Louis Vuitton Set To Open New Coral Gables Location at The Shops at Merrick Park

Louis Vuitton is set to unveil their new store in Coral Gables at the Shops at Merrick Park, reinforcing Louis Vuitton’s commitment to craftsmanship, savoir-faire and innovative design. The spacious location offers a suite of the Maison’s métiers, including men’s and women’s leather goods, accessories, connected objects, ready-to-wear, shoes, watches and jewelry, as well as selections from the most exclusive categories like the Maison’s iconic hardsided pieces.

Designed to resonate with its verdant and elegant surroundings, Louis Vuitton at Coral Gables features an expansive façade with macrame-inspired sliding panels. The organic technique is retained in the remarkably light and airy metalwork, which is woven into the Maison’s signature Monogram Flower emblem, the first time this design has been used stateside. Inside, a harmonious blend of wood, natural fibers, and refined decorative elements contributes to the resort aesthetic. An exceptional terrazzo floor features a unique pattern, specially made for this space.

The interior lounge is designed in an ode to the seminal Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades Diamond Screen by Marcel Wanders Studio, with the walls and ceilings fully swathed in the distinctive interlaced motif and subtly illuminated. Fine art is a focus throughout the store, with highlights including a commissioned 12ft custom surfboard fabricated by Joshua Martin, a second-generation creator of traditional handcrafted fine surfboards based in Los Angeles. Further oceanic references come from Hawaiian artist Taylor Binda’s giclee titled Lemonade, which adds a tropical accent to the location. Extraordinary furniture throughout the space includes notable wooden pieces by New York-based designer Andrianna Shamaris created within her studio in Sumatra, as well as accents from Iranian-French architect and designer India Mahdavi.

The Coral Gables store will feature both seasonal collections and signature Louis Vuitton pieces, carefully curated to reflect the local lifestyle. Exquisite fine diamond jewelry from the Blossom Silhouette and LV Volt collections will be on offer, as well as Tambour Horizon Light Up watches, the world's most creative connected watch. With a uniquely disruptive design, the watch sports a sapphire glass face adorned by 24 LED lights, creating a mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark animation. In the recherche hardsided category, special pieces such as a Coffret Trésor that has been recently reinterpreted with bold “Bleu Lagon” lining are available, alongside stately classics such as a Monogram eight-watch carrying case, the Coffret 8 Montres.

Ready-to-wear and shoes for both men and women are a key focus of the location, as well as extraordinary leather goods: in the Women’s universe, the Coral gables store will offer the Orsay, a new handbag shape inspired by classic French style that premiered on the FW23 runway. The Orsay features a subtle set of Louis Vuitton signatures, with its semi-rigid construction enhanced by the iconic N-Lock and side metallic brackets recalling the House’s historical trunks. Also as seen on the FW23 runway, the Petite Malle is reimagined in two new shapes: the Petite Malle Capitale and Vanity Case. In the Men’s universe, a mini soft trunk made from Metallic Nebula coated canvas - a traditional Monogram canvas with a silver halo surrounded by delicate rings of blue and purple at the top of the bag - contrasts with the subtle elegance of the supple Soft Polochon, a modern cross body bag fashioned from calfskin leather with the new Epi XL pattern.

Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world, combining innovation with style, always aiming for the finest quality. Today, the Maison remains faithful to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Travel” through luggage, bags and accessories which were as creative as they were elegant and practical. Since then, audacity has shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers across the years, all the while developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, jewelry and fragrance. These carefully created products are testament to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to fine craftsmanship.

The new Louis Vuitton Coral Gables store is located at 358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables, FL at the Shops at Merrick Park.

Images via Brad Dickson

Serafina and Sixty Vines Set To Open In Miami Worldcenter

Four national food and beverage concepts will be joining the extensive roster of tenants at Miami Worldcenter, the $6 billion, 27-acre mixed-use development transforming the heart of Downtown Miami. The development’s ownership group has completed leases with Serafina, an internationally acclaimed and New York City-founded Italian restaurant group; Sixty Vines, a sustainable restaurant with an exciting wine-on-tap program and vineyard-inspired food; and a dual-concept location for BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings.

Miami Worldcenter’s newest restaurants, which are anticipated to open in 2024, will build on the development’s exceptional lineup of recently opened food and beverage outlets, including three concepts by Ariete Hospitality Group’s Michelin-star-rated Chef Michael Beltran, Brasserie Laurel, Chug’s Express, and El Vecino Cigar & Cocktail Bar, and two additional restaurants expected to open soon, Earls Kitchen & Bar and Chicago’s Maple & Ash.

As one of the largest privately owned and developed urban real estate developments in Florida, Miami Worldcenter, which is currently coming alive in phases, features 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 84% of the development’s retail space has been leased.

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

“We’re excited to unveil another stellar lineup of restaurants opening soon at Miami Worldcenter, with Serafina, Sixty Vines, and BurgerFi/Anthony’s providing an excellent variety of dining options for our residents and visitors,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates. “From upscale Italian and sustainably sourced dishes for wine-lovers, to familiar fast-causal favorites, our newest food and beverage concepts will perfectly complement our existing restaurant offerings and appeal to foodies from all over – whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before a Miami Heat game or a concert at the Kaseya Center or visiting Miami Worldcenter for a five-star meal.”

Miami Worldcenter’s three newest restaurants are all expected to open in 2024:

Internationally acclaimed Serafina is known for its lively atmosphere and contemporary Italian cuisine crafted with the best imported quality ingredients. Since opening the first Serafina restaurant in New York City’s Upper East Side in 1995, the eatery’s ownership has expanded the Serafina family of restaurants with 46 locations across the eastern U.S. and in eight different countries around the world. Serafina’s Downtown Miami location at Miami Worldcenter will occupy 8,176 square feet of space at 652 NE 1st Avenue, Suite H-144, with outdoor patio seating along the development’s 7th Street pedestrian promenade.

Sixty Vines is a renowned restaurant collection celebrated for its commitment to sustainability through wine on tap and vineyard-inspired dishes. Often referred to as “the wine lover’s restaurant,” the globally inspired and seasonally sourced restaurant has locations across the country in Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida. Sixty Vines’ Miami Worldcenter location will occupy 8,672 square feet of space at 150 NE 8th Street, Suite F-135, with outdoor patio seating overlooking the development’s World Square public plaza.

Franchisee NDM Hospitality Services, LLC, an innovator in the travel and dining industries, is bringing one of Florida’s first co-branded locations for the popular fast-casual and premium-casual chain restaurants BurgerFi and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings (“Anthony’s”) to Miami Worldcenter. The dual-concept restaurant will feature both full-service seating and grab-and-go options from BurgerFi and Anthony’s, as well as a full bar serving beer, wine, and liquor. BurgerFi/Anthony’s Miami Worldcenter location will occupy 3,835 square feet of space at 851 NE 1st Ave., Suite C-114.

Retail leasing at Miami Worldcenter is led by CIM Group, a 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.

“Food is a significant factor when people make decisions about where they want to live, work or visit and we have worked diligently to cultivate an array of appealing and popular concepts at Miami Worldcenter,” noted Shaul Kuba, Co-Founder and Principal, CIM Group. “The expansive collection of restaurant options at Miami Worldcenter offers residents and visitors a wide range of cuisines in diverse environments including on-the-go meals, casual and fine dining.”

In addition to its exceptional lineup of restaurants, Miami Worldcenter is also home to the brand-new affordable luxury citizenM Miami Worldcenter hotel, which opened earlier this year; a new showroom and service center for luxury electric vehicle company Lucid Motors; as well as recently opened locations for national retail brands lululemon and Sephora. Announced tenants set to open in the next year include dining and entertainment concepts Sports & Social and Bowlero; a permanent location for the world-famous experiential and immersive Museum of Ice Cream; as well as other nationally recognized concepts including Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, Club Studio, Ray-Ban, and Posman Books.

Miami Worldcenter is now home to three completed residential towers – PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter, Caoba, and Bezel Miami. Additionally, construction is underway at phase one of the 52-story Miami World Tower, 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; at the second phase of Caoba, which will encompass an adjacent 40-story tower with 420 apartments; and at The Crosby, a 450-unit turn-key condominium by Related Group and Merrimac Ventures.

Planned developments include 600 Miami Worldcenter, a 579-unit fully furnished condominium by Aria Development Group and Merrimac Ventures; a 65-story condo tower with 700+ residential units by New York-based developer Naftali Group; a mixed-use residential and commercial development by Abbhi Capital; and a three-tower mixed-use residential project by The Witkoff Group.

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; the newly renamed home of the Miami Heat, the Kaseya Center; 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 from Downtown Miami to Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and 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.

Messi Mania: Construction Begins on Miami Freedom Park and Inter Miami CF Stadium

Inter Miami CF has begun construction began on Miami Freedom Park and The Inter Miami CF stadium, following the closing of one of Miami’s last remaining pubic golf courses, Melreese Country Club: Miami International Links. Construction is now underway on Miami Freedom Park, a 131-acre privately funded entertainment district development anchored by a new 25,000-seat fútbol specific stadium and 58-acre public park. Miami Freedom Park scheduled to open in 2025 and the official groundbreaking ceremony will take place later this year.

