Genting Group Draws 5 Bids Over $1 Billion For The Former-Miami Herald Waterfront Development Site

Genting Group has received five bids over $1 billion following a marketing period led by Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group for the former Miami Herald site in Downtown Miami, one of the largest and most valuable development sites in the United States. The largest bid values the property at just under $1.5 billion for the rare Omni District waterfront site. The land is a ±15.5-acre development opportunity which was dubbed BayCity Miami and is currently host annually to ArtMiami and CONTEXT Art Miami during Miami Art Week as ArtMiami’s Art Wynwood show in February. The property was previously occupied by the Miami Herald headquarters which was demolished in 2014.

Located at 1431 N Bayshore Drive in Miami the property features 800 linear feet of direct Biscayne Bay frontage and highly aggressive zoning in one of Miami’s most dynamic and connected neighborhoods, it is considered the most desirable development site offering in the city’s history and one of the largest waterfront land assemblages currently available in the U.S. The property has the potential to build a landmark mixed-use office, retail, residential, hospitality, and entertainment destination.

Genting Group appointed Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group led by Avison Young Principals Michael T. Fay, John K. Crotty, CCIM; David Duckworth, and Vice President Brian C. de la Fé to spearhead the marketing and sale of property. Genting Group, one of the largest resort and entertainment and gaming corporations in the world which operates Resorts World, will remain invested in the Omni area, maintaining ownership of parcels spanning 10 acres west of Biscayne Boulevard.

Spanning several lots, including the former Miami Herald headquarters site, the property is in the Metromover subzone of Miami-Dade’s mixed-use zoning of RTZ (Rapid Transit Zone). With South Florida’s most generous zoning designation, the site has unlimited buildable square footage, no setbacks, a height limited only by the FAA regulations (649 feet) and a potential density of over 8,000 units. The RTZ zoning provides developers an enormous, highly flexible building envelope and the opportunity to develop a singular waterfront development of incredible scale.

Over the past 2.5 years, Miami has become a Tier-1 American city, on par with New York City and Los Angeles. According to proptech platform AVANT by Avison Young, Orbital Insight, Miami is outperforming most top U.S. metropolitan cities, including New York, as far as daily visitors to the city’s downtown urban core. Additionally, high-income earners and some of the most successful financial services, technology and cryptocurrency firms continue to relocate to Miami from other major metros. Rents across commercial real estate asset classes in Miami are at all-time highs, and development sales continue to break records.

Authentic Greek Seafood Taverna 'Calista' Opens Miami Beach Location on Española Way

Authentic Greek restaurant Calista Greek Seafood Taverna has opened their third location on the revitalized Española Way at 1444 Drexel Ave on Miami Beach. Already a neighborhood staple in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, the Miami Beach location is now open and offers a variety of Greek specialties, signature cocktails, a curated wine list, craft beers, and weekly programming with live entertainment.

“We are excited to bring authentic Greek cuisine to Española Way,” shares owner Costa Grillas. “The always-buzzing street is the perfect setting for Miami locals and visitors to experience our menu’s bold Mediterranean flavors and fresh, local cuisine.”

Owned and operated by Grillas, Executive Chef Thomas Fotouras, and Partner Charissa Davidovici, Calista’s Miami Beach restaurant will have a 3,500 square-foot main dining room, a bar area with seating for 14, a 1,000 square-foot front outdoor patio, and an outdoor courtyard. Upon entering, guests will be greeted by bright, Mykonos-inspired decor including bougainvillea flowers, pots, hanging basket light fixtures, an ice display featuring the daily selection of fresh whole fish and seafood, and majestic murals featuring a scene from the classic film “The Greek Tycoon,” and another by acclaimed photographer Robert McCabe.

“The food and bar scene in Athens, Greece is my main source of inspiration for Calista,” says Owner Chef Thomas Fotouras. “I want customers to feel like they are in Greece, eating the most authentic Greek cuisine and the freshest seafood, but most importantly, I want them to feel like family.”

Offering lunch and dinner, Calista’s menu features a variety of dishes from branzino to meat dishes to salads and vegetables. From noon to 3 p.m., guests will have the option of ordering a $29 three-course prix-fixe lunch special featuring popular dishes like Pikilia (trio of dips); Keftedes (Greek meatballs); Branzino; Grilled Salmon; Chicken Filets; and desserts like Greek Yogurt topped with sour cherry preserves, and Mosaiko, a chocolate, hazelnut and almond log.

The dinner menu offers larger dishes including the Spanakopita, a spinach pie made with spinach, feta, and leeks wrapped in phyllo dough; Garides Santorini made with white shrimp, tomato sauce and ouzo; Seafood Pasta made with linguine, bisque, tomato sauce and brandy; Souvlaki Kotopoulo (chicken kebabs) served with tzatziki; the Calista Special including stuffed shrimp, stuffed clams, lobster, filet of sole and scallops. For dessert, guests can finish off their meal with housemade Galaktoboureko, and additional Greek pastries.

The restaurant’s elevated bar will provide full-menu service complete with Calista’s signature cocktails only offered in Miami Beach such as the Santorini Sunset made with añejo tequila, Tsipouro, fresh ginger and agave; the Athens Cosmo made with Metaxa 7 Stars, Cointreau and cranberry juice; and the Mykonos Mule made with Figenza Fig Vodka and ginger beer.

“On trips to Greece, the food has always been what I’ve most enjoyed,” explains Davidovici. “Calista has the most authentic flavors of any restaurant I’ve tried in Miami. The dining experience feels like you’ve stepped off the streets of South Beach and into the Mediterranean.”

Giving guests a taste of the Greek islands, the Miami Beach restaurant will present a weekly “Mamma Mia” style event on Fridays with a DJ, Greek music, dancing and entertainment.

Calista Greek Seafood Taverna is located at 1444 Drexel Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 and is open daily for dinner Monday to Saturday from 5-11 p.m. and Sundays from 5-10 p.m. Calista will also open for lunch daily in the coming month.

Images via Calista

Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality To Bring Coastal Italian-Inspired Concept 'Casadonna' To Edgewater's Historic Women's Club Building

The historic Miami Women’s Club in Edgewater is set to be transformed with the opening of Casadonna, a Coastal Italian-inspired restaurant developed in partnership between Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality. The restaurant is slated to open Summer 2023 in the waterfront Mediterranean revival historic Women’s Club building, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The name "Casadonna" is derived from the setting, a fusion of Italian words translating to "house of the woman." The restaurant represents the first partnership between hospitality and entertainment powerhouses the Miami-based Groot Hospitality, led by David Grutman, and the New York City-based Tao Group Hospitality, led by Jason Strauss.

Riviera-style Italian cooking serves as the heart of Casadonna's cuisine. The menu will feature the freshest and finest local and imported products, with signature handcrafted dishes. Plates are based around traditional recipes found in the coastal towns of Naples, Taormina, Bari, Positano and Gaeta, and each is presented in a contemporary fashion. Bespoke cocktails and an extensive wine list complement this approach.

Casadonna will seat up to 366 guests in both indoor and outdoor dining and bar areas, all of which have been visualized by the designer Ken Fulk. The atmosphere is lush, leafy, stately and golden, conveying both a nod to the site's legacy as the Women's Club building, and a reflection of modern Miami tastes. Design highlights include a tranquil indoor-outdoor flow featuring a covered, high-ceilinged atrium, iconic paned and vaulted glass windows, original gates, elaborate chandeliers and distinctive floor patterning.

Tao Group Hospitality delivers distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences through its portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and daylife venues. Tao Group Hospitality acquired Hakkasan Group in April 2021. The combined company operates more than 70 branded locations in over 20 markets across five continents and features a collection of widely recognized hospitality brands. These include TAO, Hakkasan, OMNIA, Marquee, LAVO, Beauty & Essex, Wet Republic, Yauatcha, Ling Ling, Cathédrale, Little Sister, The Highlight Room, Sake No Hana, Jewel, and more. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) (NYSE: MSGE), a leader in live experiences.

Groot Hospitality was officially formed in 2018 by David Grutman and is a Miami Beach-based collective of top restaurants, bars, cafés, nightlife ventures and hotels. Groot Hospitality’s portfolio includes The Goodtime Hotel, the nightclubs LIV and STORY, the restaurants Gekkō, Komodo, The Key Club, Papi Steak, Strawberry Moon and Swan. At both the Goodtime Hotel and Swan, Grutman is partners with the multi-hyphenate musician and producer Pharrell Williams and the pair will also open their first resort, Somewhere Else on Atlantis Paradise Island, in 2024. Grutman is also partners with the recording artist and actor Bad Bunny on Gekkō.

ALINA Residences Tops Off Phase Two Building ALINA 210 In Boca Raton

Only one year after its groundbreaking, El-Ad National Properties, an Elad Group company, have topped off ALINA 210 at ALINA Residences Boca Raton, an award-winning, world-class residential destination in the heart of downtown Boca Raton.

ALINA Residences broke ground on its phase two development in March 2022, which includes two buildings: ALINA 210 and ALINA 220. Once phase two is complete in late 2024, ALINA Residences will be complete, comprising of three total buildings: ALINA 200, ALINA 210 and ALINA 220, which will offer 303 total residences. ALINA 200 is sold out and occupied.

ALINA 210, the intimate centerpiece of ALINA Residences, features nine stories and 30 exquisite corner residences. With a maximum of four residences per floor, ALINA 210 features homes with three and four bedrooms with den floor plans, ranging in sizes from about 3,300–5,400 square feet with pricing starting at approximately $4 million.

In addition to enjoying access to exceptional amenities at ALINA 200 and ALINA 220, the 30 residences at ALINA 210 will have an exclusive suite of thoughtfully curated amenities, including a private spa with dry sauna, aroma steam rooms, salon/treatment area, private locker rooms, state-of-the-art fitness facility and a bungalow style pool with poolside cabanas.

“Following the success of ALINA Residences’ sold-out phase one, it is extremely exciting to be topping off of the boutique ALINA 210 building one year after groundbreaking,” said Ziv. “Phase two is already over 50% sold, with many purchasers referred by existing ALINA residents. We believe this ongoing sales activity is a reflection of buyers recognizing that ALINA is a truly unique residential destination, which offers designer-inspired residences, resort-style amenities, and a sense of community with well-staffed services. Boca Raton’s downtown scene is continuing to emerge, and we are proud to be a part of it.”

Phase two will add an extra two acres of private outdoor amenity space to ALINA. All ALINA residents will enjoy spectacular amenities such as his and hers spa facilities with dry saunas, steam rooms, treatment rooms and relaxation rooms; state-of-the-art fitness centers, multiple rooftop swimming pools with private cabanas, fire pits, dedicated yoga areas, highly appointed club rooms, two dog parks and more.

Designed by architect Peter Stromberg of Garcia Stromberg and brought to life by Moss Construction, ALINA Residences Boca Raton is a beacon of modern living in Boca Raton. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is the exclusive sales team for ALINA Residences.

“We are excited to experience the huge demand for phase two of ALINA Residences,” said Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman Florida and President of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, Florida. “There is no doubt that downtown Boca Raton has transformed as the developers of ALINA envisioned, making it the perfect time to become a part of the extraordinary lifestyle that ALINA residents are enjoying. We expect continued interest and excitement now that ALINA 210 has topped off.”

ALINA Residences is tucked between the manicured green fairways of The Boca Raton and Southeast Mizner Boulevard, offering premier access to nearby shopping, dining, and cultural destinations.

With more than three decades of high-end development experience in New York City, Los Angeles and Toronto, Elad Group entered the South Florida market a few years ago through El-Ad National Properties. By expeditiously seizing opportunities, El-Ad National Properties has earned a sterling reputation as an agile, entrepreneurial company with high expectations and solid values, a philosophy shared by all employees. El-Ad National Properties is leaving its footprint on South Florida with ALINA Residences Boca Raton as its first new development from the ground up project.

Mast Capital Breaks Ground on Arquitectonica-Designed Luxury Multifamily Development At Entry To Miami Beach

As demand for apartment living in Miami Beach continues to reach record levels, Mast Capital, led by Camilo Miguel Jr., in partnership with Rockpoint, have launched its latest multifamily community set to transform the entry to Miami Beach at the intersection of the Julia Tuttle Causeway and Alton Road. Mast Capital and Rockpoint plan to develop a nine-story multifamily development with 178 units, located just off the Julia Tuttle Causeway at 3900 Alton Road where an aging apartment building has stood. The partnership secured a $64 million construction loan from PNC Bank in November 2022. The project broke ground last month and is estimated to open for Fall 2024.

Designed by Arquitectonica, the upscale apartment community will consist of 178 units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. The residences will range in size from 560 square feet to 1,410 square feet and will feature luxury design elements including Italian cabinetry, porcelain flooring throughout, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and wrap-around balconies with glass railings. The development will also incorporate high-end, lifestyle-driven amenities for residents, including an elevated pool deck, BBQ area, outdoor gaming area, fitness and yoga studio, resident lounge, co-working spaces, and pet washing station.

“Miami Beach rental housing is experiencing strong demand on the back of more individuals and companies relocating to the region, drawn to the state’s business-friendly environment and desirable lifestyle,” said Camilo Miguel, Jr., Founder and CEO of Mast Capital. “This project will have unique positioning as one of the few luxury for-rent projects in the Miami Beach market, one of South Florida’s hottest residential markets.”

Mast Capital has emerged as one of South Florida’s most active real estate development and investment firms today, with acquisitions since December 2020 representing over $3.5 billion in total project capitalization. These investments include new-build development of 2,300 residential units, ranging from suburban and urban apartment communities to ultra-luxury condominiums, in Miami’s Brickell Financial District, Miami Beach, Palm Beach County, Fort Myers, and the Tampa metro area.

Rockpoint, headquartered in Boston, employs a fundamental value approach to investing and targets select product types located in markets in the United States. Over its 28-year history, the firm’s co-founders with others have raised approximately $29 billion in capital commitments through Rockpoint and a predecessor firm. As of September 30, 2022, Rockpoint’s investment team with others has invested or committed to invest in 498 transactions with a total peak capitalization of approximately $80 billion.

PORT 32 Marinas Acquires Lighthouse Point Marina

PORT 32 Marinas, LLC (PORT 32) has acquired Lighthouse Point Marina, which is situated on the Intracoastal Waterway just minutes from the Hillsboro Inlet. Located at 2831 Marina Circle, Lighthouse Point, FL, the marina is one of the area’s most coveted destinations in the heart of the “Yachting Capital of the World.”

PORT 32 is a leading owner, operator, developer, and acquirer of a growing collection of irreplaceable marina assets in nine premier markets across both coasts of Florida. The purchase of Lighthouse Point represents the first marina acquisition by the new PORT 32 leadership team, which joined the company in late 2022. With the addition of Lighthouse Point, PORT 32 seeks to grow its family of marinas within Florida and to expand strategically into new markets along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico.

“Lighthouse Point Marina is a special lifestyle property in an extraordinary location, tucked just inside the clear Atlantic waters of the Hillsboro Inlet. Here at PORT 32, we love cruising with friends and family, saltwater fishing, and ice-cold drinks on the waterfront, which makes Lighthouse Point a perfect fit for our growing portfolio of premier coastal marinas,” said Austin Schell, CEO of PORT 32 Marinas. “After almost 60 years of unbroken family ownership, we are thrilled the Spiekers chose PORT 32 Marinas to carry on their legacy as the first non-family owner of Lighthouse Point. To all our Lighthouse Point Marina members and the surrounding community, we look forward to introducing you to our leadership team and hope to meet you on the docks, at the Nauti Dawg restaurant, or on the saltwater sometime soon.”

CBRE’s Julie Fisher Berry and Sheila Roux represented the seller, Lighthouse Point Marina Inc., in the transaction. Led by Julie Fisher Berry, CBRE’s Marina and Shipyards brokerage team in South Florida has transacted over $1.5 billion in marina and shipyard sales.

Featuring 102 wet slips that can accommodate 25- to 80-foot vessels, the 4,410 total linear footage marina had been family owned and operated for over 50 years and had never been offered for acquisition previously. Located less than ½ nautical mile from the Hillsboro Inlet, Lighthouse Point Marina provides immediate access to the ocean, a significant feature for sportfishing enthusiasts. Amenities, such as the fuel dock, the live bait station, the popular Nauti Dawg restaurant, the ship store, and other features make this one of the most desirable marinas for boaters.

Featuring a beautiful waterfront location and stunning Intracoastal views, the 2,271-square-foot Nauti Dawg restaurant, a long-standing favorite among locals, is open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy weekly live entertainment and music and relax in a friendly and welcoming ambiance. With 90 seats in an indoor and outdoor setting, the restaurant also features six dedicated transient slips.

“Lighthouse Point Marina is one of the most coveted marinas in South Florida due to its location near the Hillsboro Inlet and the surrounding area of Lighthouse Point. The owners have built a loyal customer base by providing great service, operating an excellent restaurant, and keeping the marina in impeccable condition,” said Julie Fisher Berry, a senior vice president with CBRE in Fort Lauderdale. “CBRE is honored to have represented the owners and identified the buyer of this high-profile marina property. After a strategic offering process, PORT 32 Marinas emerged as the perfect buyer. CEO Austin Schell and his team have engaged with the owners and staff for a smooth transition that will continue the successful legacy that the Spieker family built.”

“Lighthouse Point Marina has been owned and operated by one family, the Spieker family, for over half a century. As second-generation owner-operators, it was important for us to find a buyer that will respect what we have created and retain our staff and family culture with the intention of maintaining and even improving the site with time. We believe we have found that buyer with PORT 32 Marinas. On behalf of owners, Debbie Edwards, Christian Spieker and myself, we feel the Lighthouse Point Marina and Nauti Dawg Marina Café are being left in good hands, and we look forward to watching both entities blossom under the new leadership of PORT 32 Marinas,” said Maureen Canada, former president of Lighthouse Point Marina.

Images via Smith Aerial

New Fitness Concept "Club Studio" Coming to Miami's Grove Central Development in Coconut Grove

Club Studio, a new high-end fitness concept by Fitness International, the company behind LA Fitness, has signed a 38,400 square foot lease at Grove Central, a mixed-use transit-oriented development underway in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood. The new state-of-the-art gym will incorporate innovative boutique fitness classes along with plenty of free weights, strength and cardio areas, a dedicated functional training area, cryotherapy and recovery services, locker rooms, and more. Situated at the entrance to Coconut Grove at the intersection of US-1 and 27th Avenue, construction of the Grove Central development is nearing completion and is slated for delivery later this year.

Grove Central is being developed by a joint venture between Miami-based developers Terra and Grass River Property. The development will include a 23-story residential tower with 402 multifamily, workforce and co-living units, a new 1,250-space public parking garage, and a total of approximately 170,000 square feet of neighborhood-oriented retail space. The transit-oriented project will connect to and facilitate privately funded improvements made to the adjacent Coconut Grove Metrorail station, and integrate directly with The Underline linear park, Miami-Dade’s bus system, and the City of Miami’s popular trolley network.

Slated to open in 2024, Club Studio will join Grove Central’s exciting roster of upcoming tenants, including Target, Sprouts Farmers Market, Total Wine and Five Below.

“Our vision of Grove Central as an everyday, transit-oriented destination is coming to life, with our retail poised to serve the development’s multifamily residents, nearby neighbors, and commuters who take the train. Within one single mixed-use complex, they’ll find everything from a gym and grocery store, to exciting retail and food and beverage options,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra.

Club Studio redefines the traditional gym offering in an elevated and boutique fitness experience with “studios” that combine a variety of fitness classes in a modern setting, exquisite amenities, and lifestyle experiences. From a wellness café to infrared saunas and personal training services – Club Studio offers an elevated experience and upscale wellness amenities to its members.

“Wellness is becoming a big part of our daily lives,” said Justin Kennedy, Managing Partner, Co-CEO & CIO of Grass River Property. “The addition of Club Studio in this location is not only a benefit to the residents who will be living at Grove Central, but also to those living in surrounding communities. Packaged with other concepts such as Sprouts Farmers Market, residents of Coconut Grove will be getting exciting new wellness-focused retail concepts in their neighborhood.”

The focal point of Grove Central will be a tree-lined public plaza connecting the project with an improved Metrorail station and the adjacent Underline, a 13-mile linear park running from South Miami-Dade to Downtown Miami. The project has been designed by Miami’s Touzet Studio, a Miami-based design firm led by Carlos and Jackie Touzet in collaboration with architecture firm RSP Architects and Walter Meyer of New York’s Local Office Landscape Architecture (LOLA).

Rod Castan of Metro Commercial represented the developers in the lease transaction, while Jim Petrarca of The Shopping Center Group represented Club Studio.

Pura Vida Brings Their Health Driven Ethos To Miami Shores and Doral As Health Food Hotspot and Lifestyle Brand Continues to Expand

Pura Vida, South Florida’s iconic well food hotspot and lifestyle brand, is continuing to expand with the announcement of new two new locations in the residential village of Miami Shores and the up-and-coming area of Doral. Both outposts are slated to open in March and come shortly after the opening of Pura Vida’s first international location in Doha, Qatar late last year. Showcasing a menu that can be enjoyed any time of the day alongside a welcoming environment, each Pura Vida cafe establishes itself as a homebase for friends and family to gather in every neighborhood it folds itself into.

“We are very excited about these two new openings and the various community engagement programs and opportunities we have in the works. We always strive to make a positive impact by providing nutritious food, creating a network of people who value health. In addition to Doral and Miami Shores, we are continuing to extend our footprint into the sport and fitness space in the coming months — which resonates perfectly with our wellness lifestyle and healthy ethos.” Said Omer Horev, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Pura Vida

Pura Vida’s health-driven menu draws inspiration from family recipes and the Horevs’ travels. Pura Vida takes pride in offering a variety of nutritious and delectable dishes, sourcing local and organic ingredients, and high-quality proteins. Familiar Pura Vida patrons can expect the brand’s beloved All-Day Breakfast offerings which feature a range of avocado toasts, pasture-raised egg sandwiches, fresh bagels, and raw organic açaí bowls; clean chef-driven Salads that are customizable with the protein of your choice; Wraps & Sandwiches and Bowls featuring a variety of bases and proteins; as well as a wide array of gluten-free and vegan Sweet Treats; and a simple Kids Menu which includes gluten-free offerings like the Tiny Toasted Chicken, Cheesy Grilled Cheese, and Kid’s Acai. Additionally, Pura Vida’s menu includes a series of cold-pressed juices and shots, superfood smoothies, kombucha, and artisanal coffees and teas.

In 2015 Pura Vida initiated a robust re-brand, in which Chief Brand Officer and Founder Jennifer Horev completely reimagined the interior design of the brand to feel like an extension of their own home. Now outfitted with lush greenery, alluring floral accents, wooden finishes, and outdoor patios lined with the brand’s signature blue umbrellas, Pura Vida’s Instagrammable interiors offer an authentic, harmonic ambiance that exudes a sense of casual comfort and minimalist urbanity. Jennifer’s creative direction is rooted from her keen eye for design, emphasizing minimalist elements, natural tones, and bright, airy spaces inherent at all Pura Vida locations.

“I believe that the interiors are just as important as the food. Creating a space that’s warm, inviting, and calming was really important to me when we rebranded Pura Vida. The most rewarding part of opening new locations like Miami Shores and Doral is the deeper relationships that are made with community members that share the same values of quality and health. Whether you’re picking up your coffee on-the-go, grabbing lunch, or meeting us after school for a snack, Pura Vida is a gathering place for all.” said Jennifer Horev, Chief Brand Officer and Founder of Pura Vida

Omer Horev first opened Pura Vida in Miami Beach in 2012 as a side passion project. After meeting his wife and now business partner, Jennifer Horev in 2015, the pair began building the healthy menu being mindful of food allergies and dietary restrictions, as well as reimagining Pura Vida’s chic interiors. In addition to making nutritious foods more accessible, the South Florida grown, family-owned and operated lifestyle brand has proven its commitment to making a positive impact within South Florida. Pura Vida has created over 550 real careers across the region. Moreover, continuing its commitment to a more eco-friendly world, the brand also regularly partners with different organizations to participate in quarterly beach cleanups and, as part of their sustainability programming, the brand is also partnered with local organizations for composting food waste and donates the fertile soil back to local farmers in Miami.

Since 2012, Pura Vida has expanded into several areas in South Florida including South Beach, West Ave, Edgewater, Miami Design District, West Palm Beach, Aventura, Bay Harbor, Las Olas, Brickell, Sunset Harbour, Miracle Mile, and South Miami. Additionally, the brand recently kicked off the beginning of their Middle Eastern expansion with the unveiling of their first full-service restaurant in Doha, Qatar. This year, Pura Vida plans to open several new South Florida outposts, expanding coast to coast, as well as extending into the fitness sector with several sports club partnerships on the horizon.

Images via Pura Vida

Clara Homes Breaks Ground on 'Clara Bay Harbor' On The Coveted Bay Harbor Islands

On the heels of closing on a $26 million construction loan for Clara Bay Harbor, Clara Homes has broken ground on Phase 1 of its luxury rental development, Clara Bay Harbor. Located at 10281 W. Bay Harbor Drive, the first building, a six-story midrise, will feature 28 well-appointed apartments designed with the same quality and level of finish as a luxury condominium. Inspired by New York’s famous apartment buildings, with personalized doormen and concierge service, walkability and convenient amenities onsite, the development will create a new tier of rental living in Miami and appeal to renters wanting the experience of home, without the hassle. The first building is scheduled to complete in 2024.

Clara Homes is a Miami-based, vertically integrated real estate firm specializing in residential development, custom single-family homes and operations oversight led by James Curnin. OHLA is leading construction.

"The groundbreaking is a huge milestone for Clara Bay Harbor and a leap forward in turning our vision into reality,” said James Curnin, CEO and Founder of Clara Homes. “We are excited to reimagine the rental experience in the market and have already seen a great deal of support and praise from people in the community on the concept.”

Nestled between the world-famous Bal Harbour Shops and Miami’s exclusive Indian Creek, Clara Bay Harbor is a premier rental project featuring 150 residences across three buildings. It will offer an enviable lifestyle and location in the heart of Bay Harbor, situated just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean as well as the best shopping and dining in the city. The first building will feature two- to five-bedroom spacious floor plans, a parking garage and a rooftop space with amenities that include a swimming pool, exercise area and sundeck. A full-time concierge will provide five-star service and highly curated experiences to residents.

“OHLA is proud and excited to be part of this project. These luxury apartments will, without a doubt, be the “must have” address for South Florida residents. We look forward to our part in bringing this iconic project to life, “ said Bernardo Perez, Executive Vice President of OHLA.

Following Clara Homes’s success developing, building and selling numerous Miami and Los Angeles luxury spec homes for above market rate prices, Clara Bay Harbor is the company’s first South Florida multifamily development and represents the developer’s expertise building thoughtful projects from the ground up. Construction for Clara Bay Harbor will be completed in three phases: one for each building. The other two buildings located at 1147-1163 100th Street and 10200 East Bay Harbor Drive are scheduled to break ground later this year. The entire master plan is expected to be completed by late 2025.

Clara Bay Harbor is part of a larger wave of new development that is transforming the neighborhood of Bal Harbor into an exclusive luxury destination. Known as one of the most desirable residential addresses in Miami, the area has always been celebrated for its small-town feel and focus on community, and will only grow as new high-profile projects, from Clara Bay Harbor to towering condominiums on the waterfront and mixed-use concepts along Kane Concourse, open and attract the most discerning residents.

Leasing for Clara Bay Harbor will be exclusively handled by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.

Fortune International Group Launches Sales of 'ORA by Casa Tua' Short-Term Rental Residences In Brickell

ORA by Casa Tua, Brickell’s newest collection of short-term rental residences located at 1210 Brickell, has launched sales. The 76-story, mixed-use development, which is being developed by Edgardo Defortuna’s Fortune International Group, will feature 540 residences which will be among Miami’s most sought-after short-term rental residences.

“ORA by Casa Tua strives to introduce a new way of living in the vibrant heart of the Brickell neighborhood,” said Mr. Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “Casa Tua and Fortune International Group share a vision to deliver the city’s most exciting amenity by combining ORA’s impeccably curated residences, with world-class amenities and soulful cuisine to create a new residential experience in the already thriving Miami market.”

Upon completion, ORA will be home to approximately 25,000 square feet of space dedicated to Casa Tua’s four new restaurant concepts including:

• Terra: a first of its’ kind 24-hour market and bakery that is the perfect meet up spot with an upbeat environment

• Uva: A dream enoteca with a collection of hundreds of sommelier-selected labels from across the world and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine perfect for pairings

• Fuoco: An intimate dining experience celebrating the art of simple, timeless cooking

• Vento: A rooftop bar and lounge complemented by a pool that overlooks Brickell, Biscayne Bay and Coconut Grove

"Ora is now. We made a clear decision to make Ora a place that addresses the needs of our evolving world. A soulful place that looks to the past to bring solutions for the future, said Miky Grendene, Founder of Casa Tua. “Ora will offer you more of what we really need - more time, more human connection, more passion, more fun. We envision Ora to be a new kind of residential experience, a true vertical community where people rediscover their relationship with themselves, with others and the natural world.”

In addition to the culinary offerings at ORA, the development will also have creative workspaces featuring private office spaces, conference rooms, content creation rooms, bar lounge and outdoor seating. ORA will also boast resort-style offerings including a second pool on the 12th floor with a sun shelf, loungers, cabanas and jacuzzi; show kitchen, private event space and luscious green landscaping. Other amenities will include an entertainment lounge, a two-floor fitness and wellness center with a hammam and couples treatment rooms and a three-story open sky garden, which will be unique for Miami.

Globally recognized award-winning architecture firm Arquitectonica is behind the design of ORA. The firm drew inspiration from today’s ever-evolving society to create multiple levels at ORA that are outdoors and connect to nature and the environment, with the emphasis to enjoy and experience the city of Miami from a different perspective than one normally would.

m2atelier, known for their bespoke approach and created by Marco Bonelli and Marijana Radovic, are designing the interiors for both the amenity and residential spaces.

With sales and marketing being handled internally by Fortune International Group – residences at ORA will start at $800,000 and range from 500-square-foot, studio homes to 2,400-square-foot, four-bedroom fully furnished residences that will be ready for immediate listing as short-term, seasonal, or long-term rentals.

All residences will offer panoramic views overlooking Brickell, Biscayne Bay and Coconut Grove; have ten-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows and curated window treatments; Italian-designed kitchens with top-tier appliances; Italian-designed baths with imported fixtures; smart home technology; pre-wired for high-speed internet & Wi-Fi; spacious walk-in closets; and washer and dryers.

Fortune International Group is a real estate leader in developing, funding, construction management sales and marketing and led by the visionary founder, Edgardo Defortuna. They are currently developing St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach; The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Pompano Beach and Nexo Residences in North Miami Beach, amongst others. They recently developed the iconic Jade Signature, designed by Herzog & de Mueron, as well as The Ritz Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach.

Casa Tua was founded by Miky and Leticia Grendene, who opened their flagship Miami Beach location in 2001 as a welcoming place for friends, family, and guests from around the world to come together to celebrate life. Pioneering the members club concept in Miami, Casa Tua combines art, entertainment and fine dining with a signature Italian style where simplicity meets sophistication. It has since expanded to locations in Aspen and Paris, with New York City opening in 2023. The brand also launched Casa Tua Cucina in partnership with Richard Baker and Saks Fifth Avenue, an award winning Italian open kitchen concept, located in Miami’s Brickell City Centre. A second extension of the Cucina brand will open in Wynwood in partnership with Related Group.

Originally known as the financial hub of Miami, Brickell has become one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, and according to Forbes back in 2019, an area people want to live in. Modern and high-rise buildings dominate the skyline by Biscayne Bay, and it’s just south of Downtown Miami, connected by the Brickell Avenue Bridge that crosses over the Miami River. Brickell offers world-class hotels and some of Miami’s best shopping, dining and nightlife scenes, including Brickell City Centre, where Casa Tua Cucina is located, Hotel AKA Brickell, EAST Miami, SLS Brickell Miami, KOMODO, Fi’lia and more. ORA by Casa Tua’s goal is to become a destination itself for Brickell, and is ideally located on the best corner of the neighborhood on S Miami Ave, 13th and Brickell Ave.

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