Popular Miami-Based Sushi Concept Omakai To Open In Coconut Grove

OMAKAI sushi will be expanding its fine casual, high-quality sushi concept beyond its original restaurant in Wynwood by opening in the heart of Coconut Grove in early 2022.

OMAKAI sushi launched in November 2019, and is the brainchild of two brothers, Diego and Pedro Quijada, along with Nicolas Sayavedra and Chef Aaron Pate. The team’s combined hospitality experience and passion for gastronomy led them to create this sushi concept, with omakase at the helm. The menu features various tasting options, along with its latest ‘HOME-AKASE’ offering, which is a tasting menu to go. Most recently, OMAKAI expanded operations with a ghost kitchen in Aventura to meet growing demand for take-out and delivery.

“We’re humbled by how receptive the community has been to OMAKAI sushi since the onset,” said Diego Quijada. “We’ve had unwavering support and loyal customers who keep returning to enjoy the highest-quality, most accessible traditional sushi in Miami. Our clients have truly paved the way for our business growth and these exciting expansion plans.”

Recognizing the bourgeoning restaurant scene in Coconut Grove, the OMAKAI sushi team plans to join the neighborhood in Q1 of 2022. Set to open at 3304 Mary Street in Coconut Grove, this new location is 2,182 square feet and will seat approximately 65 guests. Located at Terra Group’s headquarters building, the latest OMAKAI sushi restaurant was brokered by Sam Noddle of Comras Company.

“OMAKAI sushi is poised to be a key player in the growing restaurant landscape of Coconut Grove. We’re confident that this new audience will embrace our fine casual, premium traditional sushi concept as they have in Wynwood. With more locations and additional concepts in the works, this is truly just the beginning,” said Pedro Quijada.

Major Food Group Continues Miami Expansion Opens ZZ's Sushi Bar In Miami Design District

Coming off the heels of the opening of Carbone Miami in the South of Fifth neighborhood, critically acclaimed global restaurant company, Major Food Group, is continuing to grow their presence in Miami with the recent opening of ZZ’s Sushi Bar, in the heart of the Miami Design District. Having officially unveiled this past Thursday, April 22, ZZ’s Sushi Bar is a Japanese restaurant and membership club, presided over by Masa Ito and Kevin Kim, two of New York City's most revered and beloved sushi chefs. ZZ’s Sushi Bar offers cuisine of the highest caliber, personalized hospitality, and unmatched amenities. ZZ’s Sushi Bar remakes the former Ember space into a high-end Japanese restaurant with a private 16-seat omakase chef’s choice sushi bar with ingredients flown in from Tokyo. An adjacent dining room serves modern Japanese cuisine with an a la carte menu, from raw dishes to cooked plates of premium Japanese beef on custom-built charcoal grills. Additional restaurants are set to open in the Miami Design District and Brickell later this year.

Miami Design District has been a hotspot for new restaurant openings. COTE, the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated KOREAN STEAKHOUSE™ and vision of proprietor Simon Kim, officially unveiled in February 2021 and is considered one of New York’s most coveted reservations. Pastry sensation Antonio Bachour will debut Bachour Restaurant and Bakery in the neighborhood in Summer 2021. Tacombi, a hospitality company born on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan in 2005, will be opening a brand-new local taqueria, sharing its love of Mexican taco culture in the Miami Design District at the end of 2021. Santa Fe News & Espresso will unveil a cozy cafe in the neighborhood later this year, French market Biltoki is slated to open up shop in 2022, and a new two-story Italian trattoria from Major Food Group will also debut in the coming future.

New Urban Development Proposes View 29 With Affordable And Workforce Housing In Wynwood

New Urban Development, an affiliate of non-profit organization The Urban League of Greater Miami, has proposed View 29 in Wynwood. The residential project is located at 2901 NW 2nd Ave. and will offer a mix of affordable and workforce housing to help address the shortage of affordable housing in Miami. The 27,717 SF site was deeded by the county to New Urban Development in 2020 in exchange for the development of affordable and workforce housing.

