Witkoff And Monroe Capital Announce Restoration And Redevelopment Of Iconic Shore Club Hotel In Miami Beach

Witkoff and Monroe Capital have announced a partnership with world renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects to restore and redevelop the iconic Shore Club Hotel at 1901 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. On November 15th, 2021, Witkoff and Monroe Capital filed an application with the City of Miami Beach for approval of the renovation and redevelopment of the Shore Club and Cromwell property by the Historic Preservation Board.

The Shore Club Hotel, a South Beach institution since 1949, is a private residential resort and boutique hotel set within a lush botanical landscape on Miami Beach. The Mid-Century Modern or “MiMo” style Shore Club Hotel was combined in 2001 with the Cromwell Hotel, an Art Deco-style hotel built in 1939. Uniquely situated in the Miami Beach Architectural (Art Deco) District and listed in the National Register of historic places, the Shore Club Hotel, is a “club” in every aspect of the word, inviting a sense of exclusivity. The newly reimagined luxury offerings will include 80 custom-designed residences and 65 boutique hotel suites, combining classic elegance with modern luxury. Given Witkoff and Stern's long history of preserving and restoring historic structures, the restoration and redevelopment of the legendary Shore Club has a veritable Historic Preservation Dream Team helping to bring the project to fruition.

The Shore Club Hotel’s storied history will be preserved while redeveloping the property into a new Miami Beach icon designed through a contemporary lens, embracing and enhancing its heritage. The proposed plan prioritizes maintaining the contributing historic structures of the original Cromwell and Shore Club hotels while building an additional two new structures on the property: a residential building and a private villa. In addition, the exterior will include three pool decks for residential and hotel use, a remodeled exterior dining area, an exterior cafe, all set among a lush tropical oasis.

To honor the Shore Club’s rich history, the interior plans include a complete restoration of the lobby to its original grandeur and renovation of its hotel suites, two world-class food offerings, carefully curated amenities catering towards every need of the individual residents and guests, a state-of-the-art gym facility, and private screening and lounge rooms.

Witkoff’s long, successful history of restoring and redeveloping properties of historical significance includes the iconic Woolworth Building, Daily News Building, 55 Wall Street, One Broadway in Manhattan, and Shell Mex House and Devonshire House in London as well as the Hilton Cabana in Miami Beach. Witkoff and Monroe Capital prioritized expertise in historic preservation and compatible new construction in selecting architect, teacher and writer Robert A.M Stern to lead the Shore Club’s design, with historic renovation projects including 18 Gramercy Park South (renovation of a women’s boarding house into a condo), The Claremont (a residential tower addition to the Union Theological Seminary) and The Belnord (partial renovation of an historic rental building into a condominium).

Heritage Architectural Associates, led by Steven Avdakov, an architect specializing in historic preservation, is serving as the Historic Preservation Consultant on the project to preserve and restore the authenticity of the original structures and interior. The design team also includes acclaimed Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, as well as landscape architecture firm Island Planning Corporation, led by founder Nathan Browning.

“Witkoff is honored to have the opportunity to restore and redevelop the Shore Club and Cromwell back to their original grandeur,” said Alex Witkoff, Principal of Witkoff, “We look forward to collaborating with the City of Miami Beach, the Historic Preservation Board and the community to ensure that our vision honors the Shore Club and Cromwell’s storied histories.”

“As Miami Beach increasingly grows as a global city, historically significant projects like this define and contribute to its thriving culture and flourishing economy.” adds Kyle Asher, Managing Director of Monroe Capital.

“The historic preservation of the original Cromwell and Shore Club Hotel is essential to the restoration due to the buildings’ status as designated historic structures and to preserve the history of Miami Beach as a whole,” stated Historian Steve Avdakov on the nature of the project.

“From the outset of the conceptualization of this project, the team focused on ensuring the historical integrity of the Shore Club and leading with a contextual design approach that complements the surrounding community. It is critical to preserve the historic integrity of iconic properties like the Shore Club and Cromwell,” said Paul Whalen, Partner of Robert A.M. Stern Architects. “Our design strategy and approach for the project was heavily influenced by their storied history.”

Renderings via Kobi Karp

City of Miami Beach Approves Ocean Terrace Redevelopment Plan Along North Beach Beachfront

The City of Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board has approved the Ocean Terrace Holdings (OTH) redevelopment plan and Ocean Terrace streetscape masterplan. Led by OTH principals Sandor Scher and Alex Blavatnik, the redevelopment plan includes a 20-story, 75-unit residential building, new restaurant and retail options, and a 127-room hotel that incorporates the carefully renovated and unified historic Broadmoor and Ocean Surf properties. Following years of community outreach and negotiations with the City, the approval of OTH’s redevelopment plan will revitalize this underutilized area in North Beach along Collins Avenue, between 74th and 75th Street.

“The approved plan for Ocean Terrace is more economically viable, will attract a world-class hotel operator, and will incorporate a beautifully-designed oceanfront greenspace for the entire community to enjoy,” said Sandor Scher, principal of Ocean Terrace Holdings, LLC. “We look forward to getting to work on our long-awaited project, which will restore the street-level historic architecture, transform Ocean Terrace into a lushly-landscaped oasis and give new life to this cherished beachfront.”

The approved plan includes a few recently added enhancements that will elevate the project’s hotel and residential components. To help attract a world-class hotel flag to the project, the plan adds a new hotel building with 72 rooms that will be built within previously approved height restrictions. The hotel will be managed as one operation with the historic Broadmoor and Ocean Surf hotel buildings. The hotel will include restaurants, bar, meeting rooms, fitness, spa, outdoor pool and deck, rooftop lounge, and on-site parking.

With an historically inspired design, the residential component will feature curvilinear designs reflective of MiMo style, such as curved balconies and eyebrows. Units will range in size from 2 to 5 bedrooms and feature a full complement of luxury amenities. The masterplan also calls for approximately 15,000 square feet of commercial space along Collins Avenue and approximately 3,000 square feet along Ocean Terrace.

“We are grateful to the North Beach community and City of Miami Beach for working together with us to create a vision for Ocean Terrace that incorporates historic preservation, activation of the oceanfront, and economic revitalization,” said Alex Blavatnik, principal of Ocean Terrace Holdings, LLC. “We are excited to now be able to bring that vision to life, starting with an iconic and activated public space that will belong to the City for future generations.”

The first stage of the redevelopment plan will focus on a new $15 million, five-acre public greenspace along Ocean Terrace designed by world-renowned landscape architect Raymond Jungles. The asphalt street will be converted into an active, pedestrian-focused greenspace with native trees that will provide much-needed shade. A public-private partnership with the City of Miami Beach, the streetscape plan will also offer new walking trails, water features, public seating, and a covered pavilion. A mid-block open breezeway in the Ocean Terrace development will also connect Collins Avenue retail to Ocean Terrace, allowing enhanced public access to the oceanfront. OTH will fully fund the park, with no cost to taxpayers, and will deliver the greenspace on an expedited timeline.

Construction on the public greenspace is set to begin in the third quarter 2022. Pre-construction sales for the residential building are also estimated to launch in 2022.

Aman Miami Wins Approval For Versailles Hotel Restoration In Miami Beach’s Faena District

The Miami Beach Historical Preservation Board approved the Aman Miami development by OKO Group’s plan for the restoration of the historic Versailles Hotel. This a big step forward for the art deco building in Miami Beach’s Faena District. Aman Miami will consists of 56 hotel rooms within the restored Versailles Hotel along with 23 boutique residences located in a new tower next door. The residences in the new tower will be designed by Kengo Kuma with the HP board vote of the proposed residential tower design coming up in February. Once the design is approved OKO Group can proceed with permits and construction.

The vote to approve OKO Group’s plan for restoration of the Versailles Hotel was supported by community members including Craig Robins of Dacra, Wendy Kallergis of the Greater Miami and Beaches Hotel Association, Tom Stern the Faena House Board President, and more. OKO Group also released a statement reacting to the vote:

“We appreciate that the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board took time to understand how our vision for Aman Miami will benefit the Faena District and preserve the iconic Versailles Hotel while contributing to the local economy and elevating Miami Beach’s status as a global destination. The board’s favorable vote is consistent with the widespread support that Aman Miami has earned in the neighborhood and the Miami Beach community.

The development of Aman Miami will infuse the City with hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment, resulting in more than 400 new jobs for the community and millions of dollars in new property and resort tax revenues each year. Aman has a proud history of delivering high-end, low-impact properties which are respectful of their physical surroundings and the history and culture of their communities – including 13 resorts bordering UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We will continue this tradition in Miami Beach as we restore the Versailles Hotel to greatness. We thank the members of the Historic Preservation Board for supporting what will surely become the most preeminent hotel and residential development in Miami Beach.”

Vladislav Doronin and Len Blavatnik Receive Approval For Aman Hotel & Residences In Miami Beach's Faena District

Vladislav Doronin and Len Blavatnik have received approval from Miami Beach City Commissioners to build Aman Hotel & Residences in Miami Beach’s Faena District. The developers will build a new 250’ tall tower adjacent to the historic Versailles Hotel located at 3425 Collins Avenue, in addition to restoring the Versailles Hotel back to its former splendor. Aman Hotel & Residences Miami Beach will feature a 56-room hotel and 23 condominiums.

The approvals required a zoning change for height increase from the permitted 203’ to the proposed 250’. The height increase had been met with community opposition from several Historic Preservation Board members, including chairman Jack Finglass, as well as residents of the King David Condominium across the street. The final plans still must be submitted and approved by Miami Beach’s Historic Preservation Board.

Len Blavatnik is an American industrialist and philanthropist whose firm, Access Industries, owns a diverse portfolio of over 6 million square feet across iconic hotels and other commercial and residential properties in the United States, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. Along with Alan Faena, Blavatnik developed the neighboring, ultra-luxury condo tower, Faena House.

Aman Hotel & Residences Miami Beach would be the first Aman Resort in South Florida. Vladislav Doronin is the chairman of Aman Resorts, in addition to being CEO of real estate development firm OKO Group. OKO Group’s Miami portfolio also includes luxury waterfront residential towers; Missoni Baia and Una Residences; and 830 Brickell, Miami’s first new office skyscraper in over a decade

SHVO Wins Approval To Move Forward With The Development of The Raleigh Hotel Masterplan In South Beach

Real estate owner and developer Michael Shvo, chairman and CEO of the NYC-based real estate investment and development firm SHVO, has won approval from the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) of the City of Miami Beach to move forward with the three-acre master plan development of The Raleigh Hotel. The three-acre site includes the neighboring South Seas and the Richmond, located on Collins Avenue and 18th Street in Miami Beach.

"The Raleigh Hotel is the crown jewel of Miami Beach,” said Shvo. “This approval marks a new milestone in the partnership between SHVO, South Beach and the surrounding community. SHVO will continue to honor Miami's rich history and culture. We vow to play a significant role in the city’s continued growth and transformation.”

The board approved The Raleigh Master Plan to fully restore the three properties and to unify them as one site in order to operate them as a luxury hotel and condominium building, as presented by developer Michael Shvo and his partners. The approved plan includes construction of a new 175-foot oceanfront residential tower designed by Kobi Karp behind the Richmond and South Seas.

The plans, which were submitted to the board in April, will restore The Raleigh Hotel and its iconic pool, and the historic frontage of the Richmond and South Seas Hotels to their original 1941 grandeur, conceived by legendary architect L. Murray Dixon.

Shvo and his team worked diligently over the past 18 months with the HPB and held over 100 meetings with Miami Beach stakeholders to ensure that the proposed plans would maintain the building’s original façades, effectually restoring the streetscape. Shvo describes the redevelopment will restore the existing façades “exactly the way it was when it was originally built.” This includes the removal of the penthouse floor that was added to The Raleigh in 1961, the restoration of the original façades of the South Seas and the Richmond hotels. 

SHVO purchased The Raleigh Hotel from Tommy Hilfiger in February 2019 for $103 million and later purchased the Richmond and South Seas for a combined $140 million in August 2019.

Given The Raleigh’s storied history, SHVO is committed to returning it as a cultural beacon for the greater Miami community. Last year, SHVO installed The Raleigh Gardens, an immersive and free temporary installation on the grounds of the hotel, featuring extraordinary sculpture from Les Lalanne.

Touzet Studio-Designed Urbin Retreat Miami Beach Proposed on South Beach

Urbin Retreat, designed by Touzet Studio, has submitted its final proposal to Miami Beach’s Historic Preservation Board and Planning Board. The proposal says that Urbin Retreat will offer “affordable global mobility through responsible green living and working in urban centers.” Urbin Retreat Miami Beach will be a co-live, co-work and wellness platform that “fosters creativity and ignites connections through small units, big amenities and an emphasis on community.” Located on the 1200 block of Washington Ave. between 12th and 13th street, Urbin Retreat will feature a hotel, co-living, retail, a rooftop bar and a ground floor restaurant and bar.

