The Estate Companies Acquires Site For Soleste NoMi Beach In North Miami Beach

The Estate Companies, a subsidiary of Estate Investments Group (EIG), has closed on the future site of Soleste NoMi Beach in North Miami Beach for $13.1 million. The project was approved in September 2020 and was designed by Form Group. The 1.78-acre site is located at 16395 Biscayne Blvd. and currently features an 8,249 square foot retail building which will be demolished. The seller was Biscayne Cove LLC, an entity managed by Enrique R. Puig, and the deal included $1 million in seller financing. When complete, Soleste NoMi Beach will rise 23-stories and will feature 367 apartment units, 2,708 square feet of commercial space and 655 parking spaces. Amenities will feature a pool deck, spa, fitness center, co-working space and a landscaped rooftop garden.

East End Capital Receives Approval For Kobi Karp-Designed Co-Living Project, FOYER Wynwood

East End Capital, led by Jonathan Yormak, received approval from Miami’s Planning & Zoning Department for FOYER Wynwood on December 1. FOYER Wynwood is a co-living, mixed-use project at 2400 North Miami Ave. which is now pending a construction permit and demolition permit for remaining structures on the site. FOYER Wynwood is designed by Kobi Karp Architecture & Design and when complete will feature 375,000 SF of total development splits between 236 apartment units, 12,528 square feet of retail, 7,497 square feet of restaurant space and 400 parking spaces.

FOYER Wynwood will feature affordable co-living and micro-unit options in the apartment portion, together with co-workspaces and other amenities. In conjunction with the development, East End has launched the new “FOYER” brand to operate and manage this project as well as all the other co-living apartment projects in its pipeline.

All FOYER projects will include high ratios of furnished micro-units and co-living bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, together with traditional studio, one- and two-bedroom units. Monthly rents for co-living bedrooms at FOYER Wynwood, which include the furnishings, electricity, common area cleaning, and WiFi, are expected to start around $1,500 per month.

FOYER Wynwood will also offer an abundance of shared amenity space, including a gym focused on functional training, a juice and coffee bar, an expansive pool deck, a chef’s kitchen and entertainment space, collaborative co-working and art studio areas, and state-of-the-art podcast and green-screen studios.

FOYER Wynwood will continue the renaissance occurring along North Miami Avenue, and is located near notable attractions such as Veza Sur Brewery, The Wynwood Arcade, Oasis, The Salty, and the planned Arlo Hotel. Construction is expected to commence in early 2021.

Urbanica Closes on Two New Lots In Edgewater For Hotel Development Project

Urbanica has recently acquired two new properties located in Edgewater as part of a land assembly that they started two years ago. The two purchased properties are next to each other and located at 237 NE 32 ST and 229 NE 32 ST, the closing price was $1.57M and $1.7M respectively. The transaction was overseen by Stefano Santoro of Current Real Estate. Urbanica now owns four lots for less than $10M in the same area, as they are planning to develop a full-service hotel featuring 12 stories and 200 rooms. The hotel will also include two floors dedicated to parking with 150 spaces, a Japanese Restaurant with 4,000 SF, 7,000 SF dedicated to event space with a banquette kitchen, and different amenities including a rooftop pool, gym, lobby and a game room on the ground floor.

The project is estimated to break ground in the second quarter of 2021, and the grand opening is planned to occur by the end of 2022. Urbanica started as a development company that grew its operations into real estate investment management, vertically integrating its company structure. Last summer, they also bought a site for $38M in Miami Beach. Urbanica currently owns multiple properties in Buenos Aires and the Miami area, including Urbanica The Meridian Hotel, Urbanica Euclid Hotel and Urbanica 5th, all of them located in Miami Beach.

By Eduardo Cohen

CocoWalk Launches Phased Reopening Just In Time For The Holiday Shopping Season

The highly anticipated phased reopening of CocoWalk in Coconut Grove has officially commenced with the 2020 Holiday shopping season in full swing. Federal Realty Investment Trust, the majority ownership group behind the development, with partners The Comras Company and Grass River Property are excited to announce the lifestyle center has slated new innovative dining experiences and boutiques ready to open for the Holiday season. New openings include: Planta Queen, Free People Movement, Edite Mode, Europann, Mr. 01 Extraordinary Pizza, Sportive, Edward Beiner Eyewear and The School of Rock.  

“Five years ago, we set out to re-energize CocoWalk by attracting a tenant mix better aligned with the community’s needs and interests while creating an authentic destination that would position CocoWalk at the forefront of Miami’s retail evolution,” said Stuart Biel, of Federal Realty Investment Trust. “We look forward to bringing the community together through exceptional experiences and refreshed concepts that are unique to CocoWalk and enjoyed by Miami locals and visitors alike.”

Michael Comras, CEO and President of The Comras Company and board member of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID) said: “By reintroducing CocoWalk with the types of brands and concepts that the neighborhood identifies with while giving visitors new reasons to rediscover Coconut Grove, we’ve created a destination that suits the daily desires of the area’s residents, office tenants, and locals and ensures CocoWalk reclaims its spot as the number one shopping, dining, and entertainment location in Miami.”  

CocoWalk is four-stories tall and 150,000 sq.ft. of prime retail, dining and entertainment space. The property’s east end also includes Class A office space. Retail lease is managed by Federal Realty Investment Trust and The Comras Company, office lease is managed by Blanca Commercial Real Estate. The phased reopening of CocoWalk is just in time for the Holiday shopping season rush and festivities.

AMS Hospitality Led By Allen Morris Company And Stormont Hospitality Group Partners With Black Salmon To Launch $300 Million Joint Venture

AMS Hospitality, a joint venture between The Allen Morris Company and the Atlanta-based Stormont Hospitality Group, has teamed up with the Miami-based Black Salmon Capital to launch a $300 million initiative to acquire hospitality assets across the United States within the next 18 months.

In December the JV closed on its first acquisition, The Pelham Hotel, a 65-key boutique hotel in the heart of New Orleans. The Pelham Hotel is designated a historic landmark and ideally set adjacent to the vaunted French Quarter, within the city’s Central Business District. The property will undergo a complete, multi-million dollar renovation of the ground-floor lobby, public areas, and guest rooms in order to modernize its design and enhance the guest experience. New Orleans-based HRI Properties has been selected to provide property management services for the hotel

“The capability of this partnership to acquire and transform a hospitality asset is compelling,” said W. Allen Morris, Chairman & CEO of The Allen Morris Company. “This initial acquisition of The Pelham is an ideal of example of how we envision leveraging all facets of our varied strengths.”

The partnership between AMS Hospitality and Black Salmon leverages the key strengths and expertise of both firms across the disciplines of acquisitions, asset management, and capital raising. The JV will seek hotel properties that have undergone a price reduction from pre-pandemic values.

AMS Hospitality was formed earlier this year, joining The Allen Morris Company, one of the largest, diversified real estate firms in the southeast and Stormont Hospitality, a highly acclaimed hotel developer and asset manager.

Black Salmon Capital has acquired nearly $500 million of prime office buildings and senior housing assets across the United States, including US Bank Center in Phoenix, Arizona. It is a strategic partner of TSG Group, a developer of multifamily and offices. Black Salmon Capital’s investment strategy focuses on acquiring stabilized assets, in addition to value-add opportunities, in high growth markets with an educated workforce, a robust technology industry, and strong market fundamentals.

“We are delighted to mark Black Salmon’s foray into the hospitality industry with this deal,” said Jorge Escobar, CEO of Black Salmon. “Through our partnership with AMS, we will further our reach into the hospitality sector and generate new opportunities for our investors.”

“We are truly pleased to have partnered with a group of such consummate professionals across these various disciplines,” concludes Jim Stormont, co-founder of Stormont Hospitality Group, and President of AMS Hospitality. “We look forward to expanding our relationships and our portfolio within this sector while creating landmark assets.”

PMG Reveals MKDA-Designed Society Wynwood After Acquiring Final Piece of Assemblage For $11.5 Million

Property Markets Group (PMG) and Greybrook Realty Partners have submitted their plans for Society Wynwood for approval by the Wynwood Design Review Committee after acquiring the final piece needed for their 1.93 acre assemblage. The JV between PMG and Greybrook acquired 2407 NW 2nd Ave. for $11.5 million from a JV between RedSky Capital and JZ Capital Partners. The PMG and Greybrook JV acquired 1.6-acres at 2421-2455 NW 2nd Ave. in August 2019 for $46 million from the Doris D. Friedopfer Trust. Society Wynwood is part of PMG’s social community initiatives and when complete will span 522,008 square feet.

Society Wynwood will include 326 residential units, 41,258 square feet of retail space, 211 parking spaces and a 3,980 square feet underground lounge. The unit breakdown includes 96 studios spanning 410 square feet, 30 one-bedroom units spanning 654 square feet, 72 two-bedroom units spanning 780 square feet, 114 three-bedroom units spanning 1,190 square feet, and 6 four-bedroom units spanning 1,370 square feet. The building is designed by MKDA and features an interior courtyard, rooftop bar and restaurant, rooftop pool and spa deck with an outdoor theater, yoga area and BBQ area. The project will also feature murals on the side painted by Alexandre Farto, paying homage to Wynwood’s street art culture. Additionally, PMG will contribute to the Wynwood Public Benefit Trust Fund in exchange for a parking reduction of 192 parking spaces. The transit oriented project already benefited from a 30% parking reduction due to proximity to public transportation.

Scott Sherman’s Tricera Capital has a deal to acquire the commercial spaces upon completion of the project. PMG plans to break ground on Society Wynwood project in early 2021.

Royal Palm Companies Acquires 1.53-Acre Future Site of Legacy Hotel & Residences In Miami Worldcenter For $33.9 Million

Miami Worldcenter Associates, the master developer behind Miami Worldcenter, the $4 billion, 27-acre mixed-use development under construction in the heart of Downtown Miami, has sold a 1.53-acre parcel to Royal Palm Companies (RPC). The transaction includes 66,656 square feet of developable land that was sold for $33.9 million. The property, which is situated at 942 Northeast First Avenue, will be home to the Legacy Hotel & Residences, a 50-story mixed-use tower with 274 branded residences atop a 256-room hotel. The Cushman & Wakefield team of Robert Given, Troy Ballard and James Quinn represented the seller, Miami Worldcenter Associates, in the transaction.

Legacy Hotel & Residences’ developer, Dan Kodsi of RPC, previously partnered with Miami Worldcenter Associates developers, led by Nitin Motwani and Art Falcone, on the newly completed Paramount Miami Worldcenter luxury condominium tower, which opened to residents in 2019 across the street.

“Legacy Hotel & Residences is one of our most anticipated developments. The project’s iconic architecture and state-of-the-art amenities featuring a world-class restaurant and medical facility are just some of the components that will make it a standout addition to our city-within-a-city at Miami Worldcenter,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates. “We’re committed to working with best-in-class developers to create a diverse and vibrant eco-system for the ultimate live, work, play Miami experience, and our recent collaboration with Dan Kodsi on Paramount is a testament to that vision.”

Legacy Hotel & Residences will feature first-of-its-kind amenities and offerings, including a sophisticated members-only international business lounge, a dramatic Singapore-inspired cantilevered pool, downtown’s largest hotel pool deck set on one acre, a highly-anticipated 100,000 square foot medical and wellness center, and stylish microLUXE residences – all topped with the project’s signature amenity: the city’s first enclosed rooftop atrium, taking up the top seven floors of the tower.

“We are looking forward to breaking ground in early 2021 on what we expect will be one of the iconic centerpieces of Miami Worldcenter,” said Dan Kodsi, CEO of RPC. “Legacy Hotel & Residences is setting the stage for the future of mixed-use developments and branded-residences that prioritize health and wellness without sacrificing luxury lifestyle experiences and resort-style amenities that discerning homeowners and travelers are accustomed to.”

The Miami Worldcenter master plan, delivering in phases, features an array of residential, commercial and hospitality uses. These include approximately 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space; the 60-story Paramount Miami Worldcenter condominium tower; Caoba, a 444-unit apartment tower that opened in 2019; a 348-room CitizenM hotel which is now under construction; and Bezel, a 434-unit rental tower by ZOM Living which is also underway. In addition, Hines is preparing to build a new tower that will comprise up to 500,000 square feet of Class A office space and MDM Group is planning a 1,700-room Marriott Marquis hotel and adjacent 600,000 square foot expo center.

Miami Worldcenter occupies 10 city blocks within walking distance of Museum Park, home to Perez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science; AmericanAirlines Arena; the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center; and Miami-Dade College’s Downtown Miami campus. It is also adjacent to Virgin Trains’ MiamiCentral station, which will soon offer direct train service to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando, together with access to TriRail, the Metromover and the Metrorail, making Miami Worldcenter the largest and most-connected transit-oriented development in Florida.

Over 6 Months Terra Signed Nearly 60,000 Sq.Ft. In New South Florida Retail Leases

Terra has been one of South Florida’s most active in real estate development through the pandemic. Within the last 6 months Terra has signed nearly 60,000 sq.ft. in new retail leases across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Newly signed tenants include Verizon Wireless, AT&T Wireless, Mister 01 Pizza, Panda Express, Pilates Zone and more. Terra is a residential and commercial development firm and investment company that enhances neighborhoods to connect people and better the community. Courtelis Company oversees the leasing and property management for Terra’s portfolio. 

“Because COVID-19 has made a tremendous impact on the economy and will continue to reshape the market as we know it, we are committed to listening to our neighbors, collaborating with partners, and creating developments that are naturally woven into the community,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra. “We anticipate a continued need for lifestyle-centered developments that will serve at the pulse of South Florida’s neighborhoods featuring restaurants and retailers, as well as essential services such as grocers and local businesses that cater to the everyday needs of surrounding residents.” 

 “In addition to signing new leases, we’re focused on helping consumers navigate our retail centers in a responsible and efficient manner,” said Rod Castan, president of leasing and management for Courtelis Company. “We’ve provided tenants with access to take-out/short-term parking spaces, ample outdoor seating, cueing areas and temporary signage to increase tenant visibility. Although it’s been a challenging year, the hands-on approach has remained the best way for us to conduct business and maintain relationships with our retailers.”

Terra’s newly signed leases at retail developments in South Florida include: 

• 16000 Pines Market: A 135,000 sq.ft. mixed-use retail development that is now underway and is located in the City of Pembroke Pines. Publix Super Markets is the anchor tenant and has signed a 23,168 sq.ft. lease. Additional leases are signed by Verizon Wireless and Everglades Family Dental.

• Doral Square: Located in the City of Doral is the 150,000 sq.ft. retail center. Ross Dress fo Less is the anchor tenant and has signed a 24,147 sq.ft. lease. An additional lease is signed by Panda Express.

• 2811 Coral Way: Located in Miami is the newly completed mixed-use retail/self-storage development. Businesses with finalized retail leases include Pilates Zone, La Roche Beauty Salon, AT&T Wireless, and dental orthodontics laboratory Arcadlab.

• Pines City Center: Located in the City of Pembroke Pines is the 150,000 square foot mixed-use lifestyle development that spans across 47-acres and is opening their second phase of retail. A 1,525 sq.ft. lease is signed with Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza that represents the modern pizza chain’s first Broward County location. The development’s first phase included a a Publix Supermarket.

Tricera Capital, LNDMRK and Related Group Break Ground On The Dorsey In Wynwood

The Related Group, Alex Karakhanian’s LNDMRK Development, and Scott Sherman’s Tricera Capital have broken ground on The Dorsey in Wynwood. The Dorsey is a mixed-use project which will rise 12-stories and will feature 306 apartment units; 35,000 SF of retail; 70,000 SF of office and 476 parking spaces. Units will range in size between 500 and 700 square feet with some micro-units in the 400 square foot range. The project was designed by Arquitectonica and will be located along one of the planned Woonerfs as part of Wynwood’s new ArquitectonicaGEO-designed streetscape, which open up space for pedestrians while also allowing car access.

“We are proud to partner with Related and Alex karakanian on this mixed use project in the most dynamic and growing neighborhood in Miami,” said Scott Sherman of Tricera Capital.

The Dorsey will be built at the site of the former Coca Cola plant and was previously owned by Thor Equities and Rockwood Capital who had proposed a Touzet Studio-designed project. The JV, which purchased the 2-acre site in late 2019 for $32 million, demolished existing buildings on the site, some of which were originally built in the late 1920’s including the former Coca Cola plant. The Dorsey will be located at 280 NW 28th Street.

Italian Luxury Brand Bulgari Reveals Bulgari Hotel Miami Beach At The Site Of The Seagull Hotel

Italian luxury brand Bulgari and Blue Horizon Group, led by Nabil Kobeissi, have revealed Bulgari Hotel Miami Beach. The hotel will be the brand’s first hotel in Miami and 11th location worldwide. The developer will renovate and restore the existing 7-story Seagull Hotel, located at 100 21st St., adjacent to The Setai Hotel & Residences and W South Beach. The hotel is expected to open in 2024.

“We are particularly proud to have secured such an extraordinary location for the new Bulgari Hotel in Miami,” said Bulgari Hotels & Resorts CEO Jean-Christophe Babin.

The Seagull Hotel was developed in 1950, designed by Albert Anis. The restoration will be overseen by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The existing building currently has 178 hotel rooms which will be transformed into 100 hotel rooms. The redevelopment will include a new pool, spa, fitness center and restaurant led by Chef Niko Romito.

Blue Horizon Group acquired the Seagull Hotel from Lionheart Capital and Actium Development Co. for $120 million in January 2020. The sellers had acquired the hotel, which sits on a 1.34 acre property, in an auction for $31.1 million in December 2017.