Naftali Group Secures $465 Million In Construction Financing for JEM Private Residences in Miami Worldcenter

Real estate development and investment firm Naftali Group has secured a combined $465 million in construction loan financing for the development of JEM Private Residences in Downtown Miami. Nuveen Green Capital (NGC), a leader in sustainable commercial real estate financing solutions and an affiliate of Nuveen, provided $235 million in C-PACE financing, while Bank Hapoalim (BHI) supplied an additional $230 million in traditional construction loans.

Located in the heart of Downtown Miami’s urban core within Miami Worldcenter, JEM Private Residences is a 67-story luxury tower designed by Arquitectonica and Rockwell Group, featuring 259 residences beginning on the 43rd floor, including exclusive Sky Villas with Interiors by FENDI Casa that crown the top of the development with the brand’s timeless aesthetic. Its 50th-floor amenity suite offers resort-style living with a 60-foot outdoor pool with a sculpture by Lorenzo Quinn, indoor Sky Lounge, state-of-the-art fitness center, boxing arena, yoga patio, spa suite with steam, salt, and sauna rooms, along with a co-working space and spirits tasting room for refined social experiences.

“Today, we closed the second phase of our construction loan while hundreds of construction workers are working hard on building our remarkable project in the heart of Miami Worldcenter,” said Miki Naftali, Chairman and CEO of Naftali Group. “Our JEM private residences offer quality second to none in one of the only walkable destinations in Miami with world-class retail, museum and cultural institutions, entertainment and incredible dining. It is the center of all major transportation, like the Brightline, Metrorail and the Miami International Airport. With JEM Private Residences, we’re bringing a new level of design, quality and attention to detail that defines our work, creating a building that will stand the test of time in the Miami skyline.”

Alexandra Cooley, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Nuveen Green Capital, said, "It was an honor to partner with Naftali Group once again for this notable luxury property in downtown Miami. By leveraging C-PACE's low-cost, long-term financing and structuring flexibility, in combination with BHI’s senior construction loan, Naftali was able to finance their project cost-effectively. This record-setting transaction—the largest C-PACE-financed multifamily project to date in Florida—underscores the continued adoption of C-PACE by institutional borrowers to fund their large-scale projects.”

“South Florida remains a key market within BHI’s strategic growth plan, and partnering with developers who bring meaningful, lasting impact to the region is central to our approach,” said Ilana Druyan, Senior Vice President – Team Leader and Head of International Origination – CRE at BHI. “Naftali Group’s presence in Miami is growing, and we’re pleased to support their ongoing efforts to expand compelling inventory throughout the Miami market.”

Construction progress for JEM Private Residences is already underway. The project broke ground in April 2024, just under 6 months after bringing the project to market, which is atypical for the Miami real estate market. That momentum is reflected in the market as well, with sales moving at a strong pace, including the recent $8 million sale of Sky Villa 2 with Interiors by FENDI Casa. This move speaks to Naftali Group’s track record as a developer and underscores its confidence in the continued efforts to bring high-quality residential products to South Florida. The project is now rising past its sixth level and remains on track to be completed in Q4 of 2027.

Renderings via Hayes Davidson

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Miami’s Largest Office Lease Transaction in 2024 Signed at Waterford Business District

Miami's prestigious Waterford Business District (WBD) continues to solidify its position as a premier corporate destination with the recent signing of a significant lease by global business services company Assurant. The lease, encompassing an impressive 78,000 square feet, marks the largest office transaction in Miami so far this year, further enhancing the district's reputation as a hub for top-tier businesses. Brent Woodruff, Matthew Goodman, and Tyler Wyant from CBRE represented Assurant in this lease transaction.

Situated on 250 acres adjacent to Miami International Airport, the WBD offers unparalleled accessibility to major residential and commercial centers. Boasting over 1.65 million square feet of prime office space across 7 Class A buildings, the district provides tenants with a blend of convenience, amenities, and a thriving business ecosystem.

"At Waterford Business District, we take pride in curating an environment where individuals find genuine enjoyment in their work," remarked Charles Russo, Nuveen's Senior Director and Head of Southeast- Workplace, Retail, and Mixed-Use. "Companies like Assurant are drawn to dynamic hubs like ours because of the exceptional office spaces and thriving business community. Our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of businesses makes WBD an irresistible destination."

Assurant's decision to relocate to WBD underscores its dedication to providing a workspace tailored to the evolving needs of its Miami-based workforce. The company joins esteemed tenants such as Subway and FedEx, further reinforcing the district's commitment to excellence.

Blanca Commercial Real Estate, the exclusive leasing agent for the WBD portfolio, facilitated the lease, marking one of their largest deals to date. "Our commitment to providing a workplace that blends cutting-edge amenities with convenience resonates with companies seeking a dynamic environment," stated Juan Ruiz, Vice Chairman of Blanca CRE.

Under the joint venture between Nuveen Real Estate and Allianz, managed by PIMCO Prime Real Estate, LLC, WBD has undergone significant transformations, establishing itself as a state-of-the-art corporate campus. Investments in amenities such as shuttle services, fitness centers, and waterfront outdoor areas, coupled with tenant-engaging activities, contribute to the district's vibrant atmosphere. Moreover, WBD presents unique build-to-suit opportunities with an additional 30 acres of fully entitled land, making it an ideal location for large enterprises seeking a highly accessible headquarters in the heart of Miami.

Miami Health Food Hotspot Expands To South Miami And Signs Lease To Open Second Brickell Location

Miami’s health food hotspot Pura Vida has continued their expansion with the unveiling of the brand’s latest café in South Miami and has signed a lease to open a second location in Brickell. The South Miami location marks Pura Vida’s 12th location to date, and they plan to open another Coconut Grove location in addition to the newly revealed second Brickell location.

The South Miami location opened in late September and is located just steps away from Sunset Place and the University of Miami at Pura Vida South Miami will be located at 6022 South Dixie Highway. The brand’s South Miami café spans 2,370 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor seating and showcases Pura Vida’s iconic health-focused menu including their beloved All-Day Breakfast offerings, Bowls, Superfood Smoothies, Açai Bowls, Wraps & Sandwiches, their newly-launched Dinner Plates, and more. Additionally, to coincide with the opening, Pura Vida will be introducing a new ‘Blueberry Cake’ to be offered exclusively at the new South Miami location before rolling out store-wide.

“We are constantly amazed and humbled at how well-received our brand has been, and continues to be, in the different communities we branch into. We’ve had our eyes set on South Miami for some time now and we’re thrilled to finally be bringing this dream to fruition.” - Omer Horev, Co-Founder and CEO of Pura Vida Miami

For the second Brickell location Pura Vida recently signed a lease at 701 Brickell, one of the premier office towers in Miami’s Brickell Financial District. Marking its first location ever in a trophy office tower, Pura Vida will occupy a 5,000-square-foot space and have access to a 2,500-square-foot outdoor patio space with direct proximity to the highly trafficked Brickell Avenue and the neighborhood’s growing residential and workforce population.

JLL Managing Director, Zach Winkler, represented the ownership group, Nuveen Real Estate, in the lease negotiations. According to JLL’s Q2 Retail Outlook, Miami boasts one of the lowest retail vacancy rates in the country at 3.2% compared to other gateway markets including San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, etc.

“As demand for retail space in densely populated urban cores continues to rise, there is limited availability remaining in areas like Brickell, making this restaurant lease with an established brand like Pura Vida especially noteworthy,” said JLL’s Winkler. “701 Brickell’s premier location and high visibility makes it a top choice for food and beverage concepts looking to capitalize on a growing residential and workforce population within the neighborhood.”

Current office tenants at 701 Brickell include Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Holland & Knight, AIG, EFG Capital, and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. A 7,400 square-foot waterfront retail space overlooking Biscayne Bay remains available, featuring oversized windows, 19’ ceiling heights, and the potential for outdoor space.

Founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife duo Omer and Jennifer Horev, Pura Vida was created to serve as a place for friends and family to gather and eat delicious food. The brand currently operates 12 other locations throughout South Florida, including outposts in Coral Gables, Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour, and Fort Lauderdale, and has plans to expand outside of Florida. The restaurant, which has become hugely popular across South Florida, serves a menu that includes fresh cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies, artisanal coffees, an extensive all-day menu comprised of breakfast items, customizable salads, bowls, wraps and sandwiches, in addition to dinner items and a wide variety of gluten-free and vegan sweet treats.

Aon Insurance Company Relocates to New 20K SF Space in Brickell

Cushman & Wakefield has announced that the commercial real estate services firm has arranged a new long-term office lease of approximately 20,000 square feet at 701 Brickell for Aon Insurance Company. The company will occupy the 32nd floor of the office building, which is located in Miami's Brickell financial and tech neighborhood. Aon is relocating from a building where their name was on top, located at 1001 Brickell Bay Dr.

Cushman & Wakefield’s Brian Gale, Andrew Trench and Ryan Holtzman represented the landlord, Nuveen Real Estate, in the lease negotiations and CBRE’s Scott Goldstein and Keith Edelman represented the tenant.

“701 Brickell has added another household named tenant to one of the most prestigious tenant rosters in Miami,” said Gale, Vice Chairman at Cushman & Wakefield. “With this latest lease by Aon Insurance Company, 701 Brickell has signed five new leases totaling 60,000 sf in the past 12 months, including Apollo, Point72, Manhattan Life and Moore Capital. The trophy asset also contains other notable tenants like Holland and Knight, Facebook, Bank of America, Kaseya, AIG, EFG Capital and Alliance Bernstein.”

The 701 Brickell office building spans 33 stories and is situated on Brickell Ave. and Biscayne Bay. The LEED Gold Certified and Energy Star labeled building features efficient floorplans with unbeatable bay views, a conference facility, tenant only fitness center, covered parking accessible from Brickell Ave. or SW 8th St. and various on-site retail establishments. 701 Brickell is also at the center of Miami’s business community and located near 31 distinct transit routes.

“As the largest owner of Class A office on Brickell Ave., we have seen unprecedented tenant demand over the last 24 months. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Aon to 701 Brickell on our 32nd Floor with expansive views at a time when our substantial building lobby and amenity renovations are completing as well. We look forward to including them in our impressive tenant roster for years to come,” added Charles Russo, Nuveen Real Estate’s Southeast Regional Head for Office and Life Sciences.

Article by Katya Demina

Nuveen Acquires LaVida Lakefront Class-A Multifamily In Miami's Blue Lagoon For $98 Million

The Chicago-based global real estate investment management company Nuveen Real Estate has acquired LaVida for $98 million. LaVida is the first Class-A lakefront multifamily apartments within the prominent Blue Lagoon corporate park. The project was developed by Pinnacle and Ascend Properties, who were also the sellers. The sale of the 272-unit apartment breaks down to $360,294 per unit.

The Cushman & Wakefield team of Robert Given, Troy Ballard, Zachary Sackley, and Mike Mulkern led the marketing efforts and brokered the transaction.

Designed by Behar Font & Partners, LaVida, which opened in 2019, consists of two eight story residential buildings containing 272 units of one, two and three-bedroom homes ranging from 728 to 1,295 SF, each with an outdoor terrace, with top floors offering magnificent south-facing views of Downtown Coral Gables. The elegant apartment residences boast a warm, natural palette with custom details including porcelain flooring throughout, dramatic designer-inspired kitchens and bathrooms, quartz counter tops, energy star-rated appliances, and full-size stackable washer and dryer. Floor-to ceiling exterior doors provide incomparable sunrise, lake and downtown city views with balcony apartments overlooking the lake.

“With the increasing demand for luxury rentals in South Florida and many returning to work in the nearby Blue Lagoon offices, we determined this was the right time to sell,” said Richard Finkelstein and Michael Wohl, partners, Ascend Properties. “LaVida’s central location caters to working professionals and business travelers as well as those looking to live the luxurious Miami lifestyle without having to sacrifice easy access to everything Miami has to offer.”

Located at 6600 NW 7th Street, adjacent to the intersection of the Dolphin and Palmetto Expressways, LaVida offers a live/work option for the 12,000+ working professionals and corporate executives in Blue Lagoon and convenient access to Downtown Miami, Miami International Airport and Doral’s growing business center. LaVida features expansive city and lake views, luxurious design curated by Venus Williams’s V Starr Interiors and a two-story resort-style clubhouse and pool.

“With first-class units, high-quality amenities and a central Miami lakefront location, LaVida continues to transform the way professionals view the Blue Lagoon community,” said David O. Deutch, co-founder, Pinnacle. “The success of LaVida represents the strength of this unique luxury lakefront product in a corporate center in the growing South Florida market.”

Unparalleled community amenities include two covered garages; dog park; two-story lakefront clubhouse with grilling stations; oversized hourglass-shaped pool and jacuzzi with a resort-style sun deck and southern exposure making it the ideal pool experience with poolside cabanas and day beds; state-of-the-art fitness facility with yoga studio and group class space; gourmet coffee bar; media room; Wi-Fi in all common areas, and more.

“LaVida is a Class-A apartment deal, fully occupied, in a high barrier to entry market with access to major employment centers such as Waterford Business District, West Doral and Miami International Airport,” said Carlos Burneo, Senior Director and Florida Housing Sector Lead at Nuveen Real Estate. “South Florida’s continuous employment and population growth is a clear match to Nuveen Real Estate’s investment strategy. We are excited to continue expanding our investments in the Waterford – Blue Lagoon market.”

“The outstanding execution quality and strong operating performance of LaVida led to significant investor demand,” noted Robert Given. “We continue to see robust activity in the market throughout South Florida.”

Hedge Fund Mogul Steven Cohen's Point72 Asset Management Signs Lease At Nuveen's 701 Brickell

Point72 Asset Management, a hedge fund led by legendary hedge fund mogul and owner of the New York Mets, Steven Cohen, has signed a lease at Nuveen Real Estate’s 701 Brickell office tower. Point72 Asset Management, which has over $20 billion in assets under management, leased 9,000 SF in the 33-story, 648,708 SF building. The Cushman & Wakefield team led by Brian Gale, Andrew Trench and Ryan Holtzman represented Nuveen in the deal while Point72 was represented by Mitchell Millowitz and Neil Goldmacher of Newmark. The Stamford, Connecticut-based firm is also opening an office at 360 Rosemary in West Palm Beach.

701 Brickell spans offers views of Biscayne Bay and features modern, sophisticated amenities and services including 24-hour state-of-the-art security measures, on-site management, private fitness center, conference facility, full service beauty salon, and a covered parking garage. The building is LEED Gold Certified, Energy Star Rated and a USGBC LEED Gala Verde Award Winner.

Point72 Asset Management was founded in 2014 after SAC Capital converted its investment operations into a family office in 2014. In 2018, the firm reopened to outside investors following a two-year ban against managing outside capital. Point72 Asset Management currently has over 1,650 employees and 12 global offices including in New York City and San Francisco.

The announcement comes on the heels of private equity and venture capital heavyweights Thoma Brown, Founders Fund and Atomic all signing leases to move to Miami. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has aggressively used Twitter to launch a viral effort to attract financial and technology firms from New York City and Silicon Valley. Goldman Sachs has reportedly been mulling moving a portion of their company to South Florida along with the New York Stock Exchange. Colony Capital, Elliott Management Corp., Blackstone, Virtu Financial, Boston Private, Florida Funders, Novo, Palm Drive Capital, Wealthspire Advisors and Citadel have all moved to South Florida, have opened or are in the process of opening and office.

Nuveen Brings In Proptech Startup Lane To Manage Waterford Business District In Miami

Nuveen Real Estate­ has announced that they will bring in proptech startup, Lane, to manage the Waterford Business District in Miami. Lane will implement their workplace experience platform and mobile app at Waterford Business District which is one of the most prominent corporate office complexes in the Southeast U.S. Located near Miami International Airport, Waterford houses more than 100 multinational corporations and has one of the highest concentrations of regional and Latin American headquarters in South Florida. Waterford Business District is a joint venture between Nuveen and Allianz Real Estate

“Launching our technology across seven office buildings in the midst of a global pandemic was no small feat, but we were inspired by Nuveen’s commitment to creating a unified workplace culture within the District,” said Clinton J. Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Lane. “It’s not every day that you get to help revitalize one of the country’s leading corporate destinations, and we are very proud to help bring the future of work to Waterford.”

“We are excited to put an expanded digital and on-site amenity offering at the fingertips of our tenants,” said Chad Phillips, Managing Director, Head of U.S. Office & Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Real Estate. “We want the professionals in our buildings to have a go-to mobile-friendly source for building announcements, amenities, and programming. The app is also another avenue for tenant feedback. We want to facilitate clear, consistent communication with our tenants, and hear directly from them on how to provide the best workplace experience. This is a part of a programmatic initiative to engage with our tenants both onsite and online. This year we are rolling out tenant engagement apps at nearly 20 office buildings in our U.S. portfolio, with more digitization projects planned for years to come.”

Designed to transform the workplace into a thriving, connected ecosystem, Lane integrates building systems into a single, centralized and user-friendly digital platform. Lane streamlines all aspects of day-to-day office life for tenants and property managers alike, from room bookings and guest registration to maintenance, communications and tenant engagement, all optimized using data to drive insights.

At Waterford Business District, Lane’s web and mobile platform will help streamline per-building and District-wide communications and empower tenants to access new amenities and services with ease, including the free shuttle service, Freebee; bike-share program, Zybra; FlashParking, a smart-parking program exclusively for District tenants; and virtual yoga. 

In the midst of Covid-19, the Lane platform is also helping property teams coordinate efforts for their tenants amid the evolving global health pandemic by managing occupancy through room bookings, ensuring tenants feel safe through surveys and real-time feedback, sharing building and cleaning protocols, safety measures, and other important updates, engaging tenants remotely through virtual content, amenities, and events. 

“Formerly known as Waterford at Blue Lagoon, Waterford has been synonymous with the biggest businesses, not only in Miami, but in the Southeast U.S., for decades,” said Charles Russo, Senior Director, Southeast Regional Head, Office Americas, Nuveen Real Estate. “In 2019, we embraced the office park’s business-focused identity and re-emerged as Waterford Business District. Since then, we have invested significantly in capital improvements focused on setting a new standard as a cutting-edge hub for global business in Florida.” Russo added, “Our strategic partnership with Lane has now allowed us to bring our new amenities and services into one seamlessly connected platform where tenants can access everything the District has to offer from their computer or mobile device.”  

Waterford Business District is home to key players in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, transportation, finance, logistics, hospitality and insurance, as well as numerous local organizations and startups.