Fortune International Group Closes On $36.08 Million In Pre-Development Financing For ORA by Casa Tua

Fortune International Group has closed on the the 46,373 SF site at 1210 Brickell Ave for the planned ORA by Casa Tua 77-story tower and as well as on $36,080,000 in pre-development financing from Amerant Bank. ORA by Casa Tua launched sales last year and plans for residences to go into contract soon. Fortune International Group had been under contract to acquire the site from Miami-based Patagonian Investment Internacional LLC; now that the acquisition has been completed Fortune can further the development and ready the site for construction with an expected groundbreaking in 2025.

"The acquisition of the site and loan closing are principal steps that mark an exciting beginning for ORA by Casa Tua’s vision to take shape,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President, CEO, and founder of Fortune International Group. “We are eager for Miami’s community to sense the anticipation and witness the project come to life."

The luxury development includes  533 fully furnished residences which are permitted for short-term rentals and will also be home to approximately 25,000 SF of space dedicated to Casa Tua’s four new restaurant concepts. In addition to the culinary offerings at ORA by Casa Tua, the development will also have creative workspaces featuring private office spaces, conference rooms, content creation rooms, bar lounge and outdoor seating. ORA by Casa Tua will feature resort-style offerings including a second pool on the 12th floor with a sun shelf, loungers, cabanas and jacuzzi; show kitchen, private event space and luscious green landscaping. Other amenities will include an entertainment lounge, a two-floor fitness and wellness center with a hammam and couples treatment rooms and a three-story open sky garden, which will be unique for Miami.

Globally recognized award-winning architecture firm Arquitectonica is behind the design of ORA by Casa Tua while m2atelier, known for their bespoke approach and created by Marco Bonelli and Marijana Radovic, are designing the interiors for both the amenity and residential spaces.

Residences at ORA by Casa Tua range from 500 SF studio homes to 2,400 SF four-bedroom fully furnished residences that will be ready for immediate listing as short-term, seasonal, or long-term rentals. All residences will offer panoramic views overlooking Brickell, Biscayne Bay and Coconut Grove; have ten-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows and curated window treatments; Italian-designed kitchens with top-tier appliances; Italian-designed baths with imported fixtures; smart home technology; pre-wired for high-speed internet & Wi-Fi; spacious walk-in closets; and washer and dryers. Sales and marketing being handled internally by Fortune International Group, pricing started in the $800,000’s for studio units when sales launched last year.

Casa Tua was founded by Miky and Leticia Grendene, who opened their flagship Miami Beach location in 2001 as a welcoming place for friends, family, and guests from around the world to come together to celebrate life. Pioneering the members club concept in Miami, Casa Tua combines art, entertainment and fine dining with a signature Italian style where simplicity meets sophistication. It has since expanded to locations in Aspen and Paris, with New York City opening in 2023. The brand also launched Casa Tua Cucina in partnership with Richard Baker and Saks Fifth Avenue, an award winning Italian open kitchen concept, located in Miami’s Brickell City Centre.

Renderings via Fortune International Group

For more information about ORA by Casa Tua or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Morabito Properties Expands and Refinances Mixed-Use Wyncatcher Development in Miami’s Wynwood Neighborhood

Morabito Properties, a Miami Beach-based real estate development company led by developer Valerio Morabito, has expanded the firm’s existing Wyncatcher development in Wynwood by acquiring an adjacent warehouse located at 2150 NW Miami Court. Wyncatcher is a boutique, adaptive reuse mixed-use, creative office property located at 2413 NW 1st Avenue in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. Morabito Properties also secured a $35 million loan with BridgeInvest, a private real estate lender, to refinance the entire assemblage including Wyncatcher I which is fully leased to Knotel and set to open this summer. Berkadia Managing Director Scott Wadler and Vice President Michael Basinski Miami secured the financing on behalf of the sponsor, Morabito Properties, the deal closed on May 29.

The newly acquired warehouse will be converted into a state-of-the-art commercial space (Wyncatcher II) with a variety of uses, ranging from event to office and retail. Designed by Vagabond Architecture, known for their work retrofitting existing buildings, the structure will join the existing two-story, 47,852 square-foot Wyncatcher I, designed by world-renowned architecture firm, Arquitectonica. Both buildings showcase exterior murals, an iconic feature of the vibrant neighborhood, by acclaimed Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto, known as VHILS.

Knotel, a flexible workspace operator owned by Newmark, one of the world’s largest commercial real estate advisory firms, signed a seven-year pre-lease deal for the entirety of Wyncatcher I and will open this summer, offering office space ranging from 3,976 square feet to 37,427 square feet, and a restaurant with 6,051 square feet of indoor space and 6,861 square feet of outdoor space. The unique structure sports elegant double-height, industrial-style windows over two stories.

“Wynwood has evolved into a cultural hub where people want to spend their days, whether it be by perusing art and retail or celebrating the next life milestone. Wyncatcher will be the community for it all,” said Valerio Morabito, CEO of Morabito Properties. “We’re grateful for our relationship with BridgeInvest to make this all possible.”

“BridgeInvest has been providing creative financing solutions for projects in Wynwood since our inception over 13 years ago,” said Alex Horn, managing partner of BridgeInvest. “Morabito Properties’ vision is both creative and discerning, and will deliver effective office and retail options as dynamic as the Wynwood neighborhood it will reside in.”

Originally an abandoned warehouse district, Wynwood has grown into a thriving haven for art, fashion, innovation and creativity, hosting over 15 million annual visitors. The neighborhood’s 50 blocks are home to leading technology and finance companies, including Spotify, Founders Fund and Live Nation. The area is also renowned for its top hospitality offerings, such as Uchi, Pastis and Michelin Bib Gourmand Doya. Its ever-growing development pipeline includes thousands of upcoming new residential units, hotel keys, office space and a new high-speed railway stop, built by Brightline, as part of the Northeast Corridor Project, the Miami-Dade portion of the Coastal Link, extending from Downtown Miami to the City of Aventura.

Aztec Group Facilitates $55.6 Million Financing for Arcadia Gardens in Palm Beach Gardens

Aztec Group, a prominent real estate investment and merchant banking firm serving Florida for four decades, has announced its successful arrangement of $55.6 million in bridge financing for Arcadia Gardens, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This luxury age-restricted rental apartment community, encompassing 220 units across 10.64 acres, represents a significant investment in senior living infrastructure.

Developed in 2021, Arcadia Gardens offers residents a premium living experience coupled with a comprehensive amenity package. The centerpiece is its 15,210-square-foot clubhouse, featuring a plethora of amenities such as a fitness center, salon, movie theatre, and various sports courts including pickleball, bocce, and croquet. The community also boasts a pool, spa, walking trail, community garden, and full onsite dining facilities, ensuring residents have access to everything they need for a fulfilling lifestyle.

Strategically located in Palm Beach Gardens, Arcadia Gardens offers residents the convenience of easy access to over 2.9 million square feet of retail space within a one-mile radius. The proximity to The Gardens Mall, a renowned upscale shopping destination, further enhances the appeal of this vibrant community.

The project is managed by affiliates of the United Group of Companies based in Troy, NY, and Sina Companies of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The United Group of Companies brings over 50 years of industry expertise to the management of Arcadia Gardens, further ensuring the success and quality of the development.

The financing for Arcadia Gardens was secured through MetLife and provides favorable terms, including full-term interest-only and a 36-month term. Peter Mekras, President of Aztec Group, emphasized the meticulous selection process, stating, “Aztec sourced multiple proposals for the financing of Arcadia Gardens and worked with the sponsors to select the capital source that could move quickly and understood the unique attributes of this age-restricted community.”

Aztec Group's success in arranging nearly $200 million in bridge financing in the first five months of 2024 underscores its expertise and commitment to facilitating transformative real estate projects.

Related Group and GTIS Partners Secure $328 Million Construction Loan From Bank OZK for 75-Story Baccarat Residences Miami in Brickell

Related Group and GTIS Partners have secured a $328 million construction loan to finance the development of Baccarat Residences Miami, an ultra-luxury condominium tower located at the gateway of Brickell Avenue. Bank OZK provided the floating-rate loan with a competitive interest rate. Berkadia South Florida arranged the nine-figure loan, with efforts led by Managing Director Scott Wadler and Vice President Michael Basinski, Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg and Managing Directors Matt Robbins and Brad Williamson.

The property, which launched in late 2021 and is now more than 95% sold, is currently under construction and is expected to complete in early 2028.

"From breaking ground last October, to now closing this loan, our vision for a skyline-defining property is quickly becoming a reality,” said Jon Paul Perez, President of Related Group. "We’d like to thank our lender, Bank OZK, and our various partners for sharing our optimism on the long-term potential of the South Florida market and our commitment to creating an iconic property the entire city can be proud of.”

The loan extends Brickell’s positive momentum, with the sub-market continuing to outperform other central business districts around the country while bucking macro headwinds.

“Brickell is an exceptional neighborhood that only continues to get stronger and more attractive,” said Robert Vahradian, Partner and Head of US investments for GTIS Partners. “With the entrance of marquee companies, like Citadel; and continued expansion of the area’s retail and cultural offerings and, of course, best-in-class residential product, Brickell continues to exhibit immense potential.”

“Despite a shifting capital markets environment, Related and GTIS continue to shape the skyline of this leading global city,” said Scott Wadler, Managing Director of Berkadia South Florida. “The tower’s strong pre-sale commitments underscoring Miami’s market fundamentals, coupled with the sponsors’ proven track record of success in the immediate submarket, created a compelling lending opportunity to capitalize Brickell’s most distinguished new address. The introduction of Baccarat Residences and its storied brand will further enhance the skyline and elevate Miami’s status as a region for ultra-luxury investment and development.”

The sister property to the record-breaking Baccarat Hotels & Residences NYC, the Brickell tower is made up of 355 residences, including just eight exclusive penthouses. Envisioned by internationally recognized architecture firm Arquitectónica, Baccarat Residences Miami honors the French crystal company's storied two-and-a-half century heritage, while simultaneously introducing a modern architectural marvel that pushes South Florida’s design ethos forward.

Residents will enjoy over 75,000 SF of luxurious five-star amenities throughout five levels of the tower — including exquisitely appointed social spaces, a state-of-the-art health and fitness center, La Mer spa facilities, a private marina with residents’ yacht and more — that will be cohesive in essence but unique in design elements and all expertly managed by SH Hotels & Resorts. The property will also feature a curated collection of museum-quality art.

Imagery via Related Group

Terra Closes on $127 Million Refinancing Loan for Natura Gardens Development

Terra and New Valley, the development partners behind Natura Gardens, a new multifamily community in Northwest Miami-Dade County, have secured $127 million in permanent financing for the development. The loan, issued by an affiliate of MF1 Capital, will be used to pay off and refinance an existing $65 million construction loan, which was provided in 2021 by Bank OZK. Completed in Summer 2023, Natura Gardens includes 460 garden-style rental apartments across 23-acres in Miami’s West Hialeah neighborhood.

At more than 97% leased, Natura Gardens’ one- to three-bedroom apartments measure between 727 and 1,603 square feet in size, with rental rates ranging from approximately $2,000 to $3,350 per month.

“Our ability to refinance Natura Gardens reflects the leasing success we’ve experienced at the property as well as the increasing demand for market-rate rental housing in the West Hialeah area,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra. “Natura Gardens continues to fulfill an unmet need for quality suburban living for thousands of working families seeking to minimize their daily commutes.”

Walker & Dunlop’s New York Capital Markets team, led by Keith Kurland, Aaron Appel, Jon Schwartz, Adam Schwartz, and Michael Diaz arranged the loan proceeds to refinance the existing construction loan of Natura Gardens.

Situated along NW 170th Street between I-75 and Florida’s Turnpike, Natura Gardens is located immediately south of the planned American Dream retail and entertainment complex, and a short drive from several large employers, including Boeing, Royal Caribbean International, Preferred Freezer Services, and The Home Depot.

Natura Gardens was designed by Pascual, Perez, Kiliddjian Architecture (PPK), with the development’s clubhouse and model units imagined by tennis champion Venus Williams’ design firm V Starr Interiors.

 Apartments have high-end finishes and fixtures, expansive balconies, custom shaker-style kitchen cabinetry, spacious built-in pantries, kitchen islands with breakfast areas, stainless steel appliances, full-size washer and dryers, spacious living and dining rooms, walk-in closets, and en-suite bathrooms.

Amenities at the gated community include a two-story clubhouse with a resort-style pool and spa; a covered kitchen prep area and grilling station, sink and refrigerator; outdoor tiki hut areas with hammocks, tables and umbrellas, and lounge chairs on comfortable beach sand; a media room, billiards and children’s playroom; a sophisticated lounge with a bar and kitchen; a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga, aerobics and spinning studios; a business center with co-working spaces and a coffee bar; a children’s tot-lot with recreational equipment and electronic car charging stations, and a residents-only dog park.

Inspired by the area’s natural surroundings, the community features lush landscaping, open lawns, lakes and preserves. Residents also have access to lush, green spaces with sitting areas and mobile device charging stations throughout the entire community.

Natura Gardens is the latest among Terra’s portfolio of newly completed multifamily developments across South Florida, which includes Grove Central, a transit-oriented mixed-use development with residential and retail uses in Coconut Grove; and Pines Garden at City Center, a garden-apartment community in Broward County’s City of Pembroke Pines. Terra is also currently developing CentroCity, which will include up to 1,200 apartments as part of a larger 38-acre mixed use development in central Miami-Dade County, just west of Little Havana; and Upland Park, which will include up to 1,700 apartments as part of a 47-acre mixed use transit-oriented development at the Miami-Dade County Dolphin Park-and-Ride Station.

Mast Capital Locks Down Florida's Largest Residential Single-Tower Loan At $600 Million For Cipriani Residences Miami

Miami-based developer Mast Capital has secured a construction loan of $600 million, setting a new record for the largest single-tower residential construction loan ever obtained in Florida for Cipriani Residences Miami. The loan comes from Mexico-based Banco Inbursa and Ascendant Capital Partners, contributing $350 million and $250 million, respectively. The site is one of the last remaining raw parcels of land in Brickell and will serve as the southern gateway to Miami’s financial district.

Situated on the southern edge of Brickell’s business district, Cipriani Residences Miami will be the brand’s first-ever ground-up residences in the Americas. The high-profile condominium development, which is redefining luxury within the Brickell neighborhood, encompasses an 80-story luxury condominium tower with 397 residences offering spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, the Brickell skyline, and Coconut Grove. The site benefits from being located close to all the destinations within Brickell while also offering better accessibility and less traffic given its proximity to the lower density areas of Brickell to the South.

“The unprecedented financing we have secured for this transformative development anchored in Brickell is a testament to the demand for an ultra-luxury condominium product in this neighborhood. We have assembled the highest caliber of architecture, and design to execute this project and further solidify the position of Miami’s Brickell Financial District as a business and residential community,” said Camilo Miguel, CEO of Mast Capital. “Cipriani Residences Miami will transform the neighborhood and appeal to a wide variety of domestic and international residents, especially at a time when Brickell continues to experience robust growth fueled by the steady pace of wealth and business migration.”

While the influx of new residents to Miami, particularly the highly desirable Brickell neighborhood, seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle, warm weather, and favorable tax environment is not new, this trend has dramatically accelerated since mid-2020 and is expected to continue over the years to come.

Mast Capital purchased the 2.8-acre site located at 1420 S Miami Ave. for $103 million in December 2021, which at the time represented the acquisition of one of the last remaining raw parcels of land in Brickell available to build a large-scale, high-rise development. The condominium tower is a signature Bernardo Fort-Brescia design by architecture firm Arquitectonica and world-renowned interior design firm 1508 London.

Starting at $1.7 million, Cipriani Residences Miami offers one- to four-bedroom residences ranging from 1,123 to 3,495 square feet, in addition to penthouses with private pools, with completion slated for 2028. As the crowned jewel of Cipriani Residences Miami, the Canaletto Collection will offer a boutique experience to residents that includes priority access to the tower’s private speakeasy and dining spaces, exclusive global concierge services and custom finish and furniture packages available for purchase, designed by 1508 London. The Canaletto Collection, which comprises six penthouses, will also feature direct elevator entry and a limited number of residences per floor appealing to discrete residents who prioritize privacy. Pricing for the penthouses starts at $17 million. The condominium will offer all residents exclusive access to around-the-clock dining services by Cipriani available in the private restaurant, 24-hour in-home dining and catering services. Dining services will extend to the elevated resort deck featuring multiple swimming pools, lounge and cabanas.

Residents will also have access to a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as a holistic spa including an ice plunge and sauna. The condo tower’s robust amenity package will also include a golf simulator, a pickleball court, a screening room, as well as a library and salon for beauty services. Residents will also have the convenience of a private dog park, children’s playroom and à la carte services like plant care, away-from-home maintenance, pet grooming and walking, luxury house limousine transport within a three-mile radius, in-residence spa treatments, personal training and more.

Mast Capital has emerged as one of Florida’s most active real estate development and investment firms today, with a diverse portfolio of residential, hospitality, and commercial properties throughout the State. The firm continues to expand its portfolio, with acquisitions representing over $3.5 billion in total project capitalization. These investments include new-build up development of over 4,000 residential units in South Florida, as well as the Fort Myers and Tampa metro areas.

Newmark arranged the transaction with a Debt and Structured Finance team led by Co-Presidents Jordan Roeschlaub and Dustin Stolly alongside Executive Managing Director Nick Scribani. Harry Silvera and Yehuda Auman of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Kimberly LeCompte and Eric Fisher of Greenberg Traurig P.A. served as legal counsel for the developer. Aron Zuckerman and Norian Watson of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP served as legal counsel for Banco Inbursa. Evan Kaufman and Andy Auerbach of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP served as legal counsel for Ascendant Capital Partners. Ilana Strickon of Holland & Knight served as legal counsel to both lenders. Sales and marketing for the condominium development is handled exclusively by Fortune Development Sales.

Renderings via Mast Capital

Merrimac Ventures and Aria Development Group Lock Down $95 Million Construction Loan for Sold-Out 600 Miami Worldcenter

A joint venture between South Florida-based developers Merrimac Ventures and Aria Development Group is preparing to break ground on 600 Miami Worldcenter, a 32-story condominium tower set within Downtown Miami’s Miami Worldcenter 27-acre mixed use development, following locking down a $95 million construction loan from Banco Inbursa. Located at 600 NE 1st Ave., 600 Miami Worldcenter will deliver 606 fully furnished units with no restrictions on short-term rentals. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.

Buyers are responding to 600 Miami Worldcenter’s short-term “turn-key” rental model, with all of the development’s units already pre-sold to residents hailing mostly from the U.S., Colombia, Turkey and Argentina. Residences will range from 407-square-foot studios to 830-square-foot two-bedroom units where prices started in the $400,000s.

OneWorld Properties, led by CEO Peggy Olin, is managing sales and marketing for 600 Miami Worldcenter. Newmark’s Jordan Roeschlaub, Dustin Stolly, Nick Scribani, Daniel Matz and Holden Witkoff, along with the law firm of Bilzin Sumberg LLP’s Joseph Hernandez, Salomé Bascuñan, and Anthony De Yurre, represented the developers in the transaction.

“600 Miami Worldcenter has been one of our most anticipated and fastest-selling developments, which was appealing for our lenders at Banco Inbursa,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures. “Heightened demand for the project’s ideal location and fully furnished turn-key residences are just some components that will make it a standout addition to our city-within-a-city at Miami Worldcenter.”

"600 Miami Worldcenter blends best practices from our most successful luxury residential developments with the excitement of Downtown Miami. We look forward to growing our relationship with Banco Inbursa through the construction of this beautiful project in our vibrant submarket," said David Arditi, Managing Partner of Aria Development Group.

600 Miami Worldcenter is the latest residential offering within Miami Worldcenter, the $6 billion mixed-use development transforming the heart of Downtown Miami. As the second largest urban development in the U.S. after Hudson Yards, the ‘city within a city’ features a diverse mix of residential, commercial and hospitality uses complemented by approximately 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space.

Merrimac Ventures’ presence in Downtown Miami also includes the development of Miami Worldcenter, which is being developed by master developers Miami Worldcenter Associates, led by Managing Partners Nitin Motwani and Art Falcone, in partnership with CIM Group.

In addition to 600 Miami Worldcenter, Merrimac Ventures is also developing two more residential towers within Miami Worldcenter: The Crosby, a sold out 450-unit condominium with no rental restrictions in partnership with Related Group, and the second phase of Caoba, a 40-story tower with 420 apartments.

Aria Development Group’s Downtown Miami portfolio includes the nearby YOTEL Miami, a 31-story condominium and hotel, and 501 First, a 476-unit condominium in partnership with AQARAT – both of which have no rental restrictions and are completely sold out.

Residences at 600 Miami Worldcenter will be curated by the award-winning design company, The Design Agency, and are equipped with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with custom window treatments, expansive balconies, flooring and furnishings on all residential interiors. Kitchens and bathrooms will include custom Italian cabinetry and countertops, top-of-the-line appliances with speed ovens, integrated paneled refrigerators/freezers, dishwashers, in-unit washers and dryers, and fully built-out spacious closets.

Designed by Revuelta Architecture, 600 Miami Worldcenter will boast luxury amenities including a summer kitchen, rooftop swimming pool with resort seating, a state-of-the-art fitness center with an outdoor private training area by Homage Fitness. 600 Miami Worldcenter will also feature a covered porte-cochère, 24-hour attended lobby, dedicated co-working space, resident lounge, and entertaining space, air-conditioned resident storage, and bike storage.

Miami Worldcenter occupies 10 city blocks within walking distance of Museum Park, home to Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science; the Kaseya Center, the home of the Miami Heat; the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts; and Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. It is also adjacent to Brightline’s MiamiCentral station, which offers direct train service from Downtown Miami to Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando, together with access to Tri-Rail, the Metromover, and the Metrorail – making Miami Worldcenter the largest and most connected transit-oriented development in Florida.

CMC Group Locks Down $239 Million Construction Loan for Vita at Grove Isle in Coconut Grove

CMG Group, led by Ugo Colombo, has locked down a $239 million construction loan for Vita at Grove Isle, an ultra-luxe boutique condominium under construction on the exclusive private island of Grove Isle situated just offshore of Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood. The financing was provided by Bank OZK to fund the ongoing development of the seven-story condominium, which will encompass 65 waterfront residences showcasing unobstructed panoramic bay views, exquisite detailing, and the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. Following its groundbreaking in April 2023, vertical construction of Vita at Grove Isle is already well underway, with completion on track for late 2025.

Buyers are responding to Vita at Grove Isle’s brand of intelligent and quiet luxury, with more than 70% of the development’s residences already pre-sold to residents hailing primarily from the United States. Vita’s prime private-island waterfront location in one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods, combined with CMC Group’s stellar track-record of delivering sold-out high-quality construction, neighborhood defining condominium communities, created a powerful combination that put the developer in position to secure favorable financing.

Vita at Grove Isle will include three-, four-, and four-plus-den-bedroom condominiums, with a collection of twelve exclusive penthouses boasting private rooftop pools measuring up to 6,600 square feet in size. Residences start at $5.7 million, with penthouses priced from $19.5 million.

“Over the years, our team at CMC Group has made a habit of developing at our own pace – one or two buildings at a time – a strategy that is very much by design. We are globally recognized for the painstaking level of planning and quality execution that goes into each of our developments, and we are continuing that tradition with Vita at Grove Isle, where no detail has been overlooked,” said developer Ugo Colombo, Founder of CMC Group. “We’ve been pleased with our long-standing relationship with Bank OZK and look forward to working with them again in our future development endeavors.”

Ugo Colombo’s commitment to timeless style, breathtaking luxury and meticulous detail has been a constant in the sea of change that has come to define Miami real estate over the past three decades. In 1993, the Italian developer’s CMC Group began building Bristol Tower, the condo that ignited the luxury residential boom in Miami. Bristol Tower’s success was followed by the launch of Santa Maria in 1996, the 52-story tower whose ‘mansions in the sky’ reshaped the Brickell skyline and put the district on the map as one of the world’s top-tier luxury markets.

Since then, the firm has focused on developing only a handful of condominium developments – Porto Vita, Grovenor House, EPIC Hotel & Residences and Brickell Flatiron – all of which enhanced their respective communities and retained value by competing with pricing of new product on the market today. The firm is currently building another luxury boutique condominium in partnership with Morabito Properties, Onda Residences in Miami’s Bay Harbor Islands, which is expected to be completed in early 2024.

For the design of Vita at Grove Isle, Ugo Colombo has partnered with global architecture and design firm CallisonRTKL, local architectural firm S & E Architects, and Italian designers Carlo and Paolo Colombo of A++ Architecture to create one-of-a-kind interior and amenity spaces. Composed to showcase a single architectural structure, the three buildings – Mare, Luce, and Sole – will offer a boutique living experience enveloped by lush, native landscaping. The building’s design mirrors its unique Grove Isle location, inspired by the natural contours of the island in its elegant, curved shape while maximizing views of the sparkling Biscayne Bay.

Resident amenities at Vita at Grove Isle will include a private bayfront pool, poolside bar and lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, a children’s playground, and a membership to the “Vita at Grove Isle Club,” which offers a Club pool and adjacent bar, and additional amenities including night-lit tennis, padel ball and pickleball courts. Residents and their guests will also have access to a gourmet restaurant and bar serving lunch, dinner, and cocktails, which will also be open to the public, as well as access to the island’s private marina.

The level of planning that has gone into Vita at Grove Isle’s location and amenities is matched only by the detail paid to its design. Every residence will include private elevators with a private foyer; contemporary Italian-designed open concept kitchens with concealed top-of-the-line appliances; elegant bathrooms with custom Italian cabinetry, European designer fixtures, hand-selected book matched marble, and masterfully crafted Italian stonework; at least 10-foot-high ceilings; pre-installed smart home technology including lighting, climate control and water/air filtration systems; high-performance interior wall soundproofing for ultimate relaxation and privacy; and large 13-foot-deep waterfront terraces – and up to 6,000 square feet of private rooftop space in penthouses – allowing for year-round outdoor dining, lounging and entertaining.

Grove Isle is one of the most exclusive residential locations in Miami. Spanning 20-acres, the gated private island in Coconut Grove is just minutes away from mainland Miami via the scenic Grove Isle Drive bridge. The secluded community is highly prized by residents as a peaceful haven with panoramic bay views. The island is in close proximity to Miami’s best shopping, most elite schools, chef-driven restaurants, and entertainment destinations in areas such as Brickell, Miami Beach, and Coral Gables and has been described as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the United States.

Images via CMC Group

THE FIFTH MIAMI BEACH Locks Down $47.3 Million In Construction Financing From Cain International

International recognized real estate development firms, Sumaida + Khurana and Bizzi+Bilgili, a partnership between Bizzi & Partners with Serdar Bilgili, have locked down a $47.3 million construction loan for THE FIFTH MIAMI BEACH, a five-story Class A+ office building designed by renowned Spanish master architect Alberto Campo Baeza in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. The financing was provided by Cain International. The project is Baeza’s first commercial building in the United States and will deliver 60,200 SF of office, retail and restaurant space. THE FIFTH MIAMI BEACH is 20% pre-leased. Construction began in 2022 following the Historic Preservation Board of Miami Beach’s unanimous approval and completion is expected in 2025.

The building is ideally situated at the entrance to Miami Beach from the MacArthur Causeway, located in the exclusive enclave of South of Fifth, at the corner of Michigan and Fifth Street. The Class A+, LEED Certified office building will seek to take an innovative approach by delivering on the singular quality, craftsmanship and architectural pedigree that Sumaida + Khurana and Bizzi & Partners are renowned for delivering on their residential condominium projects.

World-renowned architecture firm, Gabellini Sheppard Associates is designing the interiors, award-winning firm Cube 3 is the executive architect and Miami-based Urban Robot Associates is the project’s landscape architect.

The project will be akin to an exquisite jewel box, wrapped in glass, white marble and white concrete. The biophilic design approach incorporates many elements that bring the outdoors inside and also provides expansive spaces that are ideal for tenants to design creative work environments. The building features a monumental marble lobby with 35-foot ceiling heights, 14-foot ceilings throughout office floors, open and flexible floorplans, floor-to-ceiling windows and every office includes expansive private outdoor terraces. Located in the center of the building is a large outdoor atrium that opens up all of the offices to a dramatic experience of light, air, and outdoor space. In addition, the building features multiple amenities for tenants to share including a private landscaped rooftop with expansive, unobstructed water views. This offering will be further complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, multiple food and beverage options, and valet parking. The building will also offer advanced air quality and filtration systems that will be part of the focus on sustainability and health.

Based in Spain, Baeza has been widely recognized for his work including winning his country’s National Prize for Architecture in 2021. Some of his notable projects include the Houses Turégano and de Blas, both in Madrid, the Gaspar House, Asencio House in Cádiz, the Olnick Spanu Museum in Garrison, New York, the BIT Center in Inca-Mallorca, the Museum of Memory of Andalucía in Granada. In 2020, he won the competition to design a new bridge over the Piave River in Belluno, Venice.

Sumaida + Khurana is led by Founding Partners Saif Sumaida and Amit Khurana. Bizzi & Partners is led by CEO Davide Bizzi and Managing Director Alessandro Pallaoro. Both firms are individually known the world over for developing some of the most significant real estate projects in the world, collaborating with critically acclaimed and architects and designers. New York-based Sumaida + Khurana collaborated with Pritzker Prize winning architect, Tadao Ando to design 152 Elizabeth Street, as well as Pritzker Laureate, Alvaro Siza for 611 West 56th Street. Bizzi & Partners, which has offices in New York, Milan, São Paulo, and Tallinn, worked with Pritzker Prize winning architect Renzo Piano to design both 565 Broome SoHo in Manhattan and Eighty Seven Park in Miami. The firm also developed the Langham Hotel in New York, designed by Charles Gwathmey.

Images by THE FIFTH MIAMI BEACH

Casa Bella Residences by B&B Italia Locks Down $240 Million In Financing Following Groundbreaking

Related Group and partner Alta Developers have closed on $240 million in financing for the highly-anticipated residential tower, Casa Bella Residences by B&B Italia (Casa Bella), which broke ground earlier this month in Downtown Miami’s burgeoning Arts and Cultural District. The loan was provided by Cain International (Cain) — a privately held investment firm with over $16 billion in assets under management. The capital infusion will fund the construction of the 56-story Italian-inspired condominium tower, which is slated to reach completion in 2026.

“We’re proud to partner with Cain to bring Casa Bella Residences by B&B Italia to life,” said Nick Pérez, President of Related’s Condominium Division. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to creating an exceptional residential product that will enhance and elevate the surrounding neighborhood. The capital infusion strengthens our ability to deliver on this commitment, as we redefine the standard for design-driven living within one of Miami’s most in-demand residential destinations.”

Located at 1400 Biscayne Boulevard, Casa Bella represents the first residential partnership for the famed Italian design house, B&B Italia, known around the world for its high-end collaborations with legacy brands such as Rolex, Hermès, and Rolls-Royce. With architecture by Arquitectonica and interiors by renowned designer Piero Lissoni — who also serves as creative director for B&B Italia — and the B&B Italia team, every aspect of the building is envisioned as an oasis, offering a refined Miami aesthetic rooted in contemporary Italian design.

The transaction builds upon Cain’s existing investments in Miami which include 830 Brickell, Una Residences and The Delano. Cain has originated over $7.5 billion in loans globally since its founding in 2014 and has committed over $2 billion in new loans throughout the United States since 2019.

“This was an opportunity to build on the core principles that have guided our lending strategy to date; working with outstanding sponsors to deliver exceptional assets in markets we believe in,” said Matthew Rosenfeld, Head of U.S. Debt at Cain International. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Related as they continue to shape the future of this leading global city.”

Newmark arranged the transaction with a Debt and Structured Finance team led by Co-Presidents Jordan Roeschlaub and Dustin Stolly alongside Executive Managing Director Nick Scribani, and Holden Witkoff.

Over 80% of Casa Bella’s 319 residences are now in contract. Earlier this year, Casa Bella set a price record with a contract signed for a 5,893-square-foot triplex penthouse for $12.6 million, or $2,138 per square foot, signifying the neighborhood’s most expensive condominium sale on a price-per-square-foot basis.

The residences at Casa Bella range from one to four bedrooms and feature soaring ceilings, sweeping views, private elevator access, state-of-the-art kitchens with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and an exquisite selection of European fixtures hand-picked by the B&B Italia team. Casa Bella’s Penthouse Collection comprises 10 meticulously designed homes with seven distinct floor plans, the crown jewel of which is a pair of 54th-floor triplex residences with private rooftop terraces, each featuring spa pools and indoor/outdoor summer kitchens with panoramic water views. The 54th floor is also home to two duplex penthouses, spanning 4,100 and 4,560 square feet.

To further elevate the luxurious lifestyle experience, Casa Bella offers two full floors of amenities complete with stunning vistas overlooking Biscayne Bay. Offerings include a spacious venue for hosting events, a wine vault and private tasting lounge, as well as a plush private theater and co-working spaces. A world-class wellness center caters to fitness-minded residents, featuring professional-level equipment, as well as dedicated yoga and spin rooms, while the spa facilities offer an array of on-demand services including massages, facials, blowouts, and manicure/pedicures.

Outdoors, landscape architect Enzo Enea envisioned a pool deck with lush Italian-inspired gardens to create an oasis within Downtown Miami. The 80-foot lap pool is surrounded by private cabanas and shaded lounge areas, as well as an open-air lawn for yoga and meditation. A poolside bar and Mediterranean café will have light bites and refreshments on offer. On the 56th floor, residents can access the tower’s rooftop pool and terrace, which is complete with a state-of-the-art observatory.

Fortune International Realty is the building’s exclusive sales and marketing agent with a sales team led by Olga Monson.