Macken Companies Secures $16.5 Million Construction Loan For Koya Bay Luxury Waterfront Townhome Community In Eastern Shores, North Miami Beach

Macken Companies has secured a $16.5 million construction loan from LV Lending for Koya Bay, a luxury waterfront townhome community directly on the Intracoastal Waterway within the exclusive neighborhood of Eastern Shores at 4098 NE 167 St. in North Miami Beach. Camilo Niño, Ricardo Uribe and Alen Hernandez of LV Lending arranged the loan on behalf of the developer, Alan Macken, principal of Macken Companies. The closing took place on July 28th. Macken Companies affiliate VCM Builders is the general contractor and Macken Realty is the exclusive sales agent. The project broke ground in February 2022 and is on schedule for delivery Q1 2023.

“LV Lending has been a terrific financial partner to us,” stated Alan S. Macken, principal, Macken Companies. “We appreciate their enthusiasm and confidence in our execution to ensure its success. We look forward to delivering this beautiful community to our buyers and the City of North Miami Beach.”

Koya Bay features 10 four-story residences, each with a private elevator, expansive rooftop terrace and two-car garage with optional car lift. The gated community offers three, four and five-bedroom floorplans ranging in size from 4,327-5,288 square feet. Boat slips are outfitted with water and electricity.

Koya Bay’s prime cul-de-sac location is buffered by water on three sides, providing direct and unobstructed views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The development is a boater’s paradise with no fixed bridges situated just minutes away from the Haulover cut, sandbar and ocean.

Macken Companies once again teamed up with the esteemed Randall Stofft Architects and Witkin Hults + Partners to design tropical modern townhomes that blend natural materials and earth tones with open floor plans designed to invite the waterfront into each level. Residences feature elevated ceilings, Wolf appliances, custom wood cabinetry and smart home technology. Private rooftop terraces combine both enclosed air-conditioned space with open area and are equipped with a jacuzzi and summer kitchen.

The affluent and family-friendly Eastern Shores neighborhood is a guard-gated community with 24/7 police-manned security, its own park and playground. Residents will enjoy an abundance of conveniences and amenities, including being steps from the pristine Sunny Isles Beach and having the beautiful Oleta River State Park, a 1,043-acre Florida State Park on Biscayne Bay just across the street, with mountain bike trails, running paths, kayaking and fishing.

Eastern Shores is accessed via the 163rd Street Causeway, which connects to US-1 and A1A. The City of North Miami Beach is centrally located 12 miles north of Miami and less than 20 miles south of Fort Lauderdale. Koya Bay is just minutes away by car or boat from the beach, Haulover Marina which provides ocean access, and two of Florida’s premier shopping destinations, the Aventura Mall and legendary Bal Harbour Shops.

PROFILE EXCLUSIVE: NEW RENDERINGS OF NEXO RESIDENCES IN NORTH MIAMI BEACH

Fortune International Group in partnership with Blue Road announced the sales launch for Nexo Residences in April and today have released new renderings and design details, exclusively on PROFILEmiami.

The property, featuring 254 residences, is one of the first condo projects with short-term rental capability in the rapidly growing city of North Miami Beach, adding to the area’s economic growth currently underway. Located at 13899 Biscayne Boulevard, it presents move-in-ready residences with full home-sharing capabilities without restrictions, coupled with resort-style amenities. Priced from the $400,000s, studios to four-bedroom townhomes range from about 525 to 2,190 interior square feet.

“We underwent an extensive design process, which included traveling to Italy to visit Il Salone Di Mobile which is the most important design fair to incorporate the most cutting-edge elements throughout the property. Both within the residences and shared amenity spaces, it is important that we deliver a project that speaks to both the buyer and user,” said Ana Christina DeFortuna, Executive Vice President of Fortune International Group. “In studying the audience for Nexo Residences, combined with its prime North Miami Beach location, it was necessary to consider a tech-forward destination that incorporates sustainability with contemporary materials, while making social gathering spaces the highlight of the property.”

The project is designed by Frankel Benayoun Architects Inc, with consultation from internationally-renowned architect Carlos Ott. Its common areas, residence interiors, and landscaping are curated by Urban Robot, the local, full-service design collective behind some of the city’s leading hotels and retail concepts, including W Hotel South Beach, the Gucci Flagship in Miami’s Design District, and Oasis Wynwood. The amenity program was purposefully designed to activate spaces that inspire connectivity within the community.

A rooftop observatory deck will be perfect for scenic experiences, enjoying the expansive open vistas of the neighborhood treetops and water views. The space will be regularly activated as a central area for socializing, complete with a fire pit, dining and cooking area and a refuge for stargazing.

The architectural centerpiece for Nexo Residences is the two-story tech hub with a café, coworking spaces, and a business center. It was designed as a grand focal point when you approach the property from the main thoroughfare of Biscayne Boulevard. The multi-story space will span more than 2,600 square feet and feature large floor-to-ceiling windows that will welcome natural light throughout.

Blending the necessities of remote work life with inspiration from South Florida as a year-round vacation destination, Nexo Residences’ suite of amenities includes a two-story arrival lobby and lounge, which will be an impressive visual experience upon entry to the building. The property’s contemporary design extends onto an outdoor children’s playground. Catering to the modern family, it is a kid’s haven of fitness and activity surrounded by striking architecture and lush greenery. Health enthusiasts can relish the indoor/outdoor fitness center with a yoga studio and virtual trainer and a luxury pool deck complete with resort-inspired pool and two spa pools with loungers.

Radio Mogul Tom Joyner Sells Golden Beach Oceanfront Home For $19 Million

Retired radio legend Tom Joyner has sold his incredible beachfront villa located in the ultra-exclusive town of Golden Beach. The home, which is located on a four-block stretch at 469 Ocean Blvd. and was featured as an Architectural Digest cover story, sold for $19 million. Dina Goldentayer with Douglas Elliman represented both sides of the transaction.

The tri-level villa offers 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms spread over 7,340 SF. The home underwent a $7.5 million renovation in 2020 from designer Deborah Wecselman of Wecselman Design, architect Wesley Kean of KoDA, contractor Larqcon Group, and landscape architecture firm Enea. The home features ocean views from nearly ever room and a foyer transformed into an art gallery with pieces from Picasso, Robert Pruitt, Allora & Calzadilla, and Ernie Barnes; finished with a custom Bocci pendant light hanging from the ceiling over the architectural staircase.

The master bedroom occupies the entire third floor featuring stunning bathroom with a glass encased RiFRA tub in the center of the room plus a large open dark wood closet.

Outdoors features a seaside swimming pool with spacious verandas, summer kitchen, beachside louvered cabana and direct access to a private beach.

Golden Beach is the only private community with homes on the sand in South Florida. The ultra-exclusive gated community has its own police force, private beach with pavilion and beachside service, tennis courts, basketball court, multiple parks and kids playground.

Images via Mike Ruiz with Become Legendary

New Middle Eastern Restaurant Mazeh Opens in Downtown Miami

NYC-based hospitality powerhouse group, GPG Hospitality, has introduced a brand-new Modern Middle Eastern concept to the Miami dining scene with Mazeh, which officially opened its doors to the public July 15th. Located at the sleek and modern YOTEL Miami hotel, Mazeh’s relaxed yet refined ambiance and unparalleled culinary approach will extend a unique modern flair to traditional Middle Eastern cuisine and introduce Middle Eastern tapas to the world. 

Mazeh radiates with the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality, as Miami’s newest culinary gem.  The service style at Mazeh breaks the mold of a traditional dining experience and invites guests to pace the meal as they wish, ordering small dishes throughout the night, while enjoying an evening out.  The menu at Mazeh draws from the diverse and flavorful cuisine of the Middle East. Its offerings provide guests with an authentic taste of the region, while highlighting the fresh local fare of Miami. The flavors of the Middle East are applied to these tapas in a way which respects and allows the main ingredient to shine.  

Signature dishes include Arayes, ground lamb or fish grilled inside fresh pita and topped with amba; Falafel Cigars wrapped in brick pastry and served with tahini; Skewers: grilled octopus with labneh and za’atar; grilled steak in a smoked tomato sauce and bone marrow olive vinaigrette; grilled cabbage with green tahini and herb gremolata; and of course Mazeh’s specialty Tiffin Box which holds an assortment of seasonal Middle Eastern dips and spreads served with fresh pita. 

Drinks at Mazeh are crafted to further enhance the experience and elevate the flavors of the tapas. Cocktails include the You Oughta Know, a mix of vodka, Lillet Rouge, grapefruit, dill and honey; Doo Wop, made with silver rum, kaffir lime, passion fruit, lemongrass and lavender; and the Hypnotize, a vodka-based drink mixed with bergamot, smoked pineapple and grapefruit.

In the morning, Mazeh offers a selection of breakfast boards. The boards include the Greek Breakfast which includes eggs, Greek salad, tzatziki, feta and Kalamata olives; a traditional English Breakfast which includes eggs, baked beans, turkey bacon and sausage, tomato and hash browns; a Continental Breakfast, featuring a selection of bread and viennoiserie; and the Middle Eastern Breakfast with eggs, Israeli salad, labneh, avocado and tahini.

Along with the opening of Mazeh, the team has announced the opening of Float, an elevated outdoor lounge which will be poolside on YOTEL Miami’s 12th floor deck, later this year. 

Electric Feel Entertainment Founder And CEO Austin Rosen Buys 6417 Pine Tree Drive Circle

Electric Feel Entertainment Founder Austin Rosen has purchased 6417 Pine Tree Drive Circle for $12.5 million after acquiring the neighboring 6401 Pine Tree Drive Circle also for $12.5 million last year. With the acquisition Rosen now has 185’ on the water and 37,135 SF of land. 6417 Pine Tree Drive Circle, Miami Beach, is a 6 bedroom, 7 bathroom house spanning 4,855 SF. The Mediterranean waterfront home was designed in 1935 by Russell Pancoast. Both sides of the transaction, which closed on July 25, 2022, were brokered by Jordan Karp of Jordan Karp LLC.

Rosen also purchased a commercial building at 235 NE 29th St. near Midtown for $5.6 million in 2021.

Electric Feel Entertainment is a music management, publishing studio and label with over 215+ billion streams. The company was founded by Rosen who is manager of Post Malone, Iann Dior, 24KGoldn, and more. He also founded EF Ventures which helps connect talent and founders of emerging brands in a variety of industries including food and beverage, tech, fashion and Web3.

RELATED, ROVR AND BH GROUP BEGIN VERTICAL CONSTRUCTION ON SOLD OUT DISTRICT 225 CONDOMINIUM

Real estate industry leaders Related Group, ROVR Development and BH Group have officially broken ground on the sold-out District 225. Located at 225 North Miami Avenue in Downtown Miami, the 343-unit property is a new luxury condominium tower offering residents the ability to host their condos on Airbnb for any stay length (subject to applicable laws and restrictions). Completion is slated for 2024.

“District 225 is a project of many firsts. Now, with financing in hand, we’re happy to share that the development is also the first of Related’s next-generation Miami-Dade condos to begin vertical construction,” said Jon Paul Perez, Related Group president. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the reception District 225 saw from buyers and the industry. Not only did the project sell out in record time, but it also gave birth to an all-new type of restriction-free development that’s already had many other projects follow in its footsteps.”

Responding to a sustained demand for flexible ownership and living options, District 225 delivers ready-to-rent, fully furnished residences purposely designed, built and licensed to be shared. The project proved to be a success in the Miami market with all units sold within two months of its sales launch. Unique from past condos in the development team’s respective portfolios, District 225 attracted predominantly domestic buyers, including young professionals and remote workers in the new work-from-home era.

“Downtown Miami is going through a rebirth,” says Oscar Rodriguez, founding partner of ROVR Development. “We’re excited to have identified and secured a site that is so central to this neighborhood’s transformation. District 225 is a catalyst for flexible living, offering luxury condominiums at attainable prices in one of the city’s most promising destinations, surrounded by parks, public transportation, entertainment and more.”

District 225 joins downtown Miami as the neighborhood’s burgeoning market experiences a resurgence of new residential high-rises. The increased demand for residential units in the area is a testament to its growth as a cosmopolitan destination that caters to a live, work, play lifestyle. Just a few blocks away, The Related Group also announced The Crosby, another short-term-rental ready development located within the Miami Worldcenter mixed-use development

WeWork Bought Out Of 146,000 SF Lease At 830 Brickell By OKO Group And Cain International

WeWork has been bought out of their lease to occupy 146,000 square feet covering 10-floors at 830 Brickell by developers OKO Group and Cain International. WeWork was one of the first to sign a major lease at the Class A office tower in 2019 which was set to become their largest location Florida. Rents at 830 Brickell are now in excess of $125 PSF representing a 42% rise year-over-year. Construction on the tower is nearing completion.

Despite the WeWork opt-out 830 Brickell has signed leases with other top-tier office users at 830 Brickell, including Microsoft, international law firm Sidley Austin LLP, New York-based insurance firm A-CAP, private equity firm Thoma Bravo, CI Financial, Marsh Insurance, AerCap, and others.

The news comes as the Miami office market continues to boast one of the lowest vacancy rates with absorption faring better than other competing markets across the U.S, according to the Miami Downtown Development Authority’s 2021 Office Market Report. In fact, Downtown Miami was the only major urban office market in the country to achieve net-positive absorption in 2021.

830 Brickell was designed by renowned architecture firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, with interiors by Italian architecture and design company Iosa Ghini Associati.

The tower’s amenities will include a rooftop bar/lounge and restaurant – with menus developed alongside a three-Michelin-starred chef and showcasing expansive views of the City and Biscayne Bay, a world-class health and wellness center, conferencing facilities, an outdoor terrace, cafeìs and street-level retail. Multiple transit options are nearby, including Metrorail and Metromover, the Brightline, walking paths, cycling lanes and bay access points. Additionally, some of Miami’s top residential and lifestyle-driven neighborhoods are situated just minutes away, such as Miami’s Design District, Wynwood, Edgewater and Miami Beach.

Gazit Horizons And Atlantic Pacific Reveal New Renderings Of Corwil Architects-Designed Brickell Gateway

Gazit Horizons and Atlantic Pacific have revealed new renderings for Brickell Gateway, a proposed 61-story tower set to rise 747’. Located at 90 SW 8th Street on a ½ acre hard corner development site, the current Corwil Architects-designed proposal includes 504 multifamily units, 18,287 SF of retail and 348 parking spaces. In March the developers requested a final approval for the project from Miami-Dade County planners. As it located in a rapid transit zone, developers requested the final review by county planners as opposed to City of Miami planners. Gazit Horizons acquired the land in July 2017 for $29.5 million and recently demolished the existing 3-story building earlier this year.

Major Food Group And JDS Development Part Ways at MAJOR, Rebranded As 888 Miami

Major Food Group (MFG) and JDS Development Group (JDS) have parted ways at MAJOR, a proposed supertall residential tower at 888 Brickell Avenue. The project has been rebranded as 888 Miami by JDS Development and Studio Sofield. The tower is still described as a ground-up hybrid hotel and luxury condominium residences. The project was to be Major Food Group’s first entry into residential real estate. JDS Development Group is led by Chief Executive and Founder Michael Stern, the powerhouse developer and builder responsible for some of the most dynamic new skyscrapers in New York City and Miami.

888 Miami will rise 1,049 feet tall and rise 888 will feature 259 custom residences conceived as fully hybrid layouts. Each residence is designed to enable the seamless conversions into rooms and suites for guests. The tower, designed by William Sofield, features an elegant and restrained façade of ivory travertine and high-gloss steel columns to express enduring weight and substance while giving a defined graphic, vertical appearance, setting it far apart from its glass and stucco neighbors. The notable crown is wrapped with a filigree of gold spheres and punctuated by extraordinary sculptures in the manner of Italian Futurism on each corner.

Each of the furnished residences in the condo-hotel, ranging from 1-to 4 bedrooms, is designed with custom furniture by Studio Sofield. The plans enable Major residences to seamlessly transform into rooms and suites for guests. Conceived as fully hybrid layouts, each residence utilizes a “lockout” function, which allows for simple conversions between a private residence, suite, and/or guest room. 888 Miami will feature 115,000 square feet of amenities spread over eight floors focused on entertaining, sports, leisure, wellness and fitness.

For more information about 888 Miami, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Carrot Express Aventura Gets an Upgrade Doubling in Size

Miami’s fan-favorite eatery, Carrot Express in Aventura is getting an upgrade and a new location. The health-conscious concept will relocate one block South from their previous outpost which opened in 2018. Their new home will occupy a larger space with revamped interior boasting a bigger dining room and alfresco dining. Guests will be able to enjoy their favorite Carrot Express dishes in a more spacious and stylish setting. This marks their second outpost in Aventura in addition to their outpost inside Miami’s premier shopping destination, Aventura Mall.

Doubling in size, the new Aventura destination occupies 2,100 square feet with 50 seats indoor and 16 seats outdoors. Inside incorporates the similar inviting and relaxed atmosphere as its fellow Miami locations however, this new location features accents of wood and greenery with hanging lights throughout. Creative Director, Alberto Bassal shared, “We’re thrilled to reopen in the neighborhood with an enhanced inviting experience and a beautiful terrace to dine alfresco.” He added, “We also want to provide our locals and loyal clientele a more accommodating experience with more parking spots.”

Most recently, Carrot Express launched a brunch bundle where guests can order any breakfast or all-day breakfast item and receive the second item free. The BOGO deal will be offered every Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM until 2 PM, on-site at all locations including Aventura.

Highlights include:

• California Eggwich – 2 cage free folded eggs folded with avocado, crumbled feta cheese, arugula, tomato, lime juice and olive oil served on a toasted sesame bagel

• Quinoa Breakfast Bowl – topped with roasted cremini mushrooms, sautéed kale, avocado, pico de gallo and a cage-free sunny side egg

• Josh’s Overnight Oats – mix of oatmeal, almond milk, toasted coconut flakes, chia & flax seeds, cinnamon, blueberries, strawberries, Mario’s granola, almond butter, drizzled honey

• Almond Butter Toast – almond butter, strawberries, blueberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, toasted coconut flakes spread on multigrain sourdough bread by Zak the Baker drizzled with honey

• Huevos Rancheros Burrito – 2 cage-free scrambled eggs, brown rice, black beans, avocado, fresh corn, jack cheese, cilantro & pico de gallo, wrapped & toasted on a whole wheat wrap, served with cilantro-lime dressing

Additional menu highlights include Carrot Express’ best-selling LIV Wrap – grilled chicken breast, avocado, quinoa, kale, jack cheese and basil pesto, OMG! Turkey Burger – homemade all natural & hormone free ground turkey burger topped with arugula, avocado, tomato, red onion, mustard aioli on a toasted multigrain bun, Mario’s Favorite – Arugula, kale, spinach, toasted almonds, peas, golden raisins, quinoa, scallions & cilantro brown rice with a homemade citrus sauce and their signature, Carrot Cake made with freshly grated carrots and layered with a homemade cream cheese frosting and crushed pralines.

Their new Aventura location can be found at 2440 NE Miami Gardens Dr #107, Miami, FL 33180. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 9 AM and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM - 9 PM.