Location Ventures Breaks Ground on URBIN Coconut Grove

The Miami-based real estate developer Location Ventures has broken ground on URBIN Coconut Grove. The milestone signifies the launch of construction for the second location for URBIN, a mixed-use brand that unites design-forward residences for short- or long-term rental with flex workspaces, wellness amenities, social activations, and lifestyle-oriented retail, all in one address. The URBIN Coconut Grove groundbreaking follows Location Venture’s December 2022 groundbreaking on URBIN Miami Beach.

Location Ventures, development partners and city officials gathered on January 25 at the Coconut Grove project site, 3162 Commodore Plaza, for the official groundbreaking ceremony. Special guests included Miami Mayor Frances Suarez, former City of Miami Commissioner Ken Russell and Location Ventures CEO Rishi Kapoor, who shared remarks about the future development and coveted Coconut Grove locale – Miami’s oldest neighborhood.

The residential component of the property is 90% sold, with exclusive sales representation by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, and has attracted a diverse buyer demographic, from Latin America and Europe. Plans are underway to further scale the URBIN brand in key cities throughout the U.S. Construction commencement in Coconut Grove comes on the heels of the Miami Beach location’s groundbreaking in the fourth quarter of 2022, following its sell-out.

“Demand for URBIN Coconut Grove has been steadfast due to its unique ownership opportunities and location in a thriving neighborhood. We are excited to begin the construction and bring this vision to life,” said Kapoor. “Living, working and wellness are the pillars of this coveted address, all integrated into a singular location.”

URBIN Coconut Grove is comprised of 54 residences ranging from studios at 331 square feet to six bedrooms at 2,352 square feet. Thoughtfully planned for convenient, easy living, residences combine modern luxury with efficient layouts and are delivered designer-finished and furnished for turnkey ownership. Arquitectonica and Paredes Architects are behind the architectural design, while residences will feature interiors by am studio, a boutique design collaborative committed to creating cohesive, resourceful, and oneiric spaces.

A variety of resort-inspired services, such as valet parking, concierge, housekeeping, and room service, will complement onsite amenities to create an environment to “live-work-well.” Residents and members of the adjacent URBIN Work will be complemented by a host of food and beverage options, as well as a wellness center with programming for mindfulness, movement, nourishment, and healing. URBIN Work, pre-leasing with Colliers, offers modern office space for businesses of the future looking to make Miami’s most dynamic neighborhood home. Both traditional office and flex workspaces provide modern amenities.

The property’s dedicated coworking component will bring an elevated level of service to the work experience. In addition to the physical space, coworking members will have access to necessary business support tools, including consulting, administrative and networking services.

The URBIN development is the latest addition to the vibrant Coconut Grove community, which has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Embodying the laid-back waterfront lifestyle of the locale, it is an area brimming with world-class restaurants, neighborhood shops, lush parks and a hub of growing business enterprises. URBIN Coconut Grove is situated in the center of it all, two blocks from CocoWalk, and within walking distance to Dinner Key Marina, the bay, and Regatta and Peacock Park.

Okan Tower Anchored By Hilton Hotel Breaks Ground In Downtown Miami

Okan Tower, the new Downtown Miami megaplex, with residences anchored by a Hilton Hotel, broke ground on Friday, June 17 with all the fanfare of a major international milestone, attended by a who’s who of the business, political, civic, hospitality and real estate brokerage community. Okan Tower represents the largest Turkish investment in the United States with a design inspired by the country’s native flower, the tulip.

Notable dignitaries in attendance included City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Binali Yildrim, Former Prime Minister of Turkey, Murat Mercan, Turkish Ambassador to the United States, Turkish Consulate of Miami Feyza Barutcu Altug, Burc Ceylan, Former Turkish Consulate of Miami, Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales, Commissioner Ken Russell, and Fortune International CEO, Edgardo Defortuna.

Okan Tower is located at 555 North Miami Avenue and marks the first U.S. development for Okan Group who oversees an extensive portfolio of renowned mixed-use projects that has earned the firm a global reputation in the construction, banking, textile, production and tourism industries, among others.

The 70-story Okan Tower is set to be one of Miami’s tallest towers at 902 feet once complete in 2026. The tower features 163 Sky Residences with exclusive owners-only amenities, a 316-key Hilton Miami Bayfront Hotel with a full suite of amenities and entertainment areas, 236 Short-Term Rental Residences powered by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and 64,000 square feet of ‘Class A’ office space.

