Related Group and Merrimac Ventures Secure $160 Million Construction Loan For Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach As Sales Pass 70%

Leading real estate developers Related Group and Merrimac Ventures, alongside hospitality leader Hilton (NYSE: HLT), have closed on $160 million in construction financing from Bank OZK for Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach (The Residences). Marking Waldorf Astoria’s first-ever standalone residential development, the property is already elevating the standard for luxury living in Broward County, with only select residences remaining.

“The Residences combine the legendary service and sophistication of the Waldorf Astoria resort properties with the comfort and security of private ownership. It’s a no-compromise lifestyle that immerses residents and caters to their every wish,” said Nick Pérez, President of Related’s Condominium Division. “We’re proud to work alongside our development and financial partners to help propel Pompano Beach as the region’s next premier luxury destination. It is properties such as this one that will help the city reach its full potential.”

Set on two acres of coveted oceanfront, The Residences will offer 92 exclusive condominium homes and an exceptional suite of resort-style amenities and personalized services managed directly by Waldorf Astoria. With world-class design led by Nichols Architects in collaboration with KORA, BAMO, and Enea Landscape, the development positions Pompano Beach as a rising star among luxury destinations.

“This financing marks a pivotal milestone for The Residences and the vision we’ve long held for this iconic oceanfront site,” said Dev Motwani, CEO of Merrimac Ventures. “This property location, design and unmatched lifestyle offerings have resonated with buyers, quickly propelling us past 70 percent sold in a remarkably short timeframe.”

The 28-story tower comprises homes ranging from two to five bedrooms, spanning 2,100 to 6,100 square feet. Each residence boasts private elevator access, floor-to-ceiling windows and oversized balconies with panoramic Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway views. The 20,000-square-foot oceanfront pool deck perfectly captures the essence of the property’s seaside experience, enhanced by a private spa, an outdoor bar and dining lounge, and summer kitchens. Residents can also enjoy exclusive access to 200 linear feet of pristine beachfront as well as a private marina with nearly two dozen boat slips.

Beyond its stunning outdoor spaces, The Residences offers more than 15,000 square feet of curated indoor amenities and an extensive list of resident services. Wellness-driven offerings include a state-of-the-art fitness center and a dedicated movement studio, as well as an on-site spa with private treatment rooms and his-and-hers sauna and steam rooms. Residents can also enjoy a variety of entertainment and leisure amenities, such as a ground-floor dining concept, a billiards lounge, a children’s entertainment center and a multi-sport simulator. Additionally, the property will showcase an array of museum-quality artwork from the renowned Jorge M. Pérez Contemporary Art Collection.

True to the Waldorf Astoria tradition of exceptional hospitality, the property’s signature 24/7 resident services include in-residence dining, a personalized concierge, and dedicated beach and poolside service.

“Bank OZK is excited to expand upon our strong relationships with both Related Group and Merrimac Ventures, along with the sponsorship of an industry leader like Hilton, for this extraordinary development,” said Greg Newman, Senior Managing Director of Originations at Bank OZK. “We look forward to seeing how this landmark project enhances Pompano Beach’s coastal legacy and growing prestige.”

For those seeking the pinnacle of coastal luxury, The Residences offers four exquisitely crafted penthouse residences ranging from $16 million to $20 million. Each of these sprawling homes features 70 linear feet of uninterrupted ocean views and wraparound terraces that showcase panoramic vistas of the ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and the dynamic Pompano Beach skyline. The two upper penthouses feature sweeping 3,200- to 3,500-square-foot rooftop terraces, complete with air-conditioned entertainment spaces, summer kitchens and private pools.

Only select homes remain available at Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach.

Renderings via The Boundary

For more information about Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Merrimac Ventures Unveils Plans for Bungalow East Residences in Fort Lauderdale Beach

Merrimac Ventures, a renowned South Florida real estate investment and development firm, has announced the launch of sales for Bungalow East, an exclusive luxury condominium set to rise in Fort Lauderdale Beach. The 14-story boutique development will house just 34 residences, each designed with refined elegance and offering extensive amenities in one of the area’s most walkable and desirable beachside communities.

Situated at 530 North Birch Road, Bungalow East is positioned steps from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The project, anticipated to break ground in late 2025 with an 18-month construction timeline, embodies Merrimac Ventures’ legacy of transforming Fort Lauderdale Beach from a seasonal “Spring Break haven” into a premier resort destination. This vision was first ignited by the Motwani family over 35 years ago through the strategic acquisition and redevelopment of oceanfront motels, paving the way for acclaimed developments like the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, the Conrad Hotel, and Paramount Fort Lauderdale.

“Fort Lauderdale Beach’s transformation has been extraordinary,” said Dev Motwani, Co-Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures. “Our family has been invested in this community for decades, and Bungalow East is a special project that completes our vision for this area.”

Bungalow East will feature spacious three- and four-bedroom residences ranging from 2,100 to 2,800 square feet, with options for flexible floor plans. Two exclusive penthouses, each spanning approximately 4,000 square feet and boasting private rooftop decks, are also part of the offering. Homes are priced between $2 million and $4 million and will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive terraces with summer kitchens, and high-end finishes that evoke a sense of sophisticated luxury.

The building's design, a collaboration between Swedroe Architecture and Adriana Hoyos Design Studio, embraces natural elements with neutral palettes, wood accents, and sleek modern finishes. Each residence will come equipped with private elevators and chef-inspired kitchens complete with gas-range stoves, emphasizing the development’s focus on upscale, functional living.

Amenities at Bungalow East are designed for a lifestyle of relaxed luxury. Highlights include a resort-style pool deck, a wellness center with massage rooms and a beauty salon, a rooftop sunset lounge, and a yoga lawn. Additional offerings include a gaming and entertainment lounge, a conference center, and pet-friendly features such as a dog run and spa. A ground-floor retail space is slated to house a future café or wine bar, adding to the neighborhood's vibrant atmosphere.

Residents will also gain membership privileges at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club and exclusive access to the Conrad Hotel Fort Lauderdale, which includes beach service and full use of the hotel's amenities.

“OneWorld Properties is thrilled to lead the sales and marketing of Bungalow East,” said Peggy Olin, CEO of OneWorld Properties. “This development will redefine luxury living in Fort Lauderdale Beach, offering residents both exclusivity and convenience in an unparalleled location.”

Fort Lauderdale Beach continues to attract a wave of new residents and investors, driven by Florida’s favorable tax policies and high quality of life. Bungalow East is poised to cater to this growing demand, appealing to locals and out-of-state buyers seeking proximity to the beach and access to South Florida’s vibrant culture.

The community’s prime location offers residents easy access to North Beach Village’s top dining and entertainment spots, including The Secret Garden Dining Club, Truluck’s, and Casablanca Café, as well as cultural attractions like the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens and the trails of Birch State Park.

Meet the Panelists Speaking at The PROFILE South Florida Capital Markets Summit at E11EVEN Residences Miami

On Wednesday February 7, 2024, PROFILEmiami will host its inaugural Capital Markets Summit, bringing together some of the biggest movers and shakers in real estate development in Miami to explore the state of financing and capital markets in the real estate industry. Discover the intricacies of commercial real estate investment and financial markets where industry leaders will dissect the impact of changing interest rates, inflation, and global economic conditions on investment decisions. The exclusive panel is set to features industry leaders including developer Dan Kodsi of Royal Palm Companies, Dev Motwani of Merrimac Ventures, Raul Llanes of City National Bank, Michael May of Silverstein Capital and Justin Oates of Cain International; moderated by Matt Einheber of TitleEQ.

Panelists will have a comprehensive discussion about the current capital stack in commercial real estate deals and explore strategies that sponsors can employ to optimize their capital structure. The discussion will also delve into the market's underwriting standards and loan-to-value ratios, uncovering their influence on loan approvals; as well as a spectrum of financing options, from debt and equity to mezzanine financing and EB-5, and grasp typical terms offered. The discussion serves to educate attendees to anticipate future challenges and opportunities in the commercial real estate financing landscape while acquiring best practices for managing and mitigating risks, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.

Meet our panelists and be ready for the interactive Q&A session to follow:

Dev Motwani, President & CEO, Merrimac Ventures

Dev Motwani serves as President and CEO of Merrimac Ventures, a Fort Lauderdale based real estate firm that focuses on value-add investment and development opportunities. Property types owned and operated include hotels, condos, retail, office and rental apartments primarily in South Florida but also throughout the United States.

Dev is also Founder and Managing Partner of Ramesh Properties, a distressed real estate investment fund focused on opportunistic investments in residential and commercial development sites throughout South Florida. He currently oversees nearly $750 million in development projects. Current projects include the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences, The Gale Boutique Hotel and Residences, as well as Las Olas Riverfront, all in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Dev is Founder and Managing Partner of Chieftain Residential, a yield-oriented distressed residential fund purchasing single-family homes, and residential land, primarily in the Southeast US and Texas. The fund aims to balance current income opportunities through the rental markets for its single-family home inventory, while also targeting capital appreciation in single family homes and land as the US Residential Market continues to rebound.

Prior to his current role, Dev worked at Credit Suisse in New York City, where he first structured OTC Equity Derivative trades for the firm’s largest corporate clients and then for the firm’s largest hedge fund clients. Before that, he worked in the White House and on the 2000 Gore/Lieberman Presidential Campaign.

Dev plays an active role in the South Florida Community, through his involvement with numerous charities and business organizations, currently serving on the board of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, Fort Lauderdale’s Economic Development Advisory Board, and the Downtown Council. He was recently appointed to the Orange Bowl Host Committee.

He previously served on the boards of the Riverwalk Trust, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and Broward County’s Small Business Advisory Board. Dev has served as Co-Chair for the Bonnet House’s Annual Impressions Fundraiser, the Ghost Light Society’s Annual Soiree, and the Jeb Bush Classic Beach Bash benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year the Motwani family co-founded the Laughing Out Loud fundraiser benefitting the Scleroderma Foundation, which raised over $170,000 for the charity.

Dev graduated from Duke University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Economics and Public Policy and from Columbia University’s Masters of Science in Real Estate Development Program. He has also studied at the London School of Economics.

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Dan Kodsi, CEO, Royal Palm Companies

Since 1991, Mr. Daniel Kodsi has been CEO of Royal Palm Companies (RPC). Under Kodsi’s leadership, RPC has developed over $3B in completed projects to date with over $2B in the pipeline. During the last three decades, Kodsi has delivered over 6,000 units consisting of over 14 million square feet of mixed-use and master-planned communities, hotels, multi-family, and high-rise developments.
Kodsi is known for identifying underserved markets alongside of his ability to execute large-scale, mixed-use developments, and master-planned communities. In 2011, Kodsi founded Participant Capital as the capital arm of Royal Palm Companies and a vehicle to empower individual investors to participate in ground-up construction projects. Mr. Kodsi is the CEO/Managing Principal of Participant Capital and Chairman of the Investment Committee.
Throughout his career, Kodsi has been credited for changing skylines with his award-winning projects. Kodsi has created several branded residences including the Paramount brand that includes three distinct properties including the recently completed and internationally renowned, Paramount Miami Worldcenter, which is the second largest master-planned urban project in the United States.
RPC’s latest branded residence is the Legacy Hotel & Residences in the Miami Worldcenter. This mixed-use tower will overlook the heart of downtown. It offers both buyers and investors a unique blend of business models across hospitality, real estate, preventative healthcare, and wellness that work financially independently, but also creates an asset ecosystem that appeals to the new ‘disease conscious traveler’.
Kodsi has appeared as a guest on national television newscasts, major cable business networks such as CBS World News, NBC Universal, CNN, CNBC, FOX News, MSNBC, Bloomberg News and is a regular guest on FOX Business news. He has also been a frequent guest speaker and panel member for The Urban Land Institute, Real Deal, BizNow, the National Multifamily Housing Council, and the EB-5 Council.

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Michael May, President, Silverstein Capital Partners

Michael May is a founder and the President of Silverstein Capital Partners (“SCP”) and oversees all lending operations. SCP has committed over $1.6 billion on office, industrial, residential, retail, hospitality and mixed-use projects in urban markets. SCP provides senior loans, bridge loans, subordinate loans, and rescue capital to borrowers on shovel-ready ground-up construction, heavy value-add repositioning, lease-up projects, land, and inventory loans on completed condominium projects. SCP’s funds are capitalized by two global institutional investors and Silverstein Properties, Inc. SCP also has an active separate account business.

Previously, Mr. May was a founder and Chief Operating Officer of Cantor Commercial Real Estate (“CCRE”), where he led the origination of than $50+ billion of commercial real estate loans.  Mr. May was responsible for raising institutional and private capital, sourcing corporate financing, high-yield bond raises, loan origination, loan distribution, and securitization for the venture.  From its creation in 2010, CCRE closed 2,000+ financings on all property types in 50 US states, 3 US territories, Mexico, and the Caribbean.  Mr. May oversaw conduit, transitional, large-loan, small-balance, single borrower, Agency, and net-lease lending as well as a $58 billion servicing book.

Prior to CCRE, Mr. May was a Managing Director at Credit Suisse (“CS”) where he was a senior member of the Real Estate Finance Group.  Mr. May joined CS in 1997 and oversaw West Coast and Latin American operations including the origination and distribution of CMBS, whole loans, and subordinate debt.  Mr. May originated $20+ billion in financings and innovated numerous CMBS products including securitization structures for condominiums, construction, ski mountains, and casinos.

Before CS, Mr. May worked at General Electric Capital Corporation where he focused on the acquisition of subordinated CMBS and the structured distribution of whole loans, asset backed securities, and real estate equity.  Mr. May also spent seven years at Arthur Andersen LLP in the Real Estate Consulting Group, working in the US, Western Europe, Russia, and Latin America providing advice on project feasibility, loan valuations, securitization structuring, and workout strategies.

Mr. May holds a BS in Finance and a BA in Psychology from the University of Maryland at College Park.

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Raul Llanes, Managing Director, Head of Specialty Capital Markets, City National Bank

Raul has over 18+ years in Real Estate Investment Banking, Syndicated & Corporate Capital Markets, Structured Credit, Private Equity, and Commercial Real Estate lending. Currently, he is working for City National Bank as Head of Capital Markets leading the efforts of Loan Syndications, Placement, and Specialty Lending. City National Bank originated $3.47 billion of commercial mortgages in 2022, making it the third most active commercial lender in the state of Florida.

Raul graduated from Florida International University with a BS in International Business and Business Administration and holds an MBA in International Business from University of Miami.

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Justin Oates, SVP, Cain International

Justin oversees Cain’s Miami portfolio, which includes 830 Brickell, Missoni Baia and Una Residences, among other residential, office and hospitality projects and development sites. Throughout his career, Justin has worked on over $10 billion of real estate transactions. Justin joined Cain from Dreamscape Companies in New York City. Prior to that, Justin worked at Savanna and started his career at Eastdil Secured.

Cain International is a privately held investment firm focused on real estate and business opportunities that shape the fabric of global gateway cities. The firm currently manages over $16 billion in assets through its real estate equity, real estate debt and private equity platforms. Cain is a partnership between its CEO, Jonathan Goldstein, and Eldridge.

Justin holds a Master of Commerce from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in economics from Boston College. Justin is actively involved in the Advisory Board for the Master of Real Estate Development + Urbanism program at University of Miami’s School of Architecture and is a member of PropTech Angels, a group of real estate professionals that invests in early-stage real estate tech companies.

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Matthew Einheber, Principal, Title EQ

Matt is a principal of and the driving force behind TitleEQ, a national settlement services agency serving clients nationwide, and TitleBox, the developer of technology designed to streamline risk management in the title industry.

His experience with real estate transactions began in the early 2000’s in real estate finance, which led to settlement services and ultimately his move to start his first title company in 2005.

Since then, Matt has played an integral role in forging industry-shaping technology and business processes for the settlement and closing operations of title companies, underwriters, real estate brokers and agents across the country. Matt’s current focus is TitleEQ and its family of companies; the result of years of technology development and learned execution to approach real estate settlements in a way that’s very unique.

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Buy Tickets

The PROFILE Capital Markets Summit is the next installment of PROFILEmiami’s highly-regarded PROFILEconnect bespoke networking event series, which brings together Miami’s real estate industry and business professionals to network and connect outside of a traditional business setting. PROFILEconnect is attended by Miami’s top investors, developers, business professionals, brokers, financiers, architects, designers and other service providers.

Guests will have the opportunity to network and share their experiences in South Florida through thoughtful discourse, while forging new relationships with industry leaders. The night will feature an hour of networking with sounds by local DJs DAKAP, followed by the panel discussion and Q&A, and will finish off with more networking, supplemented by an open bar by Brugal 1888 and E11EVEN Vodka throughout the night and bites by Zeroe Plant Based Caviar.

Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Where: E11EVEN Residences Beyond Sales Gallery, 1018 N Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33136

Time: 6 PM - 9 PM

Music: DAKAP

Food & Drinks: Zeroe Plant Based Caviar, E11EVEN Vodka, Brugal 1888 Rum

Panelists:

• Dev Motwani, Merrimac Ventures

• Dan Kodsi, Royal Palm Companies

• Michael May, Silverstein Capital

• Raul Llanes, City National Bank

• Justin Oates, Cain International

• Moderator: Matthew Einheber, TitleEQ

Who Should Attend: Developers, Investors, Brokers, Lenders, Private Equity, Family Offices, Architects, Lawyers, Designers, Wealth Managers, Financial Planners, CPAs and other Business Professionals.

Schedule:

• 6 PM - 7 PM: Cocktails & Networking w/ sound by DAKAP

• 7 PM - 8 PM: Capital Markets Panel

• 8 PM - 9 PM: Cocktails & Networking w/ sounds by DAKAP

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Merrimac Ventures and Aria Development Group Lock Down $95 Million Construction Loan for Sold-Out 600 Miami Worldcenter

A joint venture between South Florida-based developers Merrimac Ventures and Aria Development Group is preparing to break ground on 600 Miami Worldcenter, a 32-story condominium tower set within Downtown Miami’s Miami Worldcenter 27-acre mixed use development, following locking down a $95 million construction loan from Banco Inbursa. Located at 600 NE 1st Ave., 600 Miami Worldcenter will deliver 606 fully furnished units with no restrictions on short-term rentals. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.

Buyers are responding to 600 Miami Worldcenter’s short-term “turn-key” rental model, with all of the development’s units already pre-sold to residents hailing mostly from the U.S., Colombia, Turkey and Argentina. Residences will range from 407-square-foot studios to 830-square-foot two-bedroom units where prices started in the $400,000s.

OneWorld Properties, led by CEO Peggy Olin, is managing sales and marketing for 600 Miami Worldcenter. Newmark’s Jordan Roeschlaub, Dustin Stolly, Nick Scribani, Daniel Matz and Holden Witkoff, along with the law firm of Bilzin Sumberg LLP’s Joseph Hernandez, Salomé Bascuñan, and Anthony De Yurre, represented the developers in the transaction.

“600 Miami Worldcenter has been one of our most anticipated and fastest-selling developments, which was appealing for our lenders at Banco Inbursa,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures. “Heightened demand for the project’s ideal location and fully furnished turn-key residences are just some components that will make it a standout addition to our city-within-a-city at Miami Worldcenter.”

"600 Miami Worldcenter blends best practices from our most successful luxury residential developments with the excitement of Downtown Miami. We look forward to growing our relationship with Banco Inbursa through the construction of this beautiful project in our vibrant submarket," said David Arditi, Managing Partner of Aria Development Group.

600 Miami Worldcenter is the latest residential offering within Miami Worldcenter, the $6 billion mixed-use development transforming the heart of Downtown Miami. As the second largest urban development in the U.S. after Hudson Yards, the ‘city within a city’ features a diverse mix of residential, commercial and hospitality uses complemented by approximately 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space.

Merrimac Ventures’ presence in Downtown Miami also includes the development of Miami Worldcenter, which is being developed by master developers Miami Worldcenter Associates, led by Managing Partners Nitin Motwani and Art Falcone, in partnership with CIM Group.

In addition to 600 Miami Worldcenter, Merrimac Ventures is also developing two more residential towers within Miami Worldcenter: The Crosby, a sold out 450-unit condominium with no rental restrictions in partnership with Related Group, and the second phase of Caoba, a 40-story tower with 420 apartments.

Aria Development Group’s Downtown Miami portfolio includes the nearby YOTEL Miami, a 31-story condominium and hotel, and 501 First, a 476-unit condominium in partnership with AQARAT – both of which have no rental restrictions and are completely sold out.

Residences at 600 Miami Worldcenter will be curated by the award-winning design company, The Design Agency, and are equipped with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with custom window treatments, expansive balconies, flooring and furnishings on all residential interiors. Kitchens and bathrooms will include custom Italian cabinetry and countertops, top-of-the-line appliances with speed ovens, integrated paneled refrigerators/freezers, dishwashers, in-unit washers and dryers, and fully built-out spacious closets.

Designed by Revuelta Architecture, 600 Miami Worldcenter will boast luxury amenities including a summer kitchen, rooftop swimming pool with resort seating, a state-of-the-art fitness center with an outdoor private training area by Homage Fitness. 600 Miami Worldcenter will also feature a covered porte-cochère, 24-hour attended lobby, dedicated co-working space, resident lounge, and entertaining space, air-conditioned resident storage, and bike storage.

Miami Worldcenter occupies 10 city blocks within walking distance of Museum Park, home to Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science; the Kaseya Center, the home of the Miami Heat; the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts; and Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. It is also adjacent to Brightline’s MiamiCentral station, which offers direct train service from Downtown Miami to Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando, together with access to Tri-Rail, the Metromover, and the Metrorail – making Miami Worldcenter the largest and most connected transit-oriented development in Florida.

Merrimac Ventures and BH3 Management Join Forces For New Development on Watson Island

BH3 Management and Merrimac Ventures, two of South Florida’s leading development firms, have teamed up to execute the City of Miami’s long-held vision of a thriving destination on Watson Island. The joint venture will draw upon their deep local roots and collective expertise to bring to life 10.7 acres of land on the island, which is one of the most vital properties in South Florida, situated along Biscayne Bay midway between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.

The BH3 Management and Merrimac Ventures JV acquired the lease from Mehmet Bayraktar’s Flagstone Property Group who first acquired the rights to develop the land via Miami voters in a city-owned land referendum in 2001. Flagstone Property Group was able to complete the Island Gardens Mega-Yacht Marina but failed to complete the proposed mixed-use development which is set to include hotels and retail. The lease then went through a series of dramas including the City Commission voting to end the lease with Flagstone Property Group who used the city and ultimately the city entered an agreement to pay the developer $20 million.

The transaction between the BH3 Management and Merrimac Ventures JV with Flagstone Property Group was brokered by Alex Zylberglait on behalf of Marcus & Millichap and does not include the Island Gardens Mega-Yacht Marina. The Joint Venture now holds the 75-year lease paying $2 million in annual rent to the City of Miami.

Initial site work at the property, including utility and infrastructure improvements, will soon get underway following the transfer of an existing City of Miami lease to BH3 Management and Merrimac Ventures. In the coming months, the development team will be evaluating how this portion of Watson Island can be designed, curated and programmed to deliver public benefits while aligning with today’s market.

Benefiting from a long track record of bringing signature developments to life, the joint venture has deep experience undertaking transformative projects and creating regional destinations. BH3 Management, led by principals Daniel Lebensohn and Gregory Freedman, has developed more than 4 million square feet of commercial real estate including Privé at Island Estates in Aventura, and has deployed in excess of $2 billion of capital since its inception.

“Watson Island is one of the City of Miami’s most important and well-situated properties, yet it’s also one of its most underutilized assets,” said Greg Freedman, Principal at BH3 Management. “For two decades, Miami residents have been anticipating the creation of a mixed-use development at this site, and now that vision will come together. Our plans for Watson Island will deliver an amenity for nearby residents, as well as a destination for visitors from across South Florida and around the world.”

Merrimac Ventures, led by brothers Nitin and Dev Motwani, is currently developing assets valued above $3 billion and its principals have led some of the largest real estate developments in South Florida, including the $4 billion, 27-acre Miami Worldcenter in Downtown Miami; the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale Hotel and Residences; Paramount-branded condominiums in Miami and Fort Lauderdale; and the Las Olas Riverfront.

“The development of Watson Island is an opportunity to rethink the way people can access this beautiful site, which offers unobstructed vantage points featuring the Downtown Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, Museum Park, and the cruise ships at PortMiami,” said Nitin Motwani, Principal at Merrimac Ventures. “Miami is synonymous with the water, and yet there are surprisingly few places where residents and visitors can access the waterfront. Our plans for Watson Island will be centered around public space and the site’s bayfront setting, offering some of the best views in all of Miami.”

Miami voters initially approved plans for the privately-funded development of City-owned land on Watson Island back in 2001, and the lease on the property was most recently modified in 2019. A site plan is already approved, combining hotel, retail, and residential uses alongside new public space and a waterfront promenade. While the plan will be modernized, BH3 Management and Merrimac Ventures intend to develop within the same footprint and density allowances that voters previously approved, ushering in investments in quality-of-life, resiliency, and infrastructure improvements – without putting a burden on taxpayers.

Related Group And Merrimac Ventures Launch The Crosby Miami Worldcenter Condo With No Rental Restrictions In Downtown Miami

A joint venture between Related Group (Related), one of the nation’s most prolific developers, and Merrimac Ventures, a leading South Florida-based real estate investment and development firm, have launched sales of The Crosby Miami Worldcenter (The Crosby). The 31-story tower set within Downtown Miami’s $4 billion 27-acre Miami Worldcenter mixed-use development will deliver 450 turn-key residences, free of rental restrictions. Groundbreaking is targeted for the first quarter of 2023 and delivery in the first quarter of 2025.

“The sales launch of The Crosby comes during a period of immense activity for Miami’s real estate market, with Downtown Miami one of the key beneficiaries,” said Nick Perez, SVP of Related. “Buyers are looking for multiple ways to live and invest, and The Crosby allows them to do both within the city’s most notable address, Miami Worldcenter.”

The Crosby is aimed at a new generation of buyers seeking attainable, flexible living in the core of one of the world’s most sought-after cities.

“Our vision for The Crosby at Miami Worldcenter will capture significant appetite among domestic and international buyers in the market for residential product in the heart of Downtown Miami,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures. “Our team at Merrimac is looking forward to joining forces with Related on what will be a transformative residential development at the center of Miami Worldcenter’s ‘city within a city’ setting.”

The Crosby was designed as a collaboration between South Florida-based architecture firm CFE Architects, and New York-based interior designers AvroKO. Together, the duo created an urban oasis that that balances the calmness of a retreat with the energy and vibrancy of its surroundings.

