Location Ventures Breaks Ground on URBIN Coconut Grove

The Miami-based real estate developer Location Ventures has broken ground on URBIN Coconut Grove. The milestone signifies the launch of construction for the second location for URBIN, a mixed-use brand that unites design-forward residences for short- or long-term rental with flex workspaces, wellness amenities, social activations, and lifestyle-oriented retail, all in one address. The URBIN Coconut Grove groundbreaking follows Location Venture’s December 2022 groundbreaking on URBIN Miami Beach.

Location Ventures, development partners and city officials gathered on January 25 at the Coconut Grove project site, 3162 Commodore Plaza, for the official groundbreaking ceremony. Special guests included Miami Mayor Frances Suarez, former City of Miami Commissioner Ken Russell and Location Ventures CEO Rishi Kapoor, who shared remarks about the future development and coveted Coconut Grove locale – Miami’s oldest neighborhood.

The residential component of the property is 90% sold, with exclusive sales representation by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, and has attracted a diverse buyer demographic, from Latin America and Europe. Plans are underway to further scale the URBIN brand in key cities throughout the U.S. Construction commencement in Coconut Grove comes on the heels of the Miami Beach location’s groundbreaking in the fourth quarter of 2022, following its sell-out.

“Demand for URBIN Coconut Grove has been steadfast due to its unique ownership opportunities and location in a thriving neighborhood. We are excited to begin the construction and bring this vision to life,” said Kapoor. “Living, working and wellness are the pillars of this coveted address, all integrated into a singular location.”

URBIN Coconut Grove is comprised of 54 residences ranging from studios at 331 square feet to six bedrooms at 2,352 square feet. Thoughtfully planned for convenient, easy living, residences combine modern luxury with efficient layouts and are delivered designer-finished and furnished for turnkey ownership. Arquitectonica and Paredes Architects are behind the architectural design, while residences will feature interiors by am studio, a boutique design collaborative committed to creating cohesive, resourceful, and oneiric spaces.

A variety of resort-inspired services, such as valet parking, concierge, housekeeping, and room service, will complement onsite amenities to create an environment to “live-work-well.” Residents and members of the adjacent URBIN Work will be complemented by a host of food and beverage options, as well as a wellness center with programming for mindfulness, movement, nourishment, and healing. URBIN Work, pre-leasing with Colliers, offers modern office space for businesses of the future looking to make Miami’s most dynamic neighborhood home. Both traditional office and flex workspaces provide modern amenities.

The property’s dedicated coworking component will bring an elevated level of service to the work experience. In addition to the physical space, coworking members will have access to necessary business support tools, including consulting, administrative and networking services.

The URBIN development is the latest addition to the vibrant Coconut Grove community, which has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Embodying the laid-back waterfront lifestyle of the locale, it is an area brimming with world-class restaurants, neighborhood shops, lush parks and a hub of growing business enterprises. URBIN Coconut Grove is situated in the center of it all, two blocks from CocoWalk, and within walking distance to Dinner Key Marina, the bay, and Regatta and Peacock Park.

Brightline Tops Off Aventura Station With Placement of 131-Foot Long Pedestrian Skybridge

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, along with its contractor Lemartec, has topped off the Aventura Station. The topping off took place in the early morning hours of October 8 and consisted of putting into place a 131-foot long, 68-ton pedestrian skybridge on two 41-foot-high vertical transportation towers over a 90-minute period. Stretching across Harriet Tubman Highway (formally known as West Dixie Highway), the skybridge is the final piece of the Aventura station’s structure and connects the station to the platform. This topping off marks the completion of vertical construction.

“This topping off is a testament of our team’s dedication to bring the vision of connectivity to the Northeast Corridor,” said Patrick Goddard, president at Brightline. “Our partners at Miami-Dade County were an integral part of making this station a reality and bringing enhanced access to area residents.” 

Once completed, the 3.5-acre project consisting of the station and its surface parking lot will be Brightline’s fourth in the state, connecting travelers in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, followed by Orlando in 2023. The site also features 240 parking spaces, a bus drop-off for Miami-Dade Transit passengers, and newly landscaped and hardscape areas. 

Located across from Aventura Mall, Brightline’s Aventura station, platform and vertical towers feature 34,000 square feet of space and an 860-foot center loaded platform located within the Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline right-of-way. The station will include its signature autonomous MRKT, SMART and PREMIUM lounges and Brightline+ services. After passing through security, Brightline passengers will be able to access the skybridge from the passenger lounge utilizing an elevator or escalators to the vertical transportation towers. 

“A tremendous amount of effort and energy went into what culminated in the lifting and setting of Aventura station’s pedestrian skybridge,” said Manny Garcia-Tunon, president at Lemartec. “With the help of Miami-Dade County and Florida East Coast Railway, Brightline and Lemartec were able to safely facilitate the coordination of this top off ensuring roads and railroads were clear.” 

“The topping off of the Aventura station brings us one step closer to increasing  mobility for northeast Miami Dade County,” said Mayor Daniella Levin Cava, Miami Dade County. “This station is an important component of my plan to enhance transportation options throughout the county, making it easier for our residents to go to work, school or leisure activities.”

“It is great to see the Aventura Brightline station closer to completion. This commuter stop in Aventura will not only help to alleviate road congestion but will connect a key community to four major downtown communities in South Florida and Orlando in 2023. The impact of this connectivity is vital for northeast Miami Dade County and its residents,” said Commissioner Sally A. Heyman, Miami-Dade County, District 4.

Brightline will provide frequent, express service from the Aventura station to downtown Miami during the peak morning commute period and return service during the evening rush hour period. Trip time between downtown Miami and Aventura is expected to take about 15 minutes.  Miami-Dade County will offer subsidized fares for a percentage of riders between Aventura and MiamiCentral. 

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) Plan. The $76 million investment made by Miami-Dade County has created more than 400 jobs during construction and will continue to generate significant economic benefit, including $90.8 million annually in economic impact and $2.7 billion over a 30-year period.

Brightline is expected to launch service to Aventura before the end of the year. The station is located at 19796 West Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33180.

SCAROFA Properties Breaks Ground On Luxury Residential Townhome Community In Pinecrest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black Salmon, Lineaire Group and Bridge Investment Group Top Off Wynwood Haus

Black Salmon, a national commercial real estate investment and development firm based in Miami; Lineaire Group, a Miami-based real estate investment and development firm focused on urban infill projects; and Bridge Investment Group, a leading, national real estate investment and property management firm, have topped off Wynwood Haus at 20 stories.

The construction milestone for the 224-unit multifamily project, located at 1765 N. Miami Ave., was marked by a celebratory event held onsite on August 12, 2022. In attendance were the development partnership and Wynwood Haus’ general contractor, Beauchamp Construction Company, as well as the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

"The topping off of Wynwood Haus is a significant achievement for our team and another positive step forward for the neighborhood of Wynwood, which is currently undergoing a renaissance as one of the city’s thriving areas,” said Camilo Lopez, managing partner and Co-CEO of Black Salmon. “We are grateful to our construction partners and look forward to the completion of a building that truly encapsulates the best of Wynwood.”

Designed by acclaimed architecture firm Corwil Architects, Wynwood Haus is situated at the entrance of Wynwood, Miami’s creative and cultural neighborhood. It will present the perfect balance between Miami’s fast-paced ambiance and a serene environment, with landscape curated by world renowned designer Enzo Enea. The project will complement the area’s new offices and tech-centric businesses, and expanding retail, dining and bustling art scenes, creating a central live-work-play lifestyle in proximity to Downtown, Miami Beach, and the Design District.

“Demand for multifamily is on the rise, particularly in Miami, which remains the most popular migration destination in the U.S.,” said Lineaire Group Partner Diego Bonet. “We are confident that Wynwood Haus will appeal to those seeking a sense of community – co-working spaces and connectivity to local businesses and transit within a curated, modern environment – all within one of Miami’s trendiest communities.”

“Wynwood Haus is an exceptional project which will serve as one of the main catalysts to growth in the area, the topping off marks an exciting achievement and we look forward to when the project opens next year,” said Bridge Investment Group’s CIO David Coelho.

The apartment’s floor plans will feature studios, one and two bedrooms ranging from 394 to 945 square feet. Modern details and finishes include floor-to-ceiling windows, oversized balconies, full-size in-unit washer and dryer, wireless-controlled smart thermostat, 10-foot ceilings, walk-in closets in most units, a rain shower, and secure keyless entry.

Interiors by Lineaire Designs will introduce intricate wood paneling and concrete accents throughout to elevate the modern aesthetic. For the urban dweller, living will be effortless with amenities that include a pool and sun deck with bay views, a fitness center and outdoor terrace. Private workspaces, a conference room and co-working area invite function for the contemporary work life. The ground floor will also feature a library, resident lounge, pet grooming, electric car charging stations, a smart locker package room and cold storage, as well as 5,500 square feet of retail space.

The project is a designated transit-oriented development (TOD) within walking distance of the School Board Metromover station. This furthers the economic growth of the area by increasing access to jobs and connectivity.

Wynwood Haus is scheduled for completion in Summer 2023.

Construction Powering Forward At Finvarb Group's Thompson Hotel South Beach

Construction is powering forward at Thompson Hotel South Beach which is being developed by Finvarb Group, led by Ronny Finvarb, and Chahine Investment Corp. The mixed-use project is designed by world-renowned French architect Rudy Ricciotti and is being developed on a .7 acre site at 1685 Washington Ave. When complete the building will feature a 150-room hotel which will be branded as a Thompson Hotel by Hyatt, with a rooftop restaurant and pool deck, as well as ground-floor retail.

In late May the project secured $44.6 million in construction financing. Since securing the financing construction teams have passed the 5th floor for the building which will rise 8-stories when complete. Ortega is the general contractor.

In addition to the Thompson and other projects in different stages, Finvarb Group owns 13 hotels and restaurants in Florida, Texas and Arizona, including the Kimpton Palomar South Beach and Osteria Morini, the Residence Inn by Marriott South Beach, and the Courtyard by Marriott South Beach, which they developed. In Miami, Finvarb Group also owns the Landon Bay Harbor boutique hotel, including The Palm restaurant, which they acquired for $10 million in November 2021.

Chahine Investment Corp. is a family office subsidiary managed by Agathe Chahine that focuses its investments on office buildings, luxury hotels with the historic Palacio Ludovice in Lisbon that just opened, private equity, and financial markets.

Location Ventures Completes Luxury Condominium 'Villa Valencia' In Coral Gables

Following record-breaking sales and its distinction as the first U.S. condominium development to integrate the revolutionary Delos’ DARWIN™ Home Wellness Intelligence network, Location Ventures has received its TCO for Villa Valencia. The now complete luxury condominium building in Downtown Coral Gables delivers a collection of 39 luxury condominiums which are currently 95% sold. The building was constructed by general contractor Winmar Construction. Closings are currently underway, and residents have begun to occupy their residences.

Villa Valencia has a limited amount of inventory remaining, including a $14.9 million upper penthouse which is also the most expensive listing in the submarket. Throughout its sales process, the building has set an unrivaled new standard for luxury condominium living in “The City Beautiful,” currently holding the record for the condo with the highest price-per-square-foot ever sold in the area at $1,100 per square foot.

Villa Valencia is centered on three pillars, nature, technology and wellness, to promote optimal living unlike any other. At its coveted address, 515 Valencia Avenue, the development has integrated Delos’ pioneering DARWIN Home Wellness Intelligence network within residences, as well as throughout common areas. This exclusive system is the world’s first platform aimed at enhancing human health, well-being, sleep and performance by monitoring and calibrating air, light and water quality. It aligns technology with nature’s intent by using innovation to bring the best of organic outdoor conditions, inside.

“Not only is this a pivotal moment for Location Ventures and Coral Gables, but also for wellness real estate,” said Rishi Kapoor, CEO of Location Ventures. “Villa Valencia showcases the ongoing demand for health-centric amenities and well-designed spaces that mirror those of nearby estates. Located in a desirable, growing Miami suburb, it is a testament that high quality and timeless elegance in a legacy offering is in great demand.”

With wellbeing as a centerpiece, Villa Valencia’s amenity program leaves no stone unturned. The building is complete with a hammam, steam room, his-and-her saunas, hydrotherapy plunge pools, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness facility with yoga, Pilates and weight training. For outdoor enjoyment, a 78-foot resort-style pool with a lap lane and waterfall is complemented by two summer kitchens, spacious sunbeds and resident-owned cabanas.

Most recently, Villa Valencia debuted Elevate Wellness, a bespoke wellness program that presents spa and wellness services tailored to residents’ needs. This includes closet organization, physician-led health evaluations, acupuncture for humans and canines, dietician-led consultations, and more. The project will also feature an adjoining 9,000-square-foot public park with lush landscaping, contributing to Coral Gables’ green spaces.

Villa Valencia’s architectural DNA is a fresh rendition of Coral Gables signature Mediterranean architecture style, paired with tropical modern interiors. Each residence features private elevator entry and superior finishes such as European flooring, exterior sliding doors, and finished custom closets. Kitchens are equipped with state-of-the-art Subzero and Wolf appliances, a wine cooler, custom cabinetry and quartz countertops. Expansive outdoor terraces accompany each living space.

“We are proud to be a part of Villa Valencia’s journey from conception to completion,” said Daniel de la Vega, President, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “Location Ventures set out to deliver one of the most iconic buildings in the city, and that is exactly what they did. Villa Valencia is a market maker in a category of its own. With over $100 million sold to date, this is an unprecedented moment for our teams and the incredible city of Coral Gables. We are truly privileged to have achieved this milestone together.”

Aztec Group Delivers $102 Million In Construction Financing For 352 Unit RIVR Lofts In Fort Lauderdale

Aztec Group, Florida’s leading real estate investment and merchant banking firm for over 40 years, announces that Peter Mekras has arranged $102,000,000 in construction financing for RIVR (River) Lofts in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

RIVR Lofts features a desirable location in Fort Lauderdale’s Central Business District in the emerging Tarpon River Entertainment & Design District (TREDD) south of New River. RIVR Lofts is a to-be-built mixed-use, luxury, high-rise rental apartment community with 352 residential units. The project will span across 29 stories and feature a rooftop pool and amenities, 2,700 square feet of ground floor retail, onsite parking, and a resident lounge and bar on the ground floor. The Property is ideally located at the corner of SW 5th Street and SW 3rd Avenue within walking distance to Publix, Wells Coffee, and Tarpon River Brewing.

RIVR Lofts development team is led by Doron Broman of Moderno Development Group. Broman assembled the 1-acre site in 2018 and obtained entitlements for RIVR Lofts in 2021. Moderno engaged Aztec Group on an exclusive basis to structure a venture and source construction financing for the project. Moderno is no stranger to the market as it has assembled and repositioned several development properties in the area and continue to control several acres of land in the area for future vertical development. The construction loan was sourced from Square Mile Capital. The RIVR Lofts project team includes Moss Construction and Robert Mathias of NCC Development. The project is designed by Cube 3 Architecture.

“RIVR Lofts will serve as the residential heartbeat of TREDD and this funding continues our efforts to bring vertical development to the area,” says Doron Broman, Manager Partner of Moderno Development. “Moderno Development is at the center of Tarpon River’s revitalization. We started by converting industrial buildings to retail and now we are laying the foundation for a true residential experience with the construction of RIVR Lofts.”

“Sourcing a construction loan for a high-rise is never a simple task. Closing a loan of this magnitude in the current market environment is a testament to the merit of RIVR Lofts and the sponsorship, the lender, and our investment banking process” said Aztec Group’s Peter Mekras.

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences Receives TCO, Begin Closings In Miami Beach

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, the widely-anticipated, new boutique Bayfront residences and private marina in Miami Beach, has received its temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO), signaling the start of closings. The project was developed by Optimum Asset Management USA. Monaco Yacht Club & Residences offers just thirty-nine luxurious waterfront residences delivered fully finished with curated interiors by two of the most esteemed names in design, Piero Lissoni and Arquitectonica.

In addition to announcing this milestone, Optimum Asset Management USA has disclosed that only two residences remain – including a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom, plus den, villa with direct marina access and boat slip -- as the tower rapidly approaches a complete sell-out.

“Seeing Monaco Yacht Club & Residences come to fruition and receive TCO is an especially proud moment,” said Matthew Barry, Managing Director of Optimum Asset Management USA. “The global response to the tower has been nothing short of compelling and a testament to its international appeal. We are thrilled to be showcasing this building to the world and celebrating the continued excitement surrounding its unveiling.”

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences feature one to four-bedroom residences, ranging in size from 918 to nearly 5,000 square feet, and two one-of-a-kind penthouses with spacious living areas, private terraces and summer kitchens. Primed for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining, the meticulously designed homes feature expansive wraparound terraces – each with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline – as well as contemporary Italian kitchens by Boffi.

Additional highlights within the residences include stone countertops, 10 to 11-foot-high ceilings throughout, large walk-in closets, private elevator entrances, and premium bathroom interiors featuring imported Italian marble flooring, large tubs and frameless, glass-enclosed rainfall showers with designer faucets.

“The DNA of the Côte d’Azur is reflected in every single design element of Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, giving residents the unique opportunity to live the one-of-a-kind South of France lifestyle,” said Edgardo Defortuna, president and CEO of Fortune International Group, the exclusive brokerage of the project. “We have a lot of excited residents that we cannot wait to welcome and celebrate the very best Miami Beach has to offer.”

Each of the modern unit interiors were meticulously curated with precise attention to detail, inclusive of the refined Italian-made fixtures and finishes, while a design palette of warm whites and rich woods was used for the lobby and the premier “Resident’s Lounge,” which features a library and breakfast bar for leisurely waterfront dining.

“It has been an honor to be part of the construction of this amazing architectural gem,” said Brett Atkinson, President of South Florida for Moss Construction, the tower’s general contractor. “It was a pleasure to work with Optimum Asset Management USA; we could not have reached TCO without our experienced subcontractors and suppliers.”

The nautically-themed, 12-story boutique building features a variety of resort-style amenities, including a rooftop terrace featuring panoramic views of the Miami skyline and a pool with poolside chaise lounge chairs, Jacuzzi and shaded lounge areas with a grill for entertaining. Offering the best of a yachtsman’s lifestyle, a 12-slip marina is exclusively available to residents of Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, as well as a yachting concierge and other waterfront amenities such as paddle boarding and kayaking.

Units at Monaco Yacht Club & Residences are priced from $1.1 million with exclusive sales and marketing overseen by Fortune Development Sales.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mast Capital Breaks Ground On Second Phase Of Waterline Miami River Multifamily Development

A partnership between Mast Capital and global real estate investment firm AEW Capital Management has launched the second phase of Waterline Miami River, which will bring the full development to a combined 688 apartment units. The second phase will consist of 342 rental units on a 2.7-acre development site with over 400 feet of unobstructed water frontage along the Miami River. The joint venture has secured financing from Wells Fargo for the project’s construction set to begin in January 2022.

One of the early developers to recognize the Miami River’s potential as an active waterfront community, Mast Capital acquired its first piece of land along the riverfront in 2018, developing the initial phase of Waterline Miami River with AEW, and since then, the Miami River District has continued to thrive with restaurants, outdoor entertainment and residential living. Mast Capital delivered the first phase of Waterline Miami River, a 346-unit luxury multifamily community, in late 2020 and reached stabilization just eight months after its completion. 

The second phase will be comprised of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units spanning approximately 280,000 rentable square feet and masterfully crafted community amenities. The project’s general contractor is Kaufman Lynn and the architect is Corwil Architects.

Residences will feature European kitchens, modular European closets, washer and dryer, private large balconies, premium quartz countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. Residents at Waterline Miami River will enjoy breathtaking views of the Miami River and the Downtown and Brickell skyline.

Amenities will include state-of-the-art fitness center, a one-acre park, a dog park and open recreational area, 24/7 package and dry-cleaning lockers, tech hub and flex office spaces for residents working remote, conference rooms, WiFi in social hubs, private access parking, pet spa with washing station, and secure bike room with repair station.

“The Miami River has long been seen as a working waterway, but it’s also becoming a thriving residential neighborhood. The population growth and strong demographics Miami is experiencing will continue to fuel growth along the riverfront,” said Camilo Miguel, Jr., CEO and Founder of Mast Capital. “Since pre-leasing commenced at Waterline Miami River, we saw high demand for the apartment community given the lifestyle offerings in the surrounding neighborhood and strategic location near Miami’s thriving urban core. We are confident that phase two will experience similar demand given the need for additional rental housing and the increased desirability of the Miami River District.”

Waterline Miami River is located just half a mile south of the Miami Health District, which employs 45,000 and draws 160,000 annual visitors and is recognized as the second largest health district in the U.S., and within 1.5 miles of Downtown Miami and the Brickell Financial District.

According to the Miami River Commission, Miami River’s shorelines feature public river walks, nine major parks, five major hotels, over 11,910 new residential units, 25 restaurants and over a dozen boatyards, marinas and historic sites. There’s also an additional 6,667 approved units, five planned hotels with 1,200 new rooms and 22 planned restaurants in the works.