Talent Hub Agency Acquires Ground-Floor Retail Suite At Merrick Manor In Coral Gables

Merrick Manor in Coral Gables has announced the sale of a ground-floor retail condominium to Talent Hub Agency, where the firm will open their new Miami headquarters following the acquisition. Merrick Manor is a mixed residential and commercial luxury condo building developed by the Henry Torres-led Astor Companies. The condominium offers nearly 20,000 square feet of prime retail space on the ground floor neighboring the Shops at Merrick Park. Manny Chamizo III, the Global Commercial Director of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, arranged the sale of this Class A retail space to Talent Hub.

“With interest rates low, prospective commercial tenants are realizing they can buy their own spaces at prices on par with market rents and take advantage of appreciation while building equity,” Chamizo said. “Talent Hub’s purchase at Merrick Manor underscores how this building offers an unparalleled opportunity to buy Class A commercial product within a brand-new luxury mixed-use building just steps away from the world-class Shops at Merrick Park.”

Talent Hub is co-owned by Puerto Rican actor, singer and songwriting Carlos Ponce. The agency represents many A-list influencers and celebrities which will add even more character to the already existing and diverse mix of retailers and businesses at Merrick Manor. Existing businesses include Anaïs Nails & Spa, Body Details, Elegance Beauty Salon, Sweat 440, Trésor and a substation for the Coral Gables Police Department. Coral Gables business district is the perfect location for many businesses as it is easy to commute from Downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. This central location is even walkable to Miracle Mile.

“Merrick Manor is an ideal location for Talent Hub’s Miami headquarters,” Ponce said. “The quality of the building is impeccable. We look forward to helping our talented members realize their vast potential in our new home.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty is the exclusive residential sales and marketing representative at Merrick Manor located at 301 Altara Avenue in Coral Gables.

PROFILE Exclusive: Strong Sales at Villa Valencia Total $12 Million in Last 30 Days

Despite global market challenges, Villa Valencia has experienced strong sales momentum in the last 30 days. In that time, the project sold $12 million of inventory, or four residences ranging from three- to four-bedrooms. Most new construction condominium projects have been selling at 30-50% of pre-COVID sales volume.

Many buyers are local to Coral Gables, a historically fortress market known for stability and long-term investment value, and others came from Mexico. The property is now 25% sold.

“These recent sales have reinforced the notion that high-quality and well-thought-out condominium residences will remain a prime interest, no matter the circumstance, as buyers see the long-term value that transcends the current climate,” said Rishi Kapoor, CEO of Location Ventures.

Villa Valencia recently introduced an exclusive, limited-offer financing program for serious buyers, adding a level of certainty in today’s market. The zero-finance opportunity, via an asset-based loan, provides funds to be applied toward a Villa Valencia contract deposit. 

The project’s estate-sized units span up to 6,263 square feet and provide intimate residential living without compromising space. Its boutique ambiance combines tropical modern interior spaces with Mediterranean design that is synonymous with Coral Gables.

Each of the condominium units will include the Delos DARWIN™ Home Wellness Intelligence network, which delivers residents with clean, fresh air, energizing light and pollutant-reduced water. Procured and installed by HEDsouth, a premier technology integration and automation company, Villa Valencia’s partnership with Delos’ allows the DARWIN system to align technology with nature’s intent by using innovation to bring the best of natural outdoor conditions inside. Villa Valencia is Delos DARWIN™’s first U.S. condominium partnership.

Residences start at $1.65 million. Construction is underway with completion anticipated for Summer 2021.

Article by Katya Demina

For more information about Villa Valencia, private showings or purchase information please fill out the form below:

Apex Capital Realty Oversees Acquisition of Former Midas Retail Site On Le Jeune Road

Apex Capital Realty’s Miguel Pinto acted as the sole broker in the 5,718 SF retail building deal at 900 S Le Jeune Rd. in Miami, FL which closed for $1,575,000 on Friday. Coral 900 LLC. which controlled by Christian Vasquez, purchased the 5,718 Square Foot retail site from the HAROLD NOORDHOEK Revocable Trust.

“Appetite for investment of retail buildings that house essential businesses continues to be strong! Investors are migrating from high yield restaurants to and shifting their strategy to investing in real estate that house pharmacies, automotive real estate, medical use and drive thru restaurant buildings. “said Miguel Pinto.

The 2-parcel site which formerly was being operated as a Midas, is located on Le Jeune Road which serves as the west artery to Coral Gables, makes it a desirable site for all retail uses. The site is visible to over 34,000 vehicles per day and is shadow anchored by a CVS and a McDonald’s.

Artefacto Begins Construction on New DOMO-Designed U.S. Flagship In Coral Gables

Brazilian furnishings brand Artefacto has celebrated the groundbreaking of their new US flagship in Coral Gables located on the highly-trafficked US-1. The 45,000 SF bi-level structure will feature an eye-catching modernist design by the renowned DOMO Architecture + Design, with interiors by Patricia Anastassiadis. The showroom is set to open mid-2021, and marks the brand’s 28th location worldwide.

Headed by CEO Paulo Bacchi, Artefacto entered the U.S. in 2002 as an anchor tenant to Coral Gables’ Merrick Park. Bacchi continues to make his mark on Coral Gables with the sleek new showroom at 101 South Dixie Highway, along one of Miami’s major transportation arteries.

“I’m very proud of our continued growth in Miami, and our showroom expresses the remarkable warmth and luxuries found in Artefacto home environments,” says Bacchi. “Now we will capture eyes in all directions with an innovative aesthetic that anchors US1 with incredible style.”

Exteriors will showcase dramatic street-level window displays of Artefacto’s exclusive collaborations with such notable talents as Alejandro Estrada, Piegatto, Sergio Matos and Patricia Anatassiadis. In-line with the brand’s commitment to embracing sustainable practices, the showroom’s exterior concept features lush, green walls with the highest level of quality natural, raw materials.

Miami-Dade Orders All Hotels And Short-Term Rentals To Shut Down Due To COVID-19

Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach have ordered all hotels, motels and short-term rentals to begin immediately shutting down and vacate their guests, with full-closure by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 23. The announcement comes as Miami’s next step in curbing the spread of COVID-19 which has now surpassed 560 cases in Florida and over 123 in Miami-Dade. The move also comes to help dissipate the spring break crowds, many of whom have written off any care of the virus and are in Miami “to party.”

“Our hotels have always been the lifeblood of our economy, so shuttering them is not something to do impulsively. But right now, as painful as it may be, the reality is we just cannot be a tourist destination,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “Attracting visitors and tourists is just utterly incompatible with social distancing. For the many amazing operators and employees who are impacted, and the families that rely upon them, we are so sorry that you will feel this most acutely and we will advocate for whatever relief will be available at the state and federal level. These decisions were made collaboratively with County Mayor Gimenez, our City Manager Jimmy Morales and after input from all of our Miami Beach City Commissioners.”

The closures will apply to all hotels, motels, apartment-hotels, hostels, dormitories, and vacation and short-term rentals in Miami-Dade County. Miami Beach will also enforce a curfew from 12 A.M. to 5 A.M. Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles Beach and Coral Gables’ historic Biltmore Hotel both closed in advance of the announcement as reports of layoffs in the hotel and hospitality industry continue to grow. Last week Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez issued an executive order to shut down all non-essential business’ including restaurants, retail stores, nightclubs, casinos, gyms, public parks and beaches.

13th Floor Investments & Adler Group Lock Down $99 Million In Construction Financing For 2nd Tower At Link at Douglas

Miami-based real estate developers Adler Group and 13th Floor Investments have finalized a $99 million loan that will open the door to the construction of a second tower at Link at Douglas, a 7-acre master-planned development that will transform Miami-Dade County’s Douglas Road Metrorail Station into a mixed-use transit hub with residential, retail and commercial office uses. The loan, which was issued by Banco Santander and TD Bank, will help fund the construction of the 36-story multifamily building, which will include 421 rental apartments and 17,000 SF of ground-floor retail space.

Situated directly adjacent to the Douglas Road Metrorail Station at 3100 Douglas Road, the Arquitectonica-designed building will also feature a public plaza with connectivity to The Underline, a 10-mile-long linear park being built underneath the Metrorail tracks running from Downtown Miami to South Miami.

Construction of Tower 2 is expected to get underway this month (February 2020) and is expected to be completed in late 2022. Tower 1, a 22-story multifamily building designed by Corwil Architects with 312 rental apartments and 6,000 SF of retail space, broke ground in July 2019 and is slated for completion in 2021.

“The closing of this construction loan is a testament to our strong bank relationships and also signals the continued confidence in our latest transit-oriented development, as well as our ability to execute as a development team,” said Daryl Shevin, CFO of 13th Floor Investments.

“Link at Douglas will set a standard for urban living by catering to Miami-Dade’s evolving residents, who are looking for ways to avoid road congestion through public transit while seeking a more connected lifestyle,” said Jonathan Raiffe, Chief Operating Officer of Adler Group.

Link at Douglas is being developed through a collaboration with Miami-Dade County in which the developers have entered into a ground lease for publicly-owned land that will usher in privately-funded transit and infrastructure upgrades at a critical connection point within the County’s transit system. Link at Douglas’ mobility plan includes connectivity to Metrorail, County buses and municipal trolleys. Additionally, the development will incorporate over $17 million in public infrastructure improvements, including a fully renovated Metrorail station, a public plaza with active retail, and a section of The Underline. Link at Douglas marks the second partnership for 13th Floor Investments and Adler Group. The development team recently completed Motion at Dadeland, a 294-unit transit-oriented rental community adjacent to South Miami’s Dadeland North Metrorail Station, which opened to renters in April 2019.

PROFILE Exclusive: First Look at Location Ventures New Renderings of Villa Valencia Entertainment Spaces

Villa Valencia developer Location Ventures, led by CEO Rishi Kapoor, has just released brand new renderings of the boutique project in a PROFILE exclusive. The images reveal the building’s entertainment spaces, designed to promote community and foster relationships, offering a neighborhood feel to condo living. New images include the luxe lounge & terrace, movie theatre and outdoor cucina with sweeping city views.

Recently, Villa Valencia completed $10 million in sales at record-breaking prices for the area. The project broke ground in June 2019 and will feature 39 ultra-luxury, estate-sized residences once completed. The building includes units that range from three-to five-bedrooms, spanning 2,616 to 4,267 square feet, and several penthouses. Each of the penthouses will have a private plunge pool, while every home will have deep terraces and at least one corner exposure, offering views of the city skyline and golf course.

The 13-story development is keen on presenting a refined, modern living experience that is centered on wellness. It is the first U.S. condominium to partner with Delos to offer its DARWIN Home Wellness intelligence network, which uses innovation to bring the best of natural outdoor conditions, inside. Kapoor says, "One of our core philosophies is wellness. And at Villa Valencia, we believe that the buyer sees health as the ultimate wealth, leading them to strive for a daily environment that is as healthy as their lifestyle. By providing wellness enhancing features such as air purification, circadian lighting, and water filtration through DARWIN by Delos in every residence, we are taking a stake in the expanding welltech industry to create real estate that is better for residents and fits with their day-to-day philosophies." 

In addition to the entertainment spaces, a complete amenities program will include a hammam, steam room, hydrotherapy plunge pools, his-and-her saunas, 78-foot resort-style pool with a lap lane and waterfall that is complemented by two summer kitchens and spacious sunbeds, tea room, lively entertainment room with billiards, as well as golf and driving simulators in addition to a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Villa Valencia residences start from $1.65 million.

By Stephanie Warren

Terranova Reveals Arquitectonica-Designed Hotel On Coral Gables' Miracle Mile

Terranova Corporation has revealed a new hotel design by Arquitectonica which has been proposed on Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile. The design was influenced by Mediterranean architecture and the historic Biltmore Hotel. The hotel will offer 120 hotel rooms and 36,778 SF of ground floor retail which will also feature restaurant space. The developers are currently seeking a waiver from the city to build the project without a parking component and the proposal will go in front of the Coral Gables Development Review Committee on July 26, 2019.

Villa Valencia Launches Sales In Coral Gables

Villa Valencia has launched sales in “The City Beautiful,” bringing a new residential address that blends private luxury with a true downtown lifestyle. The project is being developed by Location Ventures, the Miami-based real estate investment firm with a portfolio of residential and mixed-used projects throughout South Florida. Villa Valencia will be a collection of just 39 ultra-luxury condominium residences rising 13-stories in Coral Gables, located at 515 Valencia Avenue. Designed by Hamed Rodriguez Architects, Villa Valencia’s façade is a fresh interpretation of the architectural style of Coral Gables, which harmoniously blends with its tropical modern interiors by CMA Design Studio, led by Principal Owner Cesar Molina.

Residences will range from three- to four-bedrooms spanning 2,616 to 3,276 SF on a single level. Two lower penthouse levels encompass the 11th and 12th floors, with units ranging from 2,678 SF, with 343 SF of terrace, to 4,267 SF, with more than 2,000 SF of covered and uncovered terraces. Marking the pinnacle of luxury is the full-floor, six-bedroom penthouse on the top level, a villa in the sky, at 6,263-SF, that will be complete with a private elevator and pool, 10-foot ceilings, and an expansive 4,646-SF terrace. All residences present open floor plans with deep, wide terraces and at least one corner exposure, offering sweeping views of the city, golf course, and water. Residences provide private foyers with elevator entry and are adorned with superior finishes. This includes exquisite European flooring, 10-foot 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.

“Villa Valencia fulfills a vision to unite estate-like living and a condominium setting without compromise,” said Rishi Kapoor, CEO of Location Venture. “To accomplish this, we have carefully conceived one of the most well-thought designs and amenity programs seen in a boutique project within this market. Coral Gables is long-recognized for its exceptional quality of life, and this project emulates that sense of timeless luxury.”

“Today’s affluent buyer, especially those seeking to live in Coral Gables, expects a product that feels customized to their needs, while fitting seamlessly into the context of its location,” added Daniel de la Vega, President of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “Villa Valencia leaves no stone unturned in its offerings and we are excited to unveil it to our network and the market.”

Wellness will be a centerpiece at Villa Valencia, with a rich program of spa and fitness offerings to promote relaxation and optimal health. This includes 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 and spacious sunbeds.

Residents will be able to live, work and entertain guests comfortably in a selection of venues throughout the property, as a secondary option to in-home hosting. A tea room with a coffee bar makes for intimate early morning and afternoon gatherings, while a dinner party is ideal in the Cucina that features a full-size kitchen and full bar open to the pool deck. For engaging recreation, the lively entertainment room will have billiards, and golf and driving simulators. In contrast, an executive room with video conferencing will also allow working from home with ease while the library, with an outdoor terrace, is a tranquil haven overlooking a lush park with shaded trees. Keeping pets in mind, the park will also feature a play area for dogs with a green space and exercise run. Valet parking, 24-hour concierge and private garages make security and discrete living a priority.

Villa Valencia residences start from $1.65 million with sales and market being exclusively represented by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. The project expects to be delivered move-in ready, completion is anticipated for summer 2021.

Consul of Switzerland Lists Waterfront Coral Gables Home For $2.245 Million

Ferdinand Kurt, the consul of Switzerland and former CEO of Panalpina and Kuehne & Nagel, 2 major global logistic companies, has listed his Miami home for $2.245 million. While living there, the house served as the official Swiss Consulate in Miami. The waterfront villa is spread over 4,700 SF on a 12,800 SF lot. The home features 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths with high-ceilings, marble and wood floors, his/her walk-in closets, wine cellar and large space for outdoor entertaining. 1561 Agua Ave., Gables by the Sea, Coral Gables is currently listed for $2,245,000 with Alexandra Peters and Roman Tschannen of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.

For more information about 1561 Agua Ave., Gables by the Sea, Coral Gables, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below: