Fortune International Group Announces Branded Residence Collaboration With Casa Tua For ORA At 1210 Brickell

Fortune International Group, a real estate leader in developing, funding, construction management sales and marketing and led by the visionary founder, Edgardo Defortuna, have announced they are collaborating with hospitality brand, Casa Tua, to curate and program its newest high-rise, mixed-use development located at 1210 Brickell Avenue in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.

The building, ORA is the first branded residence for Casa Tua, the renowned, heartfelt brand and exclusive members’ only club which has gathered friends in their properties in Miami and then Aspen and Paris for over two decades and soon to launch in The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel in Manhattan 2023. The property will feature short-term rental residences in addition to a full suite of amenities programmed by Casa Tua.

“ORA will serve as a unique residential development in a premier location, at the best corner in the Brickell neighborhood,” said Edgardo Defortuna. “We look forward to working alongside the Casa Tua brand to curate a sophisticated experience that will create a community for its residents and Brickell. ORA will become the city’s most exciting amenity.”

ORA by Casa Tua will have, and not limited to, two new restaurant concepts by Casa Tua, a gourmet market by Casa Tua, a rooftop lounge – with resort-style offerings including a pool, sky lounge and bar; show kitchen, private event space and – curated by Casa Tua; an abundance of nature and lush landscaping infused into the design of the building, including full floors of floating gardens overlooking the city views; an entertainment lounge as well as fitness and wellness center.

“Since opening Casa Tua more than 20 years ago, my wife Leticia and I have always dreamt of applying the warmth and soul of Casa Tua to a pioneering mixed-use development, while boldly incorporating the most important feature that sets Miami apart as a city - its nature,” said Miky Grendene, Founder of Casa Tua. “There is no better partner for this ambitious vision than our friends at Fortune, Edgardo and Ana Cristina Defortuna. Together we will create a green oasis in the center of the city that will enable residents and guests to come together, celebrate life and be inspired by a new type of environment. At its heart will be a multi-faceted culinary hub delivering four distinct dining experiences true to Casa Tua’s signature style. ORA, meaning ‘now’ in Italian, is imagined for an evolving world, designed to honor simplicity, foster community and deepen human connection."

Reservations for the short-term rental residences – which range from 500-square-foot, studios to 2,400-square foot, four-bedroom homes – will launch in January 2023. Pricing will start at $800,000.

The Chetrit Group Announces Kobi Karp-Designed The River District In Brickell With New Concepts From David Grutman

As Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood evolves into one of the nation’s most desirable urban cores, New York-based developer Chetrit Group has announced a transformative new district designed by Kobi Karp that will reimagine over six acres of the Miami River’s waterfront into a premier destination for art, entertainment, music, and culture. The River District, located at the long-underutilized delta between I-95, Southwest Second Avenue and Jose Marti Park, brings high-end living, working, dining, shopping and yachting to the area with four distinct, brand-new skyscrapers, a pair of two-story waterfront retail buildings, a marina and lush new streetscapes inspired by Brazil’s tropical modernism aesthetic. The first tower is already rising and can be seen on the Miami River from I-95 west of Brickell.

Situated just south of the Miami River, The River District will comprise of 4 million square feet of new development in all. This includes about 1,600 residences, Class A office space, 30,000 square feet of curated retail, a boat marina that can accommodate 60-foot vessels, 2,000 covered parking spots, as well as vibrant restaurants and nightlife venues. The first building to come to market at The River District will be its luxury condominium. Expected to launch in early 2023, sales and marketing will be exclusively handled by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.

“The Miami River has been ripe for a new archetype of riverfront living, especially as the Brickell neighborhood continues to attract national companies and new residents to its urban core,” said Michael Chetrit of Chetrit Group. “With demand for new, curated experiences walkable from Brickell Avenue at an all-time high, we are excited to introduce a ground-up new neighborhood that builds and honors community, with a Brazilian twist. The River District is going to create a riverwalk experience for the first time in the city, and we expect to completely transform how people in the area live, work and play.”

To elevate the standard of hospitality, Chetrit Group partnered with David Grutman of Groot Hospitality – the globally renowned nightlife and hospitality visionary behind the goodtime hotel, nightclubs LIV and Story and restaurants Gekkō, Papi Steak, Swan and Komodo, among more – to deliver innovative new culinary and residential concepts exclusively to the ambitious master planned development. Through a lens of lavish design, in-demand talent and a frisson of celebrity and social media moments, Grutman is known for reestablishing Miami as a global contemporary hotspot for hospitality and aims to infuse this same spirit throughout The River District.

"The River District is going to be a highlight in Miami city's ongoing transformation," said David Grutman. "Paired with Chetrit Group's overall vision, I'm incredibly excited to bring Groot Hospitality to this game-changing development. We plan to feature versions of our existing concepts as well as all new ideas, across residential, restaurant and entertainment spaces."

The four skyscrapers at The River District – a luxury condominium, office tower and two premier rental buildings – are each distinguished by their own, unique interpretation of the Brazilian tropical modernism motif. This design vision, a hallmark of the vibrant culture at The River District, will be spearheaded by leading local architecture firm Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design. Having helped shape many of Miami’s most exclusive neighborhoods, from Fisher Island to Surfside, Kobi Karp is the top architect for transformative projects of The River District’s scale and level of importance. He is responsible for creating the master plan for the site, as well as the architecture, which together are reminiscent of the beachfront walkways of Rio de Janeiro.

For the interiors, Chetrit Group tapped New York-based, award-winning architecture and design firm Rockwell Group. Rockwell Group is known for creating unique narratives for award-winning projects across the globe, which range from restaurants, hotels, airport terminals, and hospitals, to festivals, museum exhibitions, and Broadway sets. Projects include multiple Oscar award ceremony production designs; Nobu hotels and restaurants worldwide; Equinox Hotel New York; restaurants like Katsuya and Peak in New York and Gekkō and CHICA in Miami; set designs for Broadway shows, such as Hairspray and Kinky Boots; and many more. Rockwell Group will design the condominium tower, including the lobby, amenity spaces and 378 studios to three bedroom residences. Rockwell Group and IDDI, an international design firm, will envision the rental tower, where Rockwell Group is designing the lobby and restaurant.

Representing the first master-planned project developed by Chetrit Group in South Florida, The River District will showcase the company’s level of focus and expertise delivering large-scale real estate developments. Construction will be completed in phases, with phase one currently underway. That includes the first rental tower, as well as the two retail buildings. The next phase will begin with the groundbreaking of the luxury condominium, which is slated for early 2023 with a target completion in 2026.

Renderings via JORG and Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design

Mens Activewear Brand Rhone Opens First Miami Store In Brickell City Centre

Mens high performance activewear brand Rhone has opened their first Miami store, located at the coveted Brickell City Centre. The store marks the brand’s 8th brick-and-mortar location and first in the Southeast region. The new 1,464 square-foot space is the latest demonstration of Rhone’s commitment to fostering meaningful customer connections through a thoughtful store experiences, providing a one-stop-shop for accessing unparalleled performance apparel.

The store features an inviting, open floor plan alongside crisp, modern design elements, exemplifying Rhone’s dedication to community, innovation, and style. Customers will have the opportunity to shop Rhone’s latest offerings, including their widely loved Commuter Collection, premium activewear including treated with their proprietary GoldFusion anti-odor technology, along with key essentials like socks, underwear and tees.

Photo Credit: Michael LeGrand/Jeffrey Totaro Photography

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.

Tri-Level Penthouse at Una Residences Sets Brickell Record With $17.75 Million Sale As Vertical Construction Passes Fifth Level

An upper tri-level penthouse atop OKO Group and Cain International’s Una Residences in Miami has sold for $17.75 million, a record sales price for the City’s Brickell submarket. The 7,084-square-foot residence, sold at $2,506 per square foot, also stands as the highest price per square foot deal in the City of Miami. Una's upper penthouse residence was purchased by a domestic buyer seeking a secondary home in Miami amidst South Florida’s recent business and wealth migration trend – which has driven steady sales to the tower, which is currently over 80% sold. Situated at 175 NE 25th Road within Miami’s picturesque and private South Brickell enclave, the 47-story development will be the first waterfront residential tower to deliver in the Brickell Financial District in over a decade upon its completion in 2024.

Designed by world-renowned architects Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill (AS+GG), Una Residences will comprise 135 spacious condominiums with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and the Downtown Miami skyline. Vertical construction is currently underway, with crews having recently surpassed the tower’s fifth level and now constructing residence levels.

“The unprecedented sales momentum at Una Residences is representative of the solid dynamics backing Miami’s luxury real estate market and reaffirms our belief in the region as an increasingly important player in the U.S. and on the global stage,” said Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of OKO Group, and Jonathan Goldstein, CEO of Cain International. “We continue to see strong levels of domestic and international interest as market leaders establish a base in the city and anticipate this trend to progress as Miami continues its growth as a world-leading hub for businesses, hospitality, and residential living."

Una’s three-story penthouse – located on levels 45 through 47 of the building – measures approximately 7,084 square feet of interior space, with an additional 2,871 square feet of outdoor terrace and rooftop space. The expansive unit includes six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and features a media room, study, and private internal elevator accessing all three floors of the residence. Additionally, the triplex penthouse features two private rooftop pools – a lap pool and plunge pool – with a summer kitchen, sauna and steam room.

The penthouse will be delivered fully finished and include over 12-foot-high ceilings, private elevator entry, premium finishes and fixtures, and panoramic 180-degree vistas of the expansive Brickell waterfront.

Amenities at the boutique tower will complement and enhance Miami’s desirable outdoor lifestyle, including a private marina, three swimming pools, a children’s splash-pad area and playroom, a movie theater, a resort-inspired spa and steam room, a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring yoga and personal training facilities, onsite dining, and more. Una’s amenities will also extend beyond the property, as residents will receive exclusive membership to the Grand Bay Club on the beachfront of Miami’s Key Biscayne.

Una Residences is OKO Group and Cain International’s latest residential tower in South Florida. The successful joint venture between the two companies has another three developments under construction, including Missoni Baia, a luxury condominium in Edgewater; 830 Brickell, a class A-plus office tower in the Brickell Financial District; and One River, a multifamily tower in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Bilzin Sumberg Renews 85K SF Office Lease At 1450 Brickell In Miami's Financial District

Nearly 25 years since launching in the heart of Downtown Miami, preeminent law Firm Bilzin Sumberg is doubling down on its Florida growth strategy with a major office lease that will preserve the firm’s position as one of the major tenants at the 1450 Brickell office tower. The Firm has renewed its lease for nearly 84,000 square feet of space at the Class A building, representing one of the largest law firm footprints in Miami’s urban core. Bilzin Sumberg’s renewal of its lease coincides with an influx of residents, companies, and investment into South Florida, with the Firm pursuing a strategy of steady growth that has solidified its role as a catalyst for business and wealth migration.

Bilzin Sumberg became the first office tenant to sign a lease at 1450 Brickell when the tower was nearing completion in 2009. The development of 1450 Brickell led the transformation of the entrance to Brickell Avenue, elevating the area into a walkable hub for business, dining, hotels, and residential living. Since then, the 625,000 square-foot Class A tower has attracted best-in-class tenants including multinational companies, finance firms, and professional services firms. The unique building features include a curtainwall glass system comprised entirely of large missile impact glass and two major generators that provide tenants with over 4,000 kw of power during electrical outages, making 1450 Brickell the country’s most storm-hardened office tower.

“For more than two decades, Bilzin Sumberg has presided over the evolution of Downtown Miami and the Brickell Financial District, from a 9-to-5 business center, into a vibrant 24-7 city,” explains Managing Partner Al Dotson. “Our office at 1450 Brickell has put our attorneys at the center of one of the most dynamic business, residential and lifestyle districts in the United States. Along the way, Bilzin Sumberg has been a key figure in transformative projects that have taken shape in our backyard, while also serving a national and international clientele from our homebase at 1450 Brickell.”

Bilzin Sumberg was represented by the JLL brokerage team led by Barbara Liberatore Black, Matthew Goodman and Jeff Gordon. “After spending over a year reviewing all options in Miami’s office market, Bilzin Sumberg decided to renew its lease and remain as one of the major tenants at 1450 Brickell for all of the same reasons they initially chose the building over 10 years ago,” said JLL’s Barbara Liberatore Black. “With the business growth Miami’s Brickell Financial District continues to experience and the 1450 Brickell office tower’s strategic location at the entrance to Brickell, it made all the sense for the law firm to maintain a presence in the center of the city’s premier live-work-play district.”

Tere Blanca and Danet Linares of Blanca Commercial Real Estate represented building owner 1450 Brickell, LLC.

“From the time of its development through today, 1450 Brickell has attracted prestigious domestic and international tenants,” added Tere Blanca, whose firm has exclusively leased 1450 Brickell since its conception. “While there were two other office towers under construction at the time it was being built, 1450 Brickell’s location and unique features helped drive strong pre-leasing with top quality tenants. Bilzin Sumberg, with deep roots in South Florida and an international clientele, first saw the value of locating in 1450 Brickell, a LEED Gold certified trophy tower designed to stand the test of time. The Firm’s tenancy set the wheels in motion for what would become one of the most successful pre-leasing campaigns in Miami history.”

Bilzin Sumberg counsels clients whose business and legal opportunities and challenges span the United States and cross borders to Europe, Latin America, Canada, the Middle East, and Asia. The firm's growth has paralleled that of its Miami home base, a region known for its rich cultural, social, and professional diversity. Bilzin Sumberg lawyers concentrate on services at the heart of both regional and international commerce, including real estate, land development and government relations, environmental, corporate law, joint ventures, domestic and international tax and estate planning, business litigation, finance, and public-private partnerships.

Ytech Reveals Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel-Designed 70-Story Partially Solar Powered Condo Tower 'The Residences at 1428 Brickell'

1428 Brickell, LLC, a subsidiary of Miami-based real estate development firm Ytech, has revealed The Residences at 1428 Brickell, a 70-story iconic centerpiece of the quintessential Miami skyline, located at one of the most prestigious addresses on Miami's Brickell Avenue. The building will be the first ever high-rise residential tower using solar energy and is designed by architecture and interior design firm ACPV ARCHITECTS and international architecture firm Arquitectonica. The distinctive architecture and design of this private, residential property includes a limited collection of 189 homes priced from $2 million to $7 million, including a Penthouse Collection priced from $8 million to over $40 million. Cervera Real Estate serves as the sales team representing the property. Among the most prolific luxury condominium builders in the country, John Moriarty Associates (JMA) is the general contractor for The Residences at 1428 Brickell.

The Residences at 1428 Brickell will be the world’s first luxury, high-rise residential tower to integrate photovoltaic glazing within the building’s façade. This solar energy feature is deftly blended into the building’s architectural aesthetic, expressing the importance of sustainability and carbon reduction along each of its 70 floors. Since the solar cells are integrated into the glass, the effective lifespan of the panels can match the window itself. The property will feature 500 photovoltaic-integrated windows along the west-facing façade, creating a “Solar Backbone” comprising nearly 20,000 square feet of energy-producing glass. With this orientation and permanently installed generating capacity, the system is capable of producing up to 170,000 kilowatts, or 170 megawatts, of clean energy per year. This is intended to result in the reduction of approximately 4,700 tons of CO2 and the use of 3,000 barrels less of oil. Ytech has selected award-winning firm Cosentini Associates as the property’s expert solar energy consultant to implement this technology into The Residences at 1428 Brickell.

“Over a decade of planning and market research has come to fruition with The Residences at 1428 Brickell. Ytech’s vision is to create residential sanctuaries in an urban environment where design is driven first and foremost by resident experience and needs,” said Yamal Yidios, CEO of Ytech. “Complemented by impeccable architecture and advanced engineering, a remarkable combination of form and function, The Residences at 1428 Brickell will become iconic in delivering an unparalleled, service-oriented living experience.”

Ytech has selected a world-class team of artisans, designers, architects and engineers who understand the nuances of architecture, space, objects and human interaction to conceptualize and deliver a truly exceptional residential product. The concept for The Residences at 1428 Brickell was developed based on market research gathered from more than 250 luxury residential and hotel properties globally and interviews with three dozen renowned architects and designers. As a result, the property was created with the owner’s experience and privacy at the forefront of every decision, making The Residences at 1428 Brickell not only beautiful to behold but ideal to live in. The end result – meticulously curated residences with thoughtfully crafted amenity spaces and private areas throughout the building that will deliver a perfect balance between beauty and functionality. These exclusive and private residences are focused on empowering owners with a sense of privacy, safety and individuality.

Led by CEO Yamal Yidios, Ytech is ​​inspired by great thinkers, creators and innovators, and this inspiration has been woven into each intentionally conceived detail of The Residences at 1428 Brickell. Through the firm’s in-depth market research, design vision and meticulous execution, complemented by Yidios’ background as an engineer and internationally influenced perspective, The Residences at 1428 Brickell have been crafted with intelligence and artistry to create an instant, lasting sense of belonging for all who call it home.

Alongside world-renowned architecture and interior design firm ACPV ARCHITECTS and international architecture firm Arquitectonica, Ytech has meticulously designed a perfect balance between form and function without compromise. Over the years, ACPV ARCHITECTS has designed some of the world’s most iconic projects including the Bulgari Hotel Paris, Arte Surfside in Miami Beach and La Bella Vita high-rise in Taiwan among others. ACPV ARCHITECT’S vision for the interior spaces emerges from the firm’s penchant for designing the art of living, with a unique micro and macro perspective, making The Residences at 1428 Brickell a living space where emotion and intellect combine to produce the highest quality of life.

“For the tower’s interiors, we selected furniture, materials, textures and colors that create an ambiance of informal luxury,” said Patricia Viel, CEO of ACPV ARCHITECTS. “Throughout the property’s amenity spaces we integrated pieces of furniture from a selection of world-renowned Italian and international designers, focusing primarily on earth tones to bring nature inside the building while simultaneously celebrating the joyful feeling of spending time outdoors in the company of your loved ones.”

“The architecture and interior design of The Residences at 1428 Brickell fuse seamlessly to make residents feel welcome and at ease from the moment they enter the building. Imagining how owners would use each space within the property was the guiding principle of our design for the interiors,” said Antonio Citterio, chairman of ACPV ARCHITECTS. “For example, we designed large amenity spaces to act as an extension of residents’ private living areas, such as the dining area, pool, bar and wine cellar, and integrated full-height windows in the lobby to offer uninterrupted views of the striking Brickell skyline, bridging the gap between indoors and outdoors.”

The Residences at 1428 Brickell's limited collection of residences will be fully finished with two- to four-bedroom plus den units ranging from 1,800 to 4,000 square feet. The Penthouse Collection residences range from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet. The residences showcase stunning water views and have been thoughtfully created with a true flow-through configuration to maximize light. A significant portion of residences within the property are two-stories, creating the feeling of a single-family home in the sky.

The Residences include high-quality, contemporary finishes and one-of-a-kind Antonio Citterio-designed signature pieces. Further highlights include deep sunrise and sunset terraces with a summer kitchen; two private elevators and a foyer per residence with double door entry including a compartment for in-room dining deliveries and private storage on each level. Encompassed by Rimadesio glass enclosures, standard residences will feature Italian Arclinea kitchens with 11-foot ceilings, while penthouse residences will include limited production Vaselli kitchens and 12- to 30-foot ceilings.

Over 80,000 square feet of amenity space will adorn The Residences at 1428 Brickell. Located 860 feet in the sky, Ytech dedicated five of the eight amenity levels within the top of the tower which will be home to curated private and shared spaces showcasing stunning, panoramic city views.

Level 70, a rooftop pool and atrium, features a pool with direct sunlight exposure; a hot spa and daybed lounging area; and a sky atrium offering a serene, lush greenhouse experience surrounded by foliage.

Level 67 includes a world-class, two-story wine and fine art lounge. The level also features state-of-the-art office suites with private offices and lounge; private dining room with a jewel Vaselli kitchen, ideal for entertaining, private cooking classes or catering; an owner’s lounge with expansive seating for entertaining and a full bar featuring craft cocktails and culinary delectables. Additional services include an on-site beverage director and sommelier as well as private a la carte catering and event services.

Level 66 features an expansive 10,000 square foot gym with weight room, HIIT room and an indoor/outdoor yoga room; a juice and wellness bar offering healthy pre and post-workout food and beverage options; and an immersive spa featuring a meditation room, infrared sauna, steam room, cold and hot plunge pools, treatment rooms, beauty suite and barbershop. Services on this level include a wellness concierge available to assist in scheduling personal training, spa and beauty treatments, nutritional coaching and IV treatments.

Level seven offers a family-focused environment featuring a pool with shallow wading area and poolside cabanas; aquatic therapy area with a stationary exercise lap pool; children’s recreation and learning center featuring indoor and outdoor areas with splash pools, interactive playgrounds and creativity rooms; cinema screening room and a teen’s room. Fully furnished, private guest suites will be available on level eight.

The building’s entrance and arrival lounge features an impressive porte-cochere and access control facility creating a welcoming, immersive arrival experience that includes a library with wine and food options for residents and their guests. Additional services include reception, valet and porter; bellman and doorman services, and a pet facility with grooming area, and in-unit package delivery, among other amenities.

Miami Condo Developer Changing The Game

Miami is a mecca for global consumers seeking year-round sunshine, nightlife, and culture, framed by endless sophistication. From stunning scenery and pristine beaches, the Magic City is a feast for the senses.

While developers and hospitality visionaries are playing a prominent role making Miami the most photogenic and desirable city to live, work and play, an evolutionary approach to condo ownership is changing the real estate game, led by Harvey Hernandez, founder and CEO of Miami’s Newgard Development Group. Hernandez is betting on next-generation condos and his latest, LOFTY Brickell, delivers fully finished and furnished turn-key residences purposefully designed and licensed to be shared in the heart of Brickell, along the riverfront. 

Hernandez is known for creating signature towers with contemporary designs and a curated lifestyle in unbeatable locations – from Miami to Austin. LOFTY - scheduled to break ground later this year - is set to elevate city living to an art form, unlike anything Miami has ever experienced. 

“We recognize we’re in a state of tremendous transition, and increasing numbers of people are discovering they can live and work from anywhere,” says Hernandez, who has spent more than 20 years revitalizing high-end residential markets and developing innovative properties. 

With this increased demand, Hernandez is making strides with concepts like Natiivo Austin and Natiivo Miami. Both condominiums, which debuted four years ago, are the first towers created exclusively for flexible ownership and home-sharing – and set the precedent for developers to monetize units in a unique way. It is no surprise the two condominiums sold out completely before breaking ground, attracting buyers with its then-innovative concept. 

Today, Nativvo is accessible via all homestay platforms offering bespoke amenities, 24/7 services, and access to a proprietary app for owners to seamlessly manage personal use and third-party bookings. National demand for short-term rentals continue to boom, spurred by the freedom to work remotely, allowing Newgard to have dreamt up a successful concept before its time.

Now, with the addition of LOFTY to his portfolio, Hernandez is becoming one of the most talked-about developers, known for tapping coveted relationships with bold-faced names like Paulo Bacchi, CEO of Artefacto, for a first-ever branded PH collection.

He also partnered with internationally renowned multidisciplinary artist Carlos Betancourt to offer the first-ever NFT art collection designed for condo owners. 

“This significant investment in next-generation art aligns with our forward-thinking vision for the future of home ownership,” says Hernandez. “Whether our owners are already NFT collectors or new to the space, this first-of-its-kind offering will create memorable shared experiences for our residents while delivering added value to our buyer’s portfolios.”  

With a name synonymous with luxury real estate and decades of experience selling Miami, it is no surprise Cervera Real Estate is the exclusive sales and marketing agent for Nativvo and LOFTY. “It is truly an honor to partner with Harvey and help bring his vision to life,” says Alicia Cervera, managing partner. “We are excited to see the long-term impact of these game-changing towers.”

For more information about the property, please visit: https://www.loftybrickell.miami/

The St. Regis Residences, Miami 'Wow' With Curated Lifestyle Amenities

Private marinas, 24/7 concierges, unmatched waterfront views, and in-unit elevators – these are just some of the lifestyle offerings today’s evermore demanding buyers expect when shopping for a luxury condominium in South Florida. To stand out amongst increasingly over-the-top high-rises, developers of branded residential projects across booming Miami are going on the offensive, offering curated amenities that exceed even the loftiest expectations. 

“It’s all about surprising buyers – offering something they never knew they couldn’t live without,” says Jon Paul Perez, President of development powerhouse Related Group. “We’re always pushing the bar higher and working to outdo ourselves. Take golf simulators and VR amenities, for example. Not too long ago, these were an extra luxury reserved only for our most high-end projects. Now, these types of options are simply expected.”

Branded residential concepts, like Related’s and Integra Investment’s St. Regis Residences, Miami, are setting the pace for a new wave of condominiums vying for the spotlight in sunny South Florida. By partnering with beloved brands, Miami developers can curate their projects to match the passions of buyers and deliver entire turnkey lifestyles with exceptional, five-star service. Simply using a brand name isn’t quite enough, however. 

“We invested considerable time and resources into ensuring our amenities, signature butler services, and rituals live up to the rich history of the St. Regis name,” says Nelson Stabile, principal and co-founder of Integra and co-developer of The St. Regis Residences, Miami. “Many of our buyers are loyal to the St. Regis brand and want to immerse themselves in the iconic brand full-time. As such, every lifestyle feature and service offering in The Residences is hand-curated to exude that unique St. Regis spirit.”

Located in the heart of the Brickell neighborhood and situated on an exclusive waterfront site, while offering glimmering views of Biscayne Bay, The Residences come brimming with lifestyle touches, including over 60,000-square-feet of hand-selected amenities. Among the many standouts is the elevated waterfront pool deck, designed to evoke the prestigious roots of the St. Regis brand. The expansive terrace features a saltwater swimming pool and poolside cabanas overlooking turquoise waters, as well as a poolside café and bar, a whirlpool, and luscious gardens with ample seating for residents to admire the greenery – all complemented by breathtaking bay views and serene sounds of the water.

The property’s state-of-the-art fitness center includes the latest in cardio, strength training, yoga and meditation equipment curated by The Wright Fit. The on-site spa continues the dreamy experience, and showcases the resort-inspired lifestyle, with comprehensive facilities – including an indoor lap pool, cold plunge pool, salt spa room, dual saunas, and state-of-the-art treatment rooms. 

Additional highlights include a St. Regis signature tearoom, where residents can enjoy the brand’s historic afternoon tea service, a fine-dining restaurant helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Fabio Trabocchi, a private marina, programmable golf simulator, and a 31st-floor sky lounge with 360-degree views of the Magic City.

Owners will also enjoy a world-class portfolio of services, including a 24-hour St. Regis-trained butler dedicated to fulfilling owners’ personal requests. Whether arranging personal appointments, coordinating travel and transit, or hosting an event in one of the signature St. Regis spaces, like the tearoom or cognac room, the aim is to keep residents at ease. 

And while developers of The Residences place a heavy emphasis on amenities, the 342 residences were no afterthoughts. The units come in varied floor plans, including penthouses and sky villas, and range from one to seven bedrooms. The open-concept layouts come standard with custom European marble flooring, Wolf appliances, custom Italian cabinetry, Dornbracht fixtures, and full-height wine refrigerators. Units start at $1.5 million. 

For more information about the property, please visit: St. Regis Residences Miami | New Luxury Condos for Sale South Brickell (miamisrr.com)

This article was produced in partnership with Related Group

The St. Regis Residences, Miami are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Marriott”). 1809 Brickell Venture, LLC uses the St. Regis marks under a license from Marriott, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made about the project.

Swiss Real Estate Firm Empira Group Acquires Rare West Brickell Development Site In 'The Roads'

As institutional capital flows into Miami from around the world, a Switzerland-based real estate investment firm has acquired a rare development site west of Brickell. Empira Group plans to develop a mid-rise multifamily project in the neighborhood called ‘The Roads’ to help meet the area’s rising demand for housing fueled by an influx of business relocations to Miami’s urban core. Due to Empira´s conviction in the continued growth of Miami, the firm is looking to own the property as part of its portfolio for the long-term after its projected completion in 2025. The transaction closed yesterday, Aug. 29. This asset will expand Empira’s real estate portfolio with assets in Europe and in the US.

JLL Capital Markets brokered the transaction on behalf of the seller, an investment group from South America. The JLL Capital Markets Investment Advisory team representing the seller was led by Directors Max La Cava and Simon Banke, with support from Analyst Danielle Fernandez.

“Empira Group is very excited to close a unique acquisition in Miami,” said Rafael Aregger, Empira’s Head of Investments US. “The city is benefitting from a strong in-migration from other states and all over the world, and we have a very positive outlook on the future of Miami and its population’s growth. Centrally located, the upscale boutique project will cater to professionals and families who want to be close to Miami’s largest employment centers, including Brickell, downtown Miami, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. The building was designed to offer residents highly attractive living space and amenities that promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Designed by award-winning Revuelta Architecture International, CoralGrove Brickell is planned to include 85 units, consisting of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Some of its amenities include a fitness center that incorporates spaces for yoga and spinning, a rooftop resort-style pool overlooking the city, a gourmet kitchen and a game room. The ground floor will have about 900 square feet of retail space. The building’s architectural style is aligned with the Coral Way Beautification Master Plan since the project sits on the Coral Way corridor, connecting Coral Gables to the Brickell area. Empira plans to start construction of CoralGrove Brickell in the second half of 2023.

Empira’s new development site sits in The Roads, a residential neighborhood with one of the highest barriers to entry. The 0.53-acre site consists of two vacant aged apartment buildings at 3025 SW 3rd Ave. and 3051 SW 3rd Ave. Demolition of the structures will take place later this year.

CoralGrove Brickell, which is a five-minute walk from the Viscaya Metrorail Station, will promote walkable urban living. Future tenants will be able to trade their cars for the Metrorail to travel around the tri-county area. That is important for Empira, whose institutional investors are committed to the highest ESG standards for their developments in Europe and the US. CoralGrove Brickell will be LEED certified which promotes not only more sustainable buildings from an environmental perspective but also a healthier living environment for the building´s users.

“CoralGrove Brickell is one of the most exciting boutique residential projects in Miami,” said La Cava. “It is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the influx of high-paying tech and finance jobs moving from New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco. “Empira’s entrance to the Miami market is a big deal as they look to expand in South Florida and across the US.”

Since the onset of the pandemic, Miami has become the epicenter of the Great Migration and experienced a 16.8% year-over-year population growth. Miami-Dade County is projected to add approximately 175,000 new residents over the next three years.

South Florida’s booming economy and thriving job market have transformed the area into an economic powerhouse. Miami has attracted high-profile tech, private equity and finance firms from major high-paying employment hubs such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Blackstone, Citadel, Google, Spotify, Thoma Bravo, Marsh Insurance and Goldman Sachs, among many others, have opened or significantly expanded their offices in Miami in recent months.