClean Design and Strang Design, to differentiate its portfolio from others in the market. Currently in the pipeline are three waterfront spec homes, three privately owned custom homes, as well as a 150-unit, three-building rental development in Bay Harbor called Clara Bay Harbor.

Check Out This Max Strang-Designed Venetian Islands Tropical Modern Spec Home Asking $29 Million

A new architectural masterpiece by architect Max Strang is nearing completion on the waterfront of San Marino Drive in Miami’s exclusive Venetian Islands. Priced at $29 million, the 6,357 square foot spec home, the latest project developed by Clara Homes, is set to redefine the standard of luxury in the island community, where business tycoons and tech moguls have been known to flock.

Situated at 416 W San Marino Drive, the new residence is a perfect example of how architects can seamlessly incorporate the natural environment into design. The architecture pays tribute to the Venetian Islands through grand floor-to-ceiling windows, an inspired color palette and a layout that maximizes views of the water and surrounding foliage. Inside, the five-bedroom, seven-bath single-family home will tout contemporary interiors. The finishes blend neutral hues with organic materials such as stone and wood to nod to the property’s distinct landscape. The property features unobstructed views to the Miami skyline & endless sunsets.

The space gives an open-concept feel featuring soaring ceiling heights, floor-to-ceiling windows, gorgeous stone by Salvatori, and a kitchen equipped with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. One of the most luxurious rooms in the home is the primary bedroom, which encompasses full Northwestern exposure with dual closets and a spacious bath..

The home also features access to 103 feet of wide bay frontage, a brand new sea wall and a deck for residents to dock their boat. Other perks including an elevator, rooftop, two-car garage, summer kitchen and oversized pool with a cabana make this a perfect home for family and entertaining.

416 W San Marino Drive is listed with Dina Goldentayer of Douglas Elliman.

Luxury Rental Residences Clara Bay Harbor Gets City Approval For Second Building

Clara Homes, a vertically integrated real estate development firm led by James Curnin, has received city approval of its second building at Clara Bay Harbor, a three-building ultra-luxury rental community being developed on the exclusive Bay Harbor Islands. Clara Bay Harbor will deliver a collective 150 luxury rental residences and will be completed in three phases, beginning with construction of the first building located at 10281 West Bay Harbor Drive. Groundbreaking for phase one is projected for Q1 of 2023, with the second phase to follow in Q3.

“I believe Bay Harbour is a jewel box neighborhood and the perfect unique setting for a true luxury rental apartment building. This has not been done before in Miami Beach and I’m thrilled to be working together with the community on developing Clara Bay Harbour, as this will solidify bay harbor as the next luxury location in Miami.” Said James Curnin of Clara Homes.

Located at 1147-1163 100th Street, the new approved Phase 2 is a six-story building which will feature 45 expansive apartments as well as a dedicated suite of amenities and services. The site totals to about 145,000 gross square feet.

The first site, which is located at 10281 West Bay Harbor Drive, received approval in April of this year. The site is roughly .35 acres and will include 28 luxury rentals. The third site, located from 10200 East Bay Harbor Drive through 10290 East Bay Harbor Drive, is the largest of the deals, spanning 1.3 acres. It will offer 77 of the total 150 luxury apartment residences at Clara Bay Harbor. All three buildings are being developed concurrently and cohesively.

Clara Bay Harbor is Clara Homes’s first South Florida multifamily development, following the firm’s success developing, building and selling numerous Miami and Los Angeles luxury spec homes for above market rate prices. Clara Homes is a vertically integrated real estate firm led by James Curnin.

Check Out The Newly Revealed Max Strang-Designed Modern Farmhouse On Miami Beach's Allison Island Asking $15.3 Million

Clara Homes, led by luxury home developer James Curnin, has launched his new Miami Beach single family luxury development concept, Modern Farmhouse, asking $15.3 million on Allison Island. The spec home was designed by local starchitect Max Strang and is a refreshing change from the ultra-modern waterfront homes that have been replacing the city’s classic Mediterranean mansions.

The home will feature over 7,000 SF under HVAC, on a 16,200 SF lot with 75’ of prime water frontage. The layout offers five bedrooms, six full bathrooms, two-half bathrooms plus staff quarters. The home will also feature a gym with an outdoor terrace including a full bathroom and inferred sauna can easily be converted to a sixth bedroom. The large chef’s kitchen will feature appliances from Wolf/Sub-Zero, Boffi cabinetry and custom marble slab, accompanied by Dornbracht plumbing fixtures. 12’ ceiling height on the main level allows natural light to flood the entertaining spaces laden with wide-planked European white oak flooring.

Outdoors offers a covered outdoor kitchen and beautiful pool area overlooking the private dock with no fixed bridges to open ocean access. The property also will feature lush landscaping to create a sense of privacy and tranquility.

The developer James Curnin is the great-grandson of Jack Parker, founder of Jack Parker Corp. which developed the Le Parker Meridien hotel in Midtown Manhattan. After graduating from University of Miami in 2008 he joined the Jack Parker Corporation before pursuing ground-up, single family home development opportunities in West Hollywood and Bel Air. In Los Angeles he hired and worked closely with architects Philip Vertoch and Paul McClean on three residential developments comprised of over 60,000 SF and $55 million in closed transactions including a $24 million home on Doheny Drive. By 2017, having sold all three Los Angeles homes, James set sight on Miami Beach where he established Clara Homes, and continues to focus on high end homes.

The Modern Farmhouse is located at 6431 Allison Road and is currently listed for $15,300,000 with Oliver Lloyd of Douglas Elliman.

For more information about 6431 Allison Road, Miami Beach, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below: