LUXCOM Reveals 235-Unit Multifamily Development In Sunrise

Florida-based builder LUXCOM, led by CEO and Chairman Oscar Barbara, has revealed plans for a 235-unit multifamily rental community in Sunrise. Ideally located on the south and east sides of Sunrise's main crossroads of Oakland Park Boulevard and University Drive, the project will transform multiple abandoned and underutilized commercial parcels into a brand-new Class A multifamily garden-style development.

The project secured a $41 million construction loan last week and simultaneously broke ground the following day. Funding was provided by Centennial Bank. Centennial Bank has a longstanding relationship with LUXCOM and provided funding for its long list of multifamily, single-family, mixed-use, and townhome projects.

Situated on 10 acres, the market-rate rental project will encompass six three- and four-story buildings offering one, two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 725 square feet to 1,371 square feet overlooking the fairways of the Seven Bridges golf course.

“With this development, we aim to reinvent the rental apartment experience by creating units with amenities found in luxury houses such as generous floorplans, dens, high ceilings, plenty of natural light, oversized windows, European-style kitchens with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, and more," said Barbara. “We’re grateful that Centennial Bank recognized the need in the marketplace for this type of project that will add an elevated living experience to the area.”

The project’s design was inspired by the design of Rosemary Beach in Florida’s panhandle and will boast West Indies British Colonial design within its garden-like setting. Tenants will enjoy access to nearby conveniences such as a new Aldi Supermarket, Walgreens Pharmacy, SunTrust Bank, restaurants, and multiple entertainment venues.

LUXCOM designed the project with today's younger families and professionals in mind offering a clubhouse, resort-style pool and cabanas, theater room, state-of-the-art gym with yoga studio, private rooms for events and entertaining, children’s playroom, community dog parks, WiFi hotspots, car charging stations, garages, a citrus garden, and more.

Design 41 In Miami Design District Now Fully Leased After Swiss Watch Company Breitling Opens New Boutique

Design 41 in Miami Design District is now fully leased after Breitling signed a lease and opened a 1,832-square-foot boutique on the district’s prime Northeast 41st Street corridor. The 112 NE 41st St. store will showcase the latest watches modeled by Breitling’s “Spotlight Squad,” which includes Charlize Theron and Misty Copeland. Other tenants that have opened in Design 41 include bespoke perfumery Bond No. 9 New York, Rosenfeld Gallery – which only has one other location in New York City, and the first U.S. flagship store for Argentine leather goods brand Gaucho.

The lease was overseen by DWNTWN Realty Advisors Co-Founder and Managing Partner Tony Arellano and Executive Joe Fernandez, who represented the landlord to lease the entire 40,000-square-foot building. Design 41 was developed by Design District Development Partners.

“It is fitting that Breitling moves into the final available space on this important block and joins some of the world’s most luxurious retailers, such as Louis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna, Tiffany & Co. and Burberry, in the Design District,” Arellano said. “We are proud of our role in leasing up Design 41 and helping the entire neighborhood reach its full potential.”

“We drew upon our unique knowledge of the neighborhood and strong relationships to accomplish a successful lease-up of Design 41,” Fernandez said. “Breitling’s new store there will undoubtedly rival its top-performing boutiques in major U.S. markets.”

Arellano and DWNTWN Co-Founder Marinoff have also played a pivotal role in Miami Design District’s evolution. Over the last seven years, the brokers have completed 22 transactions totaling more than $205 million in the neighborhood’s four-block pedestrian core. These sales represent most of the district transactions not involving Dacra’s assemblage, filling the gaps around the district’s core and making DWNTWN the neighborhood’s market leaders.

Miami-Based Private Equity Firm Iconic Equities Launches With Industrial Development Site Acquisition

Iconic Equities, in partnership with Trinity Capital Advisors, has announced the closing of 239 Jedburg Road in Charleston, roughly 115 acres of land located in the Summerville submarket. The firms plan to develop approximately 780,000 square feet of Class A logistics warehouses. Iconic and Trinity will commence development of the 621,000 square foot cross-dock building and the 158,000 square foot rear-load building this summer. Completion is anticipated to be in the Spring of 2023, with JLL’s Lee Allen and Kevin Coats slated to handle the leasing.

Tim Bishop, previously Director of Acquisitions at Thor Equities founded Iconic Equities about a year ago to focus on acquiring and developing logistics warehouses, Industrial Service Facilities (ISF), multifamily, and mixed-use commercial properties throughout the United States that are poised to benefit from e-commerce growth and population migratory patterns in a post-Pandemic world.

Iconic is in the process of rolling out an infill Industrial Service Facility (ISF) program with an institutional capital partner, focused on markets such as: New York City, New Jersey, Los Angeles, South Florida, Houston, Columbus, Phoenix, Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, and Dallas. These assets will include truck terminals, trailer storage, container storage, fleet maintenance yards and equipment maintenance yards. The firm is targeting to raise $100 million of equity towards the strategy.

Brian Rosen, who most recently served as the Chief Investment Officer for Accesso Partners in Miami. During his tenure, Accesso acquired over 11 million square feet of real estate. Rosen leads the firm’s multifamily and office platform. Robert Fitzgerald, who previously focused on capital markets at a South Florida-based hedge fund and has been with Bishop since the firm’s inception, focuses on acquisitions and capital markets.

Ty Wiest, who previously worked at Prologis has joined the team as well and will be opening Iconic’s Los Angeles office and leading acquisition efforts on the West Coast. Wiest worked on the Industrial Property Trust acquisition and worked on an additional $900m in transactions while at Prologis. Michael McGraw, also based in Los Angeles, joins the firm from Industrial Realty Group, a national warehouse developer with over 100 million square feet under management across 31 states. While at IRG, McGraw worked on approximately $500m in transactions.

At Thor, a $10 billion assets under management investment company led by Joseph Sitt, Bishop was instrumental in taking the firm into markets like Austin, Nashville, Raleigh-Durham and Dallas. During his tenure, Thor became one of the most active buyers of logistics and life sciences properties in both the US and Europe.

“Our acquisition strategy at Iconic is both highly data-driven and highly adaptable in nature – right now, logistics is the hottest asset classes in real estate, from both a capital markets and tenant demand perspective–so that has been most of our focus,” said Bishop. “We’re acquiring and developing everything from big box warehouses to last mile facilities to outdoor storage facilities – all engineered to capitalize on the momentum from logistics growth over the next 5 years.”

Manjay Expands Footprint To Wynwood As Modern Caribbean Eatery Opens Second Location

The Miami-born casual, modern Caribbean restaurant Manjay has opened its brand new brick-and-mortar location in Wynwood. Laid back yet elevated, the original Manjay first opened as an eatery inside the popular Little River food hall the Citadel in 2019. Manjay founder Christian Dominique and his team aim is to inject the ever-evolving Wynwood food scene with a jolt of delicious Caribbean fine-casual cuisine. The new brick-and-mortar location is located at 2618 NW 5th Avenue, Miami, FL 33127, with a 980 square-foot indoor dining area and wrap-around outdoor patio seating. Manjay Wynwood is also adjacent to an activated outdoor deck where guests can expect live music and monthly events.

Guests of Manjay Wynwood can expect to find a refreshed menu at the new location that still retains the most-loved menu items from the eatery’s Citadel outpost. Many of Manjay’s new offerings were inspired by dishes that chef-owner Christian Dominique and his wife, Sabrina enjoy preparing together at home. Manay’s menu includes favorites like the BIG UP BOWLS, Caribbean bowls served with banana Payzay and Manjay pikliz; Mofongo My Way, served with crushed sweet plantains, garlic and Creole sauce; their famous Caribbean Conch Fritters, served with Manjay pikliz and honey mustard remoulade; savory Jerk Chicken wing; home-made Plantain Fries and more.

In addition to the brick-and-mortar locations, Manjay launched its highly anticipated food truck in October 2021. Diners can find the food truck stationed at 609 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL 33131.

“One thing we try to do is put passion and integrity into every meal we serve and each step we take as a business,” says Dominique. “Manjay is really a combination of our general love of modern cuisine and of the authentic Caribbean flavors we grew up eating. Nothing compares to the flavors of home.”

Dominique grew up immersed in hospitality in his native Haiti, where his maternal grandfather owned two hotels and two restaurants. Dominique’s hospitality background, as well as his and his wife Sabrina’s love for cooking, sparked the idea to create Manjay. Passionate about food, fun and people, the two conceptualized Manjay, which means “food” in Haitian Creole. The mission behind Manjay is to redefine and re-introduce authentic Caribbean cuisine in a modern style while staying true to its comforting soul-food vibe.

One of The Last Vacant Development Parcels In Brickell Sells For $7 Million

One of the last development parcels in Brickell has sold for $7 million with plans for an approved and permitted 60 unit condo or apartment project. Oak Capital, led by Ricardo Dunin, acquired the 19,850 SF, .46 acre lot which is located at 1621 SW 2nd Ave. in West Brickell, just a few blocks away from Brickell City Centre, SLS Hotel, Echo Brickell, Mary Brickell Village, and Brickell Bay Boardwalk. The shovel-ready 60 unit project would rise 9-stories and the location of site and T6-8-0 zoning allows for short-term rentals. The transaction closed on February 1, 2022 and was overseen by FA Commercial’s Fabio and Sebastian Faerman who represented both the buyer and seller. FA Commercial represented the current seller, Carlos Pineda, in the original purchase of this site for $2.7 million to disposition selling the site for $7 million with approved potential for development.

Images via FA Commercial

Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar Opens Eight Location In Hallandale Beach

Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar continues to expand as the upscale European coffee bar opening its eighth location and second in Broward County in Hallandale Beach, Florida on February 8, 2022. Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar is known for its coffee, all-day breakfast options and laid back yet elevated lunch and dinner dishes. The new 1,800 square foot location is located in the centrally situated Atlantic Village, a mixed-use restaurant and retail center comprising over 70,000 square feet of retail. The Hallandale Beach location offers a more elevated look compared to the classic Crema Gourmet feel, complete with white brick walls and an industrial cafe-bistro vibe.

“We are so excited to see Crema Gourmet grow,” said Ioannis Sotiropoulos and Efthymios Paliouras, co-owners of Crema Gourmet “Working alongside the franchisees has been great, and we look forward to opening more locations in the coming years.”

Crema Gourmet serves coffee with Illy espresso beans and the menu features all-day breakfast, fresh pressed juices and smoothies, hearty penne pastas, handcrafted sandwiches, fresh salads and bowls all prepared in-house, plus wine and beer. The Hallandale location will feature all of Crema Gourmet’s classic and most-ordered dishes, including the Open Face Breakfast Sandwich, Chicken Club Sandwich and the Salmon Bowl.

Crema Hallandale Beach is open from 7 am to 7 pm and is located at 701 N Federal Hwy, Ste 101, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. Other Crema Gourmet locations include Coral Gables, Brickell and South Beach.

Images via The Louis Collection and Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar

Deco Capital Secures $60 Million Construction Loan For Eighteen Sunset In Sunset Harbour

Deco Capital Group has secured $60 million in construction financing from City National Bank of Florida for Eighteen Sunset in Miami Beach’s hot Sunset Harbour neighborhood. The loan will fund the ongoing development of the newest mixed-use project combining office, retail, and residential uses. Eighteen Sunset broke ground in November 2021 and is expected to be completed in late 2023.