“We are enormously proud to celebrate this momentous achievement and commemorate the start of construction for Okan Tower,” said international property magnate and developer of Okan Tower, Bekir Okan, Chairman of Okan Group. “It’s an honor and privilege to be delivering our first major mixed-use project in Miami. Our vision for Okan Tower was to bring something truly unparalleled to the area and introduce a new paradigm for living in Downtown. We’re very grateful to all of the city officials who have supported the project and share in our vision for the future of Downtown Miami.”

Okan Tower is exclusively marketed and sold by Fortune Development Sales. Okan Tower was designed by internationally renowned architecture firm Behar Font & Partners who’ve given it a striking curvature façade inspired by the Turkish national flower, the tulip.

Amenities include a ground floor arrival entrance with dedicated 24-hour reception and concierge, a 70th floor rooftop pool and sky deck with private cabanas featuring sweeping views of downtown and Biscayne Bay, and an additional 12th floor lap pool with clubroom and indoor and outdoor lounges. Buyers will also have access to a state-of-the-art health and fitness center with a yoga studio, Peloton® bikes and interactive fitness MIRROR®, as well as a dedicated wellness spa with sauna, steam and treatment rooms. A fully-equipped children’s sensory and play room, cutting-edge technology theater, and wine cellar and owner’s lounge are some of the other extraordinary features available that add to the range of the lifestyle amenities.

“We’re thrilled to mark the official groundbreaking of Okan Tower and celebrate the tremendous momentum that has been generated since we took over sales last fall. The feedback from buyers worldwide has been phenomenal, and it is a testament to Okan Group, who envisioned a true beacon for Downtown Miami,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “From the endless array of amenities to superior finishes and designs, Okan Tower presents an opportunity for investment that simply cannot be missed.”

For more information about Okan Tower, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MV Real Estate Holdings and Driftwood Capital Announce JV On $185 Million Riverside Wharf Featuring Dream Hotel On Miami River

Miami Developer Alex Mantecon of MV Real Estate Holdings (MVREH), in conjunction with Driftwood Capital, one of the country’s leading hospitality sponsors, has revealed plans for the Riverside Wharf, a hospitality-driven entertainment complex situated along the historic Miami River that will push the limits of what is known today as hospitality in Miami. The 200,000-square-foot, two-tower development will offer a fully immersive Miami experience anchored by the highly amenitized 165-key Dream Miami luxury hotel. The complex will feature the rebirth and expansion of The Wharf Miami, 16,000 square feet of signature restaurants, a 12,000-square-foot event hall, a world-class 30,000-square-foot nightclub and rooftop dayclub, and a private deep water marina capable of accommodating megayachts.

“Riverside Wharf will be a destination for entertainment unlike any Miami has seen, bringing together world-class entertainment and hospitality offerings to a unique waterfront destination with direct Intracoastal access to the ocean,” said Mantecon. “We are excited to finally bring to fruition the dream and vision Miami has had for its riverfront entertainment district which until now has historically sat vacant and underutilized.”

Added Carlos Rodriguez Jr., COO of Driftwood Capital, “As Miami continues to attract new capital, new world-class tech and financial firms, and new talent from other parts of the country, the demand for one-of-a-kind destinations combining elements of luxury, nature, outdoor adventure and unique dining experiences is poised to escalate rapidly. We’re pleased to be able to contribute several decades of hospitality development and operational expertise to this truly unique development which will enhance Miami’s skyline and elevate the entire Miami River District.”

“Miami is a top international destination for world-class hospitality and entertainment, and continues to set the bar with exciting new experiences for travelers unlike anything else in the world,” said Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez. “Dream Miami at Riverside Wharf will be an unparalleled development in the heart of Miami for visitors and locals alike, and I couldn't be more excited to see it launch."

At 10 stories, the $185 million mixed-use development will rise on the current site of The Wharf Miami and the abutting vacant parcel. The 1.5-acre assemblage is the culmination of the vision established in the City of Miami’s 2016 voter referendum approval, obtained by MVREH, for the development of food and beverage establishments along the waterfront. The roughly 600 linear feet of water frontage will provide for the continuity of the publicly accessible Riverwalk, seamlessly connecting Riverside Wharf between Downtown Miami and Brickell. Riverside Wharf will take on the benefits of MVREH and Driftwood Capital’s best-in-class partners, including Dream Hotel Group’s growing success in highly amenitized luxury food and beverage oriented hotel properties, and Breakwater Hospitality Group’s ongoing success of high-volume entertainment venues.

