Husband-Wife Duo Behind Miami's Iconic Mandolin Aegean Bistro Open The Drexel Coastal Mediterranean Eatery In Miami Beach

Anastasia Koutsioukis and Ahmet Erkaya, the husband-wife duo behind Miami’s iconic Mandolin Aegean Bistro, have opened The Drexel in Miami Beach. Since Mandolin’s initial opening, the couple have expanded the Mandolin brand to include homeware store Mrs. Mandolin; fast-casual gyros and kebab house, Mr. Mandolin; Mandolin Taverna in Los Angeles; and The Drexel in the heart of Miami Beach.

The Drexel, a Coastal Mediterranean eatery nestled in the historic Española Way, marks the duo’s latest endeavor in Miami. Helmed at the culinary hands of Chef Nano Crespo, and his wife formerly of Quinto La Huella, and his wife Tamara Magalhaes, formerly of Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Soho House, and Thompson Hospitality; The Drexel serves elevated yet classic Mediterranean dishes. The beverage program is curated by Founding Partner Ahmet Erkaya and features extensive cocktail offerings and rare boutique wines sourced from Greece, France, Spain, and Italy.

Characterized by its understated elegance and refined Mediterranean dishes, The Drexel is a hidden gem designed to elevate Miami Beach’s dining scene. The restaurant transports guests to the Coastal European towns along the Riviera through its favorable food and inimitable atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from old world cooking techniques to ideate fresh, innovative recipes, The Drexel’s culinary offerings and vision are influenced by the couples’ travels throughout Southern Europe and Chef Crespo’s expertise on the grill and Mediterranean cooking. Offering clean, light and bright flavors from the charcoal grill and wood oven, the menu also includes housemade pasta and pizza with a heavy emphasis on locally sourced seafood and an entire section dedicated to vegetable-forward dishes.

The Drexel is found on the corner of the first floor of Casa Matanza at the Esmé Hotel. Originally built in the 1920s, the historically designated building features a Mediterranean Revival architectural style. The building itself along with Española Way’s storied past is what attracted The Drexel’s Co-Founder and designer, Anastasia Koutsioukis to the project. Koutsioukis has an instinct and passion for preserving the history and cultural significance of an area, as well as identifying architecturally significant properties and transforming them into fixtures in Miami’s culinary landscape, as she did when designing Mandolin Aegean Bistro. Koutsioukis creates warm and understated environments that feel like they have been there for years in an effortless design style that’s distinctive to her projects. Koutsioukis was inspired by the natural and neutral palette that’s found throughout European coastal towns. The Drexel’s minimalist decor is characterized by earthy hand plastered walls, a bleached oak bar and stunning wall unit displaying antique ceramic vessels that have been collected during Koutsioukis’ travels. The calming space is punctuated with pops of light green marble on the bar and sage banquettes. The original arched windows set the tone for the arches throughout the space. The lighting and furniture is a mixture of French mid century pendants and linen upholstered chairs, along with plenty of rattan seating and raffia sconces lending to its Coastal Mediterranean feel. Additional personal touches include an art wall installation from the Owner’s collection, and plenty of natural palms, flowers and fruit bowls

The Drexel is open for dinner Monday thru Friday 6pm - 11pm; Saturday 5 pm - 11 pm; Sunday 5 pm - 10 pm. The Drexel also has a Sundowner Happy Hour daily at the bar from 5:30 pm - 7 pm and Brunch on Saturday's and Sunday's 11am - 4 pm.

Brightline Opens New Stations In Aventura and Boca Raton

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, along with its partners in Boca Raton, Aventura and Miami-Dade County, celebrated the ribbon cutting of its Aventura and Boca Raton train stations. Congressman Carlos Gimenez and Mayors Daniella Levine Cava, Scott Singer and Howard Weinburg were joined by officials from the City of Boca, the City of Aventura, Miami-Dade County and Brightline executives to officially launch the highly-anticipated opening of the two new stations. The first day of service for Boca Raton and Aventura is December 21, 2022.

The ceremony commenced at the entrance of the Boca Raton station at 9 a.m. where city officials and media were welcomed with remarks by Brightline’s President Patrick Goddard, City of Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Florida State Senator Tina Polsky and Milton Segarra of Discover The Palm Beaches. The ceremony proceeded with a tour of the completed station and the inaugural ride from Boca Raton to Aventura.

The ceremony at Aventura began at noon with remarks by Brightline President Patrick Goddard, Congressman Carlos Gimenez, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, City of Aventura Mayor Howard Weinburg, former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman and Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) Second Vice Chair Robert Wolfarth. The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by a tour of the Aventura station and the inaugural ride from Aventura to MiamiCentral.

With the station openings of Aventura and Boca Raton, Brightline now has five stations in South Florida and will connect travelers to existing stations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Both stations feature Brightline’s signature autonomous MRKT, SMART and PREMIUM lounges in addition to touchless turnstiles and free high-speed WiFi throughout the station and onboard the train.

Brightline Aventura Station

Brightline’s Aventura station is located at 19796 West Dixie Highway, Miami FL 33180. The Aventura station will allow guests congestion-free travel between all of Brightline’s stations with an estimated travel time to MiamiCentral of about 20 minutes. The station will also offer express service between Miami during the peak morning and evening hour commute periods, saving time and stress for commuters.

As part of the agreement with Miami-Dade Transit, Brightline guests will have access to discounted rides between Aventura and MiamiCentral through the Brightline website and app. Monthly commuter passes for travel between Aventura and MiamiCentral can be purchased at a discount at the Aventura station guest services desk. Starting in January 2023, discounted commuter passes will be available online or through the app. Brightline will reserve capacity on commuter trains for rides between Aventura and MiamiCentral up until 48 hours of train departures.

The 34,000 square foot station features 240 parking spaces, a bus drop-off for Miami-Dade Transit passengers, newly landscaped and hardscape areas and a pedestrian skybridge that transports guests from the vertical transportation towers to the train platform. Brightline is currently designing a new pedestrian bridge which will connect the platform to the Aventura Mall. Upon the station’s opening, Brightline will provide a complimentary bi-directional Brightline+ shuttle to Aventura Mall for guests. The shuttle will be available 14 hours of the day.

The Aventura station has been designed to LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver criteria as part of Brightline’s goals to reduce contribution to global climate change, enhance individual human health and protect water resources. These LEED Silver station design features include a solar canopy and installation of electric charging vehicles to reduce emissions and encourage clean transportation, a careful selection of materials to increase healthy indoor spaces and smart technology to reduce water use.

In October 2019, the Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) passed a resolution to approve the property acquisition and development agreement between the County and Brightline. It also approved the use of $76.7 million of surtax dollars for the development of this project, which will serve the Northeast Corridor – one of six corridors in the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Program.

“As Mayor of Miami-Dade County, I spearheaded efforts to alleviate traffic, expand connectivity, and provide more transportation options to our residents. The opening of the new Brightline Aventura station will allow our residents to shorten their commute time and travel comfortably in world-class trains. I look forward to continuing fighting in Congress to deliver much-needed traffic relief for my constituents.” Said Congressman Carlos Gimenez (FL-26)

“This station is an important piece of our plan to bring commuter rail service to the Northeast of our county. Miami-Dade's investment in this station finally brings a new, fast, and convenient connection that is our first important step in providing relief from traffic while slashing our carbon footprint from our transportation system – the largest contributor to climate change in Miami-Dade.” Said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Brightline Boca Raton Station

Brightline’s Boca Raton station is located on a 1.8-acre site adjacent to the downtown library and across from Mizner Park and at 101 NW 4th St, Boca Raton, FL 33432. The 22,000 square foot station features a 455-space parking garage which will service Brightline’s guests and visitors to the library, who will have dedicated, covered, and complimentary spaces on the first floor. The station will also provide two complimentary, on-demand Brightline+ EV carts to destinations within downtown Boca Raton. Travel between Boca and MiamiCentral will be approximately 60 minutes.

“Boca Raton is thrilled to welcome Brightline to our community. This train station is a game changer for how our residents and businesses connect throughout South Florida and ultimately Orlando. It’s already spurring additional growth and economic opportunities. It’s a great day for the City of Boca Raton.” Said Mayor Scott Singer, City of Boca Raton

Partners in this project include the City of Boca Raton and Federal Railroad Administration that awarded Brightline and Boca $16.4 million for construction of the station.

“Multi-city inner-state travel just became much more attainable for locals and visitors to southeast Florida. With visitation forecasted to reach new heights this season, Brightline’s enhanced connectivity couldn’t come at a more fitting time. Brightline’s unique transportation offering, presents travelers ease of access into Palm Beach County’s two largest cities’ business/cultural downtown areas, and we can’t wait for new and returning visitors to try it out.” Said Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO for Discover The Palm Beaches- the official destination marketing organization for Palm Beach County

Station Travel Times, Parking + Passes (both stations)

Brightline’s initial schedules for Aventura and Boca are designed to optimize commuter patterns and will focus on peak morning and evening weekday service. During non-peak hours and weekends, Brightline will provide service approximately every other hour. Regular hourly service will continue in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and MiamiCentral. You can view a full schedule for Boca and Aventura here.

Parking options will be available at both stations upon opening with rates for Brightline guests starting at $7 and walk-up parking rates starting at $6 for up to an hour. Guests traveling from Aventura and Boca Raton stations will also have access to Brightline+ shuttle services offered to South Florida’s biggest games and events.

For guests looking to save on fares, a commuter SMART pass will be available for $229 per month. Passes for SHORT (2-leg) and LONG (4-leg) bookings will also be available for both SMART and PREMIUM. Miami-Aventura passes can be purchased in-person at the Aventura station and will become available for purchase online in early 2023 for $170 per month.

Club Studio, Earls Kitchen + Bar, and Luli Fama To Join Dynamic Shopping and Dining Collection Coming to Miami Worldcenter

An enticing collection of shops and dining spots in Downtown Miami continues to take shape with three new national retail and restaurant tenants coming to Miami Worldcenter, the $4 billion, 27-acre mixed-use development transforming the heart of Downtown Miami. The development’s ownership has completed leases with a new high-end fitness concept called Club Studio, popular dining spot Earls Kitchen + Bar, and luxury swimwear brand Luli Fama through Leap – a platform that develops and operates immersive retail stores for modern and emerging brands. These latest tenants will occupy a combined 45,000 square feet of retail space at Miami Worldcenter, bringing the development’s retail component to approximately 75% leased.

Miami Worldcenter is continuing to grow its stellar lineup of recently opened and upcoming tenants including two food and beverage concepts by Michelin-Star Chef Michael Beltran, Brasserie Laurel (now open) and El Vecino; Chicago’s Maple & Ash and etta restaurants; Sports & Social, a dining and entertainment concept; as well as other nationally recognized brands including Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, Lululemon, Ray-Ban, Sephora (now open), Posman Books, Bowlero, and Lucid Motors.

As one of the largest privately owned and developed urban real estate developments in Florida, Miami Worldcenter, which is currently coming alive in phases, will feature a diverse mix of residential, commercial and hospitality uses complemented by a total of 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space. Approximately 255,000 square feet of retail space has now been completed at Miami Worldcenter as tenants actively build out their spaces.

The project is being developed by master developers Miami Worldcenter Associates, led by Principal Art Falcone and Managing Partner Nitin Motwani, in partnership with CIM Group.

“Our newest group of exciting retailers speaks to the continued level of interest from brands that see value in having a presence in a mixed-use pedestrian-friendly, open-air environment in the heart of Downtown Miami,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates. “And Miami Worldcenter is more than happy to answer that call as we’ve always set out to provide a diverse set of lifestyle-driven retail and entertainment options for our residents, locals, and visitors.”

The latest tenants to sign leases at Miami Worldcenter are anticipated to open in 2023/2024.

Club Studio is a cutting-edge fitness experience that brings luxury amenities and boutique fitness classes together in one gym. Club Studio will occupy approximately 35,363 square feet of space in Miami Worldcenter’s Block D-East, along the project’s main pedestrian paseo, between 8th and 9th Streets. The Club Studio concept is a fresh take on fitness design that cleverly redefines the genre and fosters both physical and mental well-being. The club will feature state-of-the-art equipment, dynamic classes, and first-class amenities.

Earls Kitchen + Bar, an upscale premium casual dining restaurant, will be taking 8,400 square feet of space at Miami Worldcenter’s recently completed ‘Jewel Box’ retail building located at the confluence of the 7th Street Promenade and World Paseo open-air retail pedestrian streets. The new Downtown Miami location will embody the company's vision of creating a collection of independently compelling restaurants, inspired by and created for the guest and community in which it resides. Earls has 68 locations throughout North America, including its popular South Miami/Dadeland location.

Leap’s platform enables brands to deploy stores that work in concert with e-commerce more rapidly and at significantly reduced cost and risk. Brand stores powered by Leap bring modern brands to life with compelling, immersive customer experience and operations driven and informed by millions of data points. Leap’s first concept at Miami Worldcenter will be Luli Fama, a women’s luxury swim and resort wear brand, globally recognized for its universally flattering fit, immaculate designs and eclectic mix of vibrant hues. Luli Fama will operate out of a 1,246-square-foot space at the base of the PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter tower in Block D-West.

Retail leasing at Miami Worldcenter is led by CIM Group, partner in Miami Worldcenter, and Miami-based The Comras Company. CIM Group is a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender, and developer. The Comras Company is a leading, boutique real estate firm providing retail leasing, asset sales, consulting, and development advisory services throughout South Florida.

“Retailers and restauranteurs are judicious in the selection of new locations and we view the strong leasing activity, and ongoing interest, from a mix of top quality businesses, as a testament to the compelling destination we are creating with Miami Worldcenter,” said Shaul Kuba, Co-Founder and Principal, CIM Group.

Miami Worldcenter is now home to three completed residential towers – PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter, Caoba, and Bezel Miami. Development of a 351-room citizenM hotel is now complete and expected to open at Miami Worldcenter in early 2023. Additionally, construction is underway at phase one of the 52-story Miami World Towers, which will comprise 550 apartment units; at Legacy Hotel & Residences, a 50-story mixed-use tower with 310 branded residences atop a hotel and 50,000 square feet of medical office space; and at the second phase of Caoba, which will encompass an adjacent 40-story tower with 420 apartments.

Planned developments include 600 Miami Worldcenter, a 579-unit fully furnished condominium by Aria Development Group and Merrimac Ventures; The Crosby, a 450-unit turn-key condominium by Related Group and Merrimac Ventures; a mixed-use residential and commercial development by Abbhi Capital; a residential development by New York-based Naftali Group; and a three-tower mixed-use project by The Witkoff Group, which will include up to 2,000 residential units as well as 550,000 square feet of office space and another 50,000 square feet of retail.

Complementing Miami Worldcenter’s retail streets will be World Square, a 20,000-square-foot outdoor public plaza and park. Designed as a central gathering place, World Square will serve as the heartbeat of the development featuring an abundance of open space, shade trees, and oversized, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks lined with dining, entertainment, and retail concepts.

Miami Worldcenter’s $5 million public art initiative – curated by international art dealer Jeffrey Deitch and Miami-based curatorial collective PRIMARY – transforms the streets and buildings of the 27-acre ‘city within a city’ into a permanent outdoor art museum. Now complete, the program features a variety of contemporary and modern art works – in the form of large-scale murals, paintings, and sculptures – created by globally acclaimed artists including Nina Chanel Abney, Woody De Othello, Viktor El-Saieh, Nick Cave, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Hernan Bas, Serge Toussaint, Zadok Ben-David and Franz Ackermann.

Miami Worldcenter occupies 10 city blocks within walking distance of Museum Park, home to Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science; FTX Arena; the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts; and Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. It is also adjacent to Brightline’s MiamiCentral station, which offers direct train service to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and will soon reach Orlando, together with access to Tri-Rail, the Metromover, and the Metrorail – making Miami Worldcenter the largest and most connected transit-oriented development in Florida.

International Law Firm Kirkland & Ellis Inks 115K SF Lease At OKO Group and Cain International's 830 Brickell

Kirkland & Ellis, one of the largest law firms in the U.S., will open a Miami at 830 Brickell, the Class A+ tower nearing completion in the city’s Brickell Financial District. The firm signed a six floor, 115,000 square-foot lease at the tower, the largest new-to-market office lease signed in Miami in 2022. The 55-story tower, developed in partnership by OKO Group and Cain International, will be 100% leased ahead of its delivery in early 2023.

Kirkland joins the roster of world-leading professional services firms and other global companies at the building, which has become the address of choice for new-to-market firms looking to plant their flag in Miami. International law firms Sidley Austin, Winston & Strawn LLP and Baker McKenzie recently signed leases at 830 Brickell and will occupy a combined 100,000-plus square feet of space. Other blue-chip tenants that have announced plans to open offices at 830 Brickell include Microsoft, financial services company Citadel, New York-based insurance firm A-CAP, private equity firm Thoma Bravo, CI Financial, Marsh Insurance, AerCap and others.

“When OKO Group and Cain set out to develop 830 Brickell, Miami was on the way to becoming a global destination for professional services, finance and technology firms. Today, the city is a vital business hub, with 830 Brickell serving as a catalyst for international companies moving here,” said Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of OKO Group, and Jonathan Goldstein, CEO of Cain International. “The arrival of Kirkland & Ellis, along with the building’s other blue-chip tenants, has solidified 830 Brickell as one of the most desirable office towers in the United States and underscores the strength of the Miami market.”

830 Brickell’s ownership was represented by Cushman & Wakefield’s Brian Gale, Ryan Holtzman and Andrew Trench. Kirkland & Ellis was represented by Neil Goldmacher, Mitchell Millowitz and Ryan Rosalsky of Newmark, and Kevin Kushner of CBRE.

“830 Brickell is the only Class A-plus office building in Miami history to be fully pre-leased ahead of its completion, with the majority of its tenants being major new-to-market corporations. Global companies like Kirkland & Ellis, Microsoft and Citadel are changing the face of Miami’s business landscape and they’re looking to 830 Brickell as their home in one of the world’s most dynamic cities,” said Andrew Trench, Executive Director of Cushman & Wakefield.

830 Brickell was designed by renowned architecture firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, with interiors by Italian architecture and design company Iosa Ghini Associati.

The tower’s amenities will include a rooftop bar/lounge and restaurant – with menus developed alongside a three-Michelin-starred chef – showcasing expansive views of the City and Biscayne Bay, a world-class health and wellness center, conferencing facilities, 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.

World-Renowned Spanish Master Architect Albert Campo Baeza's First U.S. Commercial Building THE FIFTH MIAMI BEACH To Launch Leasing And Break Ground

Sumaida + Khurana and Bizzi & Partners, two internationally recognized real estate development firms, will begin leasing and start construction in the coming months for their new Class A+ office building designed by renowned Spanish master architect Alberto Campo Baeza named THE FIFTH MIAMI BEACH. This will be the first commercial building in the United States and first building in Miami designed by Baeza, who won Spain’s National Prize for Architecture last year. It will also be the first new commercial building to be built in Miami’s South of Fifth neighborhood in more than 15 years. This summer, less than one year after acquiring the site, Sumaida + Khurana and Bizzi & Partners received unanimous design approval by the Historic Preservation Board of Miami. Sumaida + Khurana is led by Founding Partners Saif Sumaida and Amit Khurana. Bizzi & Partners is led by CEO Davide Bizzi and Managing Director Alessandro Pallaoro.

The Fifth Miami Beach will redefine the modern office experience with a design that evokes poetic architecture through simplicity, beauty, and exquisite detailing. Its striking jewel box shape features a facade of precious white marble, transparent glass, and clean white concrete. Sumaida + Khurana and Bizzi & Partners decided to emphasize health and wellness throughout every aspect of the development.

The building incorporates a number of biophilic design elements which make it an elevated oasis, including massive, landscaped outdoor terraces, a majestic triple-height atrium at the building’s core and an impressive rooftop with expansive ocean and water views. It also includes an abundance of amenities including two dining venues, indoor and outdoor gyms, and a spa. With interiors designed by renowned architectural firm, Gabellini Sheppard Associates, the quality level of interior details, finishes and materials are what would be expected in a custom home.

"At The Fifth Miami Beach, we have sought to deliver a singular boutique office product that has not previously existed. By thoughtfully integrating contemporary architecture and craft, private fitness and spa amenities, expansive outdoor space and lush landscaping, curated dining options, and bespoke building services, our objective has been to think of the office building as a holistic ecosystem that supports the well-being and spatial experience of its tenants," said Amit Khurana, Founding Partner, Sumaida + Khurana.

“Alberto Campo Baeza’s architectural design features understated elegance, purity of design and subtle detailing that creates a calm, meditative ambiance that sets the tone for the rest of the building. We have assembled a stellar team to create an environment that is of the highest quality. In addition to Campo Baeza and Gabellini Sheppard Associates, award-winning firm Cube 3 serves as the executive architect and renowned firm, Miami-based Urban Robot Associates will be the project’s landscape architect,” said Alessandro Pallaoro, Managing Director, Bizzi & Partners.

Global commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield will oversee office leasing efforts and is being led by Brian Gale, Ryan Holtzman and Andrew Trench. Miami Beach-based commercial retail brokerage firm, Avenue Real Estate Partners will be handling retail leasing and is led by Aaron Butler.

“The Fifth Miami Beach, which measures 60,000 square feet, will be the highest quality boutique office building ever built in the United States. We have never seen a product at this scale that offers the same architectural pedigree, custom finishes, and best-in-class amenities. It will be the perfect offering for flight to quality tenants,” said Brian Gale, Vice-Chairman, Cushman & Wakefield.

The building spans five floors and each appears to effortlessly float due to the custom steel edge details found along the concrete slabs. Office ceiling heights reach 14 feet and offer an abundant sense of light, air, and outdoor space throughout every level. Each floor includes extensive wraparound terraces created for relaxation or group gatherings, where colleagues can meet. The building includes a monumental marble lobby with 33-foot ceiling heights as well as a large atrium that runs through its core. It also incorporates multiple amenities for tenants to share including a crowning rooftop space offering unobstructed views of the ocean and Miami Beach; a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa wrapped in custom oak millwork and tundra marble; on-site dining venues providing healthy dining options; and a best-in-class dining establishment that will occupy the ground floor and mezzanine space. Two historic houses located on site will be carefully restored and incorporated into the building’s design. One will be geared towards becoming a café that will serve healthy options and another will include a private courtyard seating and a butterfly sanctuary garden.

The project has been designed to meet LEED certification standards and will feature environmentally friendly materials and construction methods, high energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, and advanced air quality and filtration systems. The building is situated at the entrance to Miami Beach from the MacArthur Causeway, in the South of Fifth neighborhood at the corner of Michigan and Fifth Street. SoFi has quickly become an exclusive enclave home to many popular restaurants, hotels, hot spots, and high-end condos.

Sumaida + Khurana and Bizzi & Partners are individually known the world over for developing some of the most significant real estate projects in the world, collaborating with critically acclaimed and architects and designers. New York-based Sumaida + Khurana collaborated with Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Tadao Ando to design 152 Elizabeth Street, as well as Pritzker Laureate, Alvaro Siza for 611 West 56th Street. Bizzi & Partners, which has offices in New York, Milan, São Paulo, and Tallinn, worked with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano to design both 565 Broome SoHo in Manhattan and Eighty Seven Park in Miami. The firm also developed the Langham Hotel in New York, designed by Charles Gwathmey.

Fortune International Group Announces Branded Residence Collaboration With Casa Tua For ORA At 1210 Brickell

Fortune International Group, a real estate leader in developing, funding, construction management sales and marketing and led by the visionary founder, Edgardo Defortuna, have announced they are collaborating with hospitality brand, Casa Tua, to curate and program its newest high-rise, mixed-use development located at 1210 Brickell Avenue in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.

The building, ORA is the first branded residence for Casa Tua, the renowned, heartfelt brand and exclusive members’ only club which has gathered friends in their properties in Miami and then Aspen and Paris for over two decades and soon to launch in The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel in Manhattan 2023. The property will feature short-term rental residences in addition to a full suite of amenities programmed by Casa Tua.

“ORA will serve as a unique residential development in a premier location, at the best corner in the Brickell neighborhood,” said Edgardo Defortuna. “We look forward to working alongside the Casa Tua brand to curate a sophisticated experience that will create a community for its residents and Brickell. ORA will become the city’s most exciting amenity.”

ORA by Casa Tua will have, and not limited to, two new restaurant concepts by Casa Tua, a gourmet market by Casa Tua, a rooftop lounge – with resort-style offerings including a pool, sky lounge and bar; show kitchen, private event space and – curated by Casa Tua; an abundance of nature and lush landscaping infused into the design of the building, including full floors of floating gardens overlooking the city views; an entertainment lounge as well as fitness and wellness center.

“Since opening Casa Tua more than 20 years ago, my wife Leticia and I have always dreamt of applying the warmth and soul of Casa Tua to a pioneering mixed-use development, while boldly incorporating the most important feature that sets Miami apart as a city - its nature,” said Miky Grendene, Founder of Casa Tua. “There is no better partner for this ambitious vision than our friends at Fortune, Edgardo and Ana Cristina Defortuna. Together we will create a green oasis in the center of the city that will enable residents and guests to come together, celebrate life and be inspired by a new type of environment. At its heart will be a multi-faceted culinary hub delivering four distinct dining experiences true to Casa Tua’s signature style. ORA, meaning ‘now’ in Italian, is imagined for an evolving world, designed to honor simplicity, foster community and deepen human connection."

Reservations for the short-term rental residences – which range from 500-square-foot, studios to 2,400-square foot, four-bedroom homes – will launch in January 2023. Pricing will start at $800,000.

The Chetrit Group Announces Kobi Karp-Designed The River District In Brickell With New Concepts From David Grutman

As Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood evolves into one of the nation’s most desirable urban cores, New York-based developer Chetrit Group has announced a transformative new district designed by Kobi Karp that will reimagine over six acres of the Miami River’s waterfront into a premier destination for art, entertainment, music, and culture. The River District, located at the long-underutilized delta between I-95, Southwest Second Avenue and Jose Marti Park, brings high-end living, working, dining, shopping and yachting to the area with four distinct, brand-new skyscrapers, a pair of two-story waterfront retail buildings, a marina and lush new streetscapes inspired by Brazil’s tropical modernism aesthetic. The first tower is already rising and can be seen on the Miami River from I-95 west of Brickell.

Situated just south of the Miami River, The River District will comprise of 4 million square feet of new development in all. This includes about 1,600 residences, Class A office space, 30,000 square feet of curated retail, a boat marina that can accommodate 60-foot vessels, 2,000 covered parking spots, as well as vibrant restaurants and nightlife venues. The first building to come to market at The River District will be its luxury condominium. Expected to launch in early 2023, sales and marketing will be exclusively handled by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.

“The Miami River has been ripe for a new archetype of riverfront living, especially as the Brickell neighborhood continues to attract national companies and new residents to its urban core,” said Michael Chetrit of Chetrit Group. “With demand for new, curated experiences walkable from Brickell Avenue at an all-time high, we are excited to introduce a ground-up new neighborhood that builds and honors community, with a Brazilian twist. The River District is going to create a riverwalk experience for the first time in the city, and we expect to completely transform how people in the area live, work and play.”

To elevate the standard of hospitality, Chetrit Group partnered with David Grutman of Groot Hospitality – the globally renowned nightlife and hospitality visionary behind the goodtime hotel, nightclubs LIV and Story and restaurants Gekkō, Papi Steak, Swan and Komodo, among more – to deliver innovative new culinary and residential concepts exclusively to the ambitious master planned development. Through a lens of lavish design, in-demand talent and a frisson of celebrity and social media moments, Grutman is known for reestablishing Miami as a global contemporary hotspot for hospitality and aims to infuse this same spirit throughout The River District.

"The River District is going to be a highlight in Miami city's ongoing transformation," said David Grutman. "Paired with Chetrit Group's overall vision, I'm incredibly excited to bring Groot Hospitality to this game-changing development. We plan to feature versions of our existing concepts as well as all new ideas, across residential, restaurant and entertainment spaces."

The four skyscrapers at The River District – a luxury condominium, office tower and two premier rental buildings – are each distinguished by their own, unique interpretation of the Brazilian tropical modernism motif. This design vision, a hallmark of the vibrant culture at The River District, will be spearheaded by leading local architecture firm Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design. Having helped shape many of Miami’s most exclusive neighborhoods, from Fisher Island to Surfside, Kobi Karp is the top architect for transformative projects of The River District’s scale and level of importance. He is responsible for creating the master plan for the site, as well as the architecture, which together are reminiscent of the beachfront walkways of Rio de Janeiro.

For the interiors, Chetrit Group tapped New York-based, award-winning architecture and design firm Rockwell Group. Rockwell Group is known for creating unique narratives for award-winning projects across the globe, which range from restaurants, hotels, airport terminals, and hospitals, to festivals, museum exhibitions, and Broadway sets. Projects include multiple Oscar award ceremony production designs; Nobu hotels and restaurants worldwide; Equinox Hotel New York; restaurants like Katsuya and Peak in New York and Gekkō and CHICA in Miami; set designs for Broadway shows, such as Hairspray and Kinky Boots; and many more. Rockwell Group will design the condominium tower, including the lobby, amenity spaces and 378 studios to three bedroom residences. Rockwell Group and IDDI, an international design firm, will envision the rental tower, where Rockwell Group is designing the lobby and restaurant.

Representing the first master-planned project developed by Chetrit Group in South Florida, The River District will showcase the company’s level of focus and expertise delivering large-scale real estate developments. Construction will be completed in phases, with phase one currently underway. That includes the first rental tower, as well as the two retail buildings. The next phase will begin with the groundbreaking of the luxury condominium, which is slated for early 2023 with a target completion in 2026.

Renderings via JORG and Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design

Brick & Timber Collective Acquires Wynwood Office Building Cube Wynwd For $62 Million

Brick & Timber Collective has acquired Cube Wynwd, an office building in Miami’s hot Wynwood neighborhood, from Tricera Capital and Alex Karakhanian’s LNDMRK Development for $62 million. The transaction closed on December 13 and Tricera and LNDMRK retained an undisclosed ownership stake in Cube Wynwd. Tricera and LNDMRK originally acquired the 100,000 SF office building, which includes ground-floor retail, rooftop space and parking, for $28 million in an April 2021 off-market deal. Tony Arellano of DWNTWN Realty Advisors represented both buyer and seller in the transaction.

Berkadia’s Scott Wadler and Mike Basinski secured a $36.18 million loan on behalf of the buyer Brick & Timber Collective. This is the second time in 20 months the property has traded and been capitalized by Berkadia. The Berkadia team also lined up $27.5 million in senior and mezzanine financing when Tricera Capital and LNDMRK acquired the property in April of 2021. JP Morgan provided the balance sheet $36.2 million five-year fixed-rate loan with full term interest only.

The Tricera Capital and LNDMRK Development partnership acquired Cube Wynwd in 2021 from Red Sky Capital when Scott Sherman was still with firm. Sherman has since left and founded Torose Equities. The Class A office building was developed in 2019 by Redsky Capital in partnership with JZ Capital Partners and was financed by Bank OZK and Lionheart Strategic Management.

“We are thrilled with the execution of our business plan for Cube Wynwd, culminating in this significant disposition,” Tricera Chief Financial Officer Christian Ramirez said. “This investment underscores the depth and versatility of Tricera 2.0, as we tapped into our robust acquisitions and asset management divisions, top-tier leasing professionals, team members with development experience and real estate finance experts. We look forward to replicating the model at our many other investments and developments.”

Prior to completing the disposition, the Tricera and LNDMRK partnership finalized a five-year lease with Boston’s Northeastern University to occupy the 10,976 SF fifth floor of the 222 NW 24th St. building. Northeastern plans to operate a brand-new graduate degree program tailored to working professionals in Miami’s rapidly growing fintech industry.

The Northeastern deal maintains Cube’s 100% leased status, as investment firm Schonfeld Strategic Advisors is set to relocate from Cube to The Dorsey, a Wynwood mixed-use building Tricera and LNDMRK partnered with The Related Group to develop. Schonfeld is expected to move to The Dorsey in early 2023.

“Northeastern’s lease at Cube is yet another example of where Wynwood’s office market is headed and reinforces the building’s incredible tenant mix,” Tricera President/Head of Leasing Dustin Ballard said. “It is exciting that local fintech professionals will have an opportunity to pursue a graduate degree from a renowned university. That will help take the fintech sector – and the City of Miami – to build upon the accomplishments and growth of the past few years.”

CBRE’s Eric Groffman, Cameron Tallon, Emily Brais and Randy Carballo served as landlord representatives in the Northeastern lease. Colliers International South Florida Stephen Rutchik and Tyler de la Peña and Colliers International Greater Boston’s John Carroll represented the tenant.

