RIVANI Closes Landmark $19.8 Million Sale of Waterfront Amara at Paraiso Restaurant Space in Edgewater

Robert Rivani, commercial real estate and hospitality visionary and Founder of RIVANI, has that the company has sold the waterfront restaurant space currently leased to acclaimed restaurant Amara at Paraiso by Michael Schwartz for $19.8 million.

“As one of my first hospitality acquisitions in South Florida, this property set the tone for what was possible,” said Rivani. “The space is one of Miami’s most beautiful waterfront assets and will always hold deep meaning for me. With this milestone, my focus is on creating the next generation of lifestyle experiences that will continue to elevate the city’s hospitality and office landscape.”

Completed in 2018, the two-story 12,316-square-foot space sits at 3101 N.E. 7th Avenue in Miami’s vibrant Edgewater district and is home to Amara at Paraiso, the celebrated Latin American restaurant from The Genuine Hospitality Group led by James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Schwartz. Rivani purchased the property in 2021 for $12.1 million. The indoor-outdoor waterfront venue features a main dining room and bar with seating for 150, floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping Biscayne Bay views, and deck seating for 70 guests directly on the water. The property’s central location offers excellent connectivity to all major submarkets in eastern Miami via Biscayne Boulevard, Interstate-195, the MacArthur Causeway, Interstate-95, Interstate-295 and the Dolphin Expressway.

JLL Capital Markets Senior Managing Director Alex Sharrin, Director Jeffrey Cicurel and Analyst Noel O’Donnell represented RIVANI in the transaction.

RIVANI has amassed more than $250 million in prime South Florida assets in recent years, with a portfolio that includes acclaimed destinations including the upcoming GAIA, the fully leased Wynwood Jungle, and RIVANI, a transformative ‘Class X’ office building undergoing a $100 million redevelopment. In 2025 alone, RIVANI has made headlines with a series of record-breaking deals, including securing Playboy’s global headquarters, acquiring the historic Lincoln Theatre for $37 million, selling Catch Miami Beach for $28.2 million, and completing a $38.25 million all-cash sale of two premier restaurant spaces within SLS Lux Brickell and Dua Miami Hotel — one of the year’s most significant hospitality-driven transactions.

Images via Cristianna Duvall & Daniese Betito

Check Out The Views From This Bayfront Sky Residence at One Paraiso Asking $1.925 Million

There is nothing like the Biscayne Bay views from ONE Paraiso, the premier luxury waterfront tower in Edgewater’s Paraiso District. Unit 3701 is a luxurious bay front sky-residence which recently hit the market for $1,9250,000 listed with Scott Lawrence Porter of ALTARA Properties. The residence offers unmatchable views of Biscayne Bay which perfectly illustrates the lifestyle of Miami.

This high floor corner unit is perched high above Biscayne Bay, offering memorizing sunrises and sunsets from a double exposure living room. The residence also features an oversized balcony overlooking the bay and an additional sunset balcony. The master bedroom encompasses nearly 1,000 SF with walk in closets, balcony access, and a stand up shower and soaking tub. Amenities at ONE Paraiso are true resort style living with multiple private pools, tennis courts, bay front lounge, and a full spa. Enjoy meals at Amara restaurant by Michael Schwartz next door.

ONE Paraiso 3701, 3131 NE 7th Ave., Miami, FL is currently listed for $1,925,000 with Scott Lawrence Porter of ALTARA Properties who can be reached at 631-903-2511 or scott@scottlawrenceporter.com.

Images via Lifestyle Production Group

Black Lion Investment Group Acquires Bayfront Amara at Paraiso Property For $12.1 Million From Related Group

The Los Angeles-based Black Lion Investment Group has acquired the trophy waterfront restaurant building Amara at Paraiso, located at 3101 NE 7th Ave., from Related Group. The deal was overseen by Fabio Faerman and Sebastian Faerman of FA Commercial with Fortune International Group, who represented both Black Lion and Related Group in the transaction. Amara at Paraiso is a 12,300 SF commercial property and is one of the only free-standing restaurants in Miami located directly on Biscayne Bay. James Beard Award winning chef Michael Schwartz’s Genuine Hospitality operates the popular indoor-outdoor dining space.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the vibrant retail and fine dining experiences that are making Miami the go-to destination in a post COVID-19 world. We believe this is the first step in a multi-faceted approach to creating new experiences within the Miami community,” said Robert Rivani, President of Black Lion Investment Group.

The unique Class A experiential retail and dining facility was built by Related Group as part of the 11-acre Paraiso District, which the development firm delivered in 2018. The Paraiso District consists of the 384-unit Paraiso Bayviews, the 357-unit Paraiso Bay, the 317-unit Gran Paraiso, the 276-unit One Paraiso, and seven standalone townhomes at Paraiso Bay Homes.

Black Lion Investment Group’s portfolio of properties in Florida includes the recently renovated Crystal Cove Commons and Brickell Bay Boardwalk. The Los Angeles-based firm recently acquired the Tucson luxury retail center Oracle Wetmore for $38 million.

Imagery via Genuine Hospitality Group

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Metro Edgewater Gearing Up To Break Ground In Edgewater's Paraiso District

Colombian developer Carlos Ortiz is gearing up to break ground on his planned rental apartment building, Metro Edgewater, which will be located in Edgewater’s Paraiso District. The project recently received FAA approval and is expect to break ground in January 2021 pending the issuance of building permits. Metro Edgewater will rise 32-stories, 373’, and will feature 279 rental units targeted at millennials and young professionals. The project will also feature 4,063 square feet of ground floor retail and a pedestrian promenade along NE 31st Street with lush landscaping and street furniture, designed to act as a gateway for pedestrians from Biscayne Boulevard into the Paraiso District. The parking platform will feature a metal louver screen adorned with geometric artwork by the Miami-born artist Johnny Robles. Metro Edgewater is designed by Pablo Burgos of Burgos Lanza Architects & Planners with landscape architecture by James Socash, all in collaboration with David Polinsky’s Fortis Design + Build. Metro Edgewater will be located at 433-449 NE 30th Terrace and 430-452 NE 31st Street.

Plans Submitted For Paraiso Place To Bring 279 Rental Apartments To Edgewater

Metro Edgewater, LLC., led by Colombian developer Carlos Ortiz, as submitted plans to Miami’s Urban Development Review Board for Paraiso Place, a 279-unit apartment building coming to the recently opened Paraiso district in Edgewater. A hearing has been scheduled for November 20, 2019. The tower, which will be located at 433-449 NE 30th Terrace and 430-452 NE 31st Street, will rise 32-stories, 373’, and will offer rental apartments, a change from the bulk of the Paraiso district which sold as condos. The project will also bring 4,063 SF of ground floor retail and a pedestrian promenade along NE 31st street with lush landscaping and street furniture, designed to act as a gateway for pedestrians from Biscayne Boulevard into the Paraiso District. The plans submitted call for 300 parking spaces although the developers have requested a 30% reduction in parking as per zoning requirements. The parking platform will feature a metal louver screen adorned with geometric artwork by the Miami-born artist Johnny Robles. Paraiso Place is designed by Pablo Burgos of Burgos Lanza Architects & Planners with landscape architecture by James Socash, all in collaboration with David Polinsky’s Fortis Design + Build.

PROFILE Exclusive: Inside The Art of Interiors & Designing Paraiso Bayviews With Style Icon Karim Rashid

PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to tour with Paraiso Bayviews with Karim Rashid, the newest Miami condo in Edgewater by the design and interior icon who has designed projects throughout the world. Karim’s mark on a project is evident throughout the property, morphing straight lines with contemporary shape, mixed with color to make his designs some of the most progressive with livability. Throughout the tour, Karim’s attention to detail was evident with everything from the high-design furniture from his collections, to the layout of the space to the execution of construction. Get inside scoop on what drives Karim’s style, inspiration and working with Related Group and Jorge Perez.

PM: Lets start with your background. How did you get started in design? What early project do you think helped shape your career and style to where you are today?

KR: My father encouraged me to explore the arts and be a pluralist! He was a creative renaissance man – I saw him create furniture, make dresses for my mother, paint canvases, design sets for television and film, etc. We were brought up in an extremely inspiring context that gave me great respect for all of the arts.

I was torn between studying architecture, interior design and fashion but ended up studying in Industrial Design at Carleton University in Ottawa Canada. After university I went to a one year graduate program in design in Italy studying with Gaetano Pesce and Ettore Sottsass. Then I did a one year internship in Milano and I also took night classes with Achille Castiglione at the Polytechnic and I interned with Rodolfo Bonetto over a year, designing TVs for Brionvega, task lamps for i-guzzini coffee machine for La Cimbali, dashboards for Fiat. These projects really helped me enter the world of design.

On my return to Canada I worked in the best design office in Toronto for Kuypers Adamson Norton. There I really learned my craft. I designed X-ray machinery, train interiors, electric tools, exhibitions, products and interiors.

Then I went into being a full-time Academic and stopped designing for 2 years because I was frustrated creatively with industrial design. I was part time teaching at University of Toronto furniture design and teaching interior design at OCAD then I loved to the USA to Rhode Island school of Design (RISD) to be a full time associate professor. Then I was going to quit the profession in 1992 when I was fired from RISD. I was told I was teaching ‘philosophy and theory’, not design.

Then in 1993 I found myself in New York City penniless and started drawing objects romanticizing about the beautiful world I always wanted to shape. When I started my office, after approaching about 100 companies from Lazy boy to Gillette, I only got one client. That was 25 years ago!

PM: What drives your inspiration?

KR: Beautifying the world. I always found myself having more ideas, than companies could ever produce. I perpetually observe and analysis and dissect everything around me in our built environments. I am most creative when I meet and talk to a client that is determined to do something new or original or inspiring. I'm contributing as much as I can while I am on this planet. Any work I do must have a least some nuance of originality in it. So I strive for that in a collaboration. It is important to me that the result of my work, and my collaboration with a client, manifest into something that will connect with the user, and sustain relationships with the consumer. By being my own consumer I can stay connected to that essence.

PM: How did you get started designing real estate? What were some of your first projects?

KR: The first realized interior I designed was for Morimoto the Iron Chef in 2001 (Philadelphia) which fortunately won many awards. Being a successful restaurant interior afforded me many more interior projects including the Semiramis hotel in Athens in 2002. I moved on to do many more hotels for NH Hotels, Prizeotel, Radisson, and retail and restaurants for MGM, Shops for Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Fun Factory, Bosco di Ciliegi, and many more. My first condominium projects were with HAP investments in NYC. The projects were my philosophy about creating democratic affordable yet highly designed progressive habitats for contemporary living.

Twenty years later it’s still a challenge to be recognized as a designer that can create condominiums. I am perceived as an industrial designer and someone who has worked in hospitality design – but MyBrickell and my relationship with Related and HAP has been a breakthrough for me. Now I am designing a shopping mall in Saudi Arabia and a hospital in Israel , a condominium in Moscow as well as other global projects.

PM: How do you like designing in Miami as opposed to other American cities? What about on a global scale?

KR: The core of the Miami lifestyle is a positive sprit and energetic yet relaxing feeling. The city has such a beautiful color palate full of lightness, with amazing climate, and progressive clientele. There is such a sense of freedom in Miami. When I’m in that space I feel free. I love designing in Miami and in countries that love design, color, and contemporaneity

PM: You mentioned that you designed MyBrickell at the end of the past cycle. Tell us the story behind that job.

KR: I see MyBrickell as a statement for more democratic buildings with accessible price points for the mass, and yet super designed, energetic, and very positive, that afford great elevated experiences for domestic life. Design is for everybody, not just the elite and in that respect I believe MyBrickell was a first in North America.

Of course after the real estate bubble everyone was nervous about opening the first Miami tower in 7 years. I think the design and renderings that were launched at the opening party sold the building out in 22 days. After that the ground was broken 4 months later. The presale being so quick was a guarantee and Related then believed in me that my name, my work, and my passion could shape success together.

PM: How did you become involved at Paraiso Bayviews?

KR: After the success of Mybrickell Jorge Pérez asked me to design another condominium for Related. I was ecstatic. The collaboration with Architectonica is also a seamless one.

PM: I love the curves throughout the property from the lobby when you walk in to the spa, you even changed the shapes of the pools, what feel were you trying to evoke?

KR: Well thank you. I define my work as Fluid, Organic, Sensual, Human yet Essential. All objects and spaces have semantic language. They speak to us. Certain organic forms, line’s, colors, textures, functions, all touch and communicate to our senses and our daily experiences. I believe that it is important to not necessarily over-embellish- to keep a certain truth to a product or space, but I also believe that objects and spaces need to touch our sensual side, touch our emotions, they need to elevate a certain experience, and they need to be human.

PM: What do you want residents to experience as they use their condo and common areas?

KR: I hope they will experience the luxury of good democratic design, and by that I mean free time, seamless experiences, less hassle, less waiting. We must let go of old ideas of luxury and really create new aesthetics, new forms, new material, new languages that are more seamless and attune with the world we live in now. I believe that everything physical that is new should comment or reflect and embrace the Digital age in one way or another, be it a production method, a new material, or a Digital language, a new way of living. Our homes should embrace new beautiful forms, colors, and finishes, the latest technology, highest safety, the best comfort, the greatest efficiency, and a language and sensibility of the time in which I live.

The project is designed to embrace two major factors of our contemporary world; one is nature, and I am using its' inspiration in a fluid organic yet abstract way to ’shape’ the spaces and human experiences. Second is the 'digital age' where the individual is empowered creatively and politically. The digital age has created a new global democracy, increased and elevated our sensibilities, our aesthetics, and our experiences. The price points of edge water are super high designed luxury for democratic prices. I want the sense of the apartments in general to be elevated, at the same time I want people to feel inspired. It will be a sustainable and ecological project but still speaks about digital time in which we live. Related gave up the idea of building penthouses to create a space for everyone which is quite democratic with several pools and fantastic amenities. No matter where you live in building you have fantastic pool on roof and great facilities, hence a more elevated pleasurable domestic life.

PM: You are very meticulous down to even the TV's, what is the process you take when designing a project?

KR: I am very attentive to all details of a project. Maybe because I started designing at a human scale in industrial design so it taught me to worry about the human experience. Every project is different and usually the design process is different as well. It is my diversity that affords me the ability to cross-pollinate ideas, materials, behaviors, aesthetics and language from one typology to the other. I fill sketch books with my concepts and then I bring my designs back to the studio. It is imperative to start with the concept then develop a form around it. One can think sculpturally and conceptually of the idea. My team creates 3D renders of my ideas, as well as research materials, production processes and I never forget that the end result must be some improvement on the architype.

PM: What are your signature elements that you leave as the mark of a Karim Rashid design?

KR: I don’t think of trying to leave signature elements. I just see every project with similar aspirations. Firstly to create an elevated human experience, secondly to connect our digital age with the physical world, thirdly to trigger our emotions and make more seamless humanized spaces and objects, lastly to inspire people, to try and make life better, to improve our world and shape a better life. Hence it could be a hair dryer I am designing or a building or a pair of shoes or an airplane, the agenda is always the same. Shape a more interesting better world for humankind.

PM: What do you have in store for Miami in the future?

KR: Right now I do not have any projects in Miami to my regret. I would love to do a building in Miami, a hotel (maybe even a crazy progressive budget hotel) another condominium or an art piece to sit on the city or a retail shop, the list is endless. I am even contemplating opening up my office in Miami.

About Karim Rashid:

Karim Rashid is one of the most prolific designers of his generation over 3000 designs in production, over 300 awards and having worked in over 40 countries. His award winning designs include luxury goods for Christofle, Veuve Clicquot, and Alessi, democratic products for Umbra, Bobble, and 3M, furniture for Bonaldo and Vondom, lighting for Artemide and Fontana Arte, high tech products for Asus and Samsung, surface design for Marburg and Abet Laminati, brand identity for Citibank and Sony Ericsson and packaging for Method, Paris Baguette, Kenzo and Hugo Boss.

Karim’s has also designed interiors for projects such as such as the Morimoto restaurant, Philadelphia; Semiramis hotel, Athens; nhow hotel, Berlin; Universita Metro Station, Naples; Paraiso Bayviews, Miami; MyBrickell, Miami, Temptation Resort & Spa, Mexico; and Switch Abu Dhabi; amongst others.

Karim’s work is featured in 20 permanent collections and he exhibits art in galleries world wide. Karim is a perennial winner of the Red Dot award, Chicago Athenaeum Good Design award, I. D. Magazine Annual Design Review, IDSA Industrial Design Excellence award.

Related Group's One Paraiso Receives TCO In Edgewater, Closings Set To Begin August 6

Related Group has received their TCO on One Paraiso as their new Paraiso District in Miami's Edgewater neighborhood continues to move fast toward full completion. The milestone comes nearly one year after topping off in June 2017. One Paraiso, the premier tower in the Paraiso District, offers 276 luxury condominium units and rises 53 floors. Plaza Construction is the General Contractor on the Paraiso District project. 

The tower was designed by Arquitectonica with interior design by world renowned, Italian based designer Piero Lissoni. One Paraiso is the most private of the 4 towers and has only six residences per floor. The tower also features 2 full floors of amenities on the 9th and 8th floors including a restaurant by award winning chef Michael Schwartz, 2 outdoor pools, Beach Club, cigar room, business center, library, wine tasting salon, theater, spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, plus a marina with private slips.

In May 2018 PROFILEmiami reported that the Paraiso District was over 97% sold-out. A number of A-list celebrities have already purchased units in the development, including David Guetta, Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez, Gael Monfils, and more. The 4-towers that make up the 11-acre Paraiso District include One Paraiso, Paraiso Bay, Gran Paraiso and Paraiso Bayviews. The buildings were designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Piero Lissoni and landscaping by Enzo Enea. All of the buildings and the overall Paraiso community include some of the most luxurious amenities include tennis courts, screening rooms, residents' lounges, fitness center(s), bowling alley, spa, yoga room and multiple pools including a 100 ft diameter lagoon pool with "beach" entry. The property will be decorated with works of art and sculptures by Pablo Atchugarry. Paraiso will also feature the Paraiso Beach Club, which will be the home of Michael Schwartz’s new restaurant as well as plans to dedicate a half-acre of land onsite along Biscayne Bay’s for a public park. 

Related Group Announces Paraiso District Is Over 97% Sold As Project Nears Completion

Related Group has announced that the Paraiso District, an 11-acre, four-tower luxury development taking shape on Biscayne Bay in Edgewater, is now 97% sold-out. A number of A-list celebrities have already purchased units in the development, including David Guetta, Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez, Gael Monfils, and more. Paraiso District consists of the 384-unit Paraiso Bayviews, the 357-unit Paraiso Bay, the 317-unit Gran Paraiso, the 276-unit One Paraiso, and seven standalone townhomes at Paraiso Bay Homes. The project is is expected to be delivered during the course of this year (2018), with closings on the 53-story, sold-out Paraiso Bay beginning this month. 

“The Paraiso District is by far one of the most ambitious projects in our portfolio,” says Carlos Rosso, President of The Related Group’s Condominium Division. “The project brings together the best of all Miami has to offer: prime waterfront access, unrivaled culinary offerings, world-class art, a bayfront park, unparalleled health and fitness amenities and striking, expansive residences with spectacular water views. This incredible combination provides buyers with the opportunity to experience the best in resort-style living, while also embracing a walkable, community feel. It’s truly unlike anything else in Miami.”

The final tower in the District, Gran Paraiso, topped off earlier this year; with a select number of prime units still available, starting at just under $1 million to $1.7 million for the tower residences and penthouses from $2 to $3 million. The expansive tower residences feature 10’ ceilings, wraparound terraces and are delivered completely finished with a selection of flooring finishes. Indoor-outdoor spaces throughout the Paraiso District celebrate the tropical, bayside environment, with floor to ceiling windows and open concept floor plans. Resort style amenities include Miami’s largest circular pool, at close to 100 feet in diameter, a pool deck designed by Enzo Enea, a bowling alley, tennis center, wine and yoga rooms, and spa. The Paraiso District encompasses nearly 4,000,000 gross square feet of premium waterfront with a public park and multiple pocket parks, boat slips, seven pools, five tennis courts, open-air art installations, and direct access to the Biscayne Line.

Earlier this year, Amara at Paraiso opened on the ground floor of the Paraiso District's private beach club, with delectable dinners and weekend brunches. Amara at Paraiso is the newest restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef and restauranteur Michael Schwartz. The bayfront restaurant is designed by Meyer-Davis and notable for its unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay, the beach club features a plunge pool, private boat slips and jet skis, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards for residents. 

Check out PROFILEmiami's coverage of Related Group's top off of One Paraiso in June 2017 

Check out PROFILEmiami's Paraiso District Overview

Amara at Paraiso Unveiled, Michael Schwartz' New Edgewater Restaurant in Edgwater's Paraiso District

Amara at Paraiso has finally been unveiled by Michael Schwartz as their new concept in Edgewater at Related Group's new Paraiso district. Amara at Paraiso will feature bayfront dining with cuisine that is an ode to Michael Schwartz's "love letter to Miami" with a menu featuring tropical items from their wood grill and Josper charcoal grill oven with influence from coastal and Latin American cuisine including meats, fish, and grilled flatbreads. Amara at Paraiso will open in November 2017 in the 4,500 SF Paraiso Beach Club and will feature a main dining room and bar with seating for 150 and patio seating for 70 directly on Biscayne Bay. The Paraiso Beach Club is being designed by Mayer Davis Studio and is located at 3101 NE 7th Avenue.

Construction Update: Related Group's One Paraiso Tops Off in Edgewater

Related Group continues to reach milestones as One Paraiso is now topped off in Edgewater. One Paraiso is the third, most premier tower in the Paraiso District and features spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach. One Paraiso rises 53 floors and features 276 luxury condominium units and penthouses. The tower was designed by Arquitectonica with interior design by world renowned, Italian based designer Piero Lissoni. One Paraiso is the most private of the 4 towers and has only six residences per floor. The tower also features 2 full floors of amenities on the 9th and 8th floors including a restaurant by award winning chef Michael Schwartz, 2 outdoor pools, Beach Club, cigar room, business center, library, wine tasting salon, theater, spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, plus a marina with private slips.

The 4-towers that make up the 11-acre Paraiso District include One Paraiso, Paraiso Bay, Gran Paraiso and Paraiso Bayviews. The buildings were designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Piero Lissoni and landscaping by Enzo Enea. All of the buildings and the overall Paraiso community include some of the most luxurious amenities include tennis courts, screening rooms, residents' lounges, fitness center(s), bowling alley, spa, yoga room and multiple pools including a 100 ft diameter lagoon pool with "beach" entry. The property will be decorated with works of art and sculptures by Pablo Atchugarry. Paraiso will also feature the Paraiso Beach Club, which will be the home of Michael Schwartz’s new restaurant as well as plans to dedicate a half-acre of land onsite along Biscayne Bay’s for a public park.