Crews and heavy equipment are now on site, performing earthwork and sitework that will move across the 131 acres concurrent with vertical construction. This multi-phase effort will see the stadium, public park, entertainment, hospitality, retail, and new infrastructure that make up Miami Freedom Park’s first phase all progress rapidly.

Miami Freedom Park will feature a full range of entertainment and commercial offerings including office space, hotel, shops, restaurants, the stadium and additional experiences and attractions. Recreational components of the project include a new 58-acre public park featuring soccer and youth athletic fields for the community.

"With Inter Miami my family set out to build something truly transformational. In just four years we have changed the perception worldwide of American soccer. As we commence construction of Miami Freedom Park that same vision guides us,” said Jorge Mas, Inter Miami CF Managing Owner. “In creating a multi-faceted space we will set a new standard of what sport complexes can be. We look forward to delivering a food and entertainment destination for families to enjoy year-round. I can’t wait to welcome our fans to our state-of-the-art stadium and hear the chants as Messi and your Inter Miami players take the pitch for the first time in 2025.”

Leasing and commercial partnership efforts are underway to attract best-in-class partners, tenants, and retailers, including established and emerging brands and companies that will enhance this iconic new destination for Miami.

Earlier this year, Inter Miami CF ownership brought on experienced megaproject and sports-anchored real estate investment and development veteran Devon McCorkle to lead the effort as President of Miami Freedom Park. Devon has further curated a team of best-in-class design, engineering, project management and construction firms to bring Miami Freedom Park to this milestone and move the project into the execution phase following completion of the planning and approvals phase.

“The level of attention and the influx of inquiries we are receiving have been incredible, a testament to the positive impact of Lionel Messi on Inter Miami CF and the City of Miami,” said Devon McCorkle, President of Miami Freedom Park. “Everyone wants to be part of what we’re creating, a new entertainment district that will be the centerpiece of family activities and experiences in Miami. We are in discussions with stadium sponsors, hotel brands, major attractions operators, restaurant groups, cultural institutions and many other exciting potential partners. We will deliver an incredible home for them at Miami Freedom Park.”

Miami Freedom Park’s design team team includes Miami-based architecture firm Arquitectonica, global arena and stadia design firm Manica, and industry-leading large-scale stadium project managers CAA Icon. Following delivery of the stadium and initial retail and entertainment offerings in 2025, Miami Freedom Park will deliver additional retail, hotel and commercial phases through 2030.

Miami hit Messi mania following the international soccer superstar and World Cup champion’s announcement he would join the American Major League Soccer team Inter Miami FC in a blockbuster mega-deal announced on July 15. Inter Miami CF, owned by David Beckham, Jorge Mas and Jose Mas, became one of the most-Googled soccer teams in the world surrounding Lionel Messi’s debut with the team this summer, garnering over 8.4 million searches in two months and searches for both Inter Miami CF jerseys and tickets up over 1,000%. Ticket prices jumped from below $50 on average to nearly $500 for the cheapest ticket to see Messi play live, similar ticket price spikes occurred for his first game with Inter Miami CF in Orlando as well as in New York. Following Messi’s announcement he would be joining Inter Miami CF the team’s Instagram account would jump from 175,000 followers to over 4.4 million.

Iconic New York Pizzeria Roberta's Set To Return To Miami With First Permanent Location At 72 Park

Lefferts, a real estate development firm specializing in high-quality residential and commercial properties in Miami and New York City, is thrilled to announce it has secured New York staple Roberta’s, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant from co-founder Brandon Hoy and two-Michelin-starred chef and co-founder Carlo Mirarchi, as a tenant at its luxury Miami Beach condominium 72 Park. The Miami Beach outpost will be the iconic brand’s first location in Florida.

Established in 2008, Roberta’s started in a modest cinder-block warehouse in Brooklyn. The restaurant quickly became a neighborhood icon, capturing the hearts of foodies across the state with its diverse menu of artisanal plates and seasonal dishes curated with local, international and homegrown ingredients from its rooftop garden. The success prompted the owners to open a handful of locations across New York City. The brand has since expanded globally with a variety of eateries, from full-service restaurants to more casual concepts.

“We are very excited to introduce Roberta’s to the vibrant city of Miami,” said Roberta’s chef and co-founder Carlo Mirarchi. “The energy and diversity of Miami’s food scene resonates deeply with our commitment to providing fun and memorable dining experiences for our guests. With its rich cultural tapestry, Miami provides the perfect canvas and 72 Park the perfect home for Roberta’s first step into the Florida market.”

In addition to the restaurant, the Roberta’s team will also be bringing some of their popular programming. “We love the neighborhood,” added Roberta’s co-founder Brandon Hoy. “And can’t wait to not only serve this community, but to also add some Brooklyn charm to the city’s culinary landscape.”

Roberta’s will wrap around the northwest corner of 72 Park, a brand-new residential building located at 580 72nd St. The eatery will occupy 3,000 square feet of 72 Park’s approximately 10,000 square feet of prime, ground-floor retail space. The 22-story tower is slated for completion in Summer 2024 and will feature luxury residences ranging from 410 to 2,200 square feet, with prices starting in the $700,000s.

“Lefferts is committed to this neighborhood and is thoughtfully curating products and experiences that will celebrate and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. We couldn’t be happier that Roberta’s has chosen to open at 72 Park, bringing a taste of NYC and an award-winning dining experience,” said Jim Hedden, chief development officer of Lefferts. “Roberta’s is the perfect addition to the lifestyle and amenities planned for our luxury condominium.”

Designed by Built Form, 72 Park is centrally located within a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood where residents and guests can enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful, charming beachside community alongside the excitement of Miami Beach with instant access to recreation, restaurants, retail, music, arts and culture.

With interiors and landscapes designed by Urban Robots Associates, the LEED Gold-certified condominium tower includes Jr., one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that combine luxury and style with spacious floor plans, high ceilings, deep balconies, Italian cabinetry, imported stone and energy-efficient appliances. All units will be offered fully furnished and will include floor-to-ceiling, impact-resistant glass; keyless entry with SALTO and smart access controls; individually controlled and energy-efficient central AC and heating systems; premium bathroom fixtures, hardware and accessories. Advanced smart building features include high-speed, fiber-optic Wi-Fi access throughout and five high-speed passenger elevators with access control.

The property also features 64,000 square feet of luxurious amenities for residents, including an expansive 35,000-square-foot amenity deck with nearly an acre of lush, tropical landscaping; a 150-foot-long resort-style pool with cabanas; a bar and lounge with indoor-outdoor seating; a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga lounge; 24/7 coworking lounge with private “pods”; kids playroom; private outdoor barbecue area; a private rooftop featuring a sun deck with dining areas and grills; and an outdoor screening area for movie nights and sporting events.

Renderings via Elephant Skin Studio / Lefferts

Housing Trust Group Delivers Flagler Station Affordable Apartment Community in West Palm Beach

Housing Trust Group (HTG), a developer of market-rate and affordable housing, has completed Flagler Station, a new $33 million affordable apartment community located in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. It is the first new affordable apartment community to be built in the city’s downtown in 30 years.

A public-private partnership between HTG, the City of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, Flagler Station features 94 apartments reserved for residents earning no more than 30, 60, 70 or 80 percent of area median income, with rents ranging from $393 to $1,689. The property is ideally located just one block from the Florida TriRail/Amtrak station and five blocks from the Brightline commuter rail station connecting West Palm Beach with the cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.

The developer hosted a grand-opening ceremony with partners to commemorate the milestone on Monday, August 7. Speakers included Matthew A. Rieger, President and CEO of HTG; City of West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James and District 3 Commissioner Christy Fox, State House Representative Jervonte ‘Tae’ Edmonds; District 88, Executive Director Jonathan Brown from Palm Beach Housing & Economic Development Department, and Board Chairman Mario Facella of Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

“With a thousand people moving into Florida each day, investment in affordable housing has never been more essential,” said Rieger. “Flagler Station will provide much-needed housing for West Palm Beach’s service workers, first responders, teachers, and other lower-wage workers who play vital roles in the city’s economic success, but simply can’t find adequate, well-priced apartments near their jobs.”

According to Marcus and Millichap, the average rent in West Palm Beach jumped by more than 40 percent since the end of 2020, to $2,432 per month in March 2023. Sticking to the 30 percent rule, an individual or family would need to earn close to $100,000 per year to comfortably afford rent in the city.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Housing Trust Group for their unwavering commitment to bringing affordable housing to the City of West Palm Beach. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more inclusive and vibrant community. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this development will have on the City and its residents," said City of West Palm Beach, Mayor Keith A. James.

Located at 991 Banyan Boulevard, Flagler Station is an eight-story, high-rise property with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Community amenities include a 3,200-square-foot, double-high multi-purpose clubroom, a computer/business center, a rooftop pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and on-site parking.

Named after Henry Flagler, the 19th-century industrialist who built the Florida East Coast Railway (FECR), Flagler Station’s site includes some of the original, now defunct FECR tracks, which have been incorporated into the development as part of a linear park featuring original artwork and murals. The City’s intent is to build out this park along the rest of the rail right of way to make it a true “rails to trails” conversion. This supports a transportation and mobility plan that the City adopted in 2018 featuring an integrated system of bike lanes, busways, train stations, trolley routes, sidewalks, and roads to reduce car traffic and make the city more pedestrian-friendly.

The building’s architectural design echoes the “brutalist” style that characterized the Old West Palm Beach City Hall, now demolished, and the Federal Courthouse buildings. With its partner, Corwil Architects, along with city officials, HTG delivered a design that is both contemporary and historic in its aesthetic. Archways were incorporated into the building facade to showcase structural elements, while giving reference to the Beaux Arts architecture of Grand Central Terminal.

Financing sources for Flagler Station include $23.27 million in 9% low-income housing tax credits through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) that were purchased by CREA; a $20.3 million construction loan from KeyBank; an $8.93 permanent loan through Freddie Mac; a $75,000 City of West Palm Beach loan; a $314,446 Palm Beach County grant; and a $550,000 HOME loan from Palm Beach County.

The project team for Flagler Station is general contractor Rinaldi Construction, engineer and landscape designer WGI, Inc., architecture firm Corwil Architects, and interior designer B. Pila Designs.

Images via Tony Tur

The Wharf Miami Set to Close Making Way For Groundbreaking Of Riverside Wharf On the Miami River

The Wharf Miami will close on Saturday, September 16 to make way for the expansion of the venue at the highly anticipated Riverside Wharf development. The iconic entertainment venue has welcomed millions of guests, hosted hundreds of cultural experiences and events, and became a space where countless cherished memories were made for all who have experienced the venue since its doors opened in November 2017. Originally the brainchild of Breakwater Hospitality Group’s Emi Guerra and MV Real Estate Holdings (MVREH)’s Alex Mantecon, The Wharf Miami has pioneered the open-air, waterfront concept and played a significant role in establishing the Miami River District as a world-class entertainment destination, as well as shaped the direction of entertainment venues in South Florida.

The Wharf Miami’s final weekend, dubbed “The Closing Parties” will be a monumental celebration kicking off with “The Closing Parties: & MORE!” on Friday, September 15, a themed celebration of everyone’s favorite moments and holidays at The Wharf Miami taking place from 4:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m. The venue will be entirely decked out from top to bottom with “giant inflatables, photo moments, featured cocktails & more!” in celebration of The Wharf Miami’s most iconic events over the past five years. Seven themed bars with unique cocktails will include Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Blowfish & Friends, HogWharf, Christmas and the 90s.

On Saturday, September 16, The Wharf Miami will host “The Closing Parties: Bon Voyage” from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m., the venue’s final day and a pure celebration of what makes The Wharf Miami. The first 500 people to arrive with an RSVP on Saturday will have a chance to spin a prize wheel to win The Wharf Miami merchandise. To RSVP for The Wharf Miami’s closing events, visit WharfMiami.com.

Upon closing of The Wharf Miami, seawall work will begin for the future site of Riverside Wharf, which is anticipated to break ground by end of year. Riverside Wharf will be home to the rebirth and expansion of The Wharf Miami, evolving from a pop-up experience to a world-class permanent establishment. Riverside Wharf as a whole will also include a 165-key Dream Hotel, an impressive 30,000-square-foot nightclub and rooftop day club, 16,000 square feet of signature restaurants, a 12,000-square-foot event hall, and a marina component.

“When we opened The Wharf Miami, it was a total game changer for the Miami River District and a never-before-seen concept in South Florida. Over the past six years, we have had the honor of operating this venue while bringing unique events, culinary concepts and an amazing atmosphere which forever changed Miami’s social scene. Watching the venue become so successful and beloved over time has been incredibly gratifying, we are proud to have created a space where guests felt welcomed and created lifelong memories,” said Emi Guerra, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group. “While The Wharf Miami is closed, we are working hard to bring an impressive, elevated experience to Riverside Wharf, a project that would not have been possible without the support of our community. We invite guests to join us during the closing weekend to celebrate six incredible years of The Wharf Miami and what’s to come.”

Developed by MV Real Estate Holdings (MVREH) in conjunction with Driftwood Capital and Merrimac Ventures, the 10-story, 200,000-square-foot project will be the defining development for Miami’s Downtown core as a city-within-a-city, all-encompassing destination for unparalleled entertainment, exceptional dining and world renowned hotel accommodations. It will encompass a highly amenitized, 165-key Dream Miami luxury hotel, a world-class 30,000-square-foot nightclub and rooftop day club, a high-energy 12,000-square-foot event hall and mezzanine, as well as The Wharf Miami’s expansion. The property has been designed by Jon Cardello of Cube3 Architects, with interior designs by world-renowned iCrave and landscape design by Savino-Miller Design Studio.

“As Miami locals, it has been incredible to watch our city grow and experience The Wharf Miami’s evolution over time. The Wharf Miami has truly put the Miami River District on the map as a world-class entertainment destination. We are excited to begin the development of Riverside Wharf in this special location. This project will become a landmark property for Miami's Downtown core and provide a never-before-seen experience to our community, as well as will bring The Wharf Miami back as a permanent establishment on the waterfront,” said Alex Mantecon, CEO of MV Real Estate Holdings.

Dedicated to improving the neighborhood and giving back to the community, the developers of Riverside Wharf will construct a new public riverwalk along the development site as well as a state-of-the-art sea level rise initiative that will include building a new seawall. The project also will pay homage to the neighborhood’s historic fishing culture with a permanent Garcia’s Fish Market, where locals can get the freshest catch daily.

Last August, City of Miami’s referendum item #152 was passed after being unanimously supported by the Miami City Commission. This referendum added 50 years to Riverside Wharf’s current lease of a city-owned parcel of land which will be part of the development site, paving the way for Riverside Wharf to become a longstanding part of the Miami River community. This vote allows Riverside Wharf and its development partners the ability to provide the community with more jobs, commit more money to the City of Miami, improve the riverwalk and public areas near the property as well as improve the conditions of the aforementioned surrounding seawall.

The Wharf Fort Lauderdale will remain open and operational, alongside Breakwater Hospitality Group’s additional concepts which include recently opened, open-air waterfront venue Regatta Grove in Coconut Grove; beloved Irish pub JohnMartin’s on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables; seafood-forward restaurant concept Rivertail in Downtown Fort Lauderdale; and open-air gathering spot Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

Disruptive Real Estate Brings Edgewater Vertical Development Site To Sale

Disruptive Real Estate, led by Miami power broker Stefano Santoro, has brought a world-class development site in the heart of Miami’s prime bayside in Edgewater, primed for an ultra-luxury hotel or condo project. The property, located at 702 NE 26th St. is currently asking $6.6 million.

Totaling 10,000 SF, the site’s favorable zoning, T6-36a-L allows for a variety of development uses with high density and building height. The subject property offers developers the opportunity to transform Edgewater’s skyline with an ultra-luxury condo or hotel project capturing the soaring population and rebounding hospitality market that the city is experiencing. The property features an FAR of 3 with buildable +/- 221,532 SF and density of 150 units per acre allowing 34.5 total buildable units on the .229 acre lot.

702 NE 26th St. is centrally located in Miami-Dade County on South Florida’s East Coast, positioned directly on NE 26th Street, which is off Biscayne Boulevard, a major north-south arterial road. The site is just east of Interstate 95, which connects to all major roadways in South Florida allowing easy access to area amenities. Positioned approximately four miles from Downtown Miami, seven miles from Miami International Airport and three miles to Port of Miami, the property offers unmatched accessibility to surrounding sub-markets.

Follow this link to check out the listing website and you can schedule a showing or get more information by contacting Stefano Santoro at 732-241-1940 or Stefano@disruptive-miami.com.

Images via Disruptive Real Estate

Torose Equities, LNDMRK Development and Terranova Corporation Acquire 255 Alhambra Class-A Office In Coral Gables

A partnership among Miami-based real estate investment firms Torose Equities, Lndmrk Development and Terranova Corporation has acquired 255 Alhambra, an approximately 220,000-square-foot Class A office building in downtown Coral Gables. The acquisition gives the JV access to one of Miami’s most sought-after office submarkets.

255 Alhambra, located on 1.3 acres on Alhambra Circle, offers top-notch amenities, including floor-to-ceiling windows, a newly renovated lobby and proximity to Coral Gables’ best restaurants and entertainment. The seller was an affiliate of Deutsche Bank/RREEF. The JV partners plan to further amenitize the property, building on the recent improvements and capitalizing on the demand for Class A office space in Coral Gables.

“It is rare to find an institutional-grade property like this strategically located in a high-barrier-to-entry submarket with so much upside potential,” said Scott Sherman, founder and principal of Torose Equities. “This property is positioned to generate strong returns with stable in-place cash flow. Our contrarian approach of buying office and retail spaces when everybody is being extremely cautious has once again enabled us to find strong value in an asset class and market we’re very bullish on.”

The JV partners expect to see strong demand for office space in Coral Gables in the coming months and years, as leases in more expensive office submarkets begin to expire. Rental rates in markets like Brickell, downtown Miami and Coconut Grove have increased significantly since the onset of the pandemic, making lease renewals unaffordable to some companies. Case in point: between Brickell and downtown Miami, approximately 1.9 million square feet of tenant leases are scheduled to expire over the next four years. On top of that, companies from outside the region continue to move to Miami in pursuit of a more business-friendly environment. The influx of tenants seeking to take advantage of Coral Gables’ discounted rents will, in turn, fuel rents in 255 Alhambra.

“Terranova has long seen the growth potential for Coral Gables, and we are thrilled to continue to invest in the community through the office building acquisition at 255 Alhambra Circle,” said Stephen Bittel, founder and chairman of Terranova Corporation. “We enjoy working alongside the Torose Equities team and aligning on our understanding that Coral Gables is in the midst of an incredible commercial and office real estate boom. The area offers companies a holistic business and lifestyle opportunity which serves as an extremely attractive alternate to traditional hot commercial real estate markets like Brickell and Downtown Miami.”

As the largest property owner along Miracle Mile, Terranova has a strong, active presence in Coral Gables. The company’s retail expertise will play a significant role in bringing top retail tenants to activate the building’s ground-floor retail space.

Together, Torose, Lndmrk and Terranova will execute the business plan for 255 Alhambra. The JV will leverage its extensive experience in leasing and operating office assets to lease up the existing vacancy and upgrade the building amenities.

"Coral Gables is a market with a great deal of untapped potential, and this acquisition is a tremendous opportunity for the partnership," said Alex Karakhanian, founder and principal of LNDMRK Development. "I look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with Torose and Terranova as we explore other opportunities for acquisition and repositioning in this bourgeoning submarket.”

Downtown Coral Gables is one of South Florida’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods with the ideal environment to live, work, eat and shop all in one place. 255 Alhambra is a block away from Giralda Avenue, home to “Restaurant Row” with 22 food and beverage establishments all concentrated in the portion of the street closed to traffic. The building is also about four blocks north of Miracle Mile, a premiere destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

This acquisition comes shortly after Torose’s first office acquisition of 6302 Corporate Center in partnership with Merrimac Ventures in Tampa and its recap of a 300,000-square-foot office building in Midtown Atlanta, called The Peachtree, with Banyan Street Capital. Torose remains bullish on select office and retail markets as it continues to employ its contrarian approach to investing.

Images via Torose Equities

PROFILE Exclusive: 12 Questions With Spec Home Specialist Pascal Nicolai of Sabal Development

PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Pascal Nicolai of Sabal Development, one South Florida’s authorities when it comes to spec homes and custom home development, having built and sold total value of over $146 million in custom homes over the past 2 years. Sabal Development made a name for themselves as a vertically integrated developer and builder with over $130 million in luxury custom-built home sales in 2021.

Nicolai, who has more than 30 years of experience in the industry with completed projects in Europe and the U.S., Sabal Development is currently developing a modern office/ retail mixed use commercial building on Alton Road in Miami Beach and has developed a large portfolio of luxury properties including several homes on Palm Island and the Venetian Islands as well as Miami Beach and Palm Beach. PROFILEmiami recently caught up with Nicolai amidst his busy schedule and summer travel to get inside the mind of one of South Florida’s leading custom home specialists:

PROFILE: Tell us about your background, how did you get involved in real estate?

Pascal Nicolai (PN): I was born and raised in the South of France; real estate has been a passion of mine ever since I can remember. While I was studying at the university, I found myself engaging in real estate projects “on the side” so to speak, and by the time I was finished with my degree I already had my own real estate agency.

PROFILE: What was your first real estate development project?

PN: In France it was a 20,000 SF office building in the south of France. In Miami it was a luxury home location on the Venetian Islands

PROFILE: What is your development philosophy?

PN: In the simplest terms, it is location location location. That being said, acquiring prime lot locations and building luxury homes which surpass client expectations.

PROFILE: You have built a name for yourself as one of the biggest luxury homebuilders in Miami, how did you carve out this niche?

PN: I got in this niche with my partners with whom I developed high end real estate in prime locations such as Monaco, St. Tropez, and Courchevel. My goal was to bring my expertise to Miami and continue my vision.

PROFILE: Tell us about some of your favorite projects that you have built to date?

PN: That’s a tough one! Some of my favorite projects include:

1369 N. Venetian Way, Miami, FL. This beautiful 7,000 SF home is located on an open bay lot with spectacular views of Miami and Miami beach, featuring a glass elevator, modern European design, and a rooftop with a jacuzzi providing a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

4005 S. Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach, FL. This home is special to me because it is the first home I built directly on the beach. 10,000 SF, four stories high, featuring a theater, gym, glass elevator, and a rooftop with 360-degree views, also a perfect spot for sunrises and sunsets.

PROFILE: Tell us about some of the new projects that Sabal Development has in the pipeline?

PN: The projects in the pipeline which already started with the development process are:

• 14,000 SF home in Manalapan, FL (Palm Beach County)

• 10,000 SF home on a 32000 SF lot in Coconut Grove

• 6,500 SF penthouse in Brickell

• 6,500 SF home in La Gorce golf course

• Two waterfront homes on Belle Meade Island (Miami, FL)

PROFILE: What are some of the keys to your success that have helped you stand apart?

PN: European vision and design. Attention to detail (each home has at least 200pgs of design details), trust from partners, discipline, and process.

PROFILE: What is your outlook on the real estate market in Miami amid a changing economic environment and rising interest rates?

PN: In our niche market, the rate of interest isn’t as relevant because most buyers are cash buyers. Miami is one of the safest locations in the world, there are no state taxes, which is appealing to the luxury buyer.

PROFILE: What is the biggest hurdle that you have had to overcome in your career?

PN: Uncertainty during COVID, which ultimately led to a positive outcome. Managing construction and subcontractors, which is extremely challenging in south Florida.

PROFILE: What was the first gift you bought yourself after closing a big deal or first big development?

PN: A watch from Audemars Piguet

PROFILE: Describe your perfect Saturday night in Miami?

PN: Having a nice dinner, my favorite spots include Bagatelle, Casa Tua, Cipriani, Joia Beach, Mamo Brickell, Queen, Villa D’Azur, and drink at Mila lounge.

PROFILE: Where do we find you on your day off?

PN: It all depends on the mood, can be anywhere from relaxing by the water, spending time with family & friends, and working out.

Clara Homes Receives Site Approval For Third Rental Building At Clara Bay Harbor

Clara Homes, a Miami-based real estate development firm founded by James Curnin, has received the approval for its third building and site plan at Clara Bay Harbor, a three-building ultra-luxury rental community in Miami's Bay Harbor neighborhood. Located from 10200 to 10290 East Bay Harbor Drive, the project's third and final six-story building will feature 77 expansive apartments as the largest of the three, spanning 1.3 acres. The site is the largest of the three spanning 1.3 acres, and following this latest city approval, construction is set to commence in 2024 for the third building. Clara Bay Harbor is a luxury rental community near Bal Harbour and Indian Creek, set to reinvigorate the Bay Harbor neighborhood into a premier luxury living destination with New York-style, personalized service and a spread of amenities including coworking lounges and rooftop pool.

As Clara Homes achieved approval for the third building, the firm also separately negotiated the purchase of Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) from the Town of Bay Harbor Islands, a rare occurrence representing the need for rental product in the neighborhood and the trust the city has in the developer.

Int total Clara Bay Harbor will deliver a collective 150 luxury rental residences to Miami’s Bay Harbor neighborhood. The three buildings it comprises are being developed concurrently and cohesively, each with their own dedicated suite of amenities and services.

The first building, located at 10281 West Bay Harbor Drive, broke ground this February. Expected to open in fall 2024, it will feature 28 two- to five-bedroom apartments. Groundbreaking for the second building of Clara Bay Harbor, located at 1147-1163 100th Street, will take place later this year. With 45 expansive apartments, the site totals to about 145,000 gross square feet.

Clara Bay Harbor is Clara Homes’ first South Florida multifamily development, following the firm’s success developing, building and selling numerous Miami and Los Angeles luxury spec homes for above market rate prices.

Founded in 2014 by James Curnin, Clara Homes is a Miami-based, vertically integrated real estate firm offering residential and commercial development, operations oversight and custom homes. With work spanning South Florida to Los Angeles, the company has collaborated with some of the industry’s most innovative architecture firms, including Vertoch Design Architects, McClean Design and Strang Design, to differentiate its portfolio from others in the market. Currently in the pipeline are three waterfront spec homes, three privately owned custom homes, as well as a 150-unit, three-building rental development in Bay Harbor called Clara Bay Harbor.