Casa Bella By B&B Italia Already 20% Reserved As Related Group And Alta Developers Officially Launch Sales

Related Group and Alta Developers have officially launched sales at Casa Bella by B&B Italia. The project was launched roughly a month ago through predominantly a whisper campaign and has already achieved 20% sold with reservations of $80 million. The developers have also released a selection of new renderings.

Inspired by the beauty of Italian living, the Casa Bella team is made up of a renowned group of design luminaries, including B&B Italia, one of the world’s premier design companies, internationally recognized for their innovative, iconic and timeless pieces of furniture. Interiors from lauded Italian design firm Lissoni New York and architecture firm Arquitectonica and Enzo Enea round out the vision. Sales are exclusively handled by Fortune International Realty.

"We’ve controlled this parcel for many years now, and with skyrocketing condo demand and dwindling supply, we are finally ready to move on what will be a neighborhood-defining project,” said Jon Paul Pérez, President of Related. “We are in the middle of one of the most robust markets in Related’s history, a trend we expect will pick up further with the launch of Casa Bella.”

Distilling the best of life on the Italian peninsula, the 55-story Casa Bella will instantly transport residents away from the bustling city center, offering a modern, and refined aesthetic rooted in classic design. Piero Lissoni – who also serves as creative director for B&B Italia in addition to being the project’s interior designer – went to great lengths to imbue the property with the Mediterranean region’s unique brand of luxury.

“With Casa Bella, I want to realize a very contemporary project, and what is more contemporary than B&B Italia, the company whose very essence is contemporary?" said Lissoni.

Building on the "worlds away” feel, Casa Bella will offer two full floors of amenity spaces, complete with dedicated entertainment spaces overlooking Biscayne Bay. These amenities range from a spacious party room to a wine vault and tasting lounge, as well as a top-of-the-line private theatre and co-working spaces. A world-class Wellness Center caters to fitness-minded residents, offering professional-level equipment as well as dedicated yoga and spin rooms. For those looking to relax and unwind, the spa facilities offer on-demand massages, facials, blowouts and manicures/pedicures.

Outdoors, Enzo Enea outfits the pool deck with lush Italian-inspired gardens to create an oasis within Downtown Miami. The 78-foot lap pool is surrounded by private cabanas, shaded lounge areas, as well as an open-air lawn for yoga and meditation. A poolside bar and Mediterranean café will have light bites and refreshments on offer. On the 55th floor, residents and guests can access the tower’s rooftop pool and terrace, complete with a state-of-the-art observatory.

Five-star service completes the residential experience including a personal concierge available to assist residents on- or offsite. This includes housekeeping, grocery shopping and delivery, dry cleaning and laundry, nanny and childcare, overnight shoe-shining, pet care services and personal tech support. Additional benefits include preferred tickets to performances and local events and a complimentary one-year membership of the Grand Bay Beach Club in Key Biscayne.

Located at 1400 Biscayne, the 55-story Casa Bella will enjoy a prime location in Miami’s ‘Arts & Entertainment District,’ coming into its own as the heart of the “new Miami.” The property offers buyers stunning views of Biscayne Bay as well as easy access to nearby hotspots such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Frost Museum of Science, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, FTX Arena. The tower is also just minutes away from Miami Beach and Brickell.

“We are eager to see this exceptional project finally come to life at the right time,” said Raimundo Onetto, Principal & CEO of Alta Developers. “From the masterminds behind the project, to its unparalleled features and amenities, to its location in one of Miami’s fastest evolving neighborhoods, Casa Bella will truly be one of a kind.”

Buyers can choose from a range of floorplans, with the 312 homes ranging from one to four bedrooms. In addition to soaring ceilings and panoramic water views, all residences feature an exquisite selection of European-fixtures and finishes as well as private elevator access. Buyers looking for additional living space can choose from a selection of 24 marquee penthouses ranging from 2,605 to 5,890 square feet. The four upper penthouses feature 12-foot ceilings and wrap-around terraces with incredible water and city views.

For added ease, residents will have the opportunity to work directly with B&B Italia’s celebrated designers to outfit their units. B&B Italia will offer move-in-ready packages with furnishings and décor for each unit type. There is an opportunity for buyers and designers to personalize their units using pieces from B&B Italia collections.

Pricing ranges from $550,000 to $2 million for non-penthouse residences. For more information or to arrange a tour of the sales gallery, please visit CasaBellaResidences.com or call 305-290-1008.

This article was produced in partnership with Casa Bella by B&B Italia

Related Group And W5 Group Break Ground On Quarters Wynwood Co-Living Development

The Related Group and W5 Group have broken ground on Quarters Wynwood, a new co-living development coming to Miami’s hot Wynwood neighborhood, after the developers locked down a $29 million construction loan. The building, which will be located at 33 NW 28th St., will feature shared living spaces and residents will rent bedrooms in shared apartments. The financing was provided by the Chicago-based MP Real Estate Capital and the property will be managed by Quarters, a Berlin-based co-living operator.

Quarters Wynwood is designed by Arquitectonica and will feature 63 apartments with 217 full furnished co-living bedrooms. Amenities will include a rooftop pool deck, fitness center, co-working spaces. The project will also bring 3,852 square feet of ground floor retail.

Pura Vida Set To Open 10th Location As The Healthy Eats Hotspot Expands To Brickell

Local wellness-driven hotspot Pura Vida is bringing their signature beach vibes and all-day Breakfast Menu to Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood, with the upcoming opening of the brand’s tenth location. Jennifer and Omer Horev, the husband/wife duo behind Pura Vida, have been steadily expanding the brand since they opened the first cafe in Miami Beach in 2012. The latest Pura Vida Brickell debut will join recent openings, which were unveiled in both Fort Lauderdale and Bay Harbour just last year.

“Brickell, in my eyes, is the perfect bustling central location for Pura Vida’s next home,” said Omer Horev, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Pura Vida. “New concepts, businesses, and people from all over the world are coming to Brickell as it has quickly become a hub for every industry under the sun. We are continuing to leave our mark on Miami as Brickell will be our tenth expansion location. We couldn’t be more proud of our brand’s growth and the support we’ve received from the community throughout the years which has pushed us to continue to grow and tap into every market of this great city of ours.”

The prime Brickell location is just steps away from Brickell City Centre. Pura Vida Brickell spans 2,400 square feet of space that includes an indoor and outdoor capacity of 50 seats total. Pura Vida Brickell is designed in the brands signature breezy aesthetic characterized by minimalist design elements, natural tones, and bright and airy spaces. The venue will offer locals a genuine go-to spot for a health-focussed all-day breakfast and lunch.

Upon opening, Pura Vida will introduce three brand-new menu items, which will be unveiled exclusively at the Brickell outpost before rolling out company-wide. The new dishes include beet juice, sweet potato dishes, and new wellness shots! Familiar Pura Vida patrons can also look forward to the cafe’s signature staples such as the All-Day Breakfast Menu featuring a range of avocado toasts, free-range egg sandwiches, fresh bagels, wraps, and bowls, Raw organic Acai Bowls, crisp and refreshing salads topped with wild ahi tuna, chicken, salmon, or vegan-lentil based adashah, an array of cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies, kombucha, artisanal coffees, and an extensive offering of freshly-baked goods and gluten-free, vegan sweet treats.

“As the evolution of Pura Vida naturally unfolds, we are continually motivated to push for new opportunities to help and give back to our surrounding communities through meaningful partnerships with local organizations and charities,” said Jennifer Horev, Chief Brand Officer of Pura Vida. “We focus heavily on sustainability and are constantly trying to push the envelope for a better environment, starting right here in Miami. We have transformed Pura Vida into a health-conscious, lifestyle brand that we hope can resonate heavily with the new Miami markets we’re expanding to now and in the coming years.”

Pura Vida Brickell is located at 1100 South Miami Ave. 33130 Brickell. Hours of operation will be 8 AM - 8 PM, daily.

Images via Pura Vida

Adrienne Arsht's Bayfront Estate Hits Market As Miami's Most Expensive Listing Ever At $150 Million

The Arsht Estate, a magnificent waterfront compound owned by business leader and philanthropist Adrienne Arsht, will be coming to the Miami market for $150 million, setting a record as the most expensive single-family listing ever for Miami-Dade County and one of the highest-priced offerings currently for sale in the country. Neighboring Vizcaya, Miami’s landmark museum, the property, encompasses two homes and is ideally situated on more than four pastoral acres and overlooks Biscayne Bay from atop one of Miami’s highest bayfront elevations. The property features more than 400’ of water frontage with panoramic views of the Bay, Key Biscayne, and Downtown Miami. Senior Vice President Ashley Cusack with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty will be listing the estate which is located in the estate section of Brickell Ave.