Eighteen Sunset will feature street-level retail and restaurant space, two floors of Class A+ offices totaling 40,000 square feet, and an exclusive top-floor penthouse featuring more than 15,000 square feet of interior space as well as a breathtaking rooftop pool deck. All told, the penthouse residence comprises approximately 30,000 square feet of private indoor and outdoor space, outdoor dining room, expansive gardens, seating and recreational areas affording the owner and their guests panoramic vistas of Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami, and evening sunsets to the west.

“We’ve seen significant interest from some of the most desirable and prosperous buyers and tenants in the country, who are looking at Eighteen Sunset from both a residential perspective and as a ‘live-work’ opportunity in the heart of one of South Florida’s most desirable districts,” said Deco Capital Group Founder Bradley Colmer. “The level and quality of demand we’re seeing in Miami Beach is as strong as it’s ever been and we are already talking with some of the most exciting businesses and retailers in the market. Now that Eighteen Sunset is coming out of the ground and our financing is in place, we expect the building to be filled in short order.”

Situated between Purdy Avenue and Bay Road, overlooking Biscayne Bay and Maurice Gibb Park, Eighteen Sunset will offer unmatched walkability and accessibility in the heart of Sunset Harbour, which has emerged as one of South Florida’s hottest lifestyle, retail, fitness, and dining destinations.

The penthouse is listed with Oren Alexander of Douglas Elliman, the retail leasing is overseen by Sara Wolfe of Koniver Stern and Stephen Rutchik of Colliers International is overseeing the office leasing.

Renderings via Eighteen Sunset

Pura Vida Set To Open 10th Location As The Healthy Eats Hotspot Expands To Brickell

Local wellness-driven hotspot Pura Vida is bringing their signature beach vibes and all-day Breakfast Menu to Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood, with the upcoming opening of the brand’s tenth location. Jennifer and Omer Horev, the husband/wife duo behind Pura Vida, have been steadily expanding the brand since they opened the first cafe in Miami Beach in 2012. The latest Pura Vida Brickell debut will join recent openings, which were unveiled in both Fort Lauderdale and Bay Harbour just last year.

“Brickell, in my eyes, is the perfect bustling central location for Pura Vida’s next home,” said Omer Horev, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Pura Vida. “New concepts, businesses, and people from all over the world are coming to Brickell as it has quickly become a hub for every industry under the sun. We are continuing to leave our mark on Miami as Brickell will be our tenth expansion location. We couldn’t be more proud of our brand’s growth and the support we’ve received from the community throughout the years which has pushed us to continue to grow and tap into every market of this great city of ours.”

The prime Brickell location is just steps away from Brickell City Centre. Pura Vida Brickell spans 2,400 square feet of space that includes an indoor and outdoor capacity of 50 seats total. Pura Vida Brickell is designed in the brands signature breezy aesthetic characterized by minimalist design elements, natural tones, and bright and airy spaces. The venue will offer locals a genuine go-to spot for a health-focussed all-day breakfast and lunch.

Upon opening, Pura Vida will introduce three brand-new menu items, which will be unveiled exclusively at the Brickell outpost before rolling out company-wide. The new dishes include beet juice, sweet potato dishes, and new wellness shots! Familiar Pura Vida patrons can also look forward to the cafe’s signature staples such as the All-Day Breakfast Menu featuring a range of avocado toasts, free-range egg sandwiches, fresh bagels, wraps, and bowls, Raw organic Acai Bowls, crisp and refreshing salads topped with wild ahi tuna, chicken, salmon, or vegan-lentil based adashah, an array of cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies, kombucha, artisanal coffees, and an extensive offering of freshly-baked goods and gluten-free, vegan sweet treats.

