Focus and Group Fox secure administrative site plan approval for Brickell Apartment tower

Focus, a seasoned real estate development and construction firm, and Group Fox, a family-owned property and asset management firm, both headquartered in Chicago, have received administrative site plan approval for their latest project, the 517-unit Brickell Starlite apartment tower. This milestone sets the stage for the development of a 39-story luxury high-rise in the heart of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.

“We are thrilled to finalize the entitlements on this property in Miami,” said Tim Anderson, CEO and Founder of Focus. “The world-class design, unparalleled location, and favorable zoning were strategically developed to meet the needs of the modern renter flocking to the Brickell neighborhood.”

Located within walking distance of the Brickell Metrorail station, the property will offer seamless access to Miami’s Brightline, Tri-Rail, Metrorail, and Metromover transit systems, providing residents with connectivity across South Florida. The developers and design team, led world renowned architectural firm Gensler, proposed a pedestrian and vehicular paseo at the building’s base, linking 7th and 8th streets. This feature will enhance accessibility to retail spaces within the tower and improve connectivity to the nearby I-95 on- and off-ramps.

The Brickell neighborhood remains a focal point for rental demand in South Florida, driven by a booming economy, favorable tax policies, and national migration trends. In 2024, Miami recorded its most competitive rental market in recent history, with apartments renting in an average of just 33 days and nearly 20 renters vying for each available unit.

Focus and Group Fox are in the final stages of permitting for the project and have enlisted a Cushman & Wakefield team—including Chris Lentz, Chris Moyer, Jeff Altenau, Susan Tjarksen, and Marc Royer—to capitalize the development.

Chris Lentz, Executive Director at Cushman & Wakefield, emphasized the project’s significance: “Brickell Starlite is a landmark multifamily development in Miami’s most vibrant and sought-after Brickell neighborhood and represents one of the only new luxury high-rise multifamily products underway in this well-occupied submarket. With extremely limited new developments coming online in Brickell, and the most recent multifamily deliveries dating back to 2019 and 2021, Brickell Starlite is uniquely positioned to meet the strong sustained demand for luxury.”

Focus Reveals Plans For Residential Project At Former Starlite Motel East Site in Brickell

Focus, a Chicago-based real estate development and construction firm, has revealed plans for the redevelopment of the former Starlite Motel East site in Brickell. The project will be Focus’ first project in South Florida and follows the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners' recent approval of the rapid transit zone (RTZ) designation for the site where Focus plans to develop a new luxury housing development which blends contemporary design with the city's unique cultural heritage. The project is designed by Gensler and set to include 516 residential units, ground-floor retail, rooftop amenity spaces and 506 parking spaces. Focus acquired the site for $28 million in November 2022.

“We are thrilled to progress our plans and designs in the Southeast region of the United States, focusing on Florida right now," said Tim Anderson, CEO and Founder of Focus. "As Focus celebrates a 30-year history of responsible and sustainable development, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to creating projects that contribute positively to the communities we serve. Miami's vibrant metropolis, with its walkable urban cores, offers a dynamic and energetic environment that aligns perfectly with our mission.”

Celebrating 3 decades in business, Focus holds an exceptional reputation for delivering high-quality, design-driven buildings that seamlessly integrate into their surroundings. Focus’ portfolio includes properties in Chicago, Evanston, Forest Park, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Oak Park, Vernon Hills, Wheaton, and Winnetka in Illinois.

Renderings via Focus

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