The MICHELIN Star Guide to Miami Design District: Restaurants In MDD Claim Four MICHELIN Stars And Four Bib Gourmand Awards

The first Florida MICHELIN Guide is out and Miami Design District emerged as the leading hotspot neighborhood with their restaurants receiving four MICHELIN Stars and four Bib Gourmand awards. The MICHELIN Guides are one of the most influential restaurant review publishers. The MICHELIN Guides were first published in 1900 the French tire company Michelin and are published annually by city across the globe. For the first time in 2022 did Florida restaurants have the ability to earn a coveted MICHELIN Star, in which a restaurant can earn up to 3. A restaurant can annually earn or lose stars, making the MICHELIN Guide highly competitive among chefs and restaurants. Restaurants can also earn a Bib Gourmand award which recognizes good quality, good value restaurants.

Miami Design District’s French hotspot, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, was the only 2-Star-honoree in the state of Florida. Cote and Le Jardinier rounded out the Miami Design District’s Michelin Star recipients each earning 1 Star.

Restaurants in Miami Design District also notably received four Bib Gourmand awards for the neighborhood’s mediterranean outpost, Mandolin Aegean Bistro; Peruvian-Japanese hotspot, Itamae; American staple, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink; and acclaimed bakery, soon to join the neighborhood, Bachour.

Other restaurants in Miami to receive a MICHELIN Star were Ariete, Boia De, The Den at Sushi Azabu, Elcielo Miami, Hiden, Los Felix, Stubborn Seed, and The Surf Club Restaurant from Chef Thomas Keller at The Four Seasons Surf Club.

Miami also had 15 more restaurants receive a Bib Gourmand award including Chug’s Diner, Doya, El Turco, Ghee Indian Kitchen, Hometown Barbecue, Krus Kitchen, La Natural, Lung Yai Thai Tapas, Phuc Yea, Red Rooster Overtown, Sanguich de Miami, Tinga y Cafe, Zak the Baker, and Zitz Sum.

Miami Design District is one of the hottest neighborhoods in the world, home to a number of luxury fashion houses, art galleries, fine dining experiences, and cafés. The open-air, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, known for its many distinct and artistic façades, notably boasts a highly energy-efficient infrastructure and became the first neighborhood in the world to achieve the Gold level (LEED ND: Built v4 Gold). The neighborhood was inspired by the worlds leading shopping districts including Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive and visitors can enjoy mature canopy-covered streets and walkways, sculptural specimen trees, and extensive rooftop gardens.

MDD MICHELIN Star Winners:

L’ATELIER DE JOËL ROBUCHON (2 Michelin Stars)

L’atelier Miami is the newest incarnation of the late Chef Joël Robuchon’s groundbreaking concept, which first opened in Paris’s Saint-Germain neighborhood in 2003, and has since planted roots in the Miami Design District. L’Atelier’s name refers to a craftsman’s workshop, exemplifying immaculate technique and abundant creativity. The format of the menu at L’Atelier allows guests the flexibility to create their own experience. A meal can be composed of an à la carte selection of small plates, appetizers, and entrées, or the 4-course Summer Menu “Aux Saveurs L'été” a 4-course seasonal tasting with choices for each dish.

COTE (1 Michelin Star)

COTE, the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated KOREAN STEAKHOUSE™ and vision of proprietor Simon Kim, unveiled in Miami’s Design District in February 2021. The 5,892-square-foot restaurant emulates its flagship, high-energy New York City-based locale synonymous with marrying the fun and fire of Korean barbeque with the hallmarks of a classic, regal American steakhouse. The result is a unique and convivial atmosphere infusing a fine dining experience with world-class ingredients and service complemented with a show-stopping beverage program.

Le Jardinier (1 Michelin Star)

The French word for "gardener," Le Jardinier's cuisine and setting evoke a modern greenhouse in the heart of the Miami Design District. Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli's menu is focused on utilizing the highest quality vegetables, seasonal ingredients, and fresh herbs, fitting seamlessly into the modern, light-filled interiors designed by award-winning Architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. The refined yet approachable cuisine, atmosphere, and service creates a holistic hospitality experience for guests.

MDD Bib Gourmand Winners:

Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Bib Gourmand)

Mandolin will greet you with a dose of warm, genuine, Mediterranean hospitality as you indulge in the taste and traditions of the Aegean. Founded by husband and wife team Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis, Mandolin Aegean Bistro opened in Miami in 2009. They restored a 1940's home with one of the most notable gardens and outdoor patio space in Miami, where every attention to detail matters. Dedicated to using local ingredients while incorporating the Aegean techniques, this Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine has put Miami Design District’s dining on the map

ITAMAE (Bib Gourmand)

Located across from famed Buckminster Fuller's Fly's Eye Dome in Miami Design District’s Palm Court Plaza, Itamae is a 40 seat restaurant from Chefs Nando, Valerie & Fernando Chang offering technique driven, Peruvian-Japanese flavors and traditions while also celebrating local and seasonal ingredients. Itamae made The New York Times' 2021 Restaurant List as well as being regarded as one of the best restaurants in Miami by The Infatuation.

MICHAEL’S GENUINE FOOD & DRINK (Bib Gourmand)

The special experience that results when delicious food and thoughtful service come together, designed by a team who cares about great products and making people happy. Locals and visitors alike embrace and crave this unique approach to dining out — some may consider Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink a second home, a place where they’re comfortable, that they want to share with friends.

BACHOUR (Bib Gourmand)

Antonio Bachour grew up in Puerto Rico and was hooked on pastry from a young age, thanks to a childhood spent in his family’s bakery. He dedicated his first few years honing his trade in Puerto Rico as a pastry cook at Sand Hotel and Casino and Westin Rio Mar. In search of a better place to continue growing professionally, 2001 found Bachour States-bound, in Miami Beach, as executive pastry chef at Talula. Pretty soon he was trying his hand at Italian delicacies at both Devito South Beach and Scarpetta in New York and Miami.

Images via Miami Design District

The Ultra-Exclusive Fisher Island Reveals Limited Collection Of Single-Family-Home Estates

Fisher Island, one of the world’s premier private island communities with a storied history, has launched its final and only collection of new homesites with 12 custom single family home estates known as The Links Estates at Fisher Island. Four of the homesites have already sold, which set the new standard for ultra-luxury island living. Fisher Island is an ultra-exclusive private island which is located a 15 minute ferry ride off of Miami Beach and is and the wealthiest zip code in the United States. The island feature a private golf course, beach club, restaurants and tennis facilities. The Links Estates at Fisher Island is being developed by Fisher Island Holdings, LLC, Led by developer Heinrich von Hanau, who also developed the Palazzo Della Luna and Palazzo Del Sol condominium buildings which recently achieved a $1 billion sellout earlier this spring. The news of the launch of The Links Estates ushers in the island’s next era of unrivaled luxury with these multi-story single-family-home estates now available for pre-construction purchase.

As Fisher Island’s first true turnkey single-family homes, each one of The Links Estates will be unique, custom built by ASR Construction in a “modern Tuscan estate” style designed by Portuondo Perotti Architects with interiors by Italian interior design firm, INDELUX. Luxuriant outdoor spaces by Enzo Enea will add to the grandeur, provoking warmth, and tranquility. These expansive, two-level residences with private rooftops and ground-level infinity pools and gardens artfully connect indoor and outdoor kitchens, dining areas, terraces and living spaces.

Interiors for The Links Estates contain stunning contemporary millwork by ASR Interiors, wine features, offices, walk-in closets, opulent master suites and elevator entry from a 5-car private garage, while outdoor spaces offer water features, additional parking, verdant gardens, and landscaped privacy. The discerning homebuyers will be presented with a personalized opportunity to work closely with the developer and world-class design partners to customize defining elements of their private island estate home.

The average home size for the available estates is 10,000 Sq. Ft., set on 13,000 Sq.Ft. to one-half-acre-sized lots. Initial pricing will begin at $3,300 per square foot. Sales and marketing are led by Dora Puig of Luxe Living Realty.

Groundbreaking on the first designer spec home in The Links Estates is scheduled for later this summer, with completion of it set for early 2025.

“This is a pivotal moment for Fisher Island’s residential offerings, which from inception to delivery, have surpassed a vision for excellence with international craftsmanship and high design. The significant interest and record sales at our award-winning Palazzo Del Sol and Palazzo Della Luna are testaments to the quality, sophistication, and bespoke nature of this distinct new era on Fisher Island,” said Developer Heinrich von Hanau. “We look forward to continuing to further elevate the island with The Link Estates, a rare opportunity for private living in pure luxury.”

Fisher Island is a secure island oasis, accessible only by private yacht or 7-and-a-half-minute auto-ferry from Miami Beach. The enclave boasts 216 private acres of tropical resort-style living, located within minutes from the cultural enticements of Miami. The premier Fisher Island Club also provides access to the oceanfront Beach Club, Vanderbilt Mansion, Spa Internazionale, a par-35 championship nine-hole golf course, state-of-the-art Racquet Club, and two private deep-water marinas, among other amenities.

For more information about The Links Estates at Fisher Island, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Step Inside A Full Floor Penthouse At The Zaha Hadid-Designed One Thousand Museum Asking $28 Million

One of the finest penthouses in the Miami has hit the market for $28 million at the iconic One Thousand Museum which was designed by the late world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Penthouse 57 is a full floor masterpiece offering immaculate 360 degree views of Miami including Port Miami, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, Brickell skyline, Sunny Isles skyline and Coral Gables skyline. The 5 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom residence spans 11,126 total square feet including 9,910 square feet of living space and 1,216 square feet of balcony space. Penthouse 57 features top-of-the-line finishes and custom detailing including wide hallways specifically designed for displaying art. The residence also features a home theater, wet bar, dining area and home gym.

One Thousand Museum is regarded as the essence of unprecedented fusion of art, architecture, design and location within Downtown Miami. The ultra-luxury tower was developed by Louis Birdman, Kevin Venger, Gilberto Bomeny, Gregg Covin and Todd Michael Glaser. One Thousand Museum officially debuted August 2019 as one of the country’s most anticipated condominiums, with its striking exoskeleton instrumental to becoming the most iconic and identifiable tower in Downtown Miami. The tower was the designed by the late Zaha Hadid and was her first residential skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. The unique tower features an exoskeleton which was made from glass fiber reinforced concrete imported from Dubai. Celebrity residents include David and Victoria Beckham and David Grutman.

One Thousand Museum rises 62-stories and offers 84-units. The building’s luxe lifestyle and exclusive amenities are among its most desirable attractions including a private rooftop helipad, making it Miami’s only residential building accessible via its own private airport. One Thousand Museum is also the first residential building in the world to partner with Forbes Travel Guide to create a hospitality-focused experience for residents and their guests on par with the finest hotel in the world.

Additional amenities include a Sky Lounge for dining and private events; an on-premise bank vault; nearby private Beach Club, Museum Beach; access to a house car service, 1KM wellness center featuring state-of-the-art equipment by Techno-Gym, a Spa with relaxation pods and private treatment rooms for spa services and the Aquatic Center featuring an indoor lap-pool at the 61st Floor.

One Thousand Museum 1000 Biscayne Blvd PH-57 is currently listed for $28 million with Julian Johnston of The Corcoran Group.

Upping the Ante: Miami Developers Raise Their Amenity Game Ever Higher

Helipads, private chefs, 24/7 concierges and more, these are just some of the amenity offerings gracing the world’s most luxurious condominium towers. However, in burgeoning markets like Miami, developers are taking an elevated approach by offering bespoke lifestyle offerings that exceed the expectations of even the most demanding buyers.

“Amenities are one of the more important considerations for prospective homebuyers and have become even more abundant in today's market," says Jon Paul Perez, President of development powerhouse Related Group. “Take private theaters, for example. Not too long ago, that was an extra luxury that buyers were willing to pay a premium for. Now, these types of options are expected and seen as table stakes.”

Contrary to popular belief, having vast social media-worthy pools or fitness centers isn’t the answer. Buyers are increasingly opting for buildings where amenities – along with design and architecture – are tailored specifically to them. 

According to Perez, “These buyers are better informed and have more choices than ever before. They are looking for properties that are flexible and adaptable to their changing lifestyles and personal interests. That’s where brand partnerships have really helped us elevate our unique selling propositions.”

Branded residential concepts, like Related’s Baccarat Residences Miami, are setting the pace for a new wave of condominiums in the South Florida market. By partnering with well-known and respected lifestyle brands, developers can curate their projects to match the passions of buyers and differentiate themselves amidst an increasingly competitive marketplace. 

Simply using a brand name isn’t quite enough, however. “We invested considerable time and resources into designing the amenities spaces at Baccarat,” says Perez. “Baccarat is one of France’s most established crystal manufacturers, known for its prestigious crystal glassware and décor. Many of our buyers are loyal Baccarat aficionados and want to immerse themselves in the iconic brand full-time. As such, every amenity in the tower is hand-crafted to exude that unique Baccarat spirit.”

Following the tradition of service excellence set by its New York sister property, Baccarat Residences Miami will offer an around-the-clock concierge team, expertly managed by SH Hotels & Resorts, wholly dedicated to supporting and even anticipating the needs of every resident. Whether arranging personal appointments, coordinating travel and transit, or hosting an event at the Grand Salon, the aim is to keep residents at ease, at home or away. 

This painstaking attention to detail starts at the entrance level with luxurious lobby spaces showcased within an undulating glass façade featuring the dramatic stone portal and reception area, the café and flower shop, and the gallery with a curated museum-quality art collection. 

The property’s exclusive offerings continue at the elevated waterfront pool deck. Designed to evoke the Baccarat brand’s deep French roots, the expansive terrace features an infinity saltwater swimming pool and poolside cabanas commanding a breathtaking view of the sparkling turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River. This elevated outdoor experience also includes a poolside café and bar, as well as a romantic Orangerie, fountains and formal gardens. Residents will round up their day in the sun with a private marina, offering on-demand reservations and access to the residences’ private yacht for easy access to nearby riverfront restaurants.   

For health and wellness enthusiasts, the property’s state-of-the-art fitness center expands over a full level of the tower with the latest in cardio, strength training, yoga and meditation equipment curated by Anatomy. The on-site spa continues the dreamy experience, and showcases the resort-inspired lifestyle, with comprehensive spa facilities – including a hammam, steam room and sauna, treatment rooms and exclusive products from the prestigious beauty brand La Mer. There is also a full-service beauty salon and barber, as well as an on-site pet spa that ensures furry residents will be as pampered as their owners.

Baccarat Residences Miami’s luxurious offerings also boast a double-height Grand Salon with dramatic black Baccarat chandeliers, as well as the intimate tropical-styled Petite Salon, the elegant game room with billiards table, the private screening room with theatre-style seating, the wine cellar and tasting salon, and a private dining room with Chef’s kitchen. The idyllic children’s playroom is full of thoughtful details even featuring a carousel for the younger residents to enjoy. The on-site property offerings are complemented with the Beach Club membership to the 1 Hotel South Beach, SH Hotels & Resorts sister property. 

“Baccarat is all about the celebration of the beauty of light, and there is no better place to celebrate the light and beauty than Miami, a city that blazes in sunshine, and celebrates arts and culture,” says Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group and Chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts, the parent company that operates all Baccarat Hotels.

“While it certainly requires significantly more time and attention, we have seen that focusing on amenities makes all the difference,” adds Perez. “We are already more than 75% sold at Baccarat Residences Miami and are continuing to see robust demand. Amenities are here to stay and will continue to evolve and grow more complex, but that will only result in even better, more ambitious developments. It’s exciting!” 

 For more information about the property, please visit: www.BaccaratResidencesMiami.com

Health-Focused Hotspot Pura Vida Opens New Location In Miami Beach's Sunset Harbour Neighborhood

Pura Vida continues to expand its presence across the region with the debut of its Sunset Harbour outpost. Characterized by its delicious health-driven menu and topical chic aesthetic, the esteemed all-day cafe now holds several highly coveted properties and continues its strategic expansion across the region. The opening marks the brand’s 11th location and third on Miami Beach, with more on the horizon for 2022.

Located steps away from the water’s edge, the latest Pura Vida outpost is nestled in the heart of Sunset Harbour and in close proximity to main attractions such as the Miami Beach Golf Club, Magnolia Park, and Lincoln Road. The 5,000 square foot space offers indoor seating characterized by the brand’s minimalist design elements, natural tones and light wooden finishes as well as outdoor seating lined with Pura Vida’s signature blue umbrellas.

“We feel honored to be expanding the Pura Vida family and are excited to be a part of the Sunset Harbour community. Sunset Harbour attracts a vibrant audience from all walks of life and we’re really looking forward to connecting with the locals, visitors and neighboring businesses alike.” Said Omer Horev, Chief Brand Officer and Co-Founder of Pura Vida.

Patrons can expect the brand’s signature quality-driven menu which includes Pura Vida’s famed All-Day Breakfast offerings showcasing a range of avocado toasts, pasture-raised egg sandwiches, wraps, bowls, raw organic Açaí Bowls and crisp and refreshing salads topped with wild ahi tuna, chicken, salmon, or vegan-lentil based adashah. Other health-focused highlights include a variety of cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, kombucha, artisanal coffees and an assortment of fresh-baked gluten-free and vegan sweet treats.

New to Pura Vida’s beloved menu is a distinct blue smoothie, “Coco Azul” made with blue spirulina, moringa, hemp seeds, coconut water, banana, pineapple, mango, coconut flakes; and a sweet potato base option for bowls. To coincide with the Sunset Harbour opening, Pura Vida will introduce exciting new menu items like the ‘Miami Beet’ juice, a signature croissant sandwich with Pura Vida’s egg salad and four new wellness shots; Daily Green, Eternal Youth, Immunity, and Shot of Glow which will be made available across all Pura Vida outposts.

Pura Vida Sunset Harbour is located at 1940 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Hours of operation are 8AM - 4PM, daily. Ample street and public garage parking is available on Andalusia Avenue. Delivery and pick-up are available through the Pura Vida Miami app.

Aria Development Group Delivers The Sold-Out YOTELPAD Miami In Downtown Miami

New York and Miami-based Aria Development Group is pleased to announce the completion of YOTELPAD Miami, a 31-story condominium and hotel in the heart of Downtown Miami. The stylish mixed-use project was the first new construction condominium in the area to offer buyers the option to rent out their units for short-term stays without restrictions. The developer partnered with AQARAT, one of Kuwait’s leading real estate companies, to deliver this project as the first YOTELPAD on the East Coast.

“YOTELPAD Miami paved the way for other developers to offer short-term rentals and was an early project in the recent explosion of new development in Downtown that has transformed the neighborhood into an exciting, vibrant place to live,” said David Arditi, principal of Aria Development Group. “After selling out all of YOTELPAD Miami’s condos in just 15 months, we saw that there was incredible demand for this type of product, and there couldn't be a better time to deliver it.”

Located at 227 NE 2nd Street, YOTELPAD Miami offers the ultimate urban lifestyle for young professionals and like-minded individuals looking for the convenience of having the best of everything right at their doorstep, as well as the flexibility to rent out their unit when they’re not using it. Owners of the 231 residential “PADs” have the ability to participate in a short-term rental program through YOTEL, which also manages the 222 hotel “cabins” in the development. The project has led to a boom of new short-term rental condominiums in Miami, including another by Aria Development Group, 501 First, which is nearly sold out after launching sales last year.

YOTELPAD features an array of ultra-modern amenities as well as spectacular views of the Miami skyline. Comprising floors 15-30, residences include studios, one- and two-bedroom residences with thoughtfully designed floor plans showcasing integrated living, kitchen, and dining areas with top-of-the-line flooring, lighting and custom ITALKRAFT Italian cabinetry for an urban chic lifestyle.

Amenities include concierge services, secure bike storage, a gourmet coffee bar, two on-site restaurants and bars, co-working space, pool deck, state-of-the-art fitness center designed by New York-based celebrity training studio HOMAGE, and a pet spa. Residents also exclusively have access to a penthouse level Sky Lounge, which offers a game area, a sophisticated living room with a fireplace, and a chef's kitchen with a private dining space that can host 12 guests.

YOTELPAD Miami boasts two restaurants, giving residents and guests the ideal live-work-play experience. On the ground floor, Mazeh, a modern Middle Eastern restaurant by New York City-based GPG Hospitality, serves tapas-style shareable dishes and craft cocktails in an elevated yet relaxed setting. Fourteen floors up on the property’s pool deck, an elevated outdoor lounge called Float offers beverages and light fare that merge classic American tiki culture with the unique flavors of the Middle East.

Understanding the value of offering tech-forward amenities that enhance the residential experience, development also incorporates three Techi robot butlers by Techmetics, which can deliver loads up to 77 pounds, including food, beverages, gifts, documents, and more. Two robots are available to residents, and one is designated for hotel guests. Residents and guests can easily contact and track the robots through a user-friendly app control. The robots will roam the lobby during their downtime, engage in conversation, play music, and pass out treats.

FTX US Partners With Ultra-Luxury Single-Family Home Development AKAI Estates To Accept Crypto In Southwest Ranches

The developers of AKAI Estates have announced a partnership with FTX US, a leading U.S.-regulated cryptocurrency platform, as the sole platform handling cryptocurrency conversions for the residential transactions within their collection of 16 signature luxury homes in Southwest Ranches. This announcement represents FTX US’s first partnership with a single-family home developer, further establishing AKAI Estates as a trailblazer development in today’s real estate industry and FTX US as an innovator in the cryptocurrency financial services space.

This partnership indicates the velocity at which the single family home market is evolving amidst incredible demand and tight available inventory. With the frenzy the market is currently in, tied to the record low inventory, AKAI Estates is meeting that demand and filling the void now with the collection of these homes, in addition to spec homes.

“FTX continues to grow its presence in the real estate industry in Florida, we couldn’t think of a more ideal time to work with such a prestigious cryptocurrency exchange platform,” said Alex Yokana, Developer of AKAI Estates. “We foresee this partnership with FTX bringing increased demand and expanding our demographic of buyers.”

“Alongside FTX, cryptocurrency’s presence in the real estate industry only continues to grow, and this is just the latest development in that process. We are excited to add our first luxury single-family development to our roster of partners and increase consumer access to digital assets and digital asset-related services. At FTX, we believe that crypto has a big role in the future of finance and strive to do our part to make this future come to fruition,” said Avi Dabir, Vice President of Business Development at FTX US.

Surrounded by open spaces and dazzling South Florida sunsets, the quiet enclave of AKAI Estates is conceptually designed by internationally acclaimed architect Vasco Vieira, founder and head architect of Portugal-based firm Vasco Vieira Arquitectos. The scope of the firm’s past work has ranged from individual villas to large eco-resorts including hotels, restaurants, spas and commercial buildings. With notable projects throughout Europe, AKAI Estate marks Vieira's first residential project in the United States. The local architect for AKAI Estates is Florida-based firm FSMY Architect Planner.

At AKAI Estates, high-end living unfolds across open floor plans from 7,000-15,000 square feet and beyond, combining chic cutting-edge amenities, ultra-modern styling, and the serenity of a fully gated community and the unrivaled privacy of two acres of property with each residence. Each estate includes an aquatic entertainment area and is highly customizable with the ability to add on features including putting greens, tennis/pickle-ball courts, or even a basketball court of choice. AKAI Estates is a refreshingly different way to encounter the best of South Florida living. World-famous destinations for entertainment, shopping, nightlife, golf, and more are all just a short drive away. Southwest Ranches is located just west of Fort Lauderdale, northwest of Miami and south of Palm Beach, Florida. Nearby top-rated schools, parks, and cultural sites complete a world that is just as connected as it is exclusive.

AKAI Estates is being developed by Alex Yokana, Jairo Vela, and Amos and Michael Sochaczevski. Bento Queiroz Team under Compass is the exclusive sales team for the development. Prices at AKAI Estates start at $8 million.

Location Ventures Announces Sellout of URBIN Miami Beach Mixed-Use Condo, Co-Working Lifestyle Project

The Miami-based Location Ventures, an integrated real estate platform that delivers thoughtfully-designed and fully-connected residential and mixed-use projects, has announced the sell-out of URBIN Miami Beach. The mixed-use development will deliver a combination of 69 turnkey residences, coworking space, and ground-floor retail at 1260 Washington Avenue, an area of Miami Beach with revitalization underway. The project, exclusively represented by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, commanded an average price of $1,350 per square foot for its residences comprised of micro-style units, comparable to nearby luxury condominiums. The property is slated to break ground this summer and is anticipated to deliver by 2025, once constructed by Winmar Construction.

When complete, URBIN will join the renaissance and expansion currently underway on Washington Avenue and Commodore Plaza – two streets situated in two of the city’s most thriving and in-demand districts. URBIN Miami Beach, designed by architect Touzet Studio and New York interior design studio Meyer Davis, will offer turnkey residences that include 275-square-foot studios, as well as two- to four-bedrooms up to 1,334 square feet. There will be a variety of shared spaces, including an indoor / outdoor living area to foster community, South Florida style. Units are part of a leaseback program that allows owners to stay on property for up to 90 nights per year. While away, the fully furnished residence generates income as part of a managed rental system.

“This sellout showcases the continued demand for an all-in-one product, geared toward professionals who work remote and travel frequently,’ said Rishi Kapoor, CEO of Location Ventures. “The price per square foot is a sign of the times, where high-quality product is dominating the market.”

URBIN is a first-to-market, mixed-use brand that unites design-forward residences for short- or long-term rent with an all-inclusive wellness amenity programming, social activations, lifestyle-oriented F&B outlets and an adjacent co-working space, all in one central address. The URBIN portfolio includes URBIN Miami Beach, as well as URBIN Coconut Grove, where residential sales are also underway, with 60 percent pre-sold in the transformative neighborhood.

URBIN is backed by investors David Martin, CEO of Terra Group; Rudy Touzet, CEO of Banyan Street Capital; the Murphy family of Coastal Construction; former New York Jets and New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma; Gabriel Navarro, Marcel Navarro and Martin Pico of MMG Equity Partners; Marty Halpern of UnitedTranzactions; and a group of owners from Location Ventures.

Two Roads Development Locks Down $150 Million In Funding From Lionheart Strategic Management and Bank OZK For Edgewater Condo Buyout

The South Florida-based Two Roads Development, led by Taylor Collins and Reid Boren, have locked down $150 million in funding for a waterfront condo buyout in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Lionheart Strategic Management LLC (Lionheart), an SEC-registered investment advisor that was formed in 2017 as the asset management affiliate of Fisher Brothers, will be providing a $45 million mezzanine loan, backed by a $105 million senior mortgage loan from Bank OZK. The financing will be used to fund the acquisition of an existing condominium in the Edgewater neighborhood of Miami in preparation for the future development of an ultra-luxury branded residential development on the property.

"This closing signifies our bullish investment thesis in South Florida development and the Miami market in particular," said Andy Klein, Managing Director and Co-Head of Investments at Lionheart Strategic Management. "We are continuously seeking high-quality investment opportunities in growth markets, and this property's irreplaceable waterfront views and proximity to Brickell, Downtown Miami, Wynwood, the Design District and Miami Beach present an undeniably attractive value proposition for future redevelopment. We are excited to partner with Bank OZK and Two Roads Development on this endeavor and look forward to all this project will bring to the area."

As waterfront property and development sites become scarce due to high demand in the Miami market, developers have shifted their sight to buying out older condominium buildings to demolish and develop. Two Roads Development plans to redevelop the 3.5-acre waterfront site of Biscayne 21, an existing 191-unit condo building located at 2121 N. Bayshore Drive in the Edgewater neighborhood of downtown Miami, into an ultra-luxury branded residential development. The project will be designed by Arquitectonica.

"Over the last decade, Two Roads Development has helped put Miami's Edgewater district on the map as one of the City's most in-demand residential neighborhoods with successful luxury condominium developments including Biscayne Beach and Elysee. Plans for our newest development, which will feature a signature architectural design by Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica, include a mix of ultra-luxe condominiums and signature branded residences that will elevate Edgewater's global appeal as Miami's premier enclave for luxury high-rise living," said developer Taylor Collins, managing partner of Two Roads Development. "We are pleased to partner with Lionheart and Bank OZK on this exciting new development."

Andy Klein, Robert Kamenec, and Benjamin Eshiwani led the transaction for Lionheart Strategic Management. Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets Group led by John K. Crotty, Michael T. Fay, David Duckworth and Brian C. de la Fé negotiated the sale on behalf the Biscayne 21 unit owners.

Aztec Group Delivers $102 Million In Construction Financing For 352 Unit RIVR Lofts In Fort Lauderdale

Aztec Group, Florida’s leading real estate investment and merchant banking firm for over 40 years, announces that Peter Mekras has arranged $102,000,000 in construction financing for RIVR (River) Lofts in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

RIVR Lofts features a desirable location in Fort Lauderdale’s Central Business District in the emerging Tarpon River Entertainment & Design District (TREDD) south of New River. RIVR Lofts is a to-be-built mixed-use, luxury, high-rise rental apartment community with 352 residential units. The project will span across 29 stories and feature a rooftop pool and amenities, 2,700 square feet of ground floor retail, onsite parking, and a resident lounge and bar on the ground floor. The Property is ideally located at the corner of SW 5th Street and SW 3rd Avenue within walking distance to Publix, Wells Coffee, and Tarpon River Brewing.

RIVR Lofts development team is led by Doron Broman of Moderno Development Group. Broman assembled the 1-acre site in 2018 and obtained entitlements for RIVR Lofts in 2021. Moderno engaged Aztec Group on an exclusive basis to structure a venture and source construction financing for the project. Moderno is no stranger to the market as it has assembled and repositioned several development properties in the area and continue to control several acres of land in the area for future vertical development. The construction loan was sourced from Square Mile Capital. The RIVR Lofts project team includes Moss Construction and Robert Mathias of NCC Development. The project is designed by Cube 3 Architecture.

“RIVR Lofts will serve as the residential heartbeat of TREDD and this funding continues our efforts to bring vertical development to the area,” says Doron Broman, Manager Partner of Moderno Development. “Moderno Development is at the center of Tarpon River’s revitalization. We started by converting industrial buildings to retail and now we are laying the foundation for a true residential experience with the construction of RIVR Lofts.”

“Sourcing a construction loan for a high-rise is never a simple task. Closing a loan of this magnitude in the current market environment is a testament to the merit of RIVR Lofts and the sponsorship, the lender, and our investment banking process” said Aztec Group’s Peter Mekras.