Residence floorplans are designed to fit a range of lifestyles, spanning studio, one- and two-bedroom residences, which range from 350 to 825 square feet. Each turn-key home curated by AvroKO comes complete with open living areas, gourmet kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances, a spa-inspired master bath and smart home technology including keyless entry. Balconies feature 180- and 360-degree views of Downtown Miami.

Owners have access to over 22,000 square feet of amenity spaces spanning multiple floors. Amenities include a fitness and wellness center with saunas and plunge pools and a dedicated space for yoga and mat workouts; a spacious coworking center designed for solo or group work; and a clubroom featuring billiards, a theater and a private dining area for exclusive chef events and tastings. The Crosby will also feature museum-quality art in nearly every space, indoor and out.

Outside, owners and residents will enjoy a resort-style rooftop pool deck with a jacuzzi, poolside chaises, an Italian-inspired trellis garden and outdoor grills.

Pricing starts in the $300,000s with OneWorld Properties, led by CEO Peggy Olin, as the exclusive sales partner for The Crosby.

“OneWorld Properties has sold over 1,500 units in Downtown Miami alone, so we’re extremely in-tune with the market and the wants/needs of those looking to live and invest there. The Crosby checks all the boxes and more, so we look forward to working with Related and Merrimac to deliver a successful sellout.” Said Olin.

The Crosby is the latest residential offering within Miami Worldcenter, the $4 billion, 27-acre mixed-use development transforming the heart of Downtown Miami. As the second largest urban development in the U.S. after Hudson Yards, the ‘city within a city’ features a diverse mix of residential, commercial and hospitality uses complemented by approximately 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space.

Miami Worldcenter occupies 10 city blocks within walking distance of the city’s top museums, parks, sports venues, dining and various other entertainment options, including Museum Park, home to the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science; FTX Arena; the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts; and Miami Dade College’s Downtown Miami campus. It is also adjacent to Brightline’s MiamiCentral Station, which offers direct train service to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach – together with access to TriRail, the Metromover and the Metrorail – making Miami Worldcenter the largest and most connected transit-oriented development in Florida.

For more information about The Crosby Miami Worldcenter, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Related Group and Merrimac Ventures Joint Venture Acquires Miami Worldcenter Development Site For $12 Million

A joint venture between Related Group and Dev Motwani’s Merrimac Ventures has acquired a development lot in Miami Worldcenter for $12 million from Miami Worldcenter Associates. The .6 acre lot is located at 601 North Miami Avenue and 25 Northeast Sixth Street and is currently used as a surface parking lot. The site is one of the last remaining parcels available at Miami Worldcenter.

“Related Group and Merrimac Ventures are proud to align for the first time on a transformative project within Miami Worldcenter. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.” Said the development partnership in a statement.

Miami Worldcenter Associates is led by Art Falcone and Dev Motwani’s brother Nitin Motwani. The $4 billion, 27-acre mixed-use project in Downtown Miami is currently under development spanning 10 city blocks. Miami Worldcenter will feature a diverse mix of residential, commercial and hospitality uses complemented by approximately 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space. These include two completed residential buildings--the 60-story PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter condominium and the 43-story Caoba luxury apartment tower. Approximately 150,000 square feet of retail has been completed for tenant build-outs, and another 130,000 square feet is currently under construction and nearing delivery. Construction is nearing completion at ZOM’s 43-story Bezel Miami Worldcenter residential tower and at the 351-room citizenM hotel, both of which are expected to open later this year.

Complementing Miami Worldcenter’s open-air retail will be World Square, a 20,000-square-foot public plaza and park. Designed as a central gathering place and outdoor event space, World Square will serve as the heartbeat of the city-within-a-city featuring an abundance of shade trees, works of art by local and international artists, and oversized, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks lined with dining, entertainment, and retail concepts.

Miami Worldcenter is within walking distance of Museum Park, home to Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science; FTX Arena; the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts; and Miami Dade College’s Downtown Miami campus. It is also adjacent to Brightline’s MiamiCentral station, which will soon offer direct train service to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando, together with access to TriRail, the Metromover and the Metrorail – making Miami Worldcenter the largest and most connected transit-oriented development in Florida.

Merrimac Ventures Breaks Ground On $90 Million Merrimac Plantation Multifamily Development In Plantation

South Florida-based development firm Merrimac Ventures has broken ground on Merrimac Plantation, a new multifamily development on the rise in the City of Plantation, Florida. Located at 1711 N. University Drive, Merrimac Plantation will total 293,945 square feet with 306 rental apartments across two six-story midrise buildings. Construction is now underway and slated for completion in 2023.

