Moishe Mana Closes On Acquisition of Former City National Bank In Downtown Miami For $25 Million

Billionaire real estate investor Moishe Mana has closed on the $25 million sale of 25 West Flagler Street, an assemblage of three adjacent parcels totaling 29,000 SF of land in Downtown Miami’s Central Business District (CBD). The property features redevelopment potential of up to 80 stories and ±696,000 SF, as of right. The transaction was overseen by Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group with Avison Young Principals John K. Crotty, CCIM; Michael T. Fay, who is also Managing Director of the firm’s Miami operations; David Duckworth; Vice President Brian de la Fé; and Associates Berkley Bloodworth and Emily Brais in collaboration with Dan Carlo negotiated the disposition on behalf of the seller, City National Bank. The existing 139,448 SF office building was City National Bank’s former flagship headquarters.

Moishe Mana is one of the most prolific private investors in Miami who owns a significant number of properties along the Flagler Street corridor, including the property immediately to the east of 25 West Flagler, and in Wynwood.

“The sale of 25 West Flagler is a major deal in Miami, as the property has become part of a long-range redevelopment play,” said Crotty. “Ideally located and designated with Miami’s most favorable and aggressive zoning, the asset is a valuable addition to the buyer’s portfolio and overall plan in the area.”

Located between West Flagler Street and Northwest First Street, 25 West Flagler advantageously sits across from the Miami-Dade County Courthouse, within walking distance to Brightline’s MiamiCentral Station. A recently completed segment of the massive $27 million Flagler Street renovation and beautification project to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, fronts the property. 

New developments are encouraged by the Miami Downtown Development Authority’s 2025 Master Plan, which aims to maximize the potential of the Greater Downtown area and its waterfront through the implementation of projects that will increase livability, encourage private sector investment and ensure the proper expenditure of public dollars. Possible redevelopments of 25 West Flagler include a variety of mixed-use options such as office, multifamily or condo residential, hotel and retail.

CMC Group Pays Off $236 Million In Construction Loans For The Recently Completed Brickell Flatiron

Unit closings are underway and residents are moving in at Downtown Miami’s newly-completed Brickell Flatiron tower, with 50% of the 64-story tower’s contracts successfully closed over the last 30 days. The news comes as developer CMC Group retires $236 million in construction loans for the project. The loans, which were issued in 2017 by Bank OZK, Broad Street (Goldman Sachs) and RFR Realty, helped fund the development of the 527-unit tower located at 1000 Brickell Plaza. Brickell Flatiron was completed last month when it received its temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) with more than 95% of the project’s units already sold and under hard contract,

“Our ability to retire these loans just four weeks after receiving our TCO underscores the sustained buyer demand we’re seeing at Brickell Flatiron and the strength of the Brickell brand, both internationally and domestically,” said developer Ugo Colombo, Founder of CMC Group. “We’re quickly approaching sell-out and contracts are closing as we see a steady stream of primary and secondary home buyers coming from key markets overseas and U.S. markets such as New York, Boston, Chicago and California. Our owners are extremely happy with the quality of the final product and we’re moving through the rest of our closings at a record pace.”

Remaining residences currently available for sale include a range of one- to four-bedroom condos priced from $790,000 to $3 million, and one upper duplex penthouse for $8 million.

Brickell Flatiron has attracted a diverse mix of residents since launching in 2015, including a significant percentage of domestic buyers. While the tower has enjoyed steady sales activity among buyers from Mexico, Argentina, Italy, Venezuela and Colombia, U.S. buyers have accounted for more than half of all unit sales to date. Approximately 70% of the building’s buyers came from U.S. markets, evidence that Americans are increasingly drawn to Downtown Miami’s urban lifestyle, which comes at a fraction of the price of luxury living in other gateway cities.

“Bank OZK was delighted to finance Miami’s Brickell Flatiron Tower. This project embodies the high standards Bank OZK consistently seeks in its project financings – marquee real estate, strong market fundamentals and top-tier sponsorship,” said Greg Newman, managing director of originations for Bank OZK. “Ugo Columbo once again delivered a successful, high quality, landmark building making a bold mark on the downtown Miami skyline.”

Acclaimed Miami architect Luis Revuelta creates a one-of-a-kind architectural environment that combines the tower’s distinct flatiron shape with flowing, curvilinear forms. On the inside, Italian design architect Massimo Iosa Ghini uses inspiration from Brickell Flatiron’s curved façade to outline the building’s sleek amenity spaces, creating a seamless transition from exterior to interior.

The tower’s 64th-floor rooftop amenities encompass a Sky Spa, Sky Pool and Sky Gym with 360-degree panoramic views of the bay and downtown Miami’s glimmering cityscape. Residents have access to a host of therapeutic services and other offerings including private steam, sauna and locker facilities, a 6,300 square foot state-of-the-art fitness center with Pilates, yoga and aerobics studios, and a juice bar. Additional features include a resort-style lap pool and separate children’s pool on the 18th floor, private movie theater with stadium seating, billiards and cigar room, wine cellar, 24-hour concierge and valet parking, on-site vehicle washing and detailing, and electric car-charging stations.

In 2016, CMC Group completed the $22.5 million sale of Brickell Flatiron’s 24,800 SF ground-floor retail/restaurant space to Avi Dishi and Haim Yehezkel. Exciting tenants have already signed on to lease the space, including a popular London-based Japanese entertainment restaurant concept Sexy Fish.

Images via Golden Dusk Photography

For more information about Brickell Flatiron, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Aztec Group Arranges $142 Million In Debt Financing For Melo Group's Art Plaza

Aztec Group, Inc., Florida’s leading real estate investment and merchant banking firm for the past 38 years, announces that Peter Mekras, President of Aztec Group, has arranged $142 million in debt financing for Art Plaza in Miami, Florida, consisting of 667 rental apartments and 15,000 SF of retail space. This is the 10th loan Mekras has placed for Melo Group, who most recently placed $142 and $108 million loans for Melo’s 710-unit Square Station and 497-unit Melody Tower respectively.

Art Plaza was developed by Miami-based Melo Group, a family-owned and operated real estate development firm based in Miami, Florida and specializing in the construction, design and delivery of high-quality residential buildings. Art Plaza opened June 2019, and achieved rapid leasing velocity with 95% occupancy in less than six months. Art Plaza is located at the corner of NE 1st Avenue and NE 14th Street in the heart of Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District, just one block from the Metromover’s School Board station.

Aztec Group was engaged on an exclusive basis by the Owner to conduct a broad investment banking process. The firm obtained quotes from banks, agencies, pension fund advisors, private equity, financial and life insurance companies. After assisting the borrower to analyze numerous quotes and structures, the $142 million loan was awarded to Freddie Mac via Berkadia’s Miami Office as its seller servicer. The 10-year loan features full-term interest-only and a fixed rate under 3.50%.

“Our process mitigated Art Plaza’s limited stabilized operating history and Miami’s perceived housing supply concerns.” said Peter Mekras, President of Aztec Group. “We are pleased to be a part of Melo Group’s unparalleled effort to deliver more than 2,000 units of needed rental housing in the heart of the Arts & Entertainment District.”

Art Plaza marks the third multifamily development that Melo Group has delivered in the Arts & Entertainment District since 2016, and is part of the firm’s larger plan to bring over 2,300 transit-oriented rental units to the growing neighborhood. The firm’s previously completed developments, including the 497-unit Melody apartment tower and 710-unit Square Station towers, all cater to young professionals wanting to live close to their jobs in and around Downtown Miami and Brickell. The firm’s next rental development in the area, the 437-unit Miami Plaza tower, is now under construction adjacent to Square Station on the north side of the Metromover and is slated for completion in mid-2020.

Penthouse At Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management's 57 Ocean Sells For $10.9 Million To Buyer From New York

Marcelo Kingston, Managing Partner of Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management, developer of 57 Ocean, has announced the sale of Penthouse 2 at the Arquitectonica-designed boutique oceanfront condominium nestled along Miami’s original Millionaire’s Row.

The residence sold for $10.9 million to New York resident Chuck Roberts, Managing Director/Investments with Stifel, The CR Wealth Management Group. 57 Ocean has been making waves among well-heeled, health-conscious buyers who have singled-out the project for its Blue Health-oriented lifestyle and ocean-inspired amenities. Roberts was represented by Dina Goldentayer Panchernikov and Ilya Panchernikov with Douglas Elliman.

Overlooking 220’ of rare unspoiled waterfront, the penthouse spans 5,205 SF of indoor space and 2,141 SF of outdoor terraces. The sprawling residence will feature a grand master bedroom with a unique outdoor spa area overlooking the Atlantic, three en suite bedrooms, five-and-a-half-baths baths, a den, home theater, outdoor summer kitchen, spacious living areas, and a gourmet chef-style kitchen. In addition to 10 flow-through Sky Residences, starting at $6.95 million, 57 Ocean has one remaining penthouse priced upwards of $35 million.

57 Ocean is located at 5775 Collins Avenue, between Atlantic Heights and Mid-Beach, in close proximity to Miami’s chic Bal Harbour Shops, the prestigious La Gorce Country Club and Golf Course, and offers views across Miami’s most exclusive expanse of beachfront. The building is slated for completion in 2021 and when complete will rise 18-stories with 71 residences. The holistic wellness-focused property will equally embrace luxury and nature with its tropically-inspired interiors by Brazilian designer Patricia Anastassiadis.

“I am honored to represent such a significant sale in one of Miami’s most high-profile addresses,” said Dina Goldentayer Panchernikov. “We know our client will be very happy to call 57 Ocean home.”

“I love this location and being able to live in a brand-new condominium on the Atlantic with so many amenities that are geared toward building a healthier lifestyle, including the calming effect of the ocean and daily strolls along the beach,” said Roberts. “This penthouse offers the best of both worlds as it’s going to have unobstructed views of the water on one side, and the city on the other. The neighborhood is also excellent. It’s more tranquil and family-friendly as it’s primarily comprised of residents versus tourists, yet I’m just a five-minute drive from South Beach.”

57 Ocean is the brainchild of Dr. José Isaac Peres, Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management’s founder and one of the most internationally renowned developers. The condominium will offer two to four-bedroom residences, starting at $1.5 million with sizes ranging from 1,200 SF to 3,600+ SF. The well-appointed homes will feature expansive terraces, each stretching 12’ deep, as well as contemporary Italian kitchens and baths by Poliform. Five-star amenities will include a holistic spa and wellness pavilion with a thermal suite and a relaxation and meditation area, as well as poolside treatment cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness center with top-of-the-line MyIsle training equipment by MyEquilibria, and an indoor Technogym fitness center. There will also be a children’s activity room, 24-hour concierge services, pool and beachfront concessions and attendants, direct access to the adjacent Miami Beach Walk, and more.

Renderings by DBOX for MultiplanREAM

For more information about 57 Ocean, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Here Comes Wynwood’s First Hotel: One Eleven Wynwood by Sonder

BH Investment Group (BHIG), a US-based real estate private equity, investment and development company, along with partners Andres Hogg and Eduardo Vargas have announced One Eleven Wynwood Hotel by Sonder, which will be the first hotel delivered in the burgeoning Wynwood neighborhood. The project is located at 111 NW 26th Street, one block from Wynwood Walls, and is expected to deliver by summer 2021. 

The developers recently signed on Sonder, the tech-enabled hospitality company, as lease tenant and hotel operator for the 72 hotel suites. The building will also feature a 6,000-square-foot rooftop pool and dining area, and over 6,000-square-feet of ground floor retail spaces, with space for three or four dynamic, experiential concepts. 

“I have been invested in Wynwood for over 10 years. My father and I owned an art gallery and several real estate investments that align deeply with the community’s values for arts, culture and creativity. This project has been an immense undertaking personally, and to see it come into fruition is quite a big thrill,” says co-developer Eddie Vargas, long-time Wynwood investor who is responsible for putting together the team behind One Eleven Wynwood Hotel.

DSS Construction, who managed the YotelPad and Four Seasons Surfside, will lead construction management on the project, designed by Swiss based RDR Architects, in conjunction with local architect of record Alain Bartroli Architecture.

“This will be our flagship property in the market,” says Sam Artmann, General Manager of Sonder in Miami. “The heightened food and beverage concepts they are looking to attract for the rooftop and retail will be amazing amenities for our guests and help discover the best Wynwood has to offer.” 

The partnership also committed to donating 72 transitional homes for people living in extreme poverty situations in Latin America through the Home4Home program,the first ever “one-to-one” giving program for homes in the world. Andres Klein of BHIG founded Home4Home along with Techo, so developers can donate a home for each one built. Techo will oversee the building of the transitional homes in one of the 19 countries where it operates.

Written by: Stephanie Warren

Crescent Heights Reveals New Renderings of Park Coming To 500 Alton In South Beach

Crescent Heights and Terra has revealed new renderings of the public park coming to 500 and 600 Alton Road, known as the Park on Fifth, as part of their deal to build a 44-story, 553’ tower at the gateway to South Beach. Russell Galbut and David Martin’s proposal was approved with an agreement to transform the former South Shore Hospital site with the tower, which is being designed by Arquitectonica, and the 3-acre park. The JV between Crescent Heights and Terra Group applied for a construction permit in late November 2019 and completion of the new park is expected for 2021. The park will also feature a bridge which will connect the South Pointe Park baywalk with the new Park on Fifth. When complete the tower will be among the tallest in Miami Beach and will feature 410 luxury units which the developer will be allowed to rent as short term rentals with a minimum term of 30 days per rental. Bridge construction will be funded by a $10 million General Obligation Bond which voters approved in November 2018.

The Developers of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach Unveil Striking Pablo Atchugarry Sculpture For Miami Art Week

Marking the culmination of one of the most exciting weeks of the year in Miami, dozens of art world influentials, local luminaries and friends joined leaders with Fortune International Group, Château Group and internationally renowned artist Pablo Atchugarry for the unveiling of “Dreaming the Future,” Atchugarry’s latest sculpture.

The stunning piece, intricately carved from Carrara marble and stretching 11.5’ in height, was commissioned by joint developers Fortune International Group and Château Group for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach. Revealed during an exclusive on-site ceremony during Miami Art Week, “Dreaming the Future” is now seated at the base of the tower’s entrance, serving as an enduring landmark for the both the condominium and the surrounding community.

“It is an honor and a privilege to share this masterpiece with the City of Sunny Isles Beach and, by that token, all who visit South Florida’s coastline,” said Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of Château Group. “For the last two years, we have worked hand-in-hand with Pablo Atchugarry and the City to create a spectacular work of art that is truly timeless -- one sure to be admired far and wide by generations to come.”

“The synergies between fine art and luxury real estate cannot be overstated -- with The Residences being no exception,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “This sculpture is another jewel in the crown of our beautiful building and a tribute to the artistry, architecture and designs that define it.”

“The inspiration behind ‘Dreaming the Future’ is the promise of a bright tomorrow…one full of possibilities. I hope it will continue to inspire all who see it -- encouraging everyone to keep dreaming and be forever guided by their values and principles,” added Atchugarry.

Gathering at the 52-story project for an elegant, late-morning commemoration, guests of the Dec. 6 event included the Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach, George “Bud” Scholl; Commissioners Dana Goldman and Alex Lama; Fortune International Group President & CEO Edgardo Defortuna and Executive Vice President Ana Cristina Defortuna; Château Group father-and-son co-founders Sergio Grosskopf and Manuel Grosskopf; G.M. of The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles Beach, Nathalie Rader; and Sales Director Isabella Holguin.

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Atchugarry has been widely regarded for his sculptures, which are part of public and private collections worldwide. In addition to having had works of art be sold at auctions by Christie’s and Sotheby’s in London, New York and Paris, his sculptures are currently featured in a myriad of revered galleries across the globe. Atchugarry additionally opened his own family gallery in Miami last December where his collaboration with The Residences was first announced. “Dreaming the Future,” which measures 11-and-a-half feet by four feet by two-and-a-half feet, was crafted in both Italy and Uruguay before being transported to the South Florida high-rise.

As the first building north of Bal Harbour, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach boasts a prime location with 250 feet of pristine beachfront. The building’s designs have been crafted by award-winning architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica with interiors by acclaimed Florentine architect Michele Bönan. Comprising 212 residences and managed by The Ritz-Carlton, the tower will have a private club level on the 33rd floor, beach restaurant, pool deck, kids club, full-service spa, fitness center and wellness center, among other top-line amenities. Residences start at $2.6 million, with the full-floor penthouse offered at $32 million.

Further highlights in each of the homes, all of which are smart-technology-ready, will include walk-in closets, laundry rooms with full-size washers and dryers, and pre-wiring for high-speed internet access and Wi-Fi. Penthouses will feature lush garden terraces spanning 2,000 SF – 4,000 SF, private pools and summer kitchens, custom-designed Italian cabinetry, service quarters, and well-appointed master suites. The sales gallery is located at 15800 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach.

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Joint Venture Led By Related Group Reveals The Dorsey In Wynwood Designed By Arquitectonica

A joint venture between Jorge Perez’s Related Group, Alex Karakhanian, and Tricera Capital, led by Scott Sherman, have revealed plans for The Dorsey in Wynwood. The Dorsey is being designed by Arquitectonica and when complete will rise 12-stories and will feature 306 apartments, 35,858 SF of retail space and 58,760 SF of office space. The Dorsey will be built at the site of the former Coca Cola plant and was previously owned by Thor Equities and Rockwood Capital who had proposed a Touzet Studio-designed project. The JV, which purchased the 2-acre site in late 2019 for $32 million, has obtained a permit to demolish the existing buildings on the site, some of which were originally built in the late 1920’s. Miami’s Urban Development Review Board will review the proposal on December 18. The Dorsey will be located at 280 NW 28th Street.

Two Roads Development’s Elysee Tops Off In Edgewater

Two Roads Development and John Moriarty & Associates has officially announced the top off of Elysee, their luxurious new waterfront condo in Edgewater that now rises 57-stories, 649’. Elysee is now the tallest tower in Edgewater and roughly the 10th tallest tower in Miami. The Arquitectonica-designed tower’s striking three-tiered telescoping shape ascends into the sky, creating a bold, multi-tiered silhouette providing direct 180-degree water and city views from every residence. Elysee’s interior design concepts were designed by Paris-based designer Jean-Louis Deniot, one of the world’s preeminent talents in interior design, who is behind the building’s common area amenity spaces. Elysee features 100 residential units which span either a half floor or full floor with pricing ranging from $1.8 million to over $10 million. Completion is scheduled for 2020.

Elysee’s 7th-floor amenity level will include a luxury spa with private sauna, steam and massage rooms. For large-scale entertaining is Elysee’s Owners’ Sky Lounge, which encompasses the building’s entire 30th floor level and will be home to a big comfortable media room. Residents can also offer overnight visitors their own private accommodations in one of the building’s guest suites which were also designed by Jean-Louis Deniot. The two fully-furnished guest suites can be utilized by resident reservation only on a first come first serve basis. Similar to a hotel suite, guests would receive their very own key and elevator code, while also having access to all of the building’s amenity spaces.

For more information please visit the sales center at 2955 NE 7th St., Miami, call 305-768-9719 or visit www.elyseemiami.com.

For more information about Elysee, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

OKO Group and Access Industries To Develop Aman Hotel & Residences At Versailles Hotel Completing Faena District

OKO Group and Access Industries announced today a joint venture to develop and build an Aman hotel and Aman-branded residences on Miami Beach, on the site of the former Versailles Hotel, in two buildings at 3425 Collins Ave. 

The Miami project will be Aman’s latest urban development in the United States, joining Aman New York, a hotel with residences under construction in Manhattan’s iconic Crown Building and scheduled to open in Q4 2020. Aman also operates Amangani in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Amangiri, a hotel and resort in Canyon Point, Utah. Aman is led by Chairman and CEO Vladislav Doronin, whose Miami-based OKO Group will develop the Miami project in partnership with Access Industries. 

The Aman Miami project will be a major economic catalyst for the area. The Collins Avenue site is in the iconic Faena District, a prime four-block stretch of Miami Beach that Access Industries turned into a vibrant cultural neighborhood. The more than 1 million-square-foot mixed-use district features top-flight residences, the Faena Hotel Miami Beach, innovative and immersive entertainment, shopping at the Bazaar, restaurants and the Forum, an arts venue. Since opening in 2015, the District has become the epicenter of Miami Beach activity. 

“My strategy for Aman places focus on expanding the urban destinations for the brand after success with similar projects such as Aman Tokyo. As a major global hub, Miami always has been a key location, particularly since I founded OKO Group and already have a number of developments in the thriving city of Miami,” Doronin said. “The Miami and Aman lifestyles are highly compatible. Both are energetic, easy-going and embrace the outdoors. I have been looking for the perfect location for many years, and I am thrilled to find it and to partner with Access Industries.”

Access Industries, founded by American industrialist and philanthropist Len Blavatnik, owns a diverse portfolio of over 6 million square feet across iconic hotels and other commercial and residential properties in the United States, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.

“Transformational neighborhood investment is a hallmark of Access Industries’ real estate strategy.  The Faena District is now a renowned hospitality and lifestyle destination, and positively contributes to Miami Beach. Versailles expands this mission even further, and we are thrilled to find a partner who shares Len’s insight. OKO and Aman are the ideal partners to develop Versailles and complete the vision for the Faena District,” said Jonah Sonnenborn, managing director and head of real estate at Access Industries. 

OKO Group’s Miami portfolio also includes luxury waterfront residential towers; Missoni Baia and Una Residences; and 830 Brickell, Miami’s first new office skyscraper in over a decade