“Being the steward of such a magnificent haven has been a true honor,” said Arsht. “This property has been the cherished site of some of our country’s most memorable gatherings. It is, without a doubt, one-of-a-kind and so quintessentially Miami. As a decades-long Miami resident, I am pleased to have been a part of preserving this treasure, and I look forward to having a continued positive impact on the community.”

The stately gates of the Arsht Estate lead to a pair of separate, two-story homes and several standalone structures, totaling more than 25,000 square feet. The primary residence, known as Indian Spring, was built by Arsht in 1999 and designed by Jose A. Gelabert-Navia, the former Dean of the University of Miami School of Architecture. The five-bedroom manse is crafted to accommodate elegant, grand-scale entertaining, with all living areas featuring sublime views of the verdant grounds and Biscayne Bay. Indian Spring has 20-foot ceilings, a formal living room and a Great Room, and an expansive, lush courtyard entryway. Adding to the inimitable elegance of the home, a formal dining room with seating for up to 20 guests is flanked by French doors on both sides. Further highlights include a primary bedroom suite with two full baths and a full gym; a grand foyer with a sweeping staircase offering direct views of the pool and Biscayne Bay; a handsome sunlit office with rich wood paneling; a sprawling family room, affectionately known as the “Garden Room;” a tranquil covered patio, which is an ideal space for entertaining guests or enjoying rest and relaxation; a Chicago brick drive; and an elevator.

Indian Spring additionally has a six-car garage with an upstairs two-bedroom, two-bath apartment, as well as a private oversized office for the owners’ use. The bayfront swimming pool includes two full baths with easy access to accommodate guests for outdoor entertaining. There is also a lighted tennis court.

The second residence, known as Villa Serena, was built in 1913 by former U.S. Secretary of State and three-time U.S. presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan. Designed by venerated architect August Geiger, the iconic manse has endless Biscayne Bay views and was meticulously and lovingly restored by Arsht to reflect its original glory. Villa Serena was furthermore designated “historic” by the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. Its unique design includes two ornate staircases accessing private upstairs sleeping quarters and, reflective of the era, a hidden doorway, allowing for seamless passage between rooms. The home also has a detached guest house, situated above a three-car garage.

“This is a compound that invites prominence – one that is not only connected to Miami’s earliest roots, but now to the world’s future of finance, technology, and global conglomerates, all operating and conducting their business just minutes away from this exceptional time-honored property,” said Cusack. “Thanks to its refinement and world-class amenities, the Arsht Estate is a residence with absolute global appeal. Its setting and size will be a draw for the most sophisticated of buyers.”

Throughout the years, the Arsht Estate, often referred to as South Florida’s “embassy,” has been the backdrop for numerous important events and gatherings involving international luminaries, including U.S. presidents, ambassadors, and world leaders.

“The sheer splendor of the Arsht Estate cannot be overstated,” added Ron Shuffield, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty. “This is an extraordinary offering – a ‘unicorn’ for the market…one that simply cannot be duplicated.”

Arsht, a native Delawarean, divides her time among Washington, DC, Miami, and New York. In Miami, she was Chairman of TotalBank. Arsht’s philanthropy includes the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, the Arsht Centers for Latin America, and for Resilience, at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC, and funding for the first all-paid internships at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Indian Spring

Villa Serena

Photos via 1 Oak Studio

Newgard Development Group's Home-Sharing Tower LOFTY Brickell Now 50% Reserved

Newgard Development Group’s LOFTY Brickelll which offers a flexible home-sharing condo ownership concept has hit 50% sold. The developer plans to open the sales lounge in mid-February. LOFTY Brickell will deliver fully finished and furnished turn-key, residences purposefully designed and licensed to be lived and shared via short-term rentals. LOFTY Brickell will rise 44-stories and is located on the Brickell Riverfront. The tower is expected to break ground Q4 of this year.

“Buyer’s desire for new ways to own and use real estate assets, paired with favorable locations and economics, are nurturing investment growth in our properties,” says Harvey Hernandez, CEO of Newgard Development Group. “We recognize we’re in a state of tremendous transition and increasing numbers of people are discovering they can live and work from anywhere. LOFTY was created for buyers seeking for a modern way to own, live and monetize luxury real estate.

LOFTY features studio, one- and two-bedroom units alongside 40,000 square feet of thoughtfully curated amenities, including a private marina, waterfront dining, members-only social club, resort pool deck and fitness center, indoor/outdoor cigar lounge, co-working lounge and meeting rooms. Interiors are designed by NY-based INC, architecture by Arquitectonica and landscaping by Urban Robot Associates.

“We are witnessing an incredible transition in how people are choosing to live their lives,” said Alicia Cervera Jr. Managing Partner of Cervera. “Buyers want more than a beautiful place to live in, they’re seeking hotel-like amenities with the flexibility and mobility of a local experience, which translates to LOFTY’s initial success of being 50% reserved in just a few months.”

Prices for studios start at $493,000, one bedrooms from $660,000, and two-bedrooms from $794,000. Sales and marketing for LOFTY Brickell are exclusively overseen by Cervera Real Estate.

The Coconut Grove Restaurant Scene Is Buzzing Amid New Restaurant Openings Including A New Concept From David Grutman

Coconut Grove is alive and buzzing amid a variety of new restaurant opens that are bringing one of Miami’s most historic and beautiful neighborhoods back into its heyday. In December Major Food Group opened Sadelle’s, a breakfast-centric haven, power-lunch hotspot, and energetic dinner destination located in Park Grove at the former Tigertail + Mary space. Nearby, reclaiming its role as the epicenter of Miami’s Coconut Grove commercial district, the newly redeveloped CocoWalk is now 100% leased with the announcement of the new openings including The Key Club from David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality and a new concept from Ariete Hospitality.

The Key Club, which is set to open at CocoWalk in the upcoming weeks, is an energetic American grill. It’s menu will feature items such as seafood, steaks, salads and will offer a sushi component with an upbeat, party atmosphere. The restaurant is designed with nautical and nature vibes with indoor and outdoor seating. They are currently hiring for management, FOH and BOH positions. Groot Hospitality is the restaurant group behind Swan, Papi Steak, and Komodo, as well as nightlife destinations such as LIV.

Other recent openings include modern American restaurant Botánico Gin & Cookhouse, which opened in November, and Duck N’ Sum, a modern Asian restaurant serving classic flavors such as steamed bao buns and garlic noodles. Then, in December, Sushi Garage unveiled its unique culinary experience inspired by classic Japanese flavors created by Executive Chef Sunny Oh.

Ariete Hospitality Group, the culinary creators behind some of Coconut Grove’s most popular restaurants such as Ariete, Navé and Chug’s, will also open a new restaurant on property this year. Set to open in spring 2022 is Narbona Natural Foods & Farm Market, the 8,253-square-foot specialty market that will feature a butcher shop, fresh pastas, and a bakery along with a selection of gourmet cheeses, craft beers, wines, and coffees – all produced on its farms in South America. This will become Narbona’s second location to open in South Florida.

In addition to the new and exciting dining concepts, world-class cinema Cinépolis makes its highly anticipated debut with the opening of a brand-new movie theater this winter, marking the return of the neighborhood’s only movie theater.

“Our goal with the newly renovated CocoWalk is to reinvigorate the lifestyle destination and offer a more curated experience to those who live, work, and play in Coconut Grove,” said Michael Comras, CEO and President of The Comras Company. “The return of Cinepolis, the top shops already open and our upcoming restaurant debuts by several of Miami’s leading hospitality groups will further enhance the lifestyle, dining and shopping experience the new CocoWalk has to offer.”

The new restaurants join an already impressive and extensive line-up of curated national, regional and local concepts currently open at CocoWalk such as PLANTA Queen, Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza, Sweetgreen and ice cream outpost Salt & Straw.

Images via CocoWalk

Miami Sees Second Highest Priced Crypto Sale As Marquis Residences Condo Sells For $7.2 Million

The Downtown Miami market is on fire amidst a number of building launches and splashy sales. Now the City of Miami has seen its first crypto sale of the year as Unit 5306 in Marquis Residences has sold for $7.2 million in Ethereum that was transferred to USD Coin, a digital stablecoin that is pegged to the United States dollar, for the transaction. The sale is the second largest in Downtown Miami behind a $7.2 million sale at the nearby One Thousand Museum and the third highest in the Miami area ranking behind a $22.5 million deal at Arte in Surfside, both last year. Madison Roberts and Zach Oppenheim with Oppenheim Realty represented the buyer in the transaction, and Enzo Rosani of Barnes International Realty represented the seller, along with Ricardo Assaf with Unblock Capital, who helped mediate the crypto transfer. Coral Gables Title & Escrow handled the closing. Roberts and Oppenheim also represented the buyer in the One Thousand Museum deal last year.

Marquis Residences is located at 1100 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami. The buyer is a business developer from Central America. The triplex spans 6 bedrooms 7 bathrooms and 6,952 square feet. The two-story residence offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the entire city and ocean, a movie room, designer kitchen, office, two laundry rooms. The lavish master bedroom features views of Biscayne Bay and a double shower, jacuzzi and sauna. The unit also features a full home automation system throughout and window treatment for efficient A/C and energy savings.

"I have been in the crypto industry since 2011, it is absolutely amazing to see where crypto is right now and where it is headed. The opportunities are endless and we have yet to begin," said Roberts.

Images via Barnes International Realty

CI Financial Expands Office Lease At 830 Brickell Which Now Rises Above The Brickell Skyline

Canadian asset and wealth management firm CI Financial Corp has doubled the size of its planned office space at 830 Brickell, a Class A-plus office tower under construction in the heart of Miami’s Brickell Financial District. Just months after signing a 20,000 square-foot lease that will house the firm’s U.S. headquarters, CI Financial has expanded with an additional floor. The new office will total approximately 40,000 square feet. The firm’s expansion further solidifies 830 Brickell as the address of choice for financial, professional services, and global firms looking to establish or grow their presence in South Florida. The 55-story tower, which is being developed by a joint venture between OKO Group and Cain International, is slated for completion later this year.

CI Financial will join other notable tenants at 830 Brickell including private equity firm Thoma Bravo, which recently announced plans for a 36,500 square foot office in the tower, and global tech company Microsoft, which signed a 50,000 square foot lease for its Latin American regional headquarters.

“830 Brickell already enjoys a reputation as Miami’s most desirable and best located trophy office tower, and CI Financial’s commitment to expand its space at the building reinforces the confidence we’ve seen from high-end office users and global businesses seeking a location in South Florida,” said Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of OKO Group. “Our team has drawn from our collective experience in the luxury hospitality industry to bring five-star-hotel-inspired features, amenities and services to 830 Brickell that have lured top-tier companies looking for a best-in-class, urban setting in Brickell’s prestigious financial district.”

"With its unparalleled workplace experience, prime location and trophy stature, 830 Brickell continues to reaffirm its position as the preeminent office building in the South Florida market. Its success reinforces our global investment thesis of combining hospitality, amenities, services and experience to create the best destinations in the world," said Jonathan Goldstein, Co-Founder and CEO of Cain International. "We remain extremely confident in Miami’s future and the role that premium office assets will play in its expansion into a global gateway city."

830 Brickell’s ownership was represented by the Cushman & Wakefield team of Brian Gale, Ryan Holtzman and Andrew Trench. CI Financial was represented by Donna Abood and Mark Robbins of Avison Young.

“Boasting the newest standards in building design and finishes in South Florida, 830 Brickell continues to attract the highest quality tenants,” said Brian Gale, Vice Chairman at Cushman & Wakefield, who oversees leasing for the project. “830 Brickell’s ownership team’s financial strength and commitment to the asset have been key factors for these types of savvy tenants. 830 Brickell has signed over 150,000 square feet of leases in the last six months, and we look forward to announcing additional tenants soon, as we continue to lease up the building.”

830 Brickell was designed by renowned architecture firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, with interiors by Italian architecture and design company Iosa Ghini Associati. The building’s design incorporates top-of-the-line wellness features and technologies, including ultraviolet technology in air filtration, ventilation, and water purification systems, as well as touch-free fixtures and contactless entry/exit points.

The tower’s amenities will include a rooftop bar/lounge with a five-star restaurant showcasing expansive views of the City and Biscayne Bay, a world-class health and wellness center, a conference facility, an outdoor terrace, cafeìs and street-level retail. Multiple transit options are nearby, including Metrorail and Metromover, the Brightline, walking paths, cycling lanes and bay access points. Additionally, some of Miami’s top residential and lifestyle-driven neighborhoods are situated just minutes away, such as Miami’s Design District, Wynwood, Edgewater and Miami Beach.

Tour This Restored Classic 1929 Coconut Grove Estate Designed By De Garmo Which Just Sold For A Record $12 Million

Coconut Grove remains one of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods in Miami for luxury real estate. A non-waterfront home at 3467 Moorings Way has sold for $12.8 million, marking a record 2,000+ per square foot for a non-waterfront residence in Coconut Grove. The seller was Moorings Land Trust, represented by Anna Sherrill with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty and the buyer is Dynamo Hum LLC, represented by Jorge Uribe with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. The residence is located in The Moorings, one of Coconut Grove’s most exclusive enclaves with only 43 residences. The Mediterranean revival villa was originally designed and built in 1929 by Walter De Garmo is authentically designed a restored to perfection.

The walled and gated classic estate is masterpiece of Mediterranean inspired architecture, surrounded by a landscaped courtyard, garden, and loggia lined patios. The estate is situated on 28,577 square foot point lot with views of Biscayne Bay. The home features 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms and spans 6,200 square feet. The interior is designed to the highest standards and updated to assimilate the with organic nature of the estate. The foyer and formal living room feature vaulted beam ceilings with details of stone and glass. The home also features a formal dining room, lavish bedrooms with en-suite baths and a stunning master suite that exemplifies luxury and sophistication overlooking the private manicured grounds. Outdoors features a 2 car garage, separate guest home and beautifully landscaped gardens with a coral stone pool.

Walter De Garmo was prominent architect in Miami and its surrounding South Florida communities in the early 20th century. Several well known buildings designed by De Garmo still stand today including the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove, the 1907 Miami City Hall, the Miami Beach Community Church on Lincoln Road and 27 Star Island which just listed for $90 million.

Images via 1 Oak Studios

Apollo Bank Reaches $1 Billion in Assets Following Banner Growth Year In 2021

South Florida-based leading community bank Apollo Bank has hit $1 billion in assets amidst the bank’s strongest growth year to-date. In the past ten years the bank has grown from $100 million to $1 billion. Apollo Bank focused on investing in technology and talent, including the addition of a new president and grew its residential lending division with the aim of supporting commercial clients. The bank’s steady growth over the past decade is reflective of Miami’s rise over the same period as a hub for business, investment, lifestyle, and arts and culture, which has fueled the region to lead the nation in a strong pandemic recovery led by significant wealth and business migration.

Apollo Bank is now the region’s leading community bank with five branches across Miami-Dade County’s key business sectors, including Brickell, Coral Gables, Doral, Kendall, and Hialeah. This growth has been despite the number of community banks in South Florida decreasing by more than half over the past decade as a result of acquisitions from larger financial institutions.

To start off 2021 Apollo Bank appointed Ramon Rodriguez as bank president, a well-respected leader and longtime banking executive. At the same time, the bank also announced significant investments in enhancing digital capabilities and recruiting top talent to ensure long-term growth while continuing to offer best-in-class service. As South Florida has experienced an expansion of its business landscape fueled by financial firms, investors and the tech industry all cementing roots in the region, Apollo Bank also grew its residential lending division aimed at supporting existing and potential commercial clients, new-to-market business owners and investors.

“Before the pandemic, Apollo Bank was already adding new technologies to its suite of services, including advances in mobile banking to match the bank’s elevated level of personalized and convenient service,” said Eddy Arriola, Chairman and CEO of Apollo Bank. “Like many other trends, the pandemic further accelerated the banking industry’s digital needs, resulting in the bank embarking on a digital revolution including the introduction of a new app, enhanced mobile banking, an optimized website and digitized internal systems to streamline internal communication.”

“As our economy diversifies, it created an opportunity for the bank to augment and invest in our residential lending team, which is providing financing to local, national, and international high net worth individuals,” said Ramon Rodriguez, President of Apollo Bank.

When Apollo Bank first launched in 2010, the $100 million institution had one branch in Brickell, Miami’s Financial District, and was founded by local businesspeople to serve South Florida’s business community, with an emphasis on forging long-term relationships with clients through exceptional service. While Miami was just starting to recover from a nationwide recession, the founder of Apollo Bank believed the current economic climate coupled with consolidation in the banking sector, made it an opportune time to launch a community bank.

“Back in 2008, in the height of the recession, I spoke with several industry veterans about opening a community bank focused on commercial clients. Everyone thought I was crazy,” Mr. Arriola added. “Now 10 years after launching Apollo Bank, I am proud of the organization we’ve built, how we’ve supported our community through the most uncertain times, including the pandemic, and how together, we have helped Miami transform into one of the financial and business capitals of the world.”