“There is a natural synergy between Dream Hotel Group and the city of Miami,” said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein. “Our leading lifestyle brand Dream Hotels continues to expand quickly, just like Miami, offering international hospitality, vibrant entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences sought by local residents, as well as business travelers and pleasure seekers from across the globe. We are thrilled to take part in this extraordinary project and can’t wait to open our doors in 2025.”

Riverside Wharf will transform the storied Miami River district while paying homage to the historic fishing culture of the neighborhood by celebrating the area’s beloved Garcia’s Fish Market with a pop-up seafood market on the grounds, where locals can get the freshest catch daily.

The development is slated to break ground in 2022 and be completed by 2025. It is designed by Jon Cardello of Cube3 architects with landscape design by Savino-Miller Design Studio.

Location Ventures Launches Condo Sales For URBIN Mixed-Use Condo, Co-Working Lifestyle In Miami Beach and Coconut Grove

The desire to live and work in city centers throughout the world is often met with challenges in accessibility, mobility, and sustainability…until now. Location Ventures – a Miami-based, integrated real estate platform that delivers thoughtfully-designed and fully-connected residential and mixed-use projects – announced today the launch of residential sales for URBIN. A first-to-market, mixed-use brand, URBIN unites design-forward residences for short- or long-term rent with all-inclusive co-working spaces, wellness amenity programming, social activations, and lifestyle-oriented retail, all in one central address.

URBIN has initiated condo presales for its first location in Miami Beach, marking the first phase of the brand’s official launch with 60 percent pre-sold in the first 30 days. The launch of presales for a second location in Coconut Grove will immediately follow to meet growing demand. The brand will further scale with additional locations in key markets throughout the U.S., designing each to fit into the context of its carefully selected setting.

With exclusive sales and marketing representation by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, URBIN presents turnkey units, designed in a collective living style. Priced from $400,000, residences will be available in diverse floor plans. In Miami Beach, studios will start at 275 square feet and expand to spacious multi-room residences that range from two- to four-bedrooms at up to 1,334 square feet. In Coconut Grove, residences range from studios at 331 square feet to six bedrooms at 2,352 square feet. Both locations will feature fewer than 100 units to allow for a tailored and more private living experience.

As an opportunity to own property in one of the world’s most sought destinations through URBIN, owners will have exclusive access to a lease-back program with the dual freedom to stay on property for up to 90 nights per year. While away, the residence is professionally managed by the brand and available for rent.

“URBIN celebrates a new way of living by bringing people together through home, work, and wellness in a single setting,” said Rishi Kapoor, CEO of Location Ventures. “Through integrating quality design, technology, wellness and social programming, we’re hoping to foster community and enable a high-quality of life in these city-centric ‘urban’ neighborhoods.”

URBIN residences will offer various layouts and provide a selection of shared spaces per unit, such as a common kitchen, dining and living area. The contemporary-designed condos are fully furnished and include efficient layouts to maximize space, while featuring high-end fixtures and Energy-Star stainless steel appliances, and plenty of storage space. Enticing, service-driven amenities, such as housekeeping, room service, and valet are complemented by on-site food and beverage venues; a wellness center with programming for mindfulness, movement, nourishment, and healing; and a rooftop pool deck with green spaces and lounge areas.

From owners of large enterprises to remote workers, URBIN’s co-working space brings a heightened level of service to the work experience. Members are given access to bespoke support tools, including consulting, administrative and networking, to further drive their business goals. Those who utilize the space are not required to live on property; however, members who both live and work at URBIN unlock exclusive rates.

URBIN Miami Beach, located at 1260 Washington Ave., is designed by Touzet Studio, led by Carlos Prio-Touzet and Jacqueline Gonzalez-Touzet. The building’s façade will complement the playful energy of Miami Beach, featuring geometric styles and colors found throughout the neighborhood with a nod to its Art Deco heritage. Its common area and amenity interiors are curated by Meyer Davis, the award-winning design studio from New York City. The property will undergo a complete renovation to the existing 33,488-square-foot site, in addition to the ground-up development of a 44,000-square-foot building.

