The Ronto Group Launches Sales for Nora House in West Palm Beach's Nora District

The Naples-based Ronto Group, a Florida-based real estate development firm known for its design-driven residential offerings, in partnership with the Nora District, including NDT Development, Place Projects and Wheelock Street Capital, has officially launched sales for Nora House, an 11-story luxury condominium located within the Nora District. With 117 residences and approximately 18,900 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, Nora House is thoughtfully positioned in the heart of the district, offering a refined residential experience within one of the city’s most dynamic and walkable new neighborhoods.

Representing a major residential milestone within the Nora District, the project seamlessly blends elevated living with the energy of a design-forward, community-centric environment. The anticipated groundbreaking is mid-2027 and completion is slated for 2029. Sales and marketing are exclusively overseen by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing with prices begin in the upper $1 millions. The sales gallery will open this month, located at 955 North Railroad Avenue, Suite B..

“Nora House represents an opportunity to deliver a refined condominium experience within the Nora District, one of West Palm Beach’s most thoughtfully curated new districts,” said Anthony Solomon, President of The Ronto Group. “From the architecture and interiors to the scale of the residences and amenities, every element of Nora House is designed to elevate daily living while remaining deeply connected to the energy, walkability and cultural fabric of the Nora District.”

Designed by Swedroe Architecture with interiors by Lillian Wu Studio, New York, Nora House offers two- to four-bedroom residences ranging from just under 1,500 to just over 2,900 square feet under air and some 4th-level expanded terrace residences totaling up to 6,700 square feet. Featuring a Suz-Zero/Wolf/Miele appliance package, Italkraft cabinetry, European designer finishes including wide plank hardwood flooring and Quartz and honed Quartzite, each residence checks all the boxes. Beautiful design, exceptional features and finishes and every convenience at hand.

“Nora House represents the next evolution of the Nora District as we introduce residential living into the neighborhood,” said Joe Furst, Founder and Managing Principal of Place Projects. “From the outset, our vision has centered on building a cohesive, walkable district where each element works together to create a distinctive sense of place. As Nora’s first for-sale condominium offering, Nora House gives people the opportunity to truly call the district home.”

Residents of Nora House will enjoy an expansive suite of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a fourth level landscaped pool deck courtyard with 2 grilling areas, a lap pool and separate spa pool, men’s and women’s pool bathrooms, and six guest suites for visiting friends and family. At the rooftop level, indoor amenities expand to include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a comprehensive spa featuring steam rooms, a sauna, massage treatment room, and hot and cold plunge pools with dedicated men’s and women’s facilities. Additional social offerings include a sports and game lounge with table tennis, billiards, arcade games, and bar; a two-lane bowling alley, golf simulator and a social room with catering capabilities. Outdoor rooftop features include a 2nd pool with a sun shelf and spa, an outdoor bar and social terrace, a fire pit with seating areas and an elevated landscaped yoga lawn designed for relaxation and gathering and two pickleball courts.

Past PROFILEmiami articles about Nora House:

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BD Hotels Breaks Ground on The Nora Hotel in West Palm Beach’s Nora District

The highly anticipated Nora District in West Palm Beach marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of The Nora Hotel, a new 201-key boutique hotel developed by BD Hotels, in collaboration with Sean MacPherson, NDT Development, Place Projects, and Wheelock Street Capital. This project represents BD Hotels’ first new construction hotel outside of New York City and is set to bring a unique blend of luxury and high-design to the area.

Richard Born of BD Hotels shared, “The Nora Hotel represents our vision of transforming West Palm Beach’s hospitality landscape with a bespoke experience that caters to today’s sophisticated travelers. We are thrilled to collaborate with the district's developers to make this a reality.”

BD Hotels, known for iconic New York properties such as The Greenwich and The Bowery, has teamed up with Wheelock Street Capital for the second time, following the successful relaunch of Hotel Chelsea in 2023. NDT Development and Place Projects are also key partners in this endeavor. “The Nora Hotel will serve as a cornerstone for the district,” said Ned Grace, Co-Founder of NDT Development. “It aligns seamlessly with our plan to position the district as a premier lifestyle destination, offering top-tier dining, retail, and wellness experiences.”

Joe Furst, Founder of Place Projects, expressed excitement about partnering with BD Hotels. “Their ability to tailor each hotel to its neighborhood while maintaining their signature style is unparalleled,” he noted.

The design of The Nora Hotel takes inspiration from Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival styles, an homage to Addison Mizner’s architectural legacy in Palm Beach. New York-based Gachot Studios and architectural firm Stantec are behind the hotel’s interiors and structure, featuring arched walkways, rich hues, and intricate tilework. The property will also include a tranquil loggia and garden area for guests.

Highlighting the hotel’s dining scene, Stephen Starr’s STARR Restaurants will debut Pastis, a 13,300-square-foot Parisian-style brasserie with expansive indoor and outdoor seating. STARR Restaurants will also curate offerings for the hotel’s rooftop space, which will include a pool, two bars, private cabanas, and a restaurant. Additionally, in-room dining will be available, further enhancing the guest experience.

The Nora District itself is undergoing a transformation, with Phase I of the master plan underway since June 2023. Upon its early 2025 completion, the district will feature over 150,000 square feet of both adaptive reuse projects and new developments. Historic railway warehouses are being reimagined into vibrant retail spaces, celebrating art and local talent. Phase I will also introduce over 55,000 square feet of Class-A office space.

With its dynamic blend of dining, arts, and lifestyle offerings, Nora is poised to become a cultural and commercial hub in Downtown West Palm Beach. Confirmed retailers include Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Sana Skin Studio, and more, creating an inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. The district’s master plan was developed in partnership with the City of West Palm Beach and urban planning firm PlusUrbia, aiming to revitalize the area with thoughtful, community-oriented design.

2200 Brickell Secures $77 Million Construction Loan from Bank OZK

Aria Development Group, Largo and Place Projects have secured $77 million in construction financing for 2200 Brickell, a five-story luxury condominium development on Brickell’s lush Millionaire’s Row. The construction financing was provided by Bank OZK which was represented by King & Spalding. Hunton Andrews Kurth and The Aztec Group represented the developers. 2200 Brickell is slated to break ground in Q4 2023. Residences are priced from $1.2 million with One World Properties as the exclusive developer sales brokerage representing 2200 Brickell.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Bank OZK to bring this amazing project to life,” said David Arditi, Managing Partner of Aria Development Group. “Brickell remains a top market within Miami’s luxury sector. 2200 Brickell will play an instrumental role in continuing Brickell’s success thanks to its focus on residential wellness, tailored amenities in a boutique setting. Together with our partners, we look forward to welcoming residents into an exciting building in this thriving neighborhood.”

Situated along Brickell’s historic Millionaire’s Row, 2200 Brickell offers two, three, and four-bedroom condominiums and garden villas ranging from 1,200 to 2,100 square feet. Designed by Revuelta Architecture International, with interiors by the award-winning team at ODA New York, it is meticulously crafted to enhance the quality of life for all who live there through a harmonious fusion of organic and geometric design. Additionally, 2200 Brickell is being designed as a WELL Certified building, meaning it adheres to the WELL Building Standard™. This standard is focused on ensuring the health and wellness of residents by creating a positive human experience centered around 10 core concepts ranging from light, movement, and nourishment to materials, mind, and community.

“Bank OZK is pleased to provide construction financing for 2200 Brickell,” stated Greg Newman, Senior Managing Director of Originations at Bank OZK. “Aria and its partners are developing a trophy asset that is destined to be one of the premier condominium developments in Miami. This combination of top-tier sponsorship, marquee asset and dominant location aligns perfectly with our real estate lending strategy.”

2200 Brickell will offer an array of amenities including its one-acre rooftop haven, a sun-drenched lush landscape of exquisitely elevated amenities. This one-of-a-kind rooftop space includes a resort-style pool and outdoor spa with pool-side cabanas, a pickleball court, a summer kitchen with multiple seating areas, an outdoor fitness area designed by HOMAGE Fitness, a children’s play area designed by Silver Hill Arts, and a quarter-mile walking track.

Indoors, additional amenities include a cycling lounge and workshop with bicycle storage, custom indoor children’s playroom designed by Silver Hill Arts, a world-class state-of-the-art fitness center designed by HOMAGE Fitness, a wellness lounge with a treatment room and sauna, dedicated work from home suites with a conference room, a resident lounge and entertaining space, Luxer One automated parcel storage featuring a contactless digital package delivery system with cold storage, and a double-height, 24-hour attended lobby. For further convenience, residents will enjoy above-ground parking on all levels with direct access to their residences, on-site valet parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and a covered porte-cochère.

Images via 2200 Brickell

PEOPLE TO WATCH: Meet Our Panelist Joe Furst, Principal of Place Projects

Join us on March 5th at X Miami for People to Watch: Leaders in South Florida Real Estate, where Joe Furst will be discussing his long-term value creation play in Wynwood and other neighborhoods, how he’s managed to cultivate the right partnership structure in his deals, and why he’s selective about projects that fit his skills, a hybrid between controlled placemaking, development and operations, including hospitality.

Joe Furst is the founder and managing principal of Place Projects, a Miami-based real estate investment firm, operating partner and placemaker focused on creating value in urban neighborhoods through thoughtful development, planning and content curation. Place Projects’ current real estate portfolio includes several residential, commercial and retail developments throughout Florida, including Wynwood, Doral, West Palm Beach and St. Petersburg. 

Prior to launching Place Projects, Joe spent over 10 years at Goldman Properties developing the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami and was responsible for all strategy, development, financing and leasing initiatives. Joe played an integral role in the transformation of Wynwood from a fragmented industrial district into an engaging destination and live-work-play neighborhood. 

Joe also founded and served as Chair of the Wynwood Business Improvement District (“WBID”), where he championed policy initiatives that ensured Wynwood’s thoughtful growth while preserving its unique character. Ultimately, the WBID, in cooperation with the City of Miami, created the Wynwood Revitalization District (“NRD”) zoning overlay which allowed Wynwood to develop into a diverse, mixed-use neighborhood.  The NRD won the 2016 American Planning Association Award for best planning and zoning policy for economic development.  

His involvement and deep commitment to the area gave him the runway for his own large-scale, ground-up development project: 545 Wyn, the first Class-A office space in Wynwood, whose amenities more closely resemble a hotel than a traditional office. As of today, the building has topped off and glass casing has been installed.

Joe and his development partner, Sterling Bay, acknowledge the risk in building a spec project, especially given the new supply of office space on the market, but their strategy is unwavering. They are confident that the introverted retail plaza, side-core design of the building and lifestyle amenities will attract the right tenants. Amenities will include an activated roof deck and full service fitness facilities, including yoga, spinning and gym.

The development includes 298,000 square feet of flexible office space on large floorplates, as well as 26,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and an 18,000-square-foot tenant amenity floor featuring indoor and outdoor collaborative workspaces, ultra-modern conference rooms and a state-of-the-art wellness center. 545 Wyn will afford its tenants the option of having private open-air balconies and direct access to an adjacent paseo park. Newmark Knight Frank is leading leasing efforts and they are hoping to attract creative tenants in high-growth industries like tech and media.

Sterling Bay announced that Gensler, a leading architecture, design and planning firm, has signed a long-term lease to be the first office tenant at 545 Wyn. Gensler is also the lead designer and architect for the project and will lease 13,456 square feet in 545 Wyn, which is anticipated to open in late 2020.

Joe was born and raised in Miami, Florida.  He graduated from Hamilton College and obtained a law degree from the University of Miami.  After practicing law, Joe returned to graduate school to obtain a Masters in Real Estate from the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida.  

Hear from Joe on March 5th at People to Watch: Leaders in South Florida Real Estate. Get your tickets below.

Event Page: http://profilemiamire.com/profilemiami-presents-people-to-watch-leaders-in-south-florida-real-estate-x-miam

By Katya Demina

Event Announcement: People to Watch Leaders in South Florida Real Estate

PROFILEmiami, South Florida’s leading real estate news and events platform, is pleased to present People To Watch: Leaders in South Florida Real Estate for a night of networking, drinks and panel discussions with South Florida’s up-and-coming generation of real estate luminaries.

Commercial real estate is demanding, determined by a variety of external factors, and is a relationship-oriented business, so join us to learn firsthand from South Florida’s real estate leaders about how they are shaping the industry, what innovative strategies they’re employing and how they got to where they are today. We hope to engage, inspire and connect the next generation of real estate leaders. Lock in early bird pricing and get your tickets today!

Panelists:

Ryan Shear, Managing Partner, PMG

Peggy Olin, CEO, One World Properties

Joe Furst, Principal, Place Projects

Moderator: Philip C. Rosen, Shareholder, Becker

We will be exploring topics such as:

• What new projects are emerging real estate leaders working on? ( Exclusive Special Announcement from one of our Panelists)

• How did they get to where they are and what was their first significant project?

• What industry trends or concerns are top of mind today?

• How will the South Florida CRE landscape change over the next cycle?

• What is the best way to position yourself for success?

• Plus time for Q&A from the audience

Event Page: http://profilemiamire.com/profilemiami-presents-people-to-watch-leaders-in-south-florida-real-estate-x-miami

Date: Thursday, March 5th | 7-9:30pm

Location: X Miami, common area upstairs

About PROFILEmiami:

PROFILEmiami, a subsidiary of PROFILEmedia, was launched in 2016 to be your one stop destination for South Florida real estate news, events and content. We provide original coverage of the residential, commercial, development, construction, design and brokerage worlds, with a focus on the latest new developments, market trends, local happenings and events, and luxury homes.

In addition to the online publication, PROFILEmiami also hosts industry events, bringing together the top real estate professionals in South Florida to engage, connect and educate our readers. We curate an all-star lineup of panelists, in addition to providing turn-key event production and execution, concept development and vendor securement for our partners. At PROFILEmiami we collaborate with some of the most influential players in the South Florida real estate industry to keep you on the market’s cutting edge.

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@profilemiami

Sterling Bay’s 545wyn Tops Off and Celebrates Retail Leasing Launch

545wyn, Wynwood’s first true Class-A office space, led by Chicago-based real estate investment and development firm Sterling Bay, recently celebrated its topping off and retail leasing launch. The 10-story, 325,000-square-foot mixed-use development broke ground in December 2018 and is expected to deliver in late 2020. It presents an exciting opportunity to future office and retail tenants, thanks to top-of-the-line amenities and thoughtful design elements, says Michael Lirtzman, Sterling Bay’s director of leasing. In addition to Sterling Bay, a leader in urban campus headquarters, the local team consists of Place Project’s Joe Furst and Gridline Property’s Alfredo Riascos.

The team has emphasized the importance of carefully curating the retail tenancy and their on-the-ground experience in the neighborhood. “Based on my deep commitment and development history in Wynwood, I want to bring the best possible solutions for its evolution and successful growth as a premier destination to live, work and play,” says Furst, who was previously the managing director of Goldman Properties. 

The development features a private, 4,700-square-foot interior wellness center complete with spinning and yoga and is also complemented by a 17,000-square-foot activated roof deck with full kitchen and bar services. Sterling Bay has also committed to reserving the west façade of the office tower as a canvas with plans to commission murals by local community artists to maintain respect for the neighborhood’s roots and character as a hub for creative expression. 

On the ground floor, 545wyn features 26,000 square feet of retail intended to house three marquee tenants with a heavy emphasis on food, beverage, entertainment and lifestyle services. A major highlight includes a paseo park linking 26th and 27th Streets, spilling into a courtyard that connects the property to neighboring buildings. In addition to retail, approximately 270,000 square feet of flexible, modern office space on highly sought-after large floor plates with floor-to-ceiling windows provides future office tenants with the ultimate modern office experience.

Written By: Stephanie Warren