Additional Cube tenants include Blockchain.com, Ecuadorean fintech firm Kushki, Shaolin Capital Management, Brazilian footwear manufacturer Grendene, office supply and furniture online retailer Poppin, tech firm Transmit, and more.

Image via Richard Novak

Royal Palm Companies Locks Down $76.5 Million Construction Loan For Elevate Apartments In Dania Beach

Dan Kodsi’s Royal Palm Companies has locked down a $76.5 million construction loan for Elevate Apartments in Dania Beach. The 36-month financing was provided by the Miami-based 3650 REIT and replaced a previous $64 construction loan. The multifamily project, which is located at 600 East Dania Beach Blvd., is roughly halfway complete and is expected to be completed in November 2023. The financing was arranged by Kevin O’Grady of Concord Summit Capital.

Elevate Apartments was designed by NMD Nomadas and will feature 298 units which will range from studio to 3-bedroom floor plans. The building will also feature a full suite of amenities including a fitness center, business center and pool deck.

Royal Palm Companies is led by Dan Kodsi who has played an integral part of the development of Downtown Miami having delivered PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter and PARAMOUNT Bay, amongst other buildings, and is currently developing the sold-out Legacy Hotel & Residences Miami Worldcenter.

PROFILE Exclusive First Look Into The Newly Revealed St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach Lavish Sales Gallery

The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, a duo of standalone towers situated along 435 linear feet of pristine beach, has revealed an exclusive first look into an oceanfront sales gallery amid immense sales success. Also unveiled at an exclusive invite-only event for industry insiders was the sculpture “Our Nucleus” by internationally acclaimed artist Lorenzo Quinn, exclusively commissioned for the future residences.

Developed by Fortune International Group and Château Group, and managed by St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, these luxurious residences offer exceptional service in a breathtaking, oceanfront setting. The towers, designed by the visionary architecture firm Arquitectonica, paired with interiors by celebrated São Paulo-based designer Patricia Anastassiadis and landscape design by EDSA, offer an elevated lifestyle in one of South Florida’s most coveted locations. The South Tower, first to be completed, will feature 175 residences.

“South Florida luxury real estate remains at the top of everyone’s wish list. The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach was conceived and developed to not only accommodate this desire, but to create an unparalleled lifestyle in one of the most rare oceanfront addresses in Florida,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “We are thrilled with the sales success we have seen to date, as the location, design, amenities, and lifestyle have resonated immensely with our buyers.”

“The St. Regis brand is rooted in superior service and The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach will execute this lifestyle effortlessly, with every detail carefully considered,” said Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of Château Group. “With infinite 360-degree views, this extraordinary oceanfront site is stunning from entrance to pinnacle. With a dramatic two-story lobby entrance to extensive amenities including a jaw-dropping infinity pool, the magic of the St. Regis brand is evident throughout the property. The sales gallery was designed to perfectly capture the views and atmosphere of the future residences.”

The Residences offer an array of luxurious residences, as well as Sky Villas and Penthouses, all featuring stunning unobstructed ocean, city, and Intracoastal views. Accessed through private elevators leading to an entry foyer, residences comprise two, three, four, and five bedrooms ranging from 2,000 to 5,600 square feet with spacious floor plans and ceiling heights clearing ten feet. Sky Villas and Penthouses encompass entire floors, ranging from 6,600 to over 10,000 square feet, with ceiling heights clearing twelve feet and sizable, private terraces with private pools that lend themselves perfectly to seamless outdoor/indoor living. Owners will also have access to extensive amenity offerings totaling over 70,000 square feet with 24/7 unparalleled St. Regis service to accommodate every need.

The sales gallery of The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami features a recently unveiled sculpture by Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn. Quinn is a contemporary figurative sculptor, best known for his large-scale pieces and expressive recreation of human hands. His previous works have been exhibited in iconic international destinations, including the Giza Pyramids in Egypt and over the canals in Venice, Italy. This larger-than-life piece, titled “Our Nucleus”, is sculpted in his signature style in stainless steel and rises over nineteen feet tall. The piece is viewable at the entrance to the sales gallery before it is permanently installed within The Residences.

Sunny Isles Beach is one of the most coveted residential locations in South Florida. Flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the East and the Intracoastal Waterway on the West, Sunny Isles Beach provides both the peaceful atmosphere of a resort while also offering the cultural vibrancy of city living. The Residences are in close proximity to Miami Beach, Bal Harbour Shops, Aventura Mall, and the Miami Design District.

Images via Image via Zoltan Present, Luxhunters Productions, Renderings via DBOX

The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Marriott”). La Playa Beach Associates, LLC uses the St. Regis marks under a license from Marriott, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made about the project.