IDEA Architects-Designed Tal Aventura Receives Conditional Use Approval

Tal Aventura, a highly anticipated boutique residential building located waterside in the heart of Aventura, has received conditional use approval to progress with a 26-story, 86-residence tower. Developers 2151 Development Group and 2020 Acquisitions have tapped Miami-based IDEA Architects to design the luxury, family-focused condominium, with the majority of residences ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 square feet plus expansive lanai and penthouse units exceeding 6,000 square feet, and 50,000+ square feet of amenity and green spaces.

“This is a significant step towards bringing a new level of luxury living to Aventura,” said Matthew Rosenblatt, founder of 2151 Development Group. “Our vision is to create condo residences that offer a single-family home lifestyle at an attainable price point, something that doesn’t currently exist in the market. There is a genuine need for this type of residential offering, and we are thrilled to be moving forward with the project.”

Tal Aventura’s sales gallery is expected to launch before the end of this year.

Located at 2785 NE 183rd Street east of Biscayne Blvd, residents can enjoy expansive, unobstructed views of Maule Lake from every home, top-rated schools, fine-dining, houses of worship and boutique shopping experiences, all within walking distance.

2151 Development Group is a full-service real estate investment and development company based in South Florida, overseeing acquisitions, development, and construction management. Focused on identifying value-add opportunities across residential, commercial and mixed-use sectors, 2151 Development Group was founded by Matthew Rosenblatt, who has successfully executed more than $500 million of real estate ventures in Florida and the Northeast over the past decade.

2020 Acquisitions is a national real estate development firm with over $2 billion of projects across asset classes including residential, Class A warehouse, media studio campus, private golf course, and retail. The firm is currently developing over 10,000,000 square feet of Class A warehousing. The company is led by Efrem Gerszberg, its founder and CEO.

MG Developer and Baron Property Group Secure $148 Million Construction Loan From Post Road Group For Metro Parc

MG Developer and Baron Property Group, in partnership with Township Capital, have secured a $148 million construction loan from Post Road Group for Metro Parc, a 10-story, two-tower apartment rental property located at 955 East 25th Street and 980 East 26th Street in Hialeah, Florida. Ayush Kapahi of HKS Real Estate Advisors procured the 30-month loan and Managing Director Dmitry Levkov and Executive Director Jeffrey Donelly of Colliers International’s Structured Finance Group arranged the financing.

Metro Parc is a 2.5-acre residential mixed-use development that will rise 10-stories and deliver 559 rental apartments ranging from 500 to 800 square feet. When completed it will be the tallest building in Hialeah. The property’s amenities will include co-working spaces, an outdoor kitchen, a pool, and gym as well as ground-level retail spaces, parking, and a Latin-inspired food marketplace. Construction for the community will commence in December 2022 and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024.

“We are excited to partner with Baron Property Group and Post Road Group to bring Metro Parc to life. This project will mark the first of more to come for us in Hialeah and we are thrilled about the future we have planned in the City of Progress,” said Alirio Torrealba, CEO and Founder of MG Developer. “We are grateful to Baron Property Group, well-recognized for its more than two decades of experience in multifamily housing, for trusting in us to continue expanding their multifamily housing portfolio in this region.”

MG Developer’s acquisition of Metro Parc, its first multifamily project, in the fourth quarter of 2021 kick-started the company’s multifamily rental buildings division and long-term partnership with New York-based development company Baron Property Group.

“MG Developer has earned a stellar reputation for elevating communities, and that is exactly what we look forward to continue doing as we grow deeper into our partnership and build more impressive projects throughout South Florida,” added Matthew Baron, President and Founder of Baron Property Group.

“We believe Metro Parc is well-positioned to capture leasing demand in the bourgeoning Hialeah area and we are pleased to deliver a single-source, balance sheet financing solution to MG Developer and Baron Property Group,” added, Jason Carney, partner of Post Road Group. “This transaction aligns with Post Road’s investment strategy of financing strong developers seeking to establish cost-effective housing options in growth markets across the U.S and continues building our lending footprint in the Southeast.”

Metro Parc is conveniently located two blocks from the Metrorail and Tri-Rail Transfer Station, bringing a new chic urban lifestyle to the transient-oriented community. The site is also walking distance to Hialeah Medical Services and only a mile from Hialeah’s Arts District, which will soon become home to a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene featuring galleries, breweries, restaurants, shops and the expansive Amelia Earhart Park.

“We anchored our future in Hialeah with Metro Parc, and now we are committed to its growth and setting an enhanced standard of living while reimagining an entirely new community in Hialeah,” concluded Torrealba.

In addition to Metro Parc, this past August, MG Developer unveiled a new showroom for Gables Village, a luxurious 48-residence community in Coral Gables, spread amongst an expansive 17-lot area bordered by Malaga Avenue, Santander Avenue, Segovia Street and Hernando Street. Gables Village will include townhomes, duplexes, lofts, flats that range size, from 1,750 to 3,100 square feet. The company also recently completed development of Althea Row, which nearly sold-out in less than 90 days. It expects to soon complete development of its Biltmore Square community with Biltmore Row, a stunning row of 10 exclusive townhomes featuring a total of 5,561 square feet each with classical design elements found in Spanish colonial architecture.

These development projects build upon MG Developer’s recently announced acquisitions of Merrick Parc and Alhambra Parc, developments that will, when constructed, consist of 450-luxury rental units in Miami and a mixed-use apartment community with ground-floor retail in Coral Gables, respectively.

Robert Rivani's Black Lion Acquires Restaurant Space at Zaha Hadid's One Thousand Museum For $6.4 Million

Black Lion, led by real estate investor Robert Rivani who specializes in ownership of flagship restaurant properties, has acquired the ground floor restaurant space at the iconic One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid for $6.4 million. Rivani’s off-market purchase marks Black Lion’s first deal in the Downtown area, adding to a portfolio of trophy retail properties spanning from Wynwood and Brickell down to Miami Beach.

Spanning 6,500-square-feet of interior space, this is the only restaurant space in the celeb favorite residential high-rise, home to high profile owners including David and Victoria Beckham, David Grutman, Marc Anthony, billionaire Anthony Hsieh and actress Sela Ann Ward to name a few.

“One Thousand Museum is one of the most iconic and architecturally significant buildings in all of Miami. I knew we had to have a piece of it,” said Robert Rivani, President of Black Lion. “Our objective at Black Lion is to curate transformative lifestyle experiences and we plan to do just that with this property–bringing in a world class restaurant or hospitality group to operate out of the space will be a key investment for our Miami expansion.”

Founded in 2014, commercial real estate investment company Black Lion has transacted more than $500 million in deals across the United States. Helmed by President Robert Rivani, the company has transformed properties across the country into thriving retail, entertainment and hospitality destinations, with a portfolio including restaurants, nightlife venues and retail power centers. Black Lion presently focuses on hospitality ventures, as South Florida’s social scene continues to expand. The company’s recently announced projects include high profile restaurant spaces at both the Marea and the Continuum high-rises in Miami Beach, Amara at Pariso, an iconic waterfront restaurant in Miami's Edgewater neighborhood led by a James Beard Award-winning chef, and an immersive jungle experience in Wynwood, Miami’s famed creative hub, to name a few.

SCAROFA Properties Breaks Ground On Luxury Residential Townhome Community In Pinecrest

SCAROFA Properties, a third-generation family business, has begun construction on Pine Park Villas, a luxury townhome enclave in the Village of Pinecrest featuring a limited collection of 18 residences. The private community is the unique vision of Stephane Rosarion, principal of Miami-based SCAROFA Properties, which is developing the $32 million project.

“We look forward to the completion of our first new luxury residential project in the Village of Pinecrest. Pine Park Villas represents the tranquility and exquisiteness of Pinecrest while at the same time setting a new standard for luxury townhome living,” said Stephane Rosarion of SCAROFA Properties. “When completed, Pine Park Villas will provide a sophisticated lifestyle that the most discerning residents will appreciate, including a private and enclosed community with direct access to renowned shopping districts like The Falls, and Dadeland Mall, as well as some of Miami’s best restaurants and entertainment venues.”

“This project is an excellent addition to our community which continues to be one of Florida’s most sought-after neighborhoods due to our top-rated schools, amenities, shopping venues and public parks,” said Joseph Corradino, Mayor of the Village of Pinecrest. “Like few other places, our city has been able to evolve while maintaining our character and enhancing our quality of life.”

The property encompasses more than two acres and will be marked by coastal contemporary architecture by MAS+ (Miami Architectural Studio). Slated for completion in 2023, Pine Park Villas, located at 7520 Southwest 100th St., is already proving to be a draw for well-heeled homebuyers who are singling out the property for its unparalleled location and sophisticated floor plans.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) EWM Realty, one of the nation’s leading luxury residential real estate companies, is the exclusive marketing and sales brokerage for Pine Park Villas. BHHS EWM top-producing team The Levy Group, oversees sales, with Adam Levy and Alexander Isaia leading the charge.

“Pine Park Villas is a rarity for the area, which has a limited collection of suburban multifamily residences,” said Patrick O’Connell, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty. “This will be the ultimate retreat for astute buyers looking to capture the best of both worlds.”

“The $10.4 million loan to SCAROFA Properties to build luxury townhomes in Pinecrest exemplifies what Ocean Bank is all about. We are a relationship driven bank and want to be part of our client’s story and journey to success,” said Ryan Welsh, vice president and manager of the Fort Lauderdale branch of Ocean Bank.

Starting at $1.67 million, all residences average over 3,500 square feet in size and will have four bedrooms, three baths, and two powder rooms, making them ideal alternatives to single-family homes. Comprising three stories with private elevators, each unit will be delivered turnkey, with buyers having the option to choose between three unique floor plans. Additional highlights include two-car garages, multi-level living spaces, ample bedrooms with walk-in closets, kitchens with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and designer, Italian cabinetry by Mia Cucina, and private rear yards. Pine Park Villas is conveniently located with access to downtown Miami, Coral Gables and Miami International Airport.

The general contractor for Pine Park Villas is JAXI Builders, Inc.; the architect is MAS+ (Miami Architectural Studio); interior design is by Michael Garcia-Carrillo from GC3 Group; and Ken Gardner from GSLA Design is the landscape architect. Ryan Welsh arranged construction financing for Pine Park Villas; Ocean Bank originated a $10.4 million loan. Roberto F. Fleitas III from Fleitas PLLC provided legal counsel.

Thomas P. Murphy, Jr. and the Murphy Family Receive Prestigious ULI Lifetime Achievement Award

In recognition for their decades of work building transformative, large-scale projects that have helped reshape the South Florida skyline, The Urban Land Institute Southeast Florida/Caribbean has presented Thomas P. Murphy, Jr. and the Murphy Family with the prestigious 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors the top leaders and visionaries whose lifetime of work has significantly shaped communities and changed the industry. The award ceremony will take place at ULI's annual Vision Awards, the organization’s signature event, on September 15th at the JW Marriot Marquis Hotel in Downtown Miami with over 700 confirmed real estate industry leaders in attendance.

Previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include: Craig Robins, Bernardo Fort Brescia & Laurinda Spear, Ricardo Glas & Luis Pulenta, Stephen Owens, The Legacy of Tony Goldman, The Whitman Family, The Graham Family, Armando Codina, and Jorge Perez among others.

“On behalf of the local District Council’s leadership, we are thrilled to present the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award to The Murphy Family. The family’s work embodies our organization’s mission to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities,” Julie Medley, Executive Director, ULI SE Florida/Caribbean.

Award-winning Coastal Construction Group and the Murphy Family have been building projects throughout Florida for more than five decades making a profound impact on both the landscape and local economy, with a body of professional and civic work that has created thousands of jobs and opportunities for advancement for many in the land use industry.

Among the company’s distinguished portfolio are more than 60 hotels and resorts in Florida, including the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at the Surf Club; St. Regis Resort & Residences Bal Harbor; Ritz Carlton Hotel South Beach; Faena Hotel and Residences; 1450 Brickell; Camillus House; Porsche Design Tower; Fendi Chateau; Oceana Condos; Residences by Armani/Casa; Aston Martin Residences; and The Plaza Coral Gables. In addition, the Company was the primary builder for Ocean Reef Club, Deering Bay Club, Miami Design District, Miami World Center and Water Street Tampa.

Coastal has built more than 50 million square feet of vertical projects spanning hospitality (62 hotels), all types of multi-family (over 18,000 units), education (over 50 schools, public and private), commercial and mixed-use projects. Today, Coastal has more than $3.5 billion in current work, and a 3‐year pipeline in excess of $12 billion with operations in Miami, Palm Beach, Naples, Orlando, Tampa, and the Florida Keys.

“My family and I are extremely proud to receive this recognition which would not have been made possible without the hard work, dedication and support of our entire team at Coastal Construction Group. On behalf of all us at Coastal Construction Group, I want to thank ULI for this tremendous honor,” said Thomas P. Murphy, Jr. Chairman and CEO Coastal Construction Group.

Murphy, Jr, began his career while attending the University of Miami, becoming the youngest person in Florida’s history to earn his contractor’s license at the age of 19. Soon thereafter, he dropped out of school and started his own company. Eventually, growing Seaboard Construction to more than 1,500 employees and before selling it to Turner Construction Company, the largest contractor in the U.S.

He later founded Coastal in 1989, and today, 54 years since his first project, the company has become one of the largest general contractors in Florida.

Today, his son’s Tom C. Murphy and Sean Murphy serve as Co‐Presidents, Patrick Erin Murphy, Executive Vice President and Mike Murphy, Vice President of QA/QC and there are 10 family members active in the company and hundreds of others who may not share the same surname, but share the same sense of pride and unabashed desire to build quality projects.

The Allen Morris Company, Xenel International and Principal Real Estate Investors Close On $57.2 Million Construction Loan For Osceola County Multifamily Development

The Allen Morris Company, Xenel International U.S.A. and Principal Real Estate Investors have closed on a $57.2 million construction loan for The Maxwell at Xentury City, a 311-unit multifamily development located in Osceola County. The loan is being provided by Regions Bank. The Maxwell at Xentury City broke ground in September and has a completion date set for the second quarter of 2024. The General Contractor for the project is Deangelis Diamond.

It will be the first residential phase of a larger 200-acre mixed-use development in Xentury City that will offer live, work, play offerings like first-class dining, entertainment, and now, a residential offering.

The 293,000 square feet community will contain five garden-style buildings with a total of 311 residential units and features world-class amenities throughout. The project site is adjacent to the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center.

“We are very pleased to expand our relationship with Regions Bank for the construction loan of The Maxwell – Regions was steadfast throughout the process and provided a strong execution for the partnership,” said Spencer Morris, President of the Allen Morris Company.

“We are proud to be the Allen Morris Company’s lending partner to start construction on a project that will transform the area into a thriving multifamily destination,” adds Mercedes Montalvo, Senior Vice President, of Regions Bank.

“From our early conversations with Allen Morris, Principal Real Estate Investors gained a lot of confidence in being culturally aligned along with Allen Morris’ ability to execute on The Maxwell development plan. We have been watching this area of Orlando evolve and are excited to partner with the team they’ve put together as well as the opportunity to extend our relationship with Regions. Principal believes in the strong fundamentals within this market and looks forward to delivering a first-class multi-family community.” adds Rob Klinkner, Managing Director for Principal Real Estate Investors.

Dwell Design Studio, an award-winning architecture, planning and interior design firm, and Shim Studios as interior designer will spearhead the project.

The Maxwell at Xentury City is close to all the theme parks including Disney World and Universal Studios and has developed a major transportation network to access the site. The site is also 30 minutes from Downtown Orlando and 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

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/

FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT & MARKET NARBONA OPENS AT COCOWALK

CocoWalk has announced the highly anticipated opening of Narbona Restaurant & Farm Market, a family-owned, epicurean specialty market and restaurant originating in Uruguay in 1909. The concept combines organic ingredients from its farms for a unique farm-to-table culinary experience and retail section where customers can purchase their farm-raised products to enjoy at home. 

Situated on the ground-floor of CocoWalk, the 8,253-square-foot specialty market and eatery features a butcher shop, bakery and curated retail market with a wide selection of gourmet cheeses, craft beers, wines, and coffees – all produced in its farms in South America. Specializing in homemade and artisanal products, Narbona produces its own dulce de leche, gelatos, and yogurts. Facing the plaza, the 200-seat café has an expansive indoor and outdoor dining area, where guests can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and sip on handcrafted cocktails. Patrons seeking a more intimate setting can host group dinners and events in Narbona’s private room.  A haven for enophiles and cheese lovers, the epicurean market also hosts a variety of tastings, in which guests can indulge and sample different wines, coffees and specialty cheeses.

“Although our dream began in Uruguay, we are thrilled to open in the heart of Coconut Grove because it’s an established neighborhood that places great emphasis on a healthy and organic lifestyle, which perfectly aligns with the freshly grown produce and high-quality, specialty foods we serve,” said Jerónimo Canton, owner of Narbona. “Our main goal is to share our family’s way of life, which is to find the perfect pairing for each moment, offering sensory experiences that last a lifetime. We believe our arrival to CocoWalk comes at an ideal time as the destination continues to attract locals and visitors back to the center Grove.”

The ambiance will center around treating patrons like neighbors and providing them with superior customer service as they select and taste the market’s high-quality products and enjoy freshly prepared foods from its dining menu. Encompassing the essence of true farm-to-table dining, the brand’s wines, cheeses, yogurts, olive oil and pastas are made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients from Narbona’s Winery and Farm in Uruguay, fusing technology, experience and tradition.

Narbona’s robust restaurant menu features starters such as Galician style octopus, traditional homemade empanadas and hamachi tiradito. The menu also offers brick oven baked Uruguayan pizzas, and freshly prepared pastas like spinach and potato gnocchi in a gorgonzola sauce with crispy prosciutto, baby arugula and salted walnuts and shrimp and crab ravioli with heirloom cherry tomatoes and basil in a creamy, spicy pink sauce. Signature dishes include organic half chicken with house salad and French fries, Entrañita comprised of a 12oz prime skirt steak with sweet baked potato and chimichurri sauce, the Cowboy 22oz steak with roasted potatoes, and Branzino served with grilled vegetables and gremolada dip. Customers are encouraged to save room for Narbona’s freshly made desserts including gelatos, crepes filled with its signature artisanal dulce de leche, and its famed baked meringue-based Pavlova Narbona.

The opening of Narbona at CocoWalk marks the concept’s second location in South Florida. Following the success of its first location in Key Biscayne, the restaurant continues to expand throughout South Florida with outposts set to open in Wynwood and Boca Raton.

Narbona Coconut Grove joins a line-up of retailers and restaurants at CocoWalk including popular brands: Bluemercury, FP Movement, Edward Beiner, Europann, Edite Mode, The Spot Barbershop and School of Rock. Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas renovated and re-opened a 14-theater venue on property. In addition, the latest skin care and beauty brands now open are: GlossLab, a membership based nail studio from New York that just opened its first Florida location; 3D Brow Studio, a beauty bar specializing in perfect facial framing eyebrows; and skin Lab by Barba Skin Clinic providing one-of-a-kind skin and beauty treatments. CocoWalk is home to a selection of eateries including: The Key Club, Botánico Gin & Cookhouse, Duck N’ Sum, Sushi Garage, PLANTA Queen, and Mister o1 Extraordinary Pizza all serving up delicious cuisines and cocktails.

Electra America and BH Group Reveal Plans for $1 Billion Redevelopment of 80-Acre Southland Mall Site In Cutler Bay

Electra America, a real estate private equity firm focused on value-add and opportunistic investment in the Sun Belt region of the U.S., along with its U.S.-affiliate, American Landmark, and BH Group, a Miami-based private real estate investment and development firm, have revealed preliminary plans for the redevelopment and reinvention of the Southland Mall in Cutler Bay, located approximately 20 miles south of downtown Miami. The 80-acre, $1 billion redevelopment will be one of the largest projects of its kind in the Southeast and will be called “Southplace City Center.” The reinvention of the Southland Mall into “Southplace City Center,” a vibrant, mixed-use transit-oriented community with live-work-play options, promises much-needed relief for a city suffering from a major housing shortage

The new ownership team envisions a “city within a city” for living, working, shopping, and playing that will feature more than 4,000 residential units, over 500,000 square feet of curated retail, and exciting dining and entertaining venues at the existing mall, with an additional 150,000 square feet of prime retail space and outparcels for food and beverage operators. The phased redevelopment project will be a charming, self-contained community with abundant green space, bike and golf cart trails, walking trails, a trolley system, and easy access to public transit – specifically, the soon-to-open Miami-Dade SMART Plan mass transit route adjacent to the property.

The total project, to be completed over a seven-year time frame, is expected to create approximately 2,700 new jobs and generate $44 million in property taxes ad valorem revenue in the first five years ($6.1 million to Cutler Bay), and up to $491 million ($75.2 million to Cutler Bay) over a 20-year period. The developer’s plan is in accordance with the Town’s code and will not be seeking any special approvals.

“We’re delighted to work with the Town of Cutler Bay and its residents to breathe new life into a property that has been underutilized for decades, and in so doing, create thousands of new jobs, as well as help alleviate the housing crunch facing many Miami-Dade residents today,” said Ron Gaither, Chief Development Officer of Electra America. “Southplace City Center will provide a wide range of market-rate housing options, and its location close to major thoroughfares and mass transit, yet away from residential communities, minimizes traffic and facilitates the use of public transportation – two key priorities for this community. We’re looking forward to continuing working with the community to ensure this project reflects the values and character of Cutler Bay.”

“The future of this site is one that our residents deeply care about,” expressed Town of Cutler Bay Mayor Tim Meerbott. “Ensuring that this project aligns with our community’s vision and has a proper mix of use is extremely important to the Town Council and me. The site is ready for change and this project will check so many boxes on our community’s wish list—thousands of jobs, more restaurants, entertainment, and a fresh look, to name a few. We look forward to working with Electra America and BH Group to bring this important project to life, while keeping it consistent with the character of our beautiful Cutler Bay.”

The development team acquired the mall and adjacent parcels totaling 80 acres in May of this year. The site is conveniently bordered by the Florida Turnpike on the east and U.S. 1 on the west, placing it on major commercial crossroads in suburban Miami-Dade County, directly along the new South Corridor Rapid Transit Project, expected to open in late 2024. The corridor will provide a 20-mile mobility connection between Miami’s central business district and the County’s southern-most communities.

Specifically, the developer’s master plan calls for updating the existing 808,766-square-foot mall with cosmetic improvements and the addition of several new high-quality retailers; the phased development of 4,395 new market-rate apartments catering to a full spectrum of household budgets; the addition of several new retail and restaurant concepts, situated around a series of man-made lakes and open spaces; a new specialty grocer, a 150-key hotel, and 60,000 square feet of medical office space; and a terraced community amphitheater/bandshell. The plan also calls for a new vehicular entrance directly off U.S. 1, featuring a welcoming entrance square with a large fountain and extensive green space, along with a pedestrian bridge connecting the community to the new bus rapid transit stop. The entire community will feature bike and golf cart paths, pedestrian walking trails, and trolley stops to minimize the use of cars.

Ground-breaking on the first residential building is expected in mid-2023 and would deliver in approximately 18 months (early 2025), with rents starting at $2,500.

The project design team for Southplace City Center includes economic advisors Florida Economic Advisors, retail consultants CPH, master planner/designer MSA Architects Inc., landscape planner Insite Studio and civil/traffic engineer Kimley Horn.

Renderings via MSA Architects

Level 6 by Amal Rooftop Lounge and Restaurant Opens In Coconut Grove

Influenced by the world’s swankiest rooftop bars from London to Dubai to Brooklyn to Beirut, Level 6 by Amal has opened in Coconut Grove. Level 6 is a spectacular 4,000-square-foot rooftop lounge and restaurant perched on the sixth floor above the critically acclaimed Amal restaurant with epic views of the sailboats dotting Biscayne Bay, canopies of trees lining Bayshore Drive and the world-famous Miami skyline.

The bar concept of INK Entertainment Group, a leading North American lifestyle and entertainment company, Level 6 offers a sophisticated rooftop lounge and restaurant where visitors can enjoy an elevated atmosphere with top level dining and unparalleled views. The vibrant rooftop is reached with a short elevator ride and features a roster of entertainment welcoming guests under textile canopies as a retreat from the Miami bustle.

Level 6 is designed by Studio Munge and the rooftop oasis offers an aesthetically pleasing installation by Ben Medansky featuring a playful gesture and a theatrical feature wall, representative of Miami’s multiculturalism and vibrant arts scene. Composed of three-dimensional glazed ceramic tiles displaying organic and tessellated motifs, the colorful mural is an awe-inspiring and eye-catching art filled backdrop for the most glamorous gatherings.

From a relaxed sundowner in the afternoon or cocktails and tapas into the evening, the warm and welcoming atmosphere, and elevated service at Level 6 offers a beautiful escape in the heart of Coconut Grove. Level 6’s menu offers a modern and urban twist on Spanish cuisine, encouraging the art of connection, with sharing at the heart of the experience. Highlighted dishes include the tuna tartare that is served with avocado and lavosh crackers and garnished with truffle and crème fraiche and the paella de mariscos that is served with Argentinian shrimp, langoustine, clams and garnished with lemon. The beverage menus have been carefully crafted by Level 6’s expert mixologists, featuring a diverse list of vibrant cocktails infused with flavors from local herbs and fruits, and a robust selection of rosé and sparkling options.

“Whether you’re looking for an aperitivo or late-night cocktail, Level 6 is a great destination for a night out in Coconut Grove with friends. With a rotating roster of entertainment, the atmosphere is always on top,” said CEO and Founder of INK Entertainment Group, Charles Khabouth.

Amal, which opened its doors in May, quickly established a new high-water mark for Miami restaurants. With stunning interiors designed by Studio Munge, Amal was inspired by Lebanon's sandy shores and a contemporary Mediterranean aesthetic. Amal easily transitions from daytime celebrations to evening feasts.

Amal and Level 6 are located at 3480 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.