Michelin Starred Chef Michael Beltran's Ariete Hospitality Group Set To Open First Restaurant In Miami Worldcenter November 28

Buckle-up Miami, after nearly a decade of construction, Downtown Miami’s new $4 billion, 27-acre Miami Worldcenter mixed-use development, will welcome its first tenant on November 28 when Michelin Starred Chef Michael Beltran’s Ariete Hospitality Group (AHG) opens Brasserie Laurel. Brasserie Laurel will deliver upscale French-inspired Miami cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients and will provide a wide array of table-side service for some of their signature dishes. The quality of food preparation and service will be at the levels of Ariete where it is no secret that the drive is to deliver world-class hospitality and maintain the highest of standards.

Miami Worldcenter, which is currently coming alive in phases, will feature a diverse mix of residential, commercial and hospitality uses complemented by a total of 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space. Brasserie Laurel will join other recently announced tenants slated to open at Miami Worldcenter over the next year such as Sephora, lululemon, Savage x Fenty, Ray-Ban, Posman Books and Lucid Motors, as well as dining and entertainment concepts Bowlero, Sports & Social, and Chicago’s Maple & Ash and etta restaurants.

AHG is known for their growing family of restaurants and bars including Ariete (Michelin Star), Navé (Michelin Guide mention), Chug’s (Bib Gourmand recipient) and The Taurus all in Coconut Grove; The ScapeGoat in Miami Beach, and most recently The Gibson Room on Coral Way.

“We see Laurel as Ariete’s younger sister, and if I had to share one thing about the ideology behind this menu, it would be that it’s a new approach to French brasserie food. Think Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, La Tour d’Argent in Paris. Music will be swanky; food will be refined, but unpretentious, and wine and cocktails will be plentiful,” said Chef Michael Beltran.

At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Ashley Moncada, formerly Chef de Cuisine at Ariete, bringing in 8+ years of experience in the industry and who has been until most recently, an integral part of the Michelin awarded team at Ariete. Having worked in France, Australia, New Zealand, UK, and South Africa, Chef Ashley, at her young age, has gained world experience, from shopping and preparing fresh produce in the French Alps, to cooking in an African game reserve, her skills will certainly be an asset, and the driving force behind the brasserie’s kitchen.

From escargots, frog legs, and beef Wellington to crêpes Suzette, you will find these classic French dishes accompanied by full-bodied red Bordeaux, crisp Champagne, refreshing Sauternes, among other pairings. “The wine offering is unequivocally French, but not exclusively; you will also be able to find some Spanish and Italians among Old World style wines available at Laurel,” commented AHG Wine Director, Adrian Lopez.

The cocktail program embodies a theme that runs throughout AHG: reworking the classics in a way that no one else has, a way that makes them uniquely their own; it’s a signature style of AHG Beverage Director, Tom Lasher-Walker. Taking ingredients, in their purest form and transforming them into delectable cocktails, is unquestionably the epitome of fine drink making.

“My philosophy is always to bring inspiration from the classics and creating perfectly balanced beverages, those are the styles that will stand the test of time,” mentioned Walker. From two versions of the House Stinger (vodka or cognac), a Miami and French inspired - Beneath the Sheets- with aged rum and pineapple, to a late 1800’s beverage known as the Corpse Reviver Royal with gin, bubbles, and absinthe; and if absinthe hadn’t made enough of a come- back, then Brasserie Laurel will make sure to bring it back in style. The absinthe fountain, while not a novel contraption, will certainly be an entertaining element that you will find behind their bar.

Brasserie Laurel’s interior is inviting and elegant, yet youthful and incorporates a touch of classic French aesthetic. The dark wood, gold, and deep blue elements give it a polished and vibrant look that showcases the quality and finesse of the dining experience.

“Our team is thrilled to welcome our first restaurateur, Brasserie Laurel, to Miami Worldcenter. Ariete Hospitality Group exemplifies the quality of tenants and the experience we are curating for Miami Worldcenter’s residents and visitors,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates. “Bringing life to the retail, food and beverage, and entertainment components of Miami Worldcenter’s master plan is critical to transforming our 27-acre site into a thriving open-air destination, and we look forward to the group’s additional concepts slated to open soon.”

Laurel is located at 698 NE 1st Avenue Suite G-170 at the base of Miami Worldcenter’s Caoba residential tower along the development’s 7th Street pedestrian promenade. Also debuting at Miami Worldcenter over the coming months, adjacent to Laurel, will be two other AHG’s concepts, Chug’s Express and El Vecino. The ‘ventanita’ from Chug’s Express will serve Chug’s Diner favorites such as croquetas, pastelitos, and coffee from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meanwhile, El Vecino will be a high-end first-class cigar bar serving a full liquor bar and light fare such as mussels, an assortment of meat and cheese, a grúyere burger, foie torchon, and a selection of snacks.

Miami Worldcenter is a new $4 billion mixed-use destination in the heart of Downtown Miami. As one of the largest private urban real estate developments currently underway in the United States, the project occupies 27 acres spanning ten city blocks and offers world-class retail, hospitality, commercial office and residential uses. Several phases of the project have already been completed and occupied, including three residential towers and a significant portion of the retail component, with a hospitality development slated to open by the end of 2022. The project is being developed by master developers Miami Worldcenter Associates, led by Principal Art Falcone and Managing Partner Nitin Motwani, in partnership with CIM Group.

Images via FujiFilmGirl

Electra America and BH Group Reveal Plans for $1 Billion Redevelopment of 80-Acre Southland Mall Site In Cutler Bay

Electra America, a real estate private equity firm focused on value-add and opportunistic investment in the Sun Belt region of the U.S., along with its U.S.-affiliate, American Landmark, and BH Group, a Miami-based private real estate investment and development firm, have revealed preliminary plans for the redevelopment and reinvention of the Southland Mall in Cutler Bay, located approximately 20 miles south of downtown Miami. The 80-acre, $1 billion redevelopment will be one of the largest projects of its kind in the Southeast and will be called “Southplace City Center.” The reinvention of the Southland Mall into “Southplace City Center,” a vibrant, mixed-use transit-oriented community with live-work-play options, promises much-needed relief for a city suffering from a major housing shortage

The new ownership team envisions a “city within a city” for living, working, shopping, and playing that will feature more than 4,000 residential units, over 500,000 square feet of curated retail, and exciting dining and entertaining venues at the existing mall, with an additional 150,000 square feet of prime retail space and outparcels for food and beverage operators. The phased redevelopment project will be a charming, self-contained community with abundant green space, bike and golf cart trails, walking trails, a trolley system, and easy access to public transit – specifically, the soon-to-open Miami-Dade SMART Plan mass transit route adjacent to the property.

The total project, to be completed over a seven-year time frame, is expected to create approximately 2,700 new jobs and generate $44 million in property taxes ad valorem revenue in the first five years ($6.1 million to Cutler Bay), and up to $491 million ($75.2 million to Cutler Bay) over a 20-year period. The developer’s plan is in accordance with the Town’s code and will not be seeking any special approvals.

“We’re delighted to work with the Town of Cutler Bay and its residents to breathe new life into a property that has been underutilized for decades, and in so doing, create thousands of new jobs, as well as help alleviate the housing crunch facing many Miami-Dade residents today,” said Ron Gaither, Chief Development Officer of Electra America. “Southplace City Center will provide a wide range of market-rate housing options, and its location close to major thoroughfares and mass transit, yet away from residential communities, minimizes traffic and facilitates the use of public transportation – two key priorities for this community. We’re looking forward to continuing working with the community to ensure this project reflects the values and character of Cutler Bay.”

“The future of this site is one that our residents deeply care about,” expressed Town of Cutler Bay Mayor Tim Meerbott. “Ensuring that this project aligns with our community’s vision and has a proper mix of use is extremely important to the Town Council and me. The site is ready for change and this project will check so many boxes on our community’s wish list—thousands of jobs, more restaurants, entertainment, and a fresh look, to name a few. We look forward to working with Electra America and BH Group to bring this important project to life, while keeping it consistent with the character of our beautiful Cutler Bay.”

The development team acquired the mall and adjacent parcels totaling 80 acres in May of this year. The site is conveniently bordered by the Florida Turnpike on the east and U.S. 1 on the west, placing it on major commercial crossroads in suburban Miami-Dade County, directly along the new South Corridor Rapid Transit Project, expected to open in late 2024. The corridor will provide a 20-mile mobility connection between Miami’s central business district and the County’s southern-most communities.

Specifically, the developer’s master plan calls for updating the existing 808,766-square-foot mall with cosmetic improvements and the addition of several new high-quality retailers; the phased development of 4,395 new market-rate apartments catering to a full spectrum of household budgets; the addition of several new retail and restaurant concepts, situated around a series of man-made lakes and open spaces; a new specialty grocer, a 150-key hotel, and 60,000 square feet of medical office space; and a terraced community amphitheater/bandshell. The plan also calls for a new vehicular entrance directly off U.S. 1, featuring a welcoming entrance square with a large fountain and extensive green space, along with a pedestrian bridge connecting the community to the new bus rapid transit stop. The entire community will feature bike and golf cart paths, pedestrian walking trails, and trolley stops to minimize the use of cars.

Ground-breaking on the first residential building is expected in mid-2023 and would deliver in approximately 18 months (early 2025), with rents starting at $2,500.

The project design team for Southplace City Center includes economic advisors Florida Economic Advisors, retail consultants CPH, master planner/designer MSA Architects Inc., landscape planner Insite Studio and civil/traffic engineer Kimley Horn.

Renderings via MSA Architects

North Miami Beach Finally Approves Dezer Development's Proposed Redevelopment Of The Intracoastal Mall

The third time was the charm for Gil Dezer as the North Miami Beach City Commission has finally approved Dezer Development’s planned $1.5 billion redevelopment of the Intracoastal Mall into a mixed use mega-project named Uptown Harbour. The North Miami Beach City Commission voted 4 to 3 to approve the development agreement and zoning amendments. The Intracoastal Mall is located at 3501 Sunny Isles Blvd. on a 29.1-acre site. Dezer Development is seeking Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) approval to build a new entryway as construction teams will not be able to use the NE 35th Ave and the developers must widen the entrance at NE 36th Ave. In October, just one week after Dezer Development won approval from the North Miami Beach City Commission to redevelop the Intracoastal Mall, the Commission and Mayor Anthony DeFillipo called for a revote as one commissioner fell asleep and another left early from the initial vote. The issue at hand was tied to two ordinances including zoning amendments and a 30-year development agreement.

Uptown Harbour will feature condos, retail, offices and hotels complete with a waterfront promenade with restaurants and retailers. When complete, the mixed-use development will bring over 2,000 residential units, which will be split between 1,750 for-sale condos spread across five towers, 200 rental apartments and 50 townhomes. Uptown Harbor will also feature 250 hotel rooms, 375,000 square feet of retail, and 200,000 square feet of office to the area. Of the retail component there will be a 280,000 square foot shopping center, 50,000 square foot supermarket and 45,000 square foot gym. Additionally, Dezer Development will fund public improvements including building a police department, fire station, community center, a 6-acre park and infrastructure as part of the proposal. Towers will have a maximum height of 40-stories. Uptown Harbor is designed by Zyscovich Architects.

Triple Five Group Completes Land Swap For Final Portion of 174 Acre Assemblage Needed To Develop American Dream Miami

American Dream Miami has moved closer to its expected 2021 groundbreaking after Triple Five Group completed a land swap with Graham Companies for the final 25 acre needed to develop the mega mall. The land is located south of NW 178th Street and east of 97th Avenue in unincorporated northwest Miami-Dade County, just west of Miami Gardens and Miami Lakes. The land will be incorporated in a 336-acre plan to build 2,000 apartment units, retail and office space.

The two parcels acquired by Triple Five Group were valued at $12.7 million while the three parcels acquired by Graham were also valued at $12.7 million. No money was exchanged as part of the deal but CIBC Bank USA reportedly increased its mortgage on Triple Five Group’s holdings from $15.35 million to $19.65 million.

First proposed in 2015, American Dream Miami would be the biggest mall in the United States when completed. The malls is expected to span over 5 million SF and will feature a retail component with an entertainment component consisting of a theme park, indoor ski complex, ice skating complex, aquarium and a submarine lake. The mall would cost between $4.5 billion to $5 billion with completion expected in 2025.

