University Bridge Residences Closes On $231 Million In Bond Financing
University Bridge GP, LLC, a partnership between between Miami-based Global City Development, RER Ventures and Toronto-based Podium Developments that is developing the off-campus 20-story student housing rental tower University Bridge Residences, has closed on a $231 million bond issuance.
University Bridge GP, LLC, a partnership between between Miami-based Global City Development, RER Ventures and Toronto-based Podium Developments that is developing the off-campus 20-story student housing rental tower University Bridge Residences, has closed on a $231 million bond issuance. The bond represents the largest financing of its kind for an off-campus student housing building in the United States. University Bridge Residences is located directly across from Florida International University (FIU) where the funding will provide $50+ million in scholarships over 40 years to and as per the terms of the agreement, Florida International University will also take ownership of the building upon completion of the bond payments in 2058.
“Today’s bond issuance is a major milestone and an especially proud moment as we come one step closer to delivering a new residential and retail landmark for Florida International University and the surrounding neighborhood,” said Brian Pearl, Principal of Global City Development. “As the largest financing of its kind, it gives us enormous satisfaction that the bond investment community recognized the obvious need in the marketplace for student housing and that this project will benefit FIU for many years to come.”
University Bridge Residences broke ground in June 2018 and is being built by Coastal Construction Group and designed by Arquitectonica. Construction crews started the foundation last month, and the project is slated to be completed in time for the 2020-2021 academic year. University Bridge Residences will serve the school’s rapidly growing student population’s housing demand which is the fourth-largest university in the United States by enrollment, with more than 55,000 students, but only 8% of the student body lives in college owned, operated or affiliate housing. The project rises 20 stories and features 886 units along with 7,000 SF of commercial space.
“We specifically chose to use this method of funding to serve both the project and the community for generations to come,” said Diego Procel, Principal of Global City Development. “University Bridge Residences will introduce a new paradigm in the area and we are excited to welcome our student residents in the near future.”
Christopher Kallivokas, Managing Member of RER Ventures added, “This extraordinary project could only have happened with the cooperation, vision and foresight of the President and the Board of Trustees of FIU in conjunction with the City of Sweetwater Mayor and City Commissioners.”
Investment Spotlight: Reinvigorating Miami’s Real Estate with Opportunity Zones
The opportunity zone program is a little-known provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that could be a powerful economic development tool for designated low-income communities. The program provides tax incentives to developers who invest in these areas, including 427 tracts of land in Florida, 68 of which are in Miami-Dade County.
The opportunity zone program is a little-known provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that could be a powerful economic development tool for designated low-income communities. The program provides tax incentives to developers who invest in these areas, including 427 tracts of land in Florida, 68 of which are in Miami-Dade County. From a policy perspective, it was designed to connect new sources of capital to neighborhoods that haven’t realized economic growth in years.
The provision allows unrealized capital gains from prior investments - including other asset classes like stocks and securities - to be rolled into an opportunity fund to defer taxation. An opportunity fund is created in the private sector and is the first community investment tax incentive vehicle introduced since the Clinton Administration. The notion behind opportunity zones is that the longer the investment is held, the lower the tax burden is. So long as 90% of the investment remains in the community, the capital gains tax is reduced by:
10% if the investment is held for five years, or
15% if the investment is held for seven years
Fully exempt if the investment is held for at least ten years
This is an innovative advance for investors to redirect their capital to support low-income communities like Little Haiti with underappreciated value. It’s a generous incentive compared to previous economic development programs because there is no government intermediary to approve projects. Now the question of intent remains: will investment spillover enough into these neighborhoods or will this just be a chance for developers and investors to cash in?
Germaine Smith-Baugh, CEO and President of Broward County’s Urban League, worries that despite the potential for growth, with investment comes a pattern of gentrification. As property values, rents, and taxes rise, longtime residents can get priced out. “I’m right here on Sistrunk Boulevard,” an economically distressed neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale, said Smith-Baugh. “Folks are buying left and right. The foreign dollars coming in to purchase here — it’s unreal.”
Smith-Baugh hopes the program doesn’t displace local business and residents, and says the solution is to attract the right kind of impact investors, or people who will work with the neighborhoods to create workforce housing and transit. “We would like to see organizations that can aggregate potential projects and make the residents and businesses feel as though they are part of the process,” she said.
In order to qualify, the real estate asset would need to be built or be converted with improvements totaling at least the purchase price of the property. It must also be an active conduct business, meaning the asset can’t simply be a home that appreciates in value over time.
The opportunity zone program is an attractive vehicle for moving capital of scale into low-income neighborhoods with enough parameters to ensure it is being deployed toward economically productive investments that ultimately create jobs and businesses.
Article by: Katya Demina
Two Roads Development Locks Down $138 Million Construction Loan For Elysee In Edgewater
Two Roads Development has officially secured a $138 Million construction loan for Elysee, their luxury condominium tower rising in Edgewater. The financing was provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association as construction teams have already taken the tower vertical.
Two Roads Development has officially secured a $138 Million construction loan for Elysee, their luxury condominium tower rising in Edgewater. The financing was provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association as construction teams have already taken the tower vertical. Latham & Watkins LLP represented Two Roads Development in the transaction with a team led by partners Robert Buday, Rachel Bates, and Diana Doyle. The loan comes as the development approaches the 50% sold mark, with unit sales representing more than $100 million in total transaction value. Vertical construction of Elysee commenced last month following the completion of the tower’s major foundation pour of more than 5,000 tons of cement for the building’s concrete mat. Located on Biscayne Bay at 788 NE 23rd Street, when complete Elysee will rise 57-stories with delivery expected in 2020.
“Construction is in full swing at Elysee and this financing will provide for the continued development and completion of the tower,” said James Harpel, Chairman and Senior Partner of Two Roads Development. “Elysee’s waterfront location, combined with Bernardo Fort-Brescia’s innovative architecture and Jean-Louis Deniot’s sophisticated designs, continues to resonate with local and international buyers alike in the form of strong presales – a powerful combination that has attracted a financing institution as prestigious as JPMorgan.”
Elysee is being developed by Two Roads Development in partnership with entities managed by New York-investment firm DW Partners. The tower was designed by architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica. The tower will feature 100 half-floor and full-floor residences priced from $1.5 million to $14 million. The tower will feature 3-tiered telescoping shape will provide direct 180-degree bay and city views from every residence. Luxury residences at Elysee will include floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors, private elevators and foyers, 10' to 12' ceilings, designer finishes and fixtures, premium appliances, top-of-the-line Italian cabinetry, as well as two expansive east/west-facing terraces with 180-degree sunrise and sunset views. Interiors were designed by Paris-based interior architect and designer Jean-Louis Deniot. The 7th floor will feature an amenity deck which will include a resort-sized lap pool with a poolside refreshment bar, outdoor summer kitchen and barbecue terrace; waterfront fitness center and yoga studio; spa facilities with private sauna, steam and massage rooms; children’s lounge; and a blow-dry bar. The 30th-floor will feature an Owners Sky Lounge with Grand Salon lounge area and full bar; a Grand Dining Room with seating for up to 30 guests; a professional-grade chef’s kitchen and chef’s table; and a library/private theater, game room, and wine room. Cervera Real Estate is the exclusive sales team for Elysee.
Moishe Mana Gets $20.13 Million Loan To Build Mana Wynwood Americas-Asia Trade Center & International Financial Center
Moishe Mana has secured a $20.13 million construction loan to build Mana Wynwood Americas-Asia Trade Center & International Financial Center. The financing was provided by Centennial Bank to Malux Realty, Malka Realty and Mizrachi Holdings for properties at 2337 Northwest Fifth Avenue, 375 Northwest 23rd Street, 394 Northwest 24th Street and 382 Northwest 24th Street.
Moishe Mana has secured a $20.13 million construction loan to build Mana Wynwood Americas-Asia Trade Center & International Financial Center. The financing was provided by Centennial Bank to Malux Realty, Malka Realty and Mizrachi Holdings for properties at 2337 Northwest Fifth Avenue, 375 Northwest 23rd Street, 394 Northwest 24th Street and 382 Northwest 24th Street. Mana plans to build Mana Wynwood Americas-Asia Trade Center & International Financial Center which will feature 10 million SF of commercial space as a trade hub to encourage and facilitate trade between China, Asia, Latin America, North America and the Caribbean. The project will be built in multiple phases with phase 1 including developing 8.5 acres of Wynwood with 4.68 million SF of Class A office space, showrooms, retail, hotels and public space. The total project In 2016 Mana's special area plan for Wynwood was approved covering nearly 40 acres including 51,000 SF of civic space, 3,500 residential units, 8,500 parking spots, the 2.5 acre Mana Commons private park.
ROVR Development Closes $27 Million Construction Loan For The Fairchild Coconut Grove
ROVR Development is pleased to announce it has closed on a $27 million loan for The Fairchild Coconut Grove, the new luxury waterfront condo development rising directly on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove. Ocean Bank provided the financing for the project which broke ground in April 2018.
ROVR Development is pleased to announce it has closed on a $27 million loan for The Fairchild Coconut Grove, the new luxury waterfront condo development rising directly on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove. Ocean Bank provided the financing for the project which broke ground in April 2018 with an event with distinguished guests that included Mayor Francis Suarez and Commissioner Ken Russell. Construction at the project is on schedule for completion in Fall 2019.
“The closing of this construction loan from Ocean Bank is a significant milestone for us and an important step towards bringing our project to fruition,” said Oscar Rodriguez, Principal of ROVR Development. “Since breaking ground in April, construction at The Fairchild Coconut Grove has been advancing on schedule.”
“Ocean Bank has a strong history of supporting South Florida development,” said Ralph Gonzalez-Jacobo, Executive Vice President and Head of Lending, Retail Banking and Branch Administration at Ocean Bank. “We have an excellent relationship with the developers and are pleased to provide financing for this exceptional project.”
The Fairchild Coconut Grove was designed by local architect Max Strang in collaboration with interior designer Rafael de Cárdenas. The project features 26 exclusive two to four bedroom residences ranging in size from 1,714 to 4,114 square feet with pricing starting around $1.4 million and ranging up to $4.5 million. Residences are expansive and feature natural stone floors; lanais with views of Biscayne Bay and verdant neighborhood landscapes; gourmet chef-inspired kitchens; spa-inspired bathrooms; spacious living areas and private outdoor showers in select units. All homes will be pre-wired with Smart technology and Crestron packages.
Amenities are designed by Rafael de Cardenas and include a holistic wellness spa with Hammam, steam room and sauna; high-tech training gym; rooftop pool with private cabanas; and exceptional lobby with full-time concierge, 24-hour security and valet. Lush landscaping complete with serenity gardens, bay walk and jungle rainforest path offer consummate outdoor experiences that include a bayside lounge; sunset deck; outdoor cinema; full-time porter; private on-site dog park; private boat slips; resident bicycles; a floating dock with resident paddleboards; and kayak storage.
One Sotheby’s International Realty is handling the exclusive sales and marketing for the property.
Check out photos of The Fairchild Coconut Grove Sales Gallery.
Check out our PROFILE Exclusive Interview with developer Oscar Rodriguez of ROVR Development.
Newgard Development Group Completes The Sold-Out Gale Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach
Newgard Development Group has completed the Gale Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach, the 129-unit hotel-condo project which is located at 401 Bayshore Drive and part of the Gale Boutique Hotel & Residences project. Closings are expected to begin soon with a roughly $100 million sell-out.
Newgard Development Group has completed the Gale Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach, the 129-unit hotel-condo project which is located at 401 Bayshore Drive and part of the Gale Boutique Hotel & Residences project. Closings are expected to begin soon with a roughly $100 million sell-out. The residential part of the project, Gale Residences, first received its TCO in May 2017 and the hotel component of the project is expected to open by the end of 2018. In total, Gale Hotel & Residences will feature 129 residential suites and 96 hotel rooms. Harvey Hernandez' Newgard Development Group partnered with Dev Motwani's Merrimac Ventures on the project and construction was financed via a $35.6 million construction loan provided by HSF.
The Residences portion of the project rises 12-stories and features 122-suites ranging from one to three bedroom layouts, 800 SF - 2,100 SF, as well as 7 two-story beach homes. Amenities include a residents-only pool, gym, club room, movie theater, valet and and electric car-charging stations. Pricing ranged from $450,000 to $1.4 million and sales first launched in early 2015.
Construction is currently underway at the adjacent Escape Hotel, which helped launch Fort Lauderdale into prominence as a vacation destination upon opening in 1951, as it is being restored as the hotel portion of the Gale Boutique Hotel & Residences. Newgard Development Group closed on a $19.15 million construction loan to renovate the aging structure in early 2018. The financing, a first lien construction loan, was provided by the Dallas-based HALL Structure Finances (HSF). Menin Hospitality will manage the hotel upon opening.
Related Group Pays Off $166 Million Construction Loan For SLS LUX Which Is Set To Open
Related Group has announced that they have paid off construction financing for the soon-to-open SLS LUX Brickell Hotel & Residences. The $166.1 million loan was issued by TPG Real Estate Finance Trust, the commercial real estate debt platform of TPG Real Estate, in September 2015.
Related Group has announced that they have paid off construction financing for the soon-to-open SLS LUX Brickell Hotel & Residences. The $166.1 million loan was issued by TPG Real Estate Finance Trust, the commercial real estate debt platform of TPG Real Estate, in September 2015, and is the fourth construction loan successfully paid off by the developer over the past 18 months. The grand opening is slated for June 14. The 450-unit mixed-use SLS LUX, which was co-developed with The Allen Morris Company, broke ground in December 2014, is now 100% sold-out, with over 400 units already closed and/or occupied.
“Paying off the loan is a major milestone for us,” said Ben Gerber, Vice President of Finance for The Related Group. “It speaks to the quality of the product and to the strength of the Miami market.”
“We are thrilled about the completion of our second project with sbe in Brickell,” added Carlos Rosso, President of The Related Group’s Condominium Development Division. “The opening of SLS LUX fulfills our long-time vision of a pedestrian-friendly South Miami Avenue, and buyers are excited to move in and begin living the lifestyle.”
SLS LUX is the latest evolution from the award-winning SLS Hotels and Residences brand. The luxury tower is located just steps from Brickell City Centre in the heart of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood on South Miami Avenue and SE 8th Street. The project offers a mix of 450 residences and 78 hotel suites that blend exquisite décor by Yabu Pushelberg, world-class art, award-winning culinary offerings and exclusive lifestyle amenities and services. SLS LUX also features an array of food and beverage outlets from sbe's portfolio including SBar Lounge and a ground-floor restaurant and Katsuya, helmed by master chef Katsuya Uechi.
Related Group & Block Capital Group Break Ground On The Bradley In Wynwood
Related Group and Block Capital Group have broken ground on The Bradley in Wynwood, one of Miami's first projects to feature micro-units. The project was designed by Arquitectonica and features interiors by Lenny Kravit's Kravitz Design.
Related Group and Block Capital Group have broken ground on The Bradley in Wynwood, one of Miami's first projects to feature micro-units. The project was designed by Arquitectonica and features interiors by Lenny Kravit's Kravitz Design. When complete The developers expect to close on a $33 million construction loan over the next few weeks. The Bradley will rise 5-stories and will bring 175 rental apartments, 32,000 SF of ground floor retail and a 179 spot parking garage to Wynwood. The units will range in size from 480 SF studios to 1,000 SF 3-bedroom units and monthly rents are expected to range from $1,400 to $2,800. Amenities include a gym and a rooftop deck with grill area and cabanas. The project was first introduced as Wynwood 26 and developers were able to secure a 30% reduction in parking, decreasing the amount from 254 zoning requires to 179 spaces via contributing to the Wynwood Parking Trust Fund. The Bradley is located at 51 Northwest 26th Street. Construction is expected to be completed in 2020.
JDS Development Group Secures $137 Million In Construction Financing For The Jean Nouvel-Designed Monad Terrace
The New York-based JDS Development Group has secured $137 million in construction financing for the Jean Nouvel-designed Monad Terrace, their new luxury condo overlooking Biscayne Bay in South Beach. The New York-based Madison Realty Capital funded the $137 million construction loan.
The New York-based JDS Development Group has secured $137 million in construction financing for the Jean Nouvel-designed Monad Terrace, their new luxury condo overlooking Biscayne Bay in South Beach. The New York-based Madison Realty Capital funded the $137 million construction loan. The financing indicates conviction in the development team, the high-design product by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel and the South Beach market’s extremely limited new development inventory and viability. The financing will fully capitalize the project, which features 59 individually-designed waterfront residences.
JDS was represented by Douglas B. Heitner, Erik Nygaard, and Albert J. Delgado of Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP. Madison Realty Capital was represented by Jerold C. Feuerstein of Kriss & Feuerstein LLP. The financing was placed by a JLL team led by Aaron Appel.
“This is a unique assemblage of land within a prime waterfront residential enclave in South Beach, Miami and we are excited to close another transaction with an esteemed developer like Michael Stern,” said Josh Zegen, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of MRC. “In addition, there’s virtually no new development product coming out of the ground in South Beach right now, so we offered a customized financing solution for JDS’s needs given our knowledge of the market. It was a special opportunity to support an A-team in one of the most attractive markets for real estate.”
“Securing this loan demonstrates the strength of the project, the attractiveness of the Miami Beach market and the overall demand for luxury housing in Miami,” said Michael Stern, Founder and Managing Partner of JDS Development. “Monad Terrace serves as a landmark for thoughtful and innovative development that is also beautiful and has a strong architectural identity. This product is like nothing else in Miami Beach, which the MRC team recognized. It was a pleasure to work with them on this, they provided a swift and professional execution.”
“There is already sales momentum, and we expect this will continue on a steady upward trajectory until sell-out,” said Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman Florida.
Residences range from two- to five-bedrooms and 1,453SF to 5,350 SF of interior space. Features include private elevator access, custom kitchens and bathrooms by Jean Nouvel and sprawling outdoor terraces. The building offers a true indoor-outdoor living experience, featuring climbing gardens and reflecting pools that complement the property’s central lagoon and ocean views.
Construction on Monad Terrace is already underway, with the foundation nearly complete. The project's design, which was designed in collaboration with the Miami based Kobi Karp fuses environmental responsibility with innovative climate resilience features into the architecture, starting by elevating the building 11.5', well over Miami Beach standards.The tower is expected to go vertical in Spring 2018 and estimated to be completed in Fall 2019.
Sales at Monad Terrace are reportedly averaging almost $2,000 SF, and a penthouse unit is under contract for $2,700 SF, a record for the neighborhood. Sales and marketing for Monad Terrace is managed exclusively by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.
Related Group & Dezer Development Sells Newly Completed HYDE Midtown Hotel For $21.8 Million
Related Group and Dezer Development has completed the sale the hotel portion of the newly completed Hyde Midtown Suites & Residences luxury condo-hotel project in Midtown for $21.8 million. The buyer was Midtown Hotel Investment LLC, which is led by Haim Yehezkel of Elysee Investments
Related Group and Dezer Development has completed the sale the hotel portion of the newly completed Hyde Midtown Suites & Residences luxury condo-hotel project in Midtown for $21.8 million. The buyer was Midtown Hotel Investment LLC, which is led by Haim Yehezkel of Elysee Investments and the agreement was first announced while the project was still under construction. The deal was financed via a $14.5 million mortgage provided by Bank of America and breaks down to roughly $363,000 per key. The deal was brokered by Hernan Gleizer of Optimar First International Realty. The 60-key hotel will be managed by sbe and is located at 4101 Northeast First Avenue in Midtown Miami. HYDE Midtown will be the first hotel to open in Midtown.
In total the HYDE Midtown Suites & Residences project features 410 luxury residential condos and 60 hotel suites. The 32-story, 480,000 SF building was designed by Arquitectonica with interior design by the Rockwell Group. Amenities were designed to be tailored towards millennials which include a HYDE Music Lounge & Piano Bar, restaurant, pool terrace with jacuzzi, putting green and tennis court, state-of-the-art fitness center and private screening theater. Hyde Midtown Suites & Residences initially broke ground in September 2015.
Mast Capital and BH Group have announced Raffles Residences Coconut Grove, the brand’s first standalone residential development, with 35 homes from $4.5 million and architecture by Brandon Haw.