“As the evolution of Pura Vida naturally unfolds, we are continually motivated to push for new opportunities to help and give back to our surrounding communities through meaningful partnerships with local organizations and charities,” said Jennifer Horev, Chief Brand Officer of Pura Vida. “We focus heavily on sustainability and are constantly trying to push the envelope for a better environment, starting right here in Miami. We have transformed Pura Vida into a health-conscious, lifestyle brand that we hope can resonate heavily with the new Miami markets we’re expanding to now and in the coming years.”

Pura Vida Brickell is located at 1100 South Miami Ave. 33130 Brickell. Hours of operation will be 8 AM - 8 PM, daily.

Images via Pura Vida

CI Financial Expands Office Lease At 830 Brickell Which Now Rises Above The Brickell Skyline

Canadian asset and wealth management firm CI Financial Corp has doubled the size of its planned office space at 830 Brickell, a Class A-plus office tower under construction in the heart of Miami’s Brickell Financial District. Just months after signing a 20,000 square-foot lease that will house the firm’s U.S. headquarters, CI Financial has expanded with an additional floor. The new office will total approximately 40,000 square feet. The firm’s expansion further solidifies 830 Brickell as the address of choice for financial, professional services, and global firms looking to establish or grow their presence in South Florida. The 55-story tower, which is being developed by a joint venture between OKO Group and Cain International, is slated for completion later this year.

CI Financial will join other notable tenants at 830 Brickell including private equity firm Thoma Bravo, which recently announced plans for a 36,500 square foot office in the tower, and global tech company Microsoft, which signed a 50,000 square foot lease for its Latin American regional headquarters.

“830 Brickell already enjoys a reputation as Miami’s most desirable and best located trophy office tower, and CI Financial’s commitment to expand its space at the building reinforces the confidence we’ve seen from high-end office users and global businesses seeking a location in South Florida,” said Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of OKO Group. “Our team has drawn from our collective experience in the luxury hospitality industry to bring five-star-hotel-inspired features, amenities and services to 830 Brickell that have lured top-tier companies looking for a best-in-class, urban setting in Brickell’s prestigious financial district.”

"With its unparalleled workplace experience, prime location and trophy stature, 830 Brickell continues to reaffirm its position as the preeminent office building in the South Florida market. Its success reinforces our global investment thesis of combining hospitality, amenities, services and experience to create the best destinations in the world," said Jonathan Goldstein, Co-Founder and CEO of Cain International. "We remain extremely confident in Miami’s future and the role that premium office assets will play in its expansion into a global gateway city."

830 Brickell’s ownership was represented by the Cushman & Wakefield team of Brian Gale, Ryan Holtzman and Andrew Trench. CI Financial was represented by Donna Abood and Mark Robbins of Avison Young.

“Boasting the newest standards in building design and finishes in South Florida, 830 Brickell continues to attract the highest quality tenants,” said Brian Gale, Vice Chairman at Cushman & Wakefield, who oversees leasing for the project. “830 Brickell’s ownership team’s financial strength and commitment to the asset have been key factors for these types of savvy tenants. 830 Brickell has signed over 150,000 square feet of leases in the last six months, and we look forward to announcing additional tenants soon, as we continue to lease up the building.”

830 Brickell was designed by renowned architecture firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, with interiors by Italian architecture and design company Iosa Ghini Associati. The building’s design incorporates top-of-the-line wellness features and technologies, including ultraviolet technology in air filtration, ventilation, and water purification systems, as well as touch-free fixtures and contactless entry/exit points.

The tower’s amenities will include a rooftop bar/lounge with a five-star restaurant showcasing expansive views of the City and Biscayne Bay, a world-class health and wellness center, a conference facility, an outdoor terrace, cafeìs and street-level retail. Multiple transit options are nearby, including Metrorail and Metromover, the Brightline, walking paths, cycling lanes and bay access points. Additionally, some of Miami’s top residential and lifestyle-driven neighborhoods are situated just minutes away, such as Miami’s Design District, Wynwood, Edgewater and Miami Beach.