View 29 is designed by MC+G Architecture and will rise 12-stories, offering 116 apartment units, 105 parking spaces and 6,910 SF of ground floor retail. The unit mix is expected to offer 30 studios, 18 one-bedroom units, 58 two-bedroom units and 10 three-bedroom units. Residences would range from 650 SF to 1,200 SF. Amenities will feature a pool, community room, childrens’ room, fitness center, yoga room, business center and a rooftop terrace with a solar panel canopy. The Wynwood Design Review Committee is scheduled to review the proposal on May 12.

The New York-Based Fisher Brothers Acquire Wynwood Development Site For $17.59 Million

The New York City-based real estate development and investment firm Fisher Brothers has acquired a Wynwood development site for $17.59 million. The property is a 1.5 acre assemblage including the former Miami Rescue Mission located at 2201-2159 NW 1st Ct. and 2200-2250 NW 1st Ave. There are four existing industrial buildings which span 43,440 SF. The seller was a partnership between RedSky Capital and JZ Capital Partners, who acquired the assemblage in 2016 for $22 million.

The RedSky Capital and JZ Capital partnership has been unloading their Wynwood portfolio including the sale of Wynwood Block for $24 million. RedSky Capital also recently sold Cube Wynwd to a development partnership between Tricera Capital and LNDMRK Development.

Fisher Brothers was founded in 1915 by Martin Fisher and was later joined by brothers Larry and Zachary Fisher. Today Fisher Brothers is led by Arnold, Kenneth, Steven and Winston Fisher. Fisher Brothers is a diversified, real estate firm active nationally and recently developed 111 Murray, a 60 story luxury condominium located in the heart of Tribeca; House39, a 372-unit luxury rental tower in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighborhood; and Station House, a 378-unit luxury rental apartment project in Washington.

Melo Group Locks Down $99 Million Refinancing For Miami Plaza Apartment Tower In Downtown Miami

Melo Group has locked down a $99 million refinancing for its recently delivered transit-oriented Downtown Miami apartment tower, Art Plaza. The 36-story, 425-unit Art Plaza, which is located at 1500 Northeast Miami Plaza, is now 95% leased after Melo Group delivered the building in July 2020. The loan is a 10-year, interest-only loan financed by Freddie Mac and arranged by Peter Mekras of Aztec Group. The refinancing will be used to pay off a $62.7 million construction loan from BB&T which was funded in 2019.

Apartments at Miami Plaza feature expansive balconies with bay and city views, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, energy-efficient tinted glass, European-style kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, granite countertops, double door refrigerators, stainless steel appliances, spacious living and dining rooms, imported ceramic tile and laminated wood flooring, and full-size washer and dryers. Residences at Miami Plaza apartments range from one- to three-bedrooms measuring between 700 to 1,400 square feet. Monthly rental rates initially started at approximately $1,680 for one-bedroom units; $2,100 for two-bedroom units; and $2,640 for three-bedroom units.

Building amenities include a large 70-foot swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness center, a café social lounge, 24-hour concierge/security, and a multi-level secured garage with valet service.

Miami Plaza marks the fourth multifamily development, and sixth tower, that Melo Group has delivered in the Arts & Entertainment District since 2016 and completes the final phase of the firm’s plan to bring more than 2,300 transit-oriented rental units to the growing neighborhood. The firm’s previously completed developments in the area, all of which are clustered around the Miami-Dade Metromover School Board Station within a few blocks of each other, include the 497-unit Melody Tower, which delivered in 2016; the two-tower 710-unit Square Station, which delivered in 2018; and most recently, the two-tower 667-unit Art Plaza, which delivered in 2019. Melo Group is also developing Downtown 5th at 55 NE 5th Ave, an apartment community with 1,042 rental units spread over two 51-story towers in nearby Downtown Miami.

Hedge Fund Mogul Steven Cohen's Point72 Asset Management Signs Lease At Nuveen's 701 Brickell

Point72 Asset Management, a hedge fund led by legendary hedge fund mogul and owner of the New York Mets, Steven Cohen, has signed a lease at Nuveen Real Estate’s 701 Brickell office tower. Point72 Asset Management, which has over $20 billion in assets under management, leased 9,000 SF in the 33-story, 648,708 SF building. The Cushman & Wakefield team led by Brian Gale, Andrew Trench and Ryan Holtzman represented Nuveen in the deal while Point72 was represented by Mitchell Millowitz and Neil Goldmacher of Newmark. The Stamford, Connecticut-based firm is also opening an office at 360 Rosemary in West Palm Beach.

701 Brickell spans offers views of Biscayne Bay and features modern, sophisticated amenities and services including 24-hour state-of-the-art security measures, on-site management, private fitness center, conference facility, full service beauty salon, and a covered parking garage. The building is LEED Gold Certified, Energy Star Rated and a USGBC LEED Gala Verde Award Winner.

Point72 Asset Management was founded in 2014 after SAC Capital converted its investment operations into a family office in 2014. In 2018, the firm reopened to outside investors following a two-year ban against managing outside capital. Point72 Asset Management currently has over 1,650 employees and 12 global offices including in New York City and San Francisco.

The announcement comes on the heels of private equity and venture capital heavyweights Thoma Brown, Founders Fund and Atomic all signing leases to move to Miami. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has aggressively used Twitter to launch a viral effort to attract financial and technology firms from New York City and Silicon Valley. Goldman Sachs has reportedly been mulling moving a portion of their company to South Florida along with the New York Stock Exchange. Colony Capital, Elliott Management Corp., Blackstone, Virtu Financial, Boston Private, Florida Funders, Novo, Palm Drive Capital, Wealthspire Advisors and Citadel have all moved to South Florida, have opened or are in the process of opening and office.

The Kobi Karp-Reimagined Time Century Jewelry Center In Downtown Miami Signs Long Term Lease With High Profile Diamond Dealer

Time Century Jewelry Center, which set to become the premier destination for luxury jewelry retailers, wholesalers, consumers and watch enthusiasts in Downtown Miami’s Diamond District, has signed a lease with Freddy’s Certified Diamonds & Fine Jewelry. Freddy’s, considered a pillar of the jewelry & diamond district in downtown Miami, will occupy 2,500 SF in the new luxury jewelry center which scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2022. 

Time Century, formerly known as Metro Mall, is undergoing a $50 million renovation led by renowned architect Kobi Karp. With glass storefronts, soaring ceilings, elegant escalators and elevators, and state-of-the-art security, Time Century will be the first luxury high street retail property in Miami’s jewelry & diamond district. Once completed, the jewelry center will offer four floors of luxury jewelry retail and wholesale space as well as four additional floors of offices.

The wholesale retail space currently available ranges from 500 SF to 2,000 SF with rental rates ranging from $65 to $150 PSF. The redevelopment is led by Yair Levy, who leads Time Century Holdings LLC, a real estate investment and development firm with a diversified portfolio of holdings in New York and Florida.

“We are ecstatic to welcome Freddy’s to the growing Time Century family,” said Isis Pellegrino, who handles in-house leasing for Time Century. “The quality of tenants that Time Century continues to attract will make our jewelry center Miami’s premier destination for luxury jewelry retailers, wholesalers, consumers and watch enthusiasts. Our building truly marks a new beginning for one of the largest jewelry districts in the country that continues to grow in importance.” 

Since 1975, Freddy’s Certified Diamonds & Fine Jewelry has served as the leading jewelry destination for South Floridians with an in-store and online multimillion-dollar diamond inventory. Freddy’s offers a full range of services including custom designs, special orders and even a complete in-store repair center, with a specialization in a vast selection of GIA Certified Diamonds, engagement rings and wedding bands. Freddy’s will be relocating from another location in downtown Miami. 

“We are excited to expand our store in this rapidly growing city and look forward to being part of Miami’s new premier jewelry center,” said Howard Steinlauf, co-owner of Freddy’s.

Located along NE First Street and E. Flagler Street, Miami’s vibrant jewelry district is home to more than 400 jewelry stores in a four-block radius. The district generates close to $1 billion in sales annually.

For more information about commercial leasing in Downtown Miami, private showings or availability/ pricing information please fill out the form below:

Private Equity Powerhouse Thoma Bravo Signs Long Term Office Lease At OKO Group's 830 Brickell

The San Francisco-based Thoma Bravo has announced a milestone in its expansion to Florida as Miami continues to attract some of the largest tech, financial and investment firms to its growing epicenter. Thoma Bravo, which is one of the country’s largest private equity firms focused on the software sector, has signed a lease for 36,500 SF of space in 830 Brickell. Cushman & Wakefield represented the development partnership between OKO Group and Cain International while CBRE represented Thoma Bravo.

“I am so excited to welcome Thoma Bravo to our great city and I want to congratulate the team on finding a home in one of the most cutting-edge buildings in the Brickell neighborhood,” said City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. “I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Orlando and I know that he and his firm share our vision for a Miami that sits amongst the most innovative and adaptive cities in the world.”

Thoma Bravo Founder Orlando Bravo relocated to Miami late last year, and Partner Chip Virnig and other existing members of the Thoma Bravo team have already moved to the Miami region to begin extending the firm’s business and brand. Thoma Bravo is excited to grow its Miami presence through the recruitment of new and diverse talent in the region and to tap into the region's rich and growing community of tech entrepreneurs.

“Miami’s rich diversity and fast-growing technology and business hubs make it the ideal location for Thoma Bravo as we expand our business,” said Orlando Bravo, Founder and a Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo. “I want to thank Mayor Suarez for his support and encouragement in our decision to establish a new presence in Miami. We look forward to driving growth and innovation in the region as well as doing our part to contribute to the vibrant local community.”

Currently under construction, 830 Brickell is an AS+GG-designed 55-story trophy Class A-plus office building located in the prestigious Brickell Financial District. The project is a joint venture development between Vlad Doronin’s OKO Group and Cain International and is expected to be delivered in 2022.

830 Brickell will feature spectacular only-in-Miami panoramic ocean and city views, floor-to-ceiling windows, column-free spans, state-of-the-art digital infrastructure with Wired certification and a LEED Silver certification due to its progressive environmentally efficient design. The tower offers tech-forward, first-class amenities including an upscale rooftop restaurant and bar, a sky lobby with a nearly 2,500 SF health and wellness center and first-class conference facility, a 14th floor outdoor terrace designed by Enea Landscape Architecture, valet parking, electric vehicle charging stations, cafés and white-glove customer service including a 24-hour concierge.

“830 Brickell is the perfect home for Thoma Bravo Miami given its location in the city’s thriving business center and proximity to some of Miami’s best outdoor spaces,” said Chip Virnig, a Partner at Thoma Bravo. “We look forward to joining Miami’s growing finance and technology communities and providing a culturally enriching environment for our employees in this exciting new chapter for our firm.”

Thoma Bravo will occupy roughly 36,500 square feet on the two top floors and establish a state-of-the-art, flexible workspace to accommodate the firm’s growing employee base. Thoma Bravo expects to open its office at 830 Brickell in the fourth quarter of 2022, following the completion of construction. Thoma Bravo’s Miami-based employees have already begun working from a temporary office space.

Images via OKO Group/Cain International

For more information about commercial leasing in Brickell, private showings or availability/ pricing information please fill out the form below:

Neology Life Development Group Delivers The First Lifestyle Driven Multifamily Tower In Miami's Allapattah Neighborhood

Neology Life Development Group, led by Miami’s leading Hispanic female developer Lissette Calderon, has delivered No.17 Residences Allapattah. Located in Allapattah, bordering the western edge of Miami’s Health District and the Miami River, the residential development at 1569 NW 17th Ave is a 192-unit attainable luxury rental apartment building in Miami’s richly historic and newly rediscovered Fruit Packing District. 50% of the units were preleased at the time of delivery and residents have begun move-ins.