Dave Grutman's Groot Hospitality Files Plans To Bring Restaurant To Edgewater At The Historic Miami Women's Club

Dave Grutman, the founder of LIV Nightclub at Fontainebleau Miami Beach and Groot Hospitality, the brand behind the swanky Komodo, Papi Steak and Swan restaurants, has filed plans to bring a new restaurant to Edgewater at the historic Miami Woman’s Club. The Miami Woman’s Club was first built in 1930 and is being restored with approvals from Miami’s Historic Preservation Board. Groot Hospitality pulled a construction permit which was filed in August to build out the 14,838 SF restaurant. The restaurant will make use of renovating 11,396 SF as well as a 3,442 SF addition via a $6.5 million mortgage issued by Firstbank Puerto Rico. The renovation will include a rooftop lounge and a waterfront dining deck on Biscayne Bay. No restaurant concept has been publicly announced as of yet.

Stambul Acquires The Historic Walgreens Building In Downtown Miami's East Flagler Street

Stambul, a family-owned and operated, full-service boutique construction and development firm, has completed the purchase of the historic Walgreens building in Downtown Miami for $19.75 million. Located at 200 East Flagler St., the building was owned by the Alonso family and is previously home to La Epoca Department Store. Stambul plans to redevelop the approximately 50,000 SF building into a multi-level entertainment complex, which will serve as a catalyst for Downtown Miami’s resurgence including high-end retail, dining and entertainment. The five-story, Art Deco-style building was first built in 1936 and at the time was the third Walgreens outside of Chicago and the first in Florida. The storied building boasts over 80 years of history that includes secret dealings by Al Capone. The restoration of the building will be completed by Stambul’s in-house general construction team and is scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2018.

“We are meticulously and thoughtfully curating and overseeing vendors, spaces and activities that will integrate to provide an organic experience,” said Stambul’s Principal Daniel Peña Giraldi.  “Stambul wants to be a key player in the rebirth of Downtown Miami and its evolution into a culinary and entertainment destination for locals and tourists.”

This is Stambul’s third adaptive-reuse project in Downtown Miami. The firm also spearheaded the restoration of the historic Miami National Bank into The Langford Hotel, now Eurostars Langford, and is working on the restoration of the Old United States Post Office and Courthouse that will include Biscayne Brewing among other food and beverage outposts.

“We’ve always understood Downtown Miami’s potential and we’re excited to be deeply rooted in its rebirth,” said Stambul’s Principal Luis E. Rojas. “We’re quickly working on giving the historic Walgreens building a new life and elevating Flagler Street to its prime days.”

"This property has played an important role in the evolution of Downtown Miami and it is incredible that Daniel, who appreciates and embraces the history of Downtown Miami, is the buyer,” said Mika Mattingly, who leads Colliers International South Florida’s Urban Core Division. Mattingly and Colliers’ Gerard Yetming marketed the property on behalf of the seller, Habitat Development Corporation. “Over the last few years, institutional buyers and private equity have invested close to $3 billion in a 6-block radius in downtown Miami. Downtown is on the verge of a complete transformation, and Daniel’s acquisition of La Epoca will speed up the change."

A New Hotel Dubbed Bohemian House Has Been Proposed On Washington Avenue In South Beach

A new 5-story hotel has been proposed on Washington Avenue in South Beach and will be reviewed by Miami Beach's Historic Preservation Board on January 9. The hotel will be developed by Acastar Miami, LLC., led by Genaro Enrique Gallo and the site is located at 1409-1413 Washington Avenue. The hotel has been dubbed Bohemian House and would blend both old and new via the renovation of the existing historic structure as well as the addition of a new 5-story modern structure. Bohemian House would bring 50 hotel rooms that average 245 SF to Washington Avenue along with retail and parking. 

Miami's Historic Preservation Board to Review Plans to Update the Miami Woman's Club

Miami’s Historic Preservation Board will review a proposal to renovate and update the Miami Woman's Club, which was originally completed in 1930. The proposal calls to bring back the original look of the building and turn the property into a restaurant, rooftop lounge and event or ballroom space. The Miami Woman's Club is located on Margaret Pace Park at 1737 North Bayshore Drive across the street from Opera Tower and adjacent to The Grand. MWC Development LLC is the developer on record.