13th Floor Investments and Barings Break Ground on Final Phase of Miami's Link at Douglas Transit-Oriented Development with $134 Million Construction Loan

13th Floor Investments, in partnership with Barings, has secured a $134 million construction loan to finance the development of Crescendo, the fourth and final residential tower at Link at Douglas, one of Miami’s largest and most transformative transit-oriented communities. The construction financing is led by Santander Bank in partnership with TD Bank and First Horizon Bank. Located at 3070 SW 37th Avenue adjacent to Miami-Dade County's Douglas Road Metrorail Station, Crescendo will include 392 multifamily units and complete the 7-acre Link at Douglas mixed-use community, strategically positioned at the intersection of US-1 and Douglas Road between Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. Now under construction, the 37-story tower is expected to deliver in 2029.

Link at Douglas' first phase, which delivered in 2023, introduced two fully leased residential towers totaling 733 apartments, the 312-unit Core and 421-unit Cascade buildings, along with more than 30,000 square feet of retail space anchored by Milam's Market. The project's third residential tower, the 432-unit Cadence building, is currently under construction and expected to deliver in 2028. With the addition of Crescendo, Link at Douglas will encompass more than 1,500 residential units across four towers, fully realizing a long-term vision for a dynamic mixed-use community integrated with one of Miami-Dade County's most important transit hubs.

"Crescendo is far more than the final tower at Link at Douglas," said Daryl Shevin, Chief Financial Officer of 13th Floor Investments. "It represents the culmination of years of planning, investment, and partnership with Miami-Dade County to create a community that brings housing, retail, and transit together in one of Miami's most connected locations."

Developed in collaboration with Miami-Dade County and its Department of Transportation and Public Works, Link at Douglas has transformed publicly owned land surrounding the Douglas Road Metrorail Station into a mixed-use community that integrates housing, retail, and transit. As part of the original agreement, the development team invested more than $17 million in public infrastructure improvements, including a complete renovation of the Metrorail station and the creation of a public plaza connecting directly to The Underline linear park.

Barings has partnered with 13th Floor Investments on the development since breaking ground on Link at Douglas’ first residential tower in 2019 and has remained a key capital partner throughout the community's multi-phase evolution.

“We're proud to continue our partnership with 13th Floor Investments at Link at Douglas as the project enters its final phase,” said Chris Cassella, Managing Director at Barings. “Crescendo is the realization of a thoughtfully executed vision in one of Miami's most connected locations, and we're pleased to help bring the final piece of the community to life.”

The completion of Link at Douglas further advances 13th Floor Investments' transit-oriented development strategy across South Florida. The firm recently broke ground on Link at Boca, a mixed-use development adjacent to Boca Raton's Tri-Rail Station that will deliver 340 residential units and 24,000 square feet of retail space. The firm also plans to develop Link at SoMi, a two tower 670-unit multifamily community adjacent to the South Miami Metrorail Station that emphasizes walkable design and urban living near major employment and education hubs.

Since its founding in 2008, 13th Floor Investments has delivered more than 4,700 residential units across South Florida and currently has more than 4,800 units in development or under construction. Today, the firm is focused on the development of luxury residential and mixed-use multifamily communities, growing its industrial portfolio, and expanding its single-family homebuilding business, 13th Floor Homes.

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13th Floor and Adler Group Complete Phase 1 of Miami's Link at Douglas Transit-Oriented Development Where Coral Gables Meets Coconut Grove

A joint venture between Miami-based real estate developers 13th Floor Investments and Adler Group has completed the first phase of Link at Douglas, a 7-acre master planned development that has transformed Miami-Dade County’s Douglas Road Metrorail Station into a mixed-use transit hub at the confluence of Miami’s Coral Gables and Coconut Grove neighborhoods. Now complete and open to the public, the project’s first phase encompasses two residential towers with a total of 733 apartment units – the 312-unit CORE and the 421-unit CASCADE buildings – and more than 30,000 square feet of Milam’s Market-anchored retail space. The developers are also completing more than $17 million in public infrastructure improvements, including a fully renovated Metrorail station, and the development of a public plaza that connects with a section of The Underline linear park.

13th Floor Investments is now moving forward with plans for Link at Douglas’ second and final phase, which will encompass an additional two residential towers with approximately 850 multifamily units. Construction of Phase Two is estimated to get underway in late 2023.

Link at Douglas is the latest example of a successful public-private collaboration with Miami-Dade County in which the developers have entered into a ground lease for publicly-owned land in exchange for privately-funded transit and infrastructure upgrades at a critical connection point within the County’s transit system. Link at Douglas’ mobility plan includes connectivity to Metrorail, County buses and municipal trolleys. All told, Link at Douglas is expected to generate $800 million in new revenue for Miami-Dade County over the life of the lease.

“As Miami-Dade County’s population continues to experience rapid growth, we need to come up with forward thinking ways to reduce road congestion and that begins with connecting people with alternative forms of transit,” said Arnaud Karsenti, Managing Principal of 13th Floor Investments. “We’re extremely proud of our partnership with the County with Link at Douglas, which is setting a new standard for urban living in Miami, improving access to jobs, attainable housing opportunities, everyday amenities, and lifestyle-oriented retail for our residents and neighbors.”

The completion of Link at Douglas’ first phase was commemorated at a celebratory event on Monday, February 27, 2023. The ceremony was led by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Cava, Director of Public Works Eulois Cleckley, Commissioner Raquel Regalado, and principals from the project’s development team.

“Link at Douglas is a model for the future of development and mobility in Miami-Dade County. The project will enable more residents to live, work and play without having to worry about traffic or parking, while helping to offset expenses, reduce emissions and promote increased ridership on our Metrorail system,” said Eulois Cleckley, Director and CEO of the Department of Transportation and Public Works for Miami-Dade County.

Pre-Leasing Launches For Cascade Luxury Rentals At Link At Douglas

The demand for upscale living near accessible transportation hubs in Miami is stronger than ever as connectivity and location are highly desired attributes. Cascade – the second multifamily tower to be delivered within the seven-acre Link at Douglas masterplan development – is redefining luxury living with this notion. Set adjacent to the Douglas Road Metrorail Station, The Underline linear park, and the city’s main thoroughfare of US-1, the transit-oriented property has officially commenced pre-leasing for its 421 modern apartment homes and will soon welcome residents.

Set at 3050 SW 37th Ave Miami, Cascade is developed as a joint venture between Miami-based real estate developers 13th Floor Investments and Adler Development, in partnership with global investment manager Barings. The 37-story tower is a community-focused centerpiece at the confluence of the city’s coveted neighborhoods – Coconut Grove and Coral Gables – and introduces an all-encompassing lifestyle that unites unmatched amenities, sophisticated living, and dynamic retail. This includes the highly anticipated Milam’s Market on the ground floor, which is set to open in late 2022.

Cascade caters to a variety of lifestyles, from family and young professionals to students and sophisticated dwellers. Residences are thoughtfully designed to work with the rhythm of each day, balancing a lifestyle of 24/7 connectivity with time to unplug, unwind and indulge.

Apartment homes start from $2,600 per month and range from one- to three-bedroom floorplans, encompassing 582 to 1,576 square feet. They are complete with stone-wrapped kitchen islands, floor-to-ceiling windows, and in-unit washer and dryers. Superior features and finishes include tall matte lacquer soft close cabinets, full tile backsplash, modern ENERGY STAR® appliances, porcelain tiled showers, front-lit vanity mirrors, and wood-look flooring. Inboard private balconies are available in select residences. With leasing and property management by Bozzuto, meticulous attention will remain a cornerstone of the project’s DNA, conveying warm hospitality and a strong sense of community

“We are thrilled to launch the leasing program for Cascade and soon unveil this new addition to the Miami skyline,” said Arnaud Karsenti, Managing Principal of 13th Floor Investments. “Our vision for this property, and the entire Link at Douglas community, was to meet the growing needs of today’s contemporary renter who is seeking modern living options linking them to the heart of their city. We have curated a lifestyle that is elevated in every sense, from refined design, thoughtful amenities and ultimate connectivity, to the building’s physical footprint as an eye-catching emergence visible along the US-1 corridor.”

The property’s exquisite details and views — spanning the surrounding lush treetops to the waters of Biscayne Bay — are further elevated by a cascade of amenities that await. From socialites to those who simply desire to bask in South Florida’s sunshine, the 10th-floor amenity deck is a sophisticated oasis for all. At its core is a resort-style pool with luxury lounge seating, cabanas, and a poolside bar. Date nights and family gatherings level up with an outdoor movie screen and a game room complete with billiards, shuffleboard and card tables. Fitness fans can also head to the basketball half-court or yoga studio. Cue grilling stations for gatherings, with outdoor dining or an indoors social lounge complete with comfortable seating, modern kitchen, media room, and a kids’ playroom catering to Cascade’s youngest residents. Plus, pet owners can ensure their four-legged friends feel as much at home as they do with an onsite dog run and wash.

Designed by Arquitectonica, Cascade’s glass-wrapped tower celebrates elements that unite comfort and style with sophistication and a tropical twist. With interiors by Design Agency, the property features teak wood and textured wall designs in contrast with matte black accents, creating effortless elegance without exclusivity. Earth tones can be found throughout, from relaxed greenery and natural wood details in the lobby lounge to a lush garden display outlining the expansive amenity deck, offering serenity in each space.

Cascade’s transit-oriented appeal – direct access to the Metrorail system, bus lines, and Coral Gables’ Trolley – creates a seamless link to popular communities, including Brickell, Downtown Miami and the Health District, and makes car-free living an easy choice for residents. It is just minutes from Miami’s most in-demand shopping, dining and entertainment destinations, from Downtown Coral Gables to Shops at Merrick Park to South Miami and vibrant Coconut Grove, and the University of Miami’s main campus is a quick walk or bike ride away.

In its full vision, the overall Link at Douglas master plan will encompass approximately 1,600 residential units, over 32,000 square feet of retail space, and a public plaza that connects with The Underline. Last year, the development team delivered Cascade’s sister property, CORE, a 22-story multifamily tower encompassing 312 apartment residences and 6,000 feet of ground-floor retail.

The Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use Development CORE Link at Douglas Launches Leasing

The transit-oriented CORE Link at Douglas, a new 312-unit mixed-use multifamily tower, has launched leasing at the intersection of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Slated to open in August at 3060 SW 37th Avenue, CORE will become the first tower to open at Link at Douglas, a 7-acre mixed-use development being developed adjacent to Miami’s Metrorail and The Underline linear park. The project is being developed by a joint venture between Miami-based real estate developers 13th Floor Investments and Adler Group, in partnership with global investment manager Barings.

The 22-story residential building will feature studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments with upscale finishes and panoramic city views. Leasing rates will start at $1,690 for studios, $2,090 for one-bedrooms and $2,790 for two-bedrooms. As part of a special pre-leasing promotion, CORE is offering one month free for new renters, with an additional second month free for those signing a lease without a car and planning to utilize the development’s nearby transit access.

Apartments feature private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and a modern design that offers ample natural light. Residences are designed with luxury plank flooring, granite countertops, modern kitchen hardware and appliances, an in-home washer and dryer, and porcelain shower walls.

Amenities include a rooftop pool deck with stunning views, poolside grilling, private cabanas, as well as a fitness center with a yoga studio, business center, media room, and a social lounge complete with billiards, shuffleboard, ping pong, and a furnished seating area centered on a fireplace. Other amenities include secured package room, bike storage, and Wi-Fi in all common areas.

CORE’s ownership has selected The Bozzuto Group to provide property management, including full-service concierge, 24-hour maintenance, resident app, monthly resident events and its signature away-from-home services of plant care, newspaper delivery and in-home package delivery.

Located along US-1 and Douglas Road, CORE and Link at Douglas are perfectly situated to offer direct access to Miami-Dade County’s Metrorail system, the Miami-Dade bus lines and the Coral Gables Trolley. Directly underneath the property, residents can enjoy outdoor workout activities along The Underline, a 10-mile linear park under development that spans from Downtown Miami to South Miami.

“We are excited to deliver our first building at Link at Douglas. With CORE, we wanted to set a new standard for those who want a more connected lifestyle,” said Aaron Stolear, Associate Vice President of 13th Floor Investments, on behalf of the joint venture development team. “At CORE, residents will lease apartments but will ‘live’ at the building – the amenities are just that spectacular.”

CORE will be followed by CASCADE, an adjacent 36-story multifamily tower set to open at Link at Douglas in mid-2022, which will feature a 25,000-square-foot Milam’s Market on the ground-floor level. All told, the Link at Douglas development’s master plan will encompass 1,422 residential units, over 32,000 square feet of retail space, a 280,000-square-foot office building, and a public plaza that connects with The Underline.

Renderings via 13th Floor Investments/Adler Group/Barings

13th Floor Investments & Adler Group Lock Down $99 Million In Construction Financing For 2nd Tower At Link at Douglas

Miami-based real estate developers Adler Group and 13th Floor Investments have finalized a $99 million loan that will open the door to the construction of a second tower at Link at Douglas, a 7-acre master-planned development that will transform Miami-Dade County’s Douglas Road Metrorail Station into a mixed-use transit hub with residential, retail and commercial office uses. The loan, which was issued by Banco Santander and TD Bank, will help fund the construction of the 36-story multifamily building, which will include 421 rental apartments and 17,000 SF of ground-floor retail space.

Situated directly adjacent to the Douglas Road Metrorail Station at 3100 Douglas Road, the Arquitectonica-designed building will also feature a public plaza with connectivity to The Underline, a 10-mile-long linear park being built underneath the Metrorail tracks running from Downtown Miami to South Miami.

Construction of Tower 2 is expected to get underway this month (February 2020) and is expected to be completed in late 2022. Tower 1, a 22-story multifamily building designed by Corwil Architects with 312 rental apartments and 6,000 SF of retail space, broke ground in July 2019 and is slated for completion in 2021.

“The closing of this construction loan is a testament to our strong bank relationships and also signals the continued confidence in our latest transit-oriented development, as well as our ability to execute as a development team,” said Daryl Shevin, CFO of 13th Floor Investments.

“Link at Douglas will set a standard for urban living by catering to Miami-Dade’s evolving residents, who are looking for ways to avoid road congestion through public transit while seeking a more connected lifestyle,” said Jonathan Raiffe, Chief Operating Officer of Adler Group.

Link at Douglas is being developed through a collaboration with Miami-Dade County in which the developers have entered into a ground lease for publicly-owned land that will usher in privately-funded transit and infrastructure upgrades at a critical connection point within the County’s transit system. Link at Douglas’ mobility plan includes connectivity to Metrorail, County buses and municipal trolleys. Additionally, the development will incorporate over $17 million in public infrastructure improvements, including a fully renovated Metrorail station, a public plaza with active retail, and a section of The Underline. Link at Douglas marks the second partnership for 13th Floor Investments and Adler Group. The development team recently completed Motion at Dadeland, a 294-unit transit-oriented rental community adjacent to South Miami’s Dadeland North Metrorail Station, which opened to renters in April 2019.

13th Floor Investments & Adler Group Break Ground On The Transit Oriented Link at Douglas

13th Floor Investments and Adler Group have broken ground on one of Miami’s most anticipated transit oriented development, Link at Douglas. The development team is beginning site work this month and vertical construction of the development’s first phase is expected to begin this summer (2019). The 7- acre development will redevelop Miami’s Douglas Road Metrorail station and will be comprised of rental units (including workforce housing), retail and office space, and a public plaza. The project will deliver privately-funded infrastructure upgrades at a critical connection point within the County’s transit system and is expected to generate $500 million in new revenue for Miami-Dade County. The development team has also pledged over $17 million in public infrastructure improvements including $1 million for The Underline linear park.

Link at Douglas is set to be built in phases over the next five years and will include 1,500 residential units including a workforce housing component, 25,000 SF of retail space, a 250,000 SF office building, and a public plaza that connects with The Underline, a 10-mile-long linear park running from Downtown Miami through neighborhoods to the south. The development’s first tower, designed by Corwil Architects and comprising 312 apartment units and 6,000 SF of retail in 22-stories, will break ground in July. The development of tower two, a 36-story building designed by Arquitectonica including 421 apartment units and 17,000 SF of retail, will begin in October. Approximately 100 of the 733 units will be designated as workforce housing units.

“As Miami-Dade’s population experiences rapid growth, we need to come up with forward thinking ways to reduce road congestion and that begins with connecting people with alternative forms of transit,” said Arnaud Karsenti, Managing Principal of 13th Floor Investments. “Link at Douglas will set a new standard for urban living in this part of Miami-Dade County, improving access to jobs, attainable housing opportunities, everyday amenities, retail and office space for our residents and neighbors.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Miami Dade County in further enhancing the community through this pedestrian and transit-oriented development,” said Michael M. Adler, CEO of Adler Group. “By focusing on design, public spaces and the connection to transit we feel that this project will enrich all of Miami Dade County.”

Link at Douglas marks the second transit-oriented development spearheaded by 13th Floor Investments and Adler Group. Motion at Dadeland, a 294-unit rental community adjacent to the Dadeland North Metrorail station, opened to residents in April 2019.

Adler Group & 13th Floor Investments Propose Link at Douglas At Douglas Road Metrorail Station

Adler Group and 13th Floor Investments have submitted plans for Link at Douglas to Miami-Dade County, representing the first step of their multi-phase plan bring a mixed-use development to the Douglas Metrorail Station. The proposal includes a 40-story tower with 11-story parking garage and 406 residential units along with 60K SF of retail. The tower will rise 450' and is being designed by Arquitectonica. Construction is expected to begin Q1 2019.