No.17 Residences Allapattah is developer Lissette Calderon’s first ground-up residential project delivered in the area. The project was designed by Behar Font Architects and construction was led by Jaxi Builders.

“Much like we did 20 years ago when we pioneered the renaissance of the Miami River, we are excited to be at the forefront of reimagining this neighborhood and bring Allapattah back to life,” said Lissette Calderon, president and CEO of Neology Life Development Group. “As Miami’s last original, authentic neighborhood yet to be revitalized, Allapattah made sense for us to write its next chapter and we’re excited to make the vision a reality beginning with the opening of No. 17 Residences.”

Apartment units at No. 17 Residences Allapattah feature energy efficient, stainless-steel appliances, designer cabinetry, quartz countertops, in-home washers and dryers, expansive City and River views and balconies in select units. As additional amenities, residents will also have access to smart package lockers including valet dry cleaning, coffee bar, complimentary wi-fi, covered parking garage, bike storage and digital access control throughout the premises. In addition, No. 17 Residences Allapattah will include seven unique ground-floor, work and live walk-up units with 12 to 18-foot ceiling heights.

Units at No. 17 Residences range from studios, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms ranging from 500 SF to 1,300 SF in size and will feature spectacular sweeping views of the Miami River and the city skyline. Rental rates start at $1,300 per month.

As a special nod to the area’s cultural appeal, Neology Life commissioned two prominent local artists to deliver street and mural art designs throughout the interior and exterior of the building including the Bollee Patino’s signature exterior marquis mural fittingly named “Rise Above.” Welcoming residents in the lobby is his 15-foot mural, “Be Yoursel Ballarina,” internationally acclaimed contemporary mix-media artist, Bollee’s first piece in Miami. The project also features signature murals by established Miami artist, Carlos Navarro, throughout the building including his piece “Strength.”

Amenities include a ground floor The Urban Park, which features an expansive green area with a children’s playground, a dog park and landscaping as well as a rooftop sky lounge with city and riverfront views. Other amenities include a movie screen on the 14th level and a swimming pool, outdoor living room with a summer kitchen, cabanas and sun deck on the fifth floor, a ground level features a fitness and wellness center including virtual classes, as well as a private zoom room and lobby living room with resident lounges for coworking and socializing.

The delivery of No. 17 Residences ushers in a new era for Allapattah, which is experiencing significant investments in real estate, arts and culture. New York-based Pace Gallery announced it chose Allapattah as the location of Superblue Miami, the immersive installation that will encompass an abandoned, 50,000SF warehouse opening this spring. The installation will be located near the Rubell Museum, home to 7,200 art pieces and the fine-dining restaurant Leku, which relocated from Wynwood after 26 years there. The neighborhood has also attracted new dining concepts such as New York staple Hometown BBQ, which chose Allapattah to make its Florida debut, and the recently opened Tayrona Restaurant + Patio from the owners of Wood Tavern in Wynwood.

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 2 Featuring Kobi Karp of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design

Season 1 Episode 2 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Kobi Karp, Founder & Principal of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, which he founded in 1996. Based in Wynwood, Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design is a full-service architectural and interior design firm providing a vast array of services on projects, ranging from the design of large-scale, high-rise condominium and hospitality projects to intimate, low-rise residential and commercial structures. Kobi's restoration design techniques have contributed to a renaissance in one of this country’s most cherished areas, Miami Beach’s Art Deco District which is internationally recognized around the world. Kobi is behind many of the most iconic designs driving around Miami including the The Surf Club Four Seasons, Palazzo Del Sol Fisher Island, Cadillac Courtyard Miami Beach and Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale. He is currently designing the transformation of the historic Raleigh Hotel is South Beach.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmimai and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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