The Miami-Dade City Commission approved zoning changes in May 2018 and the developers and city will need to work together to build a highway interchange between the Ronald Raegan Turnpike, I-75 and NW 170th St. required to make the project possible. American Dream Miami will also require a $15 million sewer extension. Triple Five Worldwide plans to submit a final design by the end of 2020 and the group is currently reviewing the site to finalize the mix of entertainment and retail.

Rannan Katz's RK Associates Proposes R.K. Center Mega-Project in Fort Lauderdale

Rennan Katz’s RK Associates has proposed R.K. Center, a 5-tower mega-project in Fort Lauderdale. The proposal would replace a former Sears and is currently being reviewed by Fort Lauderdale’s Design Review Committee. R.K. Center would feature restaurants and street front retail along with 5 mixed-use towers featuring office space, retail, hotel and residential apartments. Parcel 1 will feature 3 towers rising 30 stories (X2) and 15-stories offering 819 residential units, 71,960 of commercial space, 4,000 SF of restaurant space, a 4,000 SF food hall and 1,351 parking spaces. Parcel 2 will rise 17-stories and will feature 192 hotel rooms, 22 residential apartments, 3,480 SF of restaurant space, a 1,290 SF cafe and 288 parking spaces. Parcel 3 will rise 15 stories and will feature 135 residential apartments, 4,178 SF of retail, 2,295 SF of restaurant space, a 10,312 SF art gallery and 230 parking spaces. R.K. Center will bring an active urban lifestyle to Fort Lauderdale for both the general public and end users.

American Dream Miami Approved To Bring America's Largest Mall To Miami-Dade

American Dream Miami has been approved for Miami-Dade and will become America's largest shopping mall. The project is expected to cost over $4 billion and will include 1.5 million SF of entertainment and amusement, over 2,000 hotel rooms, an entertainment complex, as well as another 3.5 million SF of retail. The amusement and entertainment section will include a ski slope, indoor water park, indoor roller coaster and a submarine ride. American Dream Miami will be located on a 175-acre triangle of wetlands and pastures at the unincorporated junction of I-75 and Florida's Turnpike near Hialeah. The project expects over 30 million visitors per year and the developers aim to generate interest by attracting people to the entertainment component to help drive the retail component.

American Dream Miami is being developed by Triple Five Group, the developers behind Mall of America in Minnesota and American Dream Meadowlands in New Jersey. The American Dream Miami proposal gained scrutiny from commercial developers such as Simon Property Group, General Growth Properties and Tubman Centers, who have created an opposition called the South Florida Taxpayers Alliance and aim to stop public funds from being contributed to the development of American Dream Miami.

In May 2017 American Dream Miami received its zoning approvals from Miami-Dade County commissioners but must complete environmental permitting before the developers can break ground. American Dream Miami's expected completion and opening is 2022. 

Check Out Metropica, The $1.5 Billion YOO & Oppenheim-Designed Upscale Mixed-Use Mega-Project Coming To Sunrise

Across from the Sawgrass Mall, one of the largest malls in the United States, developer Joseph Kavana's KGH International Development is building Metropica, the $1.5 billion mixed-use live-work-play mega-project in Sunrise's western corridor. The first residential tower bearing the namesake Metropica has already topped out at 28-stories in January 2018. The high-street retail project covers 65-acres with 8 residential towers and is designed by YOO Design Studio, Oppenheim Architecture, CI Design and EDSA. When complete Metropica will bring 2,250 residential condominiums to the area along with 650,000 SF of office space; 2 boutique hotels with 240 keys each; 485,000 SF of retail, culinary, entertainment; and designated green park space. Stores include Urban Outfitters; Anthropologie; an iPic movie theater; and Sugar Bowl, a home decor store.

The residential tower features residences that range from one-to-three-bedroom floor-plans that range from 740 SF to 1,379 SF start at $460,000 for one-bedrooms, $480,000 for two-bedrooms and $580,000 for three-bedrooms. There will also be a 1,900 SF+ penthouse series that start at $1.1 million. Condos feature spacious open floorplans with balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and custom-finished palettes and finishes. Amenities include a saltwater pool, theatre, a private screening room, a play room, tennis courts, and a clubroom. Residents will also have access to the Metropica beach club, tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness center, basketball court, soccer field, fitness & wellness facility, a spa, massage therapy rooms, and a steam room and sauna.

Metropica is expected to be completed in 2021.