Brightline Breaks Ground On Boca Raton Station As Eco-Friendly Railway Continues To Connect South Florida

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, has broken ground on its new Boca Raton station with Kaufman Lynn Construction, Inc. as the construction manager for the garage and train station. Once completed, the station will be Brightline’s fifth operational in the state, connecting travelers in Boca Raton to Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and soon Orlando. Located on a 1.8-acre site across from Mizner Park and adjacent to the downtown library, Brightline’s Boca station, designed by Zyscovich Architects, will feature approximately 38,000 square feet of space which will include its signature autonomous MRKT and premium lounge among other station amenities. The station will offer a seamless travel experience through modern technology, including a cashless environment, touchless turnstiles and high-speed WiFi. Brightline's Boca station is expected to be complete in the fall of 2022.

Brightline’s president, Patrick Goddard, was joined at the groundbreaking ceremony today by Congressman Ted Deutch, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Jorge Pesquera of Discover the Palm Beaches, in addition to members of the Boca city council and elected officials. The groundbreaking of Brightline’s Boca station follows the commencement of construction for the station's parking garage, announced in December of 2021.

“As a premier business and leisure destination, Boca Raton is a perfect fit for Brightline and will be an integral part of our network that will further connect the state of Florida,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Brightline stations help enhance the local communities and economies where we operate and provide travelers with quick access to state-wide lifestyle and tourist destinations. We look forward to building a long and productive partnership with the Boca community.”

In 2021, Brightline was awarded a $16.3 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant from the FRA to fund a portion of the construction of the Brightline Train Station, parking garage and associated rail infrastructure. In addition to the CRISI grant, the City has provided a commitment of $9.9 million towards funding the parking garage. The balance of the project, approximately $30 million, will be funded by Brightline. Construction of the Boca Raton station is expected to create more than 480 jobs during construction while contributing more than $23 million in wages.

The station is expected to strengthen ties between Boca Raton and South and Central Florida. By connecting to the broader Brightline system, local employers will have access to a bigger employee pool and workers will gain access to an additional 89,000 office jobs within average commute times. This investment will continue to make Boca Raton one of the most desirable and vibrant places to live, work and visit. In addition to benefitting commuters and other local residents, Brightline will serve a broad leisure travel population, and will spur increased tourism to Boca Raton.

“Brightline will be a game-changer for Boca Raton, and especially our downtown,” said Mayor Scott Singer. “We look forward to welcoming the many riders who will work at our thriving businesses and visit our cultural, dining, and shopping attractions, and for our residents to connect to a major transportation network from Miami to Orlando. Thanks to our strong partnership with Brightline and support of our Congressional delegation for an FRA grant, we can’t wait to say all aboard in Boca Raton!”

Also under construction is the 455-space parking garage that will service Brightline’s Boca station and visitors to the downtown library, who will have dedicated, covered, and complimentary spaces on the first floor. In October 2021, Brightline completed construction of the new Community Garden for the Junior League of Boca Raton, as well as a temporary parking lot for the downtown library. Brightline managed and funded the construction of both projects as part of the agreement to build the new station.

“Kaufman Lynn Construction is excited to be building this new station and garage with Brightline, the City of Boca Raton and the Federal Railroad Administration,” said Michael Kaufman, CEO of Kaufman Lynn Construction. “The entire team is excited to help connect South Florida and Central Florida with this Brightline rail stop.”

Brightline currently serves Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, with its expansion station in Aventura opening in 2022. Brightline’s current construction project to Orlando is more than 70 percent complete with over 1,300 daily workers on the job tallying more than four million hours of work. In January of 2022, Brightline began daily crew training and qualifying test runs between West Palm Beach and Cocoa. Over an eight-year period, Brightline’s corridor between Miami and Orlando will result in $6.4 billion in economic impact while creating more than 10,000 jobs. Construction of the highly anticipated expansion to Orlando is on track to be complete by the end of 2022, ​​with service to begin in early 2023.