Apartments will range from one- to three-bedroom layouts, featuring modern stainless-steel appliances, high-end European cabinetry, elegant quartz countertops, and smart locks and thermostats. Amenities will include a double height lobby, club room, pool, covered terrace, barbecue grilling stations, two exterior courtyards, fitness center, a co-working and business center with private offices and conference rooms, a resident ‘hangout’ lounge, dog park and dog spa, electric vehicle charging stations, and available Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the property.

“Once completed, Merrimac Plantation will meet growing demand for market rate rental housing in Central Broward County, which is experiencing an influx of new residents drawn to the area’s accessible location, appealing quality of life, and proximity to several major employers,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures.

Merrimac Plantation will provide residents an appealing live, work, play environment, with the property’s strategic location adjacent to the Plantation Midtown Business District, an 860-acre master-planned development featuring 2.5 million square feet of retail and restaurants as well as 3 million square feet of office space. Also within close proximity is the Plantation Pointe Office Park, the Westside Regional Medical Center, and the Plantation Walk mixed-use redevelopment. Large retail outlets nearby include the one million square foot Fountain Shoppes lifestyle center and the 2.4 million square foot Sawgrass Mills. Residents can also enjoy Plantation's Central Park, a 103-acre park with a multitude of sporting activities.

Broward County’s City of Plantation is a growing, vibrant municipality and one of South Florida’s most desirable suburban neighborhoods, with a residential population exceeding 94,000 and a daily workforce of more than 55,000. As Plantation’s thriving business community continues to grow and attract major companies, the City is already home to some of the region’s largest employers including Motorola Solutions, Aetna Insurance, TradeStation, Virgin Voyages, AmSurg, Baptist Health, Magic Leap and Chewy. Plantation is easily accessible to major highways including the Florida Turnpike, and is within a 20-minute drive of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.

Merrimac Plantation is the newest addition to Merrimac Ventures’ growing portfolio of developments across South Florida. The firm’s current projects include the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach; Riverfront East, a new mixed-use development underway in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale that is currently home to the popular outdoor event venue The Wharf; the recently opened Flagler Village Hotel, a dual branded Hilton Tru/Home2 Suites property adjacent to Brightline’s train station; an 11-story boutique condominium planned for 530 North Beach Road in Fort Lauderdale Beach; 1350 South Ocean, an approved 27-story, 92-unit luxury condominium tower along the beachfront in Pompano Beach; 317 North Federal, a 716-unit multifamily development in Fort Lauderdale; and Miami Worldcenter, a $4 billion, 27-acre master planned mixed-use development underway in Downtown Miami.

Images via Al Evans, Downtown Photo

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 6 Featuring Dev Motwani of Merrimac Ventures

Season 1 Episode 6 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Dev Motwani of Merrimac Ventures. Dev serves as Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures, a Fort Lauderdale based real estate firm that focuses on value-add investment and development opportunities. Property types owned and operated include hotels, condos, retail, office and rental apartments primarily in South Florida but also throughout the United States.

Dev is also Founder and Managing Partner of Ramesh Properties, a distressed real estate investment fund focused on opportunistic investments in residential and commercial development sites throughout South Florida. He currently oversees nearly $750 million in development projects. Current projects include the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences, The Gale Boutique Hotel and Residences, as well as Las Olas Riverfront, all in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Dev is Founder and Managing Partner of Chieftain Residential, a yield-oriented distressed residential fund purchasing single-family homes, and residential land, primarily in the Southeast US and Texas. The fund aims to balance current income opportunities through the rental markets for its single-family home inventory, while also targeting capital appreciation in single family homes and land as the US Residential Market continues to rebound.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

This Podcast is Presented By:

The Estate Companies, Merrimac Ventures And Tricera Capital Secure $56 Million Construction Loan For Soleste Cityline Apartments

The Estate Companies, Merrimac Ventures and Tricera Capital have secured a $56 million construction loan for Soleste Cityline, a multifamily development planned in Dania Beach. The loan was provided by Synovus Bank and the development partnership plans to break ground by the end of Q1 2021. The 2.2-acre site was acquired in September 2020 for $8 million. The Estate Companies is a subsidiary of Estate Investments Group (EIG), Merrimac Ventures is led by Dev Motwani and Tricera Capital is led by Scott Sherman.

Soleste Cityline was designed by Caymares Martin. The development will be located at 4 N Federal Highway and will rise 8 stories featuring 340 apartments with 12,800 square feet of retail. Units will range from roughly 600 square foot studios to 1,200 square foot three-bedroom floor plans. Amenities will include a pool deck with grilling stations, fitness center, community room and private event space. Upon expected completion in 2023 the retail portion will be owned by Merrimac Ventures and Tricera Capital, both firms have been very active developing and acquiring retail properties in South Florida.