Brightline Reveals New Renderings Giving First Look Inside Its Future Orlando Station

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, is pulling back the curtain on Central Florida’s latest attraction, Brightline’s Orlando Station. Brightline has released a video and renderings of the future station, located at Orlando International Airport, that will connect millions and regionalize the state. The station spans three-stories, featuring groundbreaking design and a unique synthesis of luxury amenities that meet the demand of today’s modern traveler. Opening this year, Brightline’s Orlando Station will revolutionize train travel in America and continue Brightline’s vision of offering a guest-first travel experience.

The guest journey begins at the main entrance, located off the airport’s expansive two-story glass atrium. Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks, and check luggage before proceeding through touchless turnstiles into the security screening area. Brightline is currently the only rail system in America that screens all passengers and bags prior to boarding.

“This world class train station continues our mission of transforming train travel in America,” said Patrick Goddard, president at Brightline. “We have carefully thought through each detail of this station to ensure that it exceeds the expectations of the modern traveler.”

The station takes the luxury amenities Brightline is known for to new heights featuring an upscale retail experience with convenient in-station shopping and its Mary Mary Bar, serving hand-crafted cocktails and lite bites. The signature sit-down bar is positioned at the far end of the station with a stunning panoramic view overlooking the train platform where guests can leisurely watch as trains arrive and depart the platform.

Located above the Mary Mary bar is an iconic, flip-flap message board that can rotate alphanumeric text and/or graphics to form a message. A nostalgic nod to historic train stations, the flip-flap will provide updated train schedules, boarding times, news of the day and other announcements complete with the flip-flap sound reminiscent of the first passenger train stations in America.

Passengers will access trains by escalator or elevators to the first level platform and board from one of two new track platforms. These platforms are 1,000 feet long and will accommodate a train with four coaches and two locomotives that will transport guests on the Orlando to Miami route in just over three hours.

Brightline offers two classes of service, SMART and PREMIUM. Brightline’s PREMIUM service, will provide complimentary drinks and snacks in a dedicated lounge and train coach. Throughout the station, all guests will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations at every seat, 87 big screen televisions and a children’s play area located in the SMART lounge.

The 37,350 square foot station is located in the heart of Orlando International Airport’s new 80,000 sq. ft. Terminal C and connects directly to the airport’s parking deck C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces reserved for Brightline guests. An automated people mover connects the terminal to the rest of the airport facilities including Terminal A and B in under five minutes.

Brightline’s Orlando station is designed by Bigtime Design Studios, an architecture firm based out of Miami, Florida, that also designed the newly opened Brightline stations in Boca Raton and Aventura, alongside the architect of record Sonny Fornoles of Borrelli + Partner. The buildout of the station is led by Orlando-based contractor Gomez Construction Co., a minority owned business whose headquarters are based in Orlando, Florida, and employs more than 100 workers on this project.

Fabel Rooftop Restaurant Opens At Robert Rivani's Wynwood Jungle

Fabel Miami, a new open-air rooftop restaurant and lounge by owner Matthew Rosenberg and his award-winning architecture firm, M-Rad, is now open at Wynwood Jungle, the experiential dining and retail destination transformed by Black Lion’s Robert Rivani, which is now 100% occupied. The immersive restaurant, named to provide guests a place to create their own enchanted fairytale, is set to redefine the hospitality industry.

“Fabel is the pinnacle and final piece of our vision to transform Wynwood Jungle into the hottest immersive destination in the area,” said Robert Rivani, president of Black Lion. “The vibe is magical and we are proud to have brought in world-class brands and experiences to the area.”

The 254-seat venue is set across 10,000 square feet of a secured open-air, covered rooftop. From custom handmade furniture, lighting, and plateware, to a custom fragrance made to remind us of our childhood, Fabel is a designer's dream through and through. The details extend to the custom uniforms designed in partnership with Caravana - the Tulum-based fashion house found at Scorpios in Mykonos, St. Tropez, Ibiza, Tulum, and Bodrum. Covered patio seating and three levels of terrace seating surround the central DJ booth with private cabanas framing the venue. The restaurant will also include a 22-seat travertine stone U-bar and stepped seating around the DJ booth. Fabel will blend high-energy dining with the sophistication of high-touch service to create the ideal evening destination.

"We are thrilled to be launching Fabel in Miami and in the heart of one of the most progressive neighborhoods in the country," said Matthew Rosenberg, owner of Fabel Miami and Principal of M-Rad. "Fabel is a destination where we encourage our guests to experience world-class service and cuisine, while simultaneously exploring all five senses across every touchpoint of the restaurant."

The Mediterranean-rooted menu takes cues from the team's travels around the globe while Executive Chef Ian Fleischmann presents the dishes in a provocative and engaging way. Guests will indulge in signature dips of Fabel Hummus, Muhammara, and Aroa’s Labneh with Aleppo Chili Crisp. Shared plates like the 45-Day Dry Aged Porterhouse with Adjika and Iranian Oregano, Whole Roasted Heritage Chicken with Taouk Spice, and Salt Crusted Dorade with Kaffir Lime and Lemongrass seduce guests to interact both with the dishes and each other. While the night is sure to keep going after dessert, it’s a must to conclude the dining portion of the evening, The Guanaja Chocolate Custard brings together saffron, olive oil, and vanilla crème fraiche in a way that keeps you digging for more while the Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie melts in your mouth - make sure you pair it with Fabel’s own Ras el Hanout Ice cream! The anticipated restaurant will also include a top-tier beverage and wine program curated by Master Sommelier, Christopher Miller, boasting some of the rarest and most premium wines and unique twists on the most classic spirits.

Black Lion’s Robert Rivani acquired Wynwood Jungle in 2021 and has invested millions of dollars to breathe new life into the property with improvements including artificial florals, a brand new roofdeck and imaginative artwork on the façade, to transform the once struggling center into one of the most iconic and unique immersive retail and dining experiences in South Florida, with tenants including The Salty Donut, Osme, OhRaw, 3 Social, Edite Mode, and a soon to be announced 7,000-square-foot Restaurant and Bar.

Fabel Miami will open for dinner service Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. and going until the last dance ends. Fabel is located on the second floor of Wynwood Jungle at 50 NW 24 St., Miami, FL 33127.

Images via Fabel Miami

New York-Based Hospitality Concepts Add a New Level of Sophistication to Wynwood’s Culinary Scene

As the Wynwood Arts District continues to evolve into a vibrant enclave marked by world-class restaurants, stylish cocktail bars and eclectic cafes, some of the most notable names in New York City hospitality are now making a play for the neighborhood.

Offering a diverse mix of dining options, designer boutiques and a thriving arts scene, including more than 70 art galleries, Wynwood inspired many Silicon Valley companies such as Founders Fund and Atomic to relocate in recent years. New restaurant and hospitality concepts — several with New York origins — soon followed, adding to Wynwood’s dining and nightlife.

“Wynwood is swiftly becoming the SoHo of South Florida,” said Nick Pérez, Senior Vice President for Related Group, the developer behind the forthcoming NoMad Residences Wynwood and the single most active developer in the neighborhood. “The culinary transformation is pretty incredible, especially when you consider that seven of the restaurants listed in Miami’s Michelin guide are located in Wynwood, alongside many five-star restaurants. The impact that’s having on the neighborhood’s appeal cannot be understated.”

Among the many world-class culinary offerings now calling Wynwood home is Pastis, which will open its doors at New York-based developer Tricap’s 380 Northwest 26th Street in 2023. Driven by two James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs, Keith McNally and Stephen Starr, the Wynwood restaurant signifies Pastis’ first South Florida location, and will feature the classic bistro fare for which the Manhattan institution is known.

Other New York transplants include the Brooklyn import, Freehold, a unique hospitality concept that offers a hotel-like experience without hotel rooms. Encompassing more than 10,000 square feet, Freehold Miami includes a cafe, two bars, a coffee shop and ample co-working space. Wynwood residents can now also snag a slice of New York-style pizza, thanks to the arrival of Shelter, a popular Brooklyn shop, along with iconic eateries Joe’s Pizza and Prince Street Pizza.

The most highly anticipated New York arrival is the NoMad Residences Wynwood, the first hospitality-infused residential concept from global hospitality icon, NoMad Hotels. Developed by Related Group in partnership with Tricap and co-created with the acclaimed hospitality firm Sydell Group, NoMad Residences Wynwood will soon set the standard for the area’s food and beverage experiences.

“Similar to how NoMad New York is credited for transforming Manhattan’s North of Madison enclave into one of the city’s most in-demand neighborhoods, we feel strongly that the NoMad Residences Wynwood will contribute to Wynwood’s explosive growth, leading it to become a top destination within Miami,” said Pérez.

At the heart of this promise is the property’s best-in-class food and beverage offerings, which will be open to the public and include a signature rooftop restaurant and mixology bar concept, The NoMad Bar. The restaurant will be helmed by James Beard Award Winner Leo Robitschek, Vice President, Food & Beverage at Sydell Group and the former Bar Director for New York City’s three-Michelin Star restaurant Eleven Madison Park. On NoMad Wynwood’s ground floor, residents and the community can enjoy a Casa Tua Cucina, an expansive open-kitchen concept offering simple, yet expertly crafted Italian and Mediterranean fare. 

The popularity of the NoMad brand has directly translated into robust sales activity at NoMad Residences Wynwood. Related reports having signed contracts on more than 50% of the building’s condominium homes, including a unit at roughly $2,000 per square foot, which shattered neighborhood price records.

“We know that buyers appreciate the luxury and exclusivity that comes with living in a hotel-branded residential property, especially one that is associated with an established flag such as NoMad,” adds Pérez. “We are confident that the NoMad Residences Wynwood will exceed their expectations for a hospitality-centric living experience.”

Designed in collaboration with globally-renowned partners DesignAgency and Arquitectonica, the nine-story building offers 329 turnkey homes. Layouts range from studios to two bedrooms, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. All units will come fully furnished, with packages thoughtfully curated by DesignAgency. 

Uniquely developed with no rental restrictions, buyers will have the option to rent their homes to guests for any period of time. A skilled in-house property management team will efficiently manage check-in and check-out processes. 

Adding to the hospitality-focused experience, residents and their guests can take advantage of a full-suite of resort-style amenities, including an expansive rooftop lounge with panoramic views of downtown Miami, a fully serviced pool and sun deck, private cabanas, and a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor fitness lounge. 

Additional on-site highlights include a card room and private dining room. For art enthusiasts, many of the walls throughout the building will feature museum-quality works from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection, with sections of the building commissioned to artists in ode to Wynwood.

Pricing for NoMad Wynwood’s available units begins at $600,000. For more information or to arrange a private tour of the sales gallery, please visit nomadwynwood.com or call (786) 437-3355.

Limestone Asset Management and Orion Real Estate Acquire Pinecrest Retail Center For $70.5 Million

Miami-based Limestone Asset Management, via a joint venture with Orion Real Estate Group, has acquired Colonial Palms Plaza, a retail center located in the Pinecrest area at 13601–13621 S Dixie Highway, Miami, FL, 33176, for $70.5 million on Dec. 23, 2022. Eric Williams of JLL represented the seller, MetLife Investment Management. Goldman Sachs is providing financing for the purchase.

The 188,389-square-foot property encompasses seven buildings and 29 tenants, including Marshalls, HomeGoods, PetSmart, Old Navy, Party City, Five Below, Visionworks, CycleBar, Panera Bread, Miller’s Ale House, and more.

“With the purchase of Colonial Palms Plaza, we are pleased to continue expanding our holdings in the upscale area of Pinecrest,” said Ibrahim Al-Rashid, chairman of Limestone Asset Management. “This purchase confirms our commitment to the South Dixie corridor.”

Kevin Sