The Allen Morris Company Proposes Ponce Park Residences in Coral Gables

The Allen Morris Company, headquartered in Coral Gables for nearly 20 years, has announced plans for Ponce Park Residences. The project will consist of 171-luxury residences with retail and restaurant space on the ground level. Most significantly, the project will create a ¾ acre open-air space with an urban park dedicated to the City of Coral Gables.

Ponce Park Residences would be located at 3000 Ponce de Leon Blvd., in Coral Gables, FL, and has received significant input from the City, including three City of Coral Gables Board of Architects meetings to enhance the design of the public park and open space. Groundbreaking is anticipated for Q4 of 2021 with an expected completion date of Q3 2023.

The internationally acclaimed Oppenheim Architecture firm is the lead architect overseeing the design of the rotunda, Mediterranean-styled Ponce Park Residences, while Naturalficial, Inc. will be designing the development’s 31,470 sq. ft. open-air greenspace.

“As longstanding residents of Coral Gables for 4 generations over the past 73 years and with The Allen Morris Company headquartered at the award-winning Alhambra Towers office building in Coral Gables for nearly 20 years, we are very proud to propose a plan for Ponce Park Residences, which would create a beautiful place to live and an urban park area dedicated to the City” said W. Allen Morris, Chairman and CEO at Allen Morris Company. “It truly achieves our goal of honoring the rich Mediterranean history and style that has a storied presence in the city, while further redefining luxury for modern-day living in the Gables.”

The design of the building is inspired by George Merrick’s Coral Gables City Hall and its coral rock rotunda and arcade. Like City Hall, Ponce Park Residences’ podium façade will be covered with natural stone, above which the building tapers back significantly to the project’s slender 80-foot-wide upper floors. No expense was spared in the design and quality of materials for the project.

One-, two-, and three-bedroom residences would range in size from 750 sq. ft. to over 1,780 square feet. Residences would boast 10’ – 12’ ft. high-ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows. The entire ground floor area will encompass a retail-lined pedestrian paseo joining the park to the northern side of the project, expansive double ceiling height arcade modeled after the historic Hotel Colonnade on Miracle Mile, dozens of specimen shade trees, multiple water features and various seating areas for the public to enjoy.

The beautifully landscaped ¾ acre urban open-air space will feature a public park the Allen Morris Company is dedicating to the City of Coral Gables for the benefit of the Coral Gables community. In total, the project will provide a public benefits package above and beyond what is typically required by providing:

• A contribution of $2.4 million to pay for the creation of the park and integration of the right-of-way surrounding the park

• Maintenance of the park into the future at no cost to the City

• A donation of an additional $1 million towards the beautification of the Fred B. Harnett (Ponce Circle) Park

• The contribution of over $330,000 to the City’s parking fund

First New Miami Building Breaks Ground in 2021

On Thursday, February 11th, Natiivo Miami - the first building purposefully designed, built and licensed for homesharing - officially broke ground in Downtown Miami. This event marked the first residential/hospitality groundbreaking post-pandemic and the first of 2021.  The building, in the heart of Downtown Miami, is slated to top off in August 2022 and completion is projected for Q3 of 2023.

Hospitality entrepreneurs Keith Menin and Marisa Galbut, developers of Natiivo Miami, spoke alongside Mayor Suarez to brokers, friends and family to mark this revolutionary development’s milestone of forging ahead with construction. Remarks were also made by Russell Galbut, Managing Principal of GFO Investments; and leaders from Natiivo’s exclusive sales team, Cervera Real Estate, including Alicia Cervera, Managing Partner;  Ali Paysse Cervera, Sales Director; and Jesse Ottley, President of Development.

Guests enjoyed live music by Brothers of Others, and coffee, pastries and light bites by Natiivo Miami’s culinary partners, Bodega and Dolce Italian. 

After coming to market in the summer of 2019, Natiivo™ Miami’s exclusive sales team, Cervera Real Estate, has successfully sold over 60 percent of the Natiivo™ Miami residences. The team has leveraged its knowledge of the Miami market and international experience, selling over 220 units in 2020, despite facing unprecedented circumstances.

Natiivo™ Miami is a vertically-integrated community that incorporates 448 condominium residences, 140 condominium hotel residences, a 100 unit hotel, a private social club called Natiivo™ Social, with 70,000 plus square feet of amenities, with a culinary experience curated by LDV Hospitality, and Creative HQ that includes 127 for-sale office condos, all under one roof. The development recently announced the addition of three coveted Miami brands, Dolce Mercato, also from LDV Hospitality, offering authentic Italian cuisine with the feel of a sophisticated food hall and the charm and service of a sit-down restaurant; Bodega Taqueria, South Florida’s iconic spot known for its authentic Mexican street food; and Gale Miami Hotel and Residences, the third Gale Hotel property in South Florida.

“With the migration to South Florida and the recent announcements of high-profile tech and finance companies relocating to and expressing interest in Miami, the continued growth of Downtown is imminent,” said Keith Menin. “We are confident that Natiivo™ Miami will play an integral role in this growth and are excited to forge ahead in construction. We’re optimistic for 2021 and hope to set the tone for the Downtown Miami market with the first groundbreaking of the year.”

Michelin-Starred Korean Barbecue Restaurant COTE Opens In Miami Design District

COTE, the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated Korean Steakhouse™ by Simon Kim, has opened at 3900 NE 2nd Ave in Miami Design District. The opening is COTE’s first location outside of New York City since opening in 2017. COTE in Miami Design District spans a 5,892 square foot location offering 100+ seats in the dining room.

The interior was designed based on the New York City location by MNDPC and includes a lavish oval-shaped bar, red light dry-aging room, blue chip modern art and two private dining rooms. COTE offers an interactive dining experience with table-side smokeless grills with an exhaust system which ventilates air at 6.6X more frequently than standard restaurants. COTE has also installed a state-of-the-art Paragon Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS), which continuously replaces indoor air with fresh air from the outdoors.

COTE’s menu includes 45-day, dry-aged beef which is prepared at the table on the smokeless grills. The menu also includes the highest grade of prime cuts and American wagyu that is dry-aged in the restaurant’s on-site red light dry-aging room. Meats are seasoned with COTE’s Signature Gastronome’s Salt, a proprietary salt blend composed of British Maldon salt, Himalayan pink salt, and Korean thousand-day sea salt. COTE also offers two tasting menus, The Butcher’s Feast® and a 10-course Steak Omakase™. COTE also offers an award winning beverage program curated by James Beard Award-nominated beverage director Victoria James and master sommelier Mia van de Water.

COTE is part of the influx of New York-based restaurants to recently open in Miami including Carbone and Osteria Morini.

Avison Young Oversees 28,503 SF Of Leases at TA Realty's Ponce Circle Tower In Coral Gables

Avison Young has negotiated two lease transactions totaling 28,503 square feet at Ponce Circle Tower, a class A office building at 2800 Ponce de Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables, Florida. Wicker, Smith, O’Hara, McCoy & Ford, P.A., signed a 27,238-square-foot long-term renewal, and Corona Family Limited Partnership signed a new 1,265-square-foot long-term lease.

On behalf of the landlord, TA Realty, Avison Young Principal Donna Abood, who is also Managing Director of the firm’s Miami office, Vice President Joe Abood, and Associate Peyton Dowd facilitated the transactions.

“Wicker Smith is the anchor tenant of Ponce Circle Tower, and securing another long-term lease commitment from the firm was of great importance to ownership,” said Ms. Abood. “Both the Wicker Smith renewal and the new lease with Corona Family Limited Partnership represent a tremendous team effort on the part of our project management, property management, and leasing teams as well as ownership.”

According to Avison Young research, office leasing activity in Miami remains steady with renewals making up the majority of notable lease signings. In the Coral Gables submarket, class A rental rates have grown to $47.49 which underscores the area’s continued health.

Avison Young has been the exclusive leasing agency for Ponce Circle Tower since 2019. The property consists of a 15-story tower supporting 146,202 square feet plus a six-story parking structure featuring a contemporary design with expansive glass and pre-cast curtail wall providing expansive views of Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grown, Downtown Miami, and Coral Gables.

New Urban Communities Sells Azul Apartments In Stuart For $15.5 Million

The Delray Beach-based New Urban Communities, led by Kevin Rickard and Tim Hernandez, has sold Azul Apartments in Stuart for $15.5 million to the San Diego-based public REIT DiversyFund Growth REIT. The price breaks down to roughly $316,000 per unit. The transaction was overseen by Stephen Nostrand and Alexis Shapiro with ONE Commercial Real Estate. Azul Apartments was developed in 2019 and features 49 units spread over 32,577 square feet of total developed. Units come in one, two and three-bedroom floor plans and amenities include a pool, spa, fitness center, media center, club room, walking trails and on-site management. Located at 201 SW Joan Jefferson Way, Azul Apartments rises three-stories on 1.6 acres of land which was leased by the city to the developer was designed by Martin Architectural Group.

The Estate Companies, Merrimac Ventures And Tricera Capital Secure $56 Million Construction Loan For Soleste Cityline Apartments

The Estate Companies, Merrimac Ventures and Tricera Capital have secured a $56 million construction loan for Soleste Cityline, a multifamily development planned in Dania Beach. The loan was provided by Synovus Bank and the development partnership plans to break ground by the end of Q1 2021. The 2.2-acre site was acquired in September 2020 for $8 million. The Estate Companies is a subsidiary of Estate Investments Group (EIG), Merrimac Ventures is led by Dev Motwani and Tricera Capital is led by Scott Sherman.

Soleste Cityline was designed by Caymares Martin. The development will be located at 4 N Federal Highway and will rise 8 stories featuring 340 apartments with 12,800 square feet of retail. Units will range from roughly 600 square foot studios to 1,200 square foot three-bedroom floor plans. Amenities will include a pool deck with grilling stations, fitness center, community room and private event space. Upon expected completion in 2023 the retail portion will be owned by Merrimac Ventures and Tricera Capital, both firms have been very active developing and acquiring retail properties in South Florida.

Coworking Provider Industrious Coming To The Dorsey In Wynwood

Coworking provider Industrious has signed a lease for 41,000 square feet at The Dorsey in Wynwood which will be their third location in the Miami area and eighth in Florida. Industrious expects the Wynwood location to open in 2022. The Dorsey is currently under construction after breaking ground in December 2020 and is being developed by the Related Group, Alex Karakhanian’s LNDMRK Development, and Scott Sherman’s Tricera Capital. The JV development partnership secured $87.45 million in construction financing from Bank OZK in January 2021.

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.

The Dorsey is being 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 is located at 280 NW 28th Street.

Related Group Planning Baccarat Hotel & Residences At 444 Brickell

Related Group is reportedly planning to develop Baccarat Hotel & Residences at 444 Brickell. The project would feature three Baccarat-branded, Arquitectonica-designed residential towers on the Miami River where Related Group had previously planned a project known as One Brickell. Related Group acquired the 4-acre property in 2013 for $104 million which currently has an office building and Capital Grille.

Related Group has approvals for three towers would rise 57-stories, 77-stores and 82-stories. The mixed-use residential towers would offer 1,400 residential units, 249 hotel rooms, 41,272 square feet of office space, 24,263 square feet of retail space and over 1900 parking spaces. Amenities will include a resort style pool, spa, fitness center, business center and lush landscaping by Enzo Enea. Related Group will also build a riverwalk as part of their commitment to the City of Miami.

Baccarat is a French manufacturer of fine crystal glassware which is majority-owned by Groupe du Louvre, a subsidiary of the United States company Starwood Capital Group, led by Barry Sternlicht. Baccarat currently has their Baccarat Boutique B Bar and Lounge in Miami Design District and The Baccarat Hotel & Residences in New York.

Osteria Morini Miami Beach Opens In Finvarb Group's Recently Opened Kimpton Palomar South Beach

Award-winning New York-based Altamarea Group, the global hospitality company behind Michelin star-rated Marea and Ai Fiori, as well as Osteria Morini and Nicoletta brands, has officially opened Osteria Morini Miami Beach. The restaurant is located within the Kimpton Palomar South Beach, with a separate, waterside entrance along the Collins Canal on Alton Road. Conveniently nestled between the Sunset Harbour and West Avenue neighborhoods, Morini aims to appeal to locals in the Miami Beach community. Morini Miami Beach joins locations in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.

“After a long search, we found the right balance of neighborhood, community and Miami vibe in this location, and we’re thrilled to finally open the doors of Osteria Morini Miami Beach,” said Ahmass Fakahany, Altamarea Group founder and CEO. “Morini is your year-round neighborhood restaurant, and we were very selective about choosing a location that appeals to residents while still catering to visitors and hotel guests. Our clientele spans the globe, and recently, many have moved south or visit often. They know they can count on Morini, and we look forward to introducing our quality and vibrant style of dining to those we haven't met yet.”

Altamarea Group partnered with Finvarb Group, the owner and developer of the Kimpton Palomar South Beach, to bring Osteria Morini Miami Beach to fruition.

“We're confident that through Kimpton's collaboration with Altamarea Group, along with our collective expertise in the South Florida market, we'll be able to create an amazing experience for hotel guests and Miami locals alike,” said Ronny Finvarb, principal of Finvarb Group.

Led by Corporate Executive Chef Bill Dorrler, who has launched all Morini restaurants, and Altamarea veteran Chef de Cuisine Julio Cesar Ramos, the menu highlights the soulful cuisine and convivial spirit of Northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region with authentic, high-quality dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

"We’re bringing many of Morini’s trusted favorites to Miami, and we’re excited to adapt part of our menu to align with the local vibe and Miami lifestyle with some new, lighter options as well," said Altamarea Group Corporate Executive Chef Bill Dorrler. "This is my fifth Morini opening, and Chef Ramos and I are particularly looking forward to incorporating Miami flavors and products – think locally caught seafood and the freshest Florida produce – creating the perfect balance of cuisine and cocktails."

Designed by New York City-based nusla design, the 3,700 square-foot space has an intrinsically ‘Miami-meets-New York’ feel that combines the rustic design of an Italian farmhouse with clean lines and floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the yacht-shaped building. The buildout features modern elements with red brick and wood to clad the walls and ceiling, and Morini’s trademark floating Italian Murano glass-domed lights that dot the dining room, creating a soft amber glow. The dining room has seating for 100, bar seating for 15 and al fresco dining on the canal-front patio space for 45. Private dining with seating for up to 20 is also available.

Suntex Marina Investors Acquires Prime Marina Miami In Coconut Grove

The Dallas-based Suntex Marina Investors LLC has acquired Prime Marina Miami in Coconut Grove. Terms of the deal were not disclosed but it does include the transfer of a 70-year lease on 111 boat slips which was recently signed by Prime Marina Group. Suntex will change the property’s name back to its original name, Bayshore Landing.

Bayshore Landing features 111 boat slips which can accommodate boats up to 130’ as well as 15,000 square feet of restaurant space and 30,000 square feet of retail space. Current tenants include Monty’s Raw Bar, Sushi Maki and Starbucks. The property is 100% occupied. Bayshore Landing offers pump out and fuel services, 24/7 access, security patrol, lighted parking and a valet service.

"Suntex is actively growing and seeking acquisitions that align with our core objectives to be the premier marina operator in the U.S.," said David Filler, head of Suntex Investments, Florida. "Biscayne Bay and the surrounding neighborhoods like Coconut Grove represent one of the greatest boating communities in the world; we are pleased to add this property to our portfolio."

Suntex’s portfolio includes marinas across Florida including Bahia Mar Marina in Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach Marina. Suntex also owns marinas in California, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Virginia.