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. 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. 

Former Designer of Versace Mansion Lists Her Two Ft. Lauderdale Mansions For Nearly $60 Million

Katia Bates, the former Designer of Casa Casuarina, infamously known as the Versace Mansion in South Beach, and her husband Tom, a well-known developer, have listed their two Fort Lauderdale properties for nearly $60 million. The home builder and interior design husband and wife duo are the masterminds behind their company, Innovative Creations. Katia is a second-generation member of the interior design industry who hails from Venice, Italy, and often travels to Europe and around the world looking for the perfect and unique pieces that complement the highly detailed interior design of both homes as well as her other projects. The two homes are listed for $32 million (Bontona) and $27.5 million (Capri), listed by Douglas Elliman agents Christopher Wands, Pietro Belmonte and Chad Carroll. Check out the photo tours below:

524 Isla of Capri Drive

The recently renovated waterfront Fort Lauderdale residence incorporates a modern twist to the same classic Venetian styling that the Versace Mansion is known for. The residence features 5 bedrooms suites, 10.5 baths, and a lavish guest house, each room has its own personality and feel, with customized furnishings, antiques, and top-of-the-line fabrics carefully amassed over the past two decades from all over the world. Located on a Southeast point waterfront lot off the ultra-chic and upscale Las Olas Boulevard, this home’s updated take on classic design truly typifies the Venetian-born designer’s personal style. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the New River and the Intracoastal and featuring over 400 feet of waterfront space, the residence provides the atmosphere of being on a Venetian waterway. The home offers a cohesion of indoor outdoor living space with extensive terraces and patios connected to each other. The formal gardens are lined with dozens of elegant palm trees. For entertainment a large marble and stone gazebo imported from Italy, a pool, a Jacuzzi, a cabana bath in mosaic glass tiles and a deck of Jerusalem stone and travertine marble. 524 Isla of Capri Drive is asking $27.5 million.

529 Bontona Avenue

Bontona is currently being developed on the site of the former home of a Miami Dolphin’s owner who recently passed last month, Wayne Huizenga. The home offers a gorgeous stone sculpture of a Dolphin that was on the property and they kept it to keep the history of the house. The new construction, waterfront mansion offers a club room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast area, gym, laundry room, VIP suite, office, and library. Finshes include bookmatch slab marble floor, Brazilian marble, St. Moritz with bookmatch fireplace. Outdoors offers an expansive 25,000 SF or more of stone decks, pool, private docks and driveways including balconies and terraces in either marble or exotic stones. 529 Bontona Avenue is currently asking $32 million. 

Imagery by Daniel Petroni Photography 

Auberge Beach Residences & Spa Officially Tops Off in Fort Lauderdale

The Related Group, Fortune International Group, The Fairwinds Group and Moss celebrated the topping out of Auberge Beach Residences & Spa Fort Lauderdale, the two-tower luxury development which is one of the highest-selling condos in Fort Lauderdale with 2 record breaking penthouse sales at $8.9 million and $9.5 million. Construction of the property’s 23-story South Tower just reached full height, following the top off of the 17-story North Tower in July 2017. 

“We are excited to deliver the most attractive and only on-the-sand luxury residential project in all of Fort Lauderdale,” said Patrick Campbell, Vice President at The Related Group. “Auberge has set a new standard of luxury living with its coastal elegant design, unrivaled list of amenities, luxury services and enviable beachfront access.” 

“Our family is delighted to bring to Fort Lauderdale a project of unprecedented elegance casual sophistication. We look forward to welcoming the community back to our restaurants and signature spa in late fall” said Andy Mitchell, CEO and President of The Fairwinds Group.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this project, which exemplifies modern beachfront luxury,” said Scott Desharnais, executive vice president of Moss. “We are proud that The Related Group, Fortune International Group and The Fairwinds Group have trusted the quality of our work to bring this concept to life.”

Auberge Beach Residences & Spa features 171 flow-through condominium residences spread over two towers designed by Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates with interiors by Meyer Davis Design Studio. Located at 2200 N. Ocean Boulevard, the development sits directly on the sand with over 450 linear feet of oceanfront. Units range from 1,500 SF one-bedroom to 5,000 SF five bedroom floor plans designed for multigenerational living which all feature private elevator access, gourmet kitchens with stone countertops, sunrise and sunset terraces, and floor-to-ceiling glass for unobstructed ocean views. Amenities include five-star, resort style staff and services; 2 beachfront swimming pools, full-service spa, 2 restaurants, multimedia facilities, resident's lounge club room, billiards, golf simulator and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

PMG Breaks Ground on X Las Olas on Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas Riverfront

PMG, in partnership with Greybrook Realty Partners, has broken ground on X Las Olas, their new mixed-use, purpose-built rental project on Fort Lauderdale's New River. The multi-phase project will include 1,200 residential units, 30,000 SF of ground floor retail space featuring restaurants and shops, and a public plaza along the riverfront. Phase 1 will feature a 35-story residential tower with 639 units which range in size from studios to 4 bedroom floor plans; although unit sizes will be on the smaller side. The groundbreaking comes after PMG closed on a $153.0 million construction loan financed by Broad Street Real Estate in July 2017. X Las Olas was designed by Falkanger, Snyder, Martineau & Yates with John Moriarty & Associates (JMA) as the GC. X Las Olas will fall under PMG’s X Social Communities portfolio. Social Communities also known as “XSC” is a new multi-family housing division of PMG geared towards delivering the most fun and convenient living experience at an attainable price point. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center with classes available to residents, smart package lockers, pool, residents lounge, and bike storage. X Las Olas is expected to be completed in 2020.  

Brightline To Begin Passenger Rail Service Between West Palm Beach And Fort Lauderdale January 8th

Brightline will be launching South Florida into the future in early 2018 as they have announced that they will begin their inaugural rail service between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale the week of January 8, 2018. For the past several months they have made progress toward operational readiness by training employees and test equipment. Simultaneously work on the track between Miami and Fort Lauderdale is wrapping up and is expected to launch in Q1 2018. In December the Brightline locked down final approvals for Phase 2 from the U.S. DOT to begin construction to Orlando in 2018. Brightline also closed on the sale of $600 million in Private Activity Bonds to finance the Phase 1. Brightline has also received approval to sell an additional $1.15 billion in PAB Bonds for Phase 2. Brightline is reportedly also considering alternative financing including a Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loan. When completed the Brightline will set the new benchmark for travel by train in America with express inter-city passenger rail service connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with future service to Orlando. Providing a travel option that lives at the intersection of transportation and hospitality, the service is expected to reduce traffic and provide South Floridians with a simple and intuitive experience from door to destination, and foster new opportunities to explore more of Southeast Florida. Brightline will be the only privately owned, operated and maintained passenger rail system in the United States. 

Alco International Group Breaks Ground On Adagio Fort Lauderdale At 30% Sold

Alco International Group has broken ground on Adagio Fort Lauderdale located at 435 Bayshore Drive. The waterfront building is designed by GS4 Studios with interiors by Steven G and will rise 10 stories on the Intracoastal. The project is reportedly 30% sold and features 31 residences which range from 2 to 4 bedroom layouts. Residences come complete with 10' ceilings, kitchens featuring quartz countertops, gas Gaggenau cooktops, and Scavolini Italian cabinetry, and outdoor space complete with summer kitchens. Amenities include a private marina with 53' boat slips, a fitness center, media room, sunset pool and a rooftop pool with cabanas providing panoramic views of the Intracoastal, Atlantic Ocean and Fort Lauderdale. Units start at $1.8 million and sales are being exclusively marketed by ONE Sotheby's International Realty. Adagio Fort Lauderdale is expected to be delivered Q2 2019.

Brightline Locks Down Final Approvals For Phase 2, To Begin Construction To Orlando In 2018

Brightline can finally begin construction on Phase 2, their new line of tracks to Orlando after gaining federal approval from the U.S. DOT for the transit line. Construction on Phase 2 is expected to kick off in early 2018. Service is expected to soon commence between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, adding service to Miami soon after. On December 15, 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a Record of Decision for the privately funded Brightline intercity passenger rail project between Miami and Orlando. The Record of Decision (ROD) represents the final step in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process after the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was issued in 2015 and is the last federal environmental approval needed to construct the system between West Palm Beach and Orlando. This decision marks the achievement of another significant milestones for the company as it gears up to launch Phase 1 of its service and start construction north of West Palm Beach. Over the past 4 years, The Federal Railroad Administration worked with the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard, along with local authorities, cities and counties, on the project's development and issuance of the FEIS. Brightline’s station in Orlando will be located at the Orlando International Airport’s new Intermodal Terminal Facility (ITF) that will be the hub of the future South Terminal complex. The ITF is connected to the North Terminal by a recently completed Automated People Mover and includes a 5,000-space parking garage. SunRail, Central Florida’s commuter rail system, has a planned connection to the ITF. Over the next few months, Brightline will finalize the design for the rail infrastructure and the 70-acre Vehicle Maintenance Facility which will be located on Orlando International Airport property. Construction of the system will create thousands of jobs and provide a much-needed link between Florida’s two most visited and populated regions.

“This is the most critical and final step in the extension of Brightline’s service to Orlando, and we are excited to move forward with Phase 2,” said Dave Howard, Brightline’s CEO. “This was a great year for us as we completed construction on two of our major stations and rail infrastructure, successfully presold tickets and corporate packages to individuals and businesses throughout the region and priced $600 million in Private Activity Bonds to fund Phase 1. We look forward to launching service to Miami and starting construction north to Orlando in the first quarter of 2018.”

$39 Million Harbor Beach Mansion In Fort Lauderdale Hits The Market As Broward's Most Expensive Home

9 Isla Bahia Drive in the ultra-exclusive Harbor Beach neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale has hit the market as Broward County's most expensive home, asking $39 million, $1,991 per SF. The enormous waterfront mansion features 19,589 SF of living space spread over 6 bedrooms and 10 full bathrooms and 7 half-baths. No expenses were spared in the finishes with ornate ceilings and woodwork along with stunning Intracoastal views throughout. The luxurious home also features grand foyers, a grand ballroom, 8 car garage, gourmet kitchen, media room, billiard room, library, game room, office, elevator and wine cellar. Outside, a large yard complements the waterside pool along with 300' of waterfront.9 Isla Bahia Drive is currently listed for $39,000,000 with Chad Carroll of The Chad Carroll Group at Douglas Elliman.  

Photos via The Chad Carroll Group

Check-Out The Newly Opened Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Planned For December 14

Tour the new, nautical-themed Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, which opened October 10, 2017, further cementing Fort Lauderdale Beach as a luxury area on the rise. The luxurious property, which features 290 suites located at 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, will officially open with a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 14, 2017. Units at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach range from studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom layouts with 3 additional penthouse units. Units feature galley kitchens, touch screen stove tops and bathrooms that come complete with marble soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Nightly rates start around $330 with an additional daily resort fee of $35 per room per night that includes internet, 2 beach chairs and umbrella, 2-hours of bike rental time, and discounts at the spa. The property will also feature a 4,000 SF full-service spa and fitness center, a 6th floor Sky Deck with a heated freshwater pool, 10,000 SF of meeting space, and 4 restaurant and bar options including Terra Mare, a modern American kitchen with locally sourced ingredients led by chef Johan Svensson. As Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is a condo-hotel in which individuals can purchase suites as private residences, Conrad Hotels offers a hotel program that will manage the privately owned units when the owner is out of town. 

Inside PROFILEmiami's Five Star Stay at The Residences at W Fort Lauderdale

W Fort Lauderdale Hotel & Residences

PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to stay at W Residences Fort Lauderdale, located directly on Fort Lauderdale's pristine beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. After a $60 million renovation overseen by Related Companies and Meyer Davis Studio, W Fort Lauderdale is one of the finest options on Fort Lauderdale's seaside A1A strip. The two-tower property features luxurious, nautical private condominium residences and hotel, all with direct ocean views. W Fort Lauderdale’s five-star amenities and services feature a high-end beach club, full-service pools, multiple restaurants and eateries, spa, fitness center, nightlife and full-service staff. Buyers at W Residences Fort Lauderdale are investing in the brand’s lifestyle offerings. They can enjoy the quality service, amenities and hospitality that W Hotels are internationally known for. Whether you are looking for a beachside weekend escape, full-time residence, part-time residence or rental-income property, W Residences Fort Lauderdale is a prime beachfront option. 

Living Room, Bliss Spa, WET Deck, Service & Amenities

W Fort Lauderdale features a slew of five-star amenities and services that will help you expand your living experience and keep your mind relaxed. Living Room, W Fort Lauderdale’s main lounge is the perfect place to gather to meet friends for drinks or enjoy one of the events hosted nightly on property. Living Room features a bar with creative drinks and bites as well as a Sushi Bar. The inside showcases Meyer Davis’ nautical designs and the outside features a sweeping deck with views of the Atlantic Ocean and A1A. 

There is no shortage of wellness amenities on the property whether it be the Bliss Spa, yoga classes, or fitness center, W Fort Lauderdale has it all. Bliss Spa will give you a relaxing, luxurious escape to kick back and let your worries escape you. We tried the deep tissue massage which was quite relaxing. The masseuse was professional and experienced in her craft. The staff throughout the spa was extremely professional and it was kept ultra-clean. Definitely worth stopping by for a massage, facial, nails, or any other treatment you could need.  

You will quickly realize that there is just simply nowhere better to spend your days in Fort Lauderdale than in the sun. W Fort Lauderdale gives residents two pool options, the WET Deck, which is the main pool on the hotel side of the property, as well as a toned down version on the residences side which offers a slightly quieter, more relaxing experience. The main pool is an architectural masterpiece though, allowing you to walk-up from the lobby and emerge from the lower hotel onto the pool deck by walking through a unique staircase that flows through the pool. Poolside is buzzing with action complete with a DJ and full-service staff that will get you anything you need from the WET Deck Bites Menu or the bar. The entire deck overlooks A1A and the Atlantic Ocean, seamlessly blending your poolside experience with the beach to create an unparalleled experience. 

Rooms & Residences

Designed by Meyer Davis, the private residences and hotel rooms at W Fort Lauderdale are some of the finest beachside turn-key options you will find. The property provides both luxurious hotel rooms, which are located in the east tower, as well as private residences, which are large suites located in the west tower. The condominium units can be occupied full-time or rented out as part of the Starwood-managed hotel program. All of the units feature ocean views. The units are spacious with furnishings curated by Meyer Davis to exude nautical vibes with sailing rope and knots, wood, gold, whites, blues, etc. which connect the building's style with the amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Units also feature furnished balconies that feature views of the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale skyline and Intracoastal Waterway. 

The unit we experienced was a two-bedroom Residence suite on the south side of the building and it was stunning. The entryway opened into the living room and kitchen with an island. The living room had its own private balcony which was flanked by a dining room, also with its own private balcony. Each bedroom had an ensuite, as well as a private balcony. The unit was definitely large and luxurious to be used full-time. The excellent thing about owning a W Residence is that you have the Starwood Hotel Program at your fingertips. One of the highlights of the stay was definitely the views, which sweep from the Atlantic Ocean, over to the Intracoastal Waterway and Fort Lauderdale Skyline. This unique exposure allowed us to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset over water, a rare feature that is a gem to enjoy. Not only did the furnished balconies allow us to enjoy the southern exposure, but also the floor-to-ceiling glass which allows spectacular views from every room, including the kitchen. The floor-to-ceiling glass sliders seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. From the living room and bedrooms you can open the glass sliders all the way to bring the “balcony inside.”

Restaurants

Sushi Bar

Located in the Living Room, there is essentially no better spot to grab a quick bite or appetizer with the ultimate easy-come, easy-go set-up. The Sushi Bar is the brainchild of Sushi Chef Shuji Hiyakawa, a protégé of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The highly skilled chefs will make whatever you want to order and with extremely fresh fish for bite-sized treats with explosive flavor. Try the nigiri or sashimi to order or go for the Tuna Tataki and Yellowtail Jalapeno or King Crab California and Steamed Lobster with creamy avocado.

Steak954

Steak 954 has the familiar dark, intimate interior of a steakhouse, complete with an illuminating wall that serves as a jellyfish tank. A light ocean breeze flows through the rooms as guests walk in and out onto the beachside terrace. The 7-year-old eatery is owned by famed restaurateur Stephen Starr and features prime cuts and American Wagyu. Steak 954 broils their beef at 1,700 degrees, which is then brushed with clarified butter. Despite the expert focus on beef, Steak 954 has lots of fish alternatives as well. 

We dined on a Saturday night and were seated promptly at a candlelit table. Fresh gruyere cheese and chive popovers were brought out, still steaming. Our waiter guided us thoroughly through the menu and his service was polished and professional the entire night. For appetizers, we shared the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ($19) and Lobster Bisque ($14). The crab cake was tender, not too fried, and was accompanied well by the apple slaw and tartar sauce. The lobster bisque was made with fresh creme fraiche and was smooth and creamy. For the main course, we had the Miso Black Cod ($39) and 22 oz. Prime Dry Aged Bone-In Ribeye ($57). The cod was an expert example of a perfectly poached, meaty piece of fish. It was served with maitake mushrooms and bok choy, swimming in a dashi broth. The ribeye was absolutely amazing, served with pickled onions and a side of béarnaise sauce. Cooked to perfection with tons of flavor, just like the name of the restaurant, if you are in the mood for steak, you will be impressed. For dessert, Steak 954 has had top pastry chef Sarah Magoon preparing her signature dishes like Key lime baked Alaska and ice cream sandwiches since opening its doors. We opted to try the ice cream sandwich trio. The sandwiches came sliced in half, easy for sharing. The brownie-mint stood out. Steak 954 was a great place to spend an evening out in Fort Lauderdale and will not disappoint no matter what your party chooses from the menu. 

Explore Related Group, Related Companies & Meyer Davis Studio's $60 million renovation of W Fort Lauderdale. 

Check-Out our PROFILE Exclusive Interview: Exploring W Fort Lauderdale & The Fast Growth of Fort Lauderdale Beach with ISG Principal Craig Studnicky