URBIN’s second location is at 3162 Commodore Plaza in Coconut Grove, a less than five-minute walk from the newly-unveiled CocoWalk. Arquitectonica and Paredes Architects designed the exterior to integrate seamlessly with the contemporary new builds in the surrounding area. The residences will feature interior design by am studio, a boutique design collaborative committed to creating cohesive, resourceful, and oneiric spaces. The development of URBIN Coconut Grove will include the conversion of a nearly 33,000-square foot commercial building, roughly 5,000-square-foot restaurant, and 23,490-square-foot property, as well as a ground-up development.

URBIN will join the renaissance and expansion currently underway on Washington Avenue and Commodore Plaza – two streets situated in two of the city’s most thriving and in-demand districts. The sales launch of URBIN aims to reach both domestic and international investors attracted to South Florida by providing a unique live-work-well offering in the market.

For more information, please visit www.urbincondos.com or call 305.376.7274.

About URBIN

URBIN is a first-to-market, mixed-use brand with properties situated in renowned locations, offering an authentic, responsible, and flexible lifestyle when living and working in city centers. The first two locations will be in Miami Beach and Coconut Grove, Florida, with additional locations in key U.S. markets forthcoming. URBIN, developed by Location Ventures, the Miami-based real estate investment and development firm, has a vision to create places where one can live, work, and seek wellness in the heart of coveted neighborhoods. Each property will feature a membership-based platform and unite condos with all-inclusive co-working spaces, wellness amenities and programming, social activations, and lifestyle-oriented retail. URBIN features design-forward, turnkey rental residences with a select number available for purchase. Owners can enjoy their abode for personal use, for up to 90 nights per year; while away, the residence is professionally managed by the brand and available for rent through the property’s exclusive lease-back program. Exclusive sales and marketing for URBIN residences is by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.

URBIN is backed by investors David Martin, CEO of Terra Group; Rudy Touzet, CEO of Banyan Street Capital; the Murphy family of Coastal Construction; former New York Jets and New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma; Gabriel Navarro, Marcel Navarro and Martin Pico of MMG Equity Partners; Marty Halpern of UnitedTranzactions; and a group of owners from Location Ventures.

About Location Ventures

Location Ventures is an integrated real estate platform that provides comprehensive investment, development, management, marketing, and sales for residential and mixed-use properties in the South Florida market and beyond. Location Ventures invests in one-of-a-kind living experiences that make the highest and best use of unique development locations. The company’s more than $600 million portfolio contains a mix of ultra-luxury single-family homes, boutique condominiums, and an urban-centered mixed-use project where young professionals live and work at one address.

About ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty is South Florida’s premier source for luxury real estate and development opportunities with 17 offices spanning from Miami and Key Biscayne to Palm Beach and Stuart. Since its inception in 2008, ONE SIR has recruited more than 800 of the world’s most passionate and well-connected agents, backed by a global brand with a heritage of unsurpassed quality, value and trust. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty’s direct affiliation with Sotheby’s Auction House and Sotheby’s International Realty has offered the company unparalleled, global reach – an attribute sellers reap the full benefit of as their homes receive prime exposure to a network of more than 22,000 associates in 72 countries and territories across 960 offices. In addition to its luxury brokerage division, the firm also offers a development sales division representing some of South Florida’s most successful and prestigious condo developments with a total inventory of over $3.5 billion. With a vision rooted in providing exceptional service, superior market knowledge and the latest technology, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to giving extraordinary lives a home to thrive. www.onesothebysrealty.com

Images via Location Ventures

The article was produced in partnership with Location Ventures

Pacaso Launches Innovative Luxury Second Home Co-Ownership Platform in Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Pacaso, the leading real estate platform that helps people buy and co-own a luxury second home, today announced its expansion to Miami and Fort Lauderdale. With this launch, Pacaso's modern, tech-focused approach to co-ownership is now available to aspiring second home buyers in South Florida.

"Pacaso buyer demand for homes in Miami and Fort Lauderdale has been incredibly strong, and it's clear that our model, which helps to create new inventory in a tight market, is an ideal fit for South Florida," said Pacaso CEO and Co-founder Austin Allison. "South Florida boasts some of the nation's most epic waterfront homes with top amenities. It's no surprise that this is one of the hottest second home destinations in the country. We've been doubling down on local hiring, and I couldn't be more excited about the South Florida team we've built. We're also thrilled to be part of this community and to work with local businesses and service providers."

"Pacaso provides a truly innovative approach to second home ownership," said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. "Pacaso owners invest in the community for the long-term. And I appreciate how Pacaso helps make more efficient use of homes. As Miami continues to attract tech talent and investment from around the world, along with demand for new housing options, I'm pleased to see innovative companies like Pacaso look to Miami as an early expansion market."

Josh Dotoli, a Pacaso partner agent in South Florida, is a founding Compass broker in Fort Lauderdale and leads one of the top-producing sales teams in the Southeast Region. A luxury real estate expert and advisor, Dotoli has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Bloomberg as well as local news outlets.

"Pacaso is going to change the game in South Florida," said Dotoli. "We work with a lot of buyers who want to be able to buy property in the area, but whether they are priced out or dealing with limited inventory, many have traditionally not been able to enter into this very competitive market. With Pacaso, they can do so. I'm so pleased to be able to offer this new model of co-ownership to buyers in the region."

Pacaso partners with all real estate agents and brokerages. Real estate agents representing buyers who purchase a share of a Pacaso home receive a 3% commission in addition to 500 RSUs of Pacaso stock as a referral equity bonus. Agents in Miami and Fort Lauderdale who are interested in working with Pacaso can learn more on the company's website.

Pacaso now has listings in South Florida, including this striking modern waterfront home in the tree-lined Fairhaven neighborhood of Miami, and this sleek Fort Lauderdale listing with its own private dock and lush courtyard just minutes away from Las Olas shopping and dining.

To support its revenue and market expansion, Pacaso has hired a seasoned team of industry leaders including Sara Anissipour as Vice President of Sales. In her current role, Anissipour is responsible for driving revenue growth and overseeing the Pacaso sales organization. As a distinguished business leader with more than 15 years of experience, Anissipour has a proven track record of growing and leading highly successful sales organizations. Previously, she built and led the Enterprise Sales and Partnerships business units at Zillow Group and oversaw the US New Business Ad Sales organization at Google.

"I'd previously worked with many of my current team members prior to joining Pacaso and jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with them again," said Anissipour. "The opportunity to build a foundation for our sales organization that will help the company continue to scale both across the U.S. and internationally was incredibly exciting to me. Building and growing this team in the early stages of Pacaso's expansion has already been nothing short of successful, and we're excited to expand our sales organization quickly."

Earlier this week Pacaso announced $125M in Series C funding led by SoftBank, bringing the company's total valuation to $1.5 billion and total equity funding to more than $215 million. Additional funding was provided by Fifth Wall and Gaingels. Pacaso's permanently distributed workforce of more than 120 employees spanning 20 states has increased 364% since January 2021. Additionally, the company announced that it will commence European expansion in Spain by the end of the year. Pacaso is actively recruiting a dedicated local team to support global efforts, and plans to expand swiftly into other European markets.

Pacaso® (pronounced like "Picasso") modernizes the decades-old practice of co-ownership by creating a marketplace that makes buying, owning, and selling a luxury second home easy. From curating the best listings in top second home markets to offering integrated financing and sales from as little as ⅛ to as much as ½ ownership; upscale interior design; and professional property management, Pacaso provides owners with all the benefits of owning a second home with less hassle. After purchase, Pacaso manages the home on an ongoing basis and supports a frictionless resale process in partnership with a licensed real estate professional.

Pacaso was co-founded by former Zillow executives Austin Allison and Spencer Rascoff.

Images via Pacaso

PMG And Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami Reveal First-Of-Its-Kind Experiential Sales Gallery With Lavish Soiree In Downtown Miami

The Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami has celebrated the grand opening of its first-of-its-kind experiential sales gallery. On Thursday, June 17th, developer PMG and their development partners officially unveiled the multi-million dollar, first-of-its-kind Waldorf Astoria Experiential Sales Gallery for Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami. At an expansive 11,000 SF, the sales gallery is among the largest and most technologically advanced sales galleries in South Florida.

PMG Managing Partners Kevin Maloney, Ryan Shear and Dan Kaplan were joined by Greybrook Realty Partners, Mohari Hospitality, S2 Development, Mayor Levine Cava, Mayor Suarez, PMG’s in-house sales team, PMG Residential, and concept designers Charles M. Sieger and Carlos Ott to host VIP’s and the leaders of the Miami real estate industry including notable real estate brokers, investors, designers and developers.

"From apps to cryptocurrency, the real estate purchasing process is constantly evolving to better serve the buyer," said PMG Managing Partner Ryan Shear. "This is why we invested in creating an innovative, immersive sales experience to showcase the property and the Waldorf brand's debut into the Miami market. This experiential sales gallery represents our interpretation of the future of Downtown Miami through various activations.”

“We put together over 10 years of hard work, have already broken sales records in this building and we’re looking forward to breaking ground during the first quarter of next year,” said PMG co-founder and Managing Partner Kevin Maloney.

Guests were invited to walk through seven unique activation areas designed exclusively for the gallery and enjoyed live musical performances by Yoli Mayor and opera singers. PMG managing partners Ryan Shear and Kevin Maloney, Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava spoke to guests about the tallest residential building south of New York City and Miami’s bright future.

“Every single day people come to our city because they want to live in the most prosperous, free and innovative city on the planet. We are so proud of this iconic project that will redefine who we are as a city,” explained Mayor Francis X. Suarez:

“The skyline has been truly transformed with this new project. Growing up in New York City, it was always about Waldorf Astoria. Now here we are in South Florida with our very own Waldorf Astoria,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

The space was designed to evoke the essence of an immersive museum, showcasing the world’s most iconic hospitality brand and its relentless commitment to personalized service and best-in-class experiences. Created to promote the city of Miami, the downtown urban core and life inside the residences, seven activations were designed exclusively for the sales gallery that share an overall message of a new era coming to Miami filled with innovation, elegance and growth.

PMG partnered with digital innovators, Razorfish, a division of Publicis Groupe, to create a completely unique sales experience for this pre construction development. The gallery’s innovative elements include “Coffee in the Clouds,” a 70-foot LED wall with over one million LED light bulbs that showcase views from every residence customizable by weather and time of day. Other elements include “City on the Rise” and “Welcome to the Neighborhood,” both features distinctive to the sales gallery help bring Miami’s story and compelling facts to life using overhead projections and an interactive scale model of Downtown Miami.

The gallery also offers an entryway sculpture, a primer film shown to visitors upon beginning the experience, a massive 24-foot scale model, in addition to a three-bedroom model residence, full-service brokerage and cafe.

Images via World Red Eye

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

PROFILE Insider: The Crypto Revolution Versus The Evolution Of Blockchain In Real Estate Part 1

When it comes to understanding cryptocurrency and blockchain, nearly the entire world is in the dark. Bitcoin is stored on the first blockchain and was first released in 2009. Although over the past decade both Bitcoin and blockchain have became more mainstream, the crypto and blockchain worlds are still in their infancy. The real estate world has been forced to adapt faster than most as the demand to use cryptocurrency for real estate transactions has “gone to the moon,” and blockchain developers have created digital databases that streamline and secure every aspect of the real estate industry.

Miami has quickly become the Cryptocity, and is becoming a cryptocurrency and blockchain hub led by Mayor Francis Suarez. Mayor Suarez’s goals include turning Miami into a Bitcoin mining hub by using the city’s nuclear power capability. He is also working towards allowing the use of Bitcoin to pay for tax and public services, as well as a salary option for city employees. Mayor Suarez set his focus on a Miami tech boom following the COVID-19 pandemic and has been working to attract the top tech and investment firms from San Francisco, Silicon Valley and New York City. The effort has paid off shown by taxable property values in Miami having doubled over the past decade as high-paying jobs have been attracted to the weather, beaches, restaurants, nightlife, low-tax and high-quality of life.

As Miami and Crypto have rapidly become synonymous, in honor Miami Crypto Week and following a PROFILEmiami Instagram Story Poll in which 41% of our followers reported investing in cryptocurrency, we wanted to make sure that none of the PROFILEmiami community was in the dark when it came to blockchain, cryptocurrency and real estate. In this three part PROFILE Insider series we will explore the differences between blockchain and cryptocurrency, how both apply to the real estate industry and how Miami is working towards becoming the center of what could be crypto’s “golden age.”

Part 1: Blockchain versus Cryptocurrency

Understanding the difference between blockchain and cryptocurrency is essential. A blockchain is a publicly distributed digital ledger that is managed by a peer-to-peer network using cryptography. It is comprised of an ever-growing list of records which tracks the history and dates of transactions, ownership or occurrences of anything or any process stored on that blockchain.

Each record is known as a “block,” and can store the data of anything from Bitcoin to a real estate deed to a property and its history to the tracking of food from farm-to-table. Each block is timestamped and once stored cannot be modified without modifying all ensuing blocks.

The blockchain was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 and that specific blockchain became the public transaction ledger for the world’s first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. To date Satoshi Nakamoto is unidentified and it is unknown if the name represents a person or a group.

A cryptocurrency is a medium of exchange of digital assets which are denominated as “coins,” which represent ownership of that digital currency. A coin is a verifiable record stored on a decentralized blockchain of cryptography. Cryptocurrencies appeal to many due to being decentralized from governments and the central banking systems. Different cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Ripple (XRP), Tether, Aave, Internet Computer, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Polygon, amongst thousands of others known as “altcoins.”

In a transaction the transfer of the value between each party gets validated and stored on a new block, leaving behind a signature known as a private key, or seed. The validation process, known as “mining,” occurs when a transaction is broadcast to the cryptocurrency network and the transaction is confirmed by high-powered computers solving extremely complex computational math codes which maintain the validity of the ledger of transactions. As the computers solve the codes successful miners will produce cryptocurrency as a reward. Cryptocurrencies can be traded directly from wallet to wallet but also be traded similar to stocks or exchanged for Fiat currency such as the US dollar or other cryptocurrencies on exchanges such as Coinbase, FTX and Kraken.

Cryptocurrencies are stored on digital wallets. There are two types, a “hot wallet” and a “cold wallet.” Hot wallets are run on internet-connected devices such as phones or computers. They are very easy to use and transact with as they are usually an app on your phone, but for this reason they also lack security and can be easy to hack or physically forced access in a theft. Top hot wallets include the Coinbase Wallet, Electrum and Exodus.

“Cold wallets,” also known as “hard wallets,” are fully offline devices that are not connected to the internet, therefore much more secure. Many look like a usb drive or a smartphone, which store the user’s private keys on the secured piece of hardware. A 24-word recovery code is the only back-up for the private keys once transferred onto the hardware wallet. One of the most popular is the Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X wallets which use a proprietary OS designed to provide the highest level of security to protect your crypto assets.

Between the top three popular cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin is seen as an investment-grade asset similar to gold and has the potential to become the first global currency; Ethereum is a complex blockchain which is evolving to become the first global computing platform; and Dogecoin, multi-billionaire Crypto enthusiast and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s favorite coin. Dogecoin is a “memecoin” meaning it was started as a joke but is now considered by some to be a legitimate investment asset.

As of June 6 2021 Bitcoin had a market cap of $676.13 billion, Ethereum of $314.56 billion and Dogecoin of $48.14 billion. Bitcoin has reached as high as $64,829 per coin in April 2021 before dropping down to the mid-$30,000’s in May 2021. Etherem reached a high of $4,380 in early May 2021 before retreating to the mid-$2,000’s. The cryptocurrency markets continue to grow in populating amongst both institutional investors and retail traders and something as a simple tweet from Elon Musk can send the crypto markets into a frenzy.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our three part PROFILE Insider series where we will explore both cryptocurrency and blockchains application to real estate.

Private Equity Powerhouse Thoma Bravo Signs Long Term Office Lease At OKO Group's 830 Brickell

The San Francisco-based Thoma Bravo has announced a milestone in its expansion to Florida as Miami continues to attract some of the largest tech, financial and investment firms to its growing epicenter. Thoma Bravo, which is one of the country’s largest private equity firms focused on the software sector, has signed a lease for 36,500 SF of space in 830 Brickell. Cushman & Wakefield represented the development partnership between OKO Group and Cain International while CBRE represented Thoma Bravo.

“I am so excited to welcome Thoma Bravo to our great city and I want to congratulate the team on finding a home in one of the most cutting-edge buildings in the Brickell neighborhood,” said City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. “I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Orlando and I know that he and his firm share our vision for a Miami that sits amongst the most innovative and adaptive cities in the world.”

Thoma Bravo Founder Orlando Bravo relocated to Miami late last year, and Partner Chip Virnig and other existing members of the Thoma Bravo team have already moved to the Miami region to begin extending the firm’s business and brand. Thoma Bravo is excited to grow its Miami presence through the recruitment of new and diverse talent in the region and to tap into the region's rich and growing community of tech entrepreneurs.

“Miami’s rich diversity and fast-growing technology and business hubs make it the ideal location for Thoma Bravo as we expand our business,” said Orlando Bravo, Founder and a Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo. “I want to thank Mayor Suarez for his support and encouragement in our decision to establish a new presence in Miami. We look forward to driving growth and innovation in the region as well as doing our part to contribute to the vibrant local community.”

Currently under construction, 830 Brickell is an AS+GG-designed 55-story trophy Class A-plus office building located in the prestigious Brickell Financial District. The project is a joint venture development between Vlad Doronin’s OKO Group and Cain International and is expected to be delivered in 2022.

830 Brickell will feature spectacular only-in-Miami panoramic ocean and city views, floor-to-ceiling windows, column-free spans, state-of-the-art digital infrastructure with Wired certification and a LEED Silver certification due to its progressive environmentally efficient design. The tower offers tech-forward, first-class amenities including an upscale rooftop restaurant and bar, a sky lobby with a nearly 2,500 SF health and wellness center and first-class conference facility, a 14th floor outdoor terrace designed by Enea Landscape Architecture, valet parking, electric vehicle charging stations, cafés and white-glove customer service including a 24-hour concierge.

“830 Brickell is the perfect home for Thoma Bravo Miami given its location in the city’s thriving business center and proximity to some of Miami’s best outdoor spaces,” said Chip Virnig, a Partner at Thoma Bravo. “We look forward to joining Miami’s growing finance and technology communities and providing a culturally enriching environment for our employees in this exciting new chapter for our firm.”

Thoma Bravo will occupy roughly 36,500 square feet on the two top floors and establish a state-of-the-art, flexible workspace to accommodate the firm’s growing employee base. Thoma Bravo expects to open its office at 830 Brickell in the fourth quarter of 2022, following the completion of construction. Thoma Bravo’s Miami-based employees have already begun working from a temporary office space.

Images via OKO Group/Cain International

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Magic City Tech Boom? Microsoft In Negotiations At 830 Brickell And Elon Musk Wants To Build Tunnels Under Miami

Miami, the magic city, is on track to become the next Silicon Valley as the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has brought people flocking to South Florida. Florida saw the second highest population growth over any other state in 2020, following Texas, adding over 240,000 new residents in a single year. The influx of new residents is being driven by those looking to take advantage of remote-working opportunities or seek a state that has let business remain open and has pro-business tax structure. This has led to Miami and Palm Beach real estate pricing and absorption reaching near record highs.

Not only are the new residents flocking from the high-tax New York, at the same time as South Florida’s population boom, the San Francisco Bay Area has seen an exodus of venture capitalists and tech entrepreneurs. Mayor Francis Suarez has opened up the city to tech entrepreneurs and has expressed interest in bringing innovative companies to the magic city and making Miami a global tech hub. Mayor Suarez recently announced he will be appointing a Chief Technology Officer for the city.

Miami’s office market is being a surge in demand and setting record high pricing. Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is one of the major tech firms looking to move to Miami, the multinational software provider is actively in negotiations to lease 30,000 square feet of space at OKO Group’s 830 Brickell, a 56-story office tower adjacent to Brickell City Centre which is currently under construction. Pricing is still relatively cheap compared to other major markets, asking rates at 830 Brickell are reportedly in the $70’s PSF range. Ken Griffin’s Citadel Securities hedge fund is also reportedly looking at office space in 830 Brickell as is the Chicago-based law firm Baker McKenzie.

The biggest news came when Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk tweeted that he had talked with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis about building a tunnel system underneath Miami to eliminate traffic and pollution. Mayor Suarez tweed that “we will do it,” and invited Musk to visit him at City Hall. In the past Miami has had success building tunnels at a comparatively low cost. The initiative would be led by Elon Musk’s Boring Company, who is getting ready to reveal the Vegas Loop to the public, a 4,475’ tunnel loop under the Las Vegas Convention Center. In the Las Vegas Loop passengers will reach speeds up to 155 mph and will ride in Tesla Model X’s, Model 3’s, and a 16-passenger modified Model 3. Las Vegas in now working with the Boring Company to build a citywide network of tunnels.

For more information about 830 Brickell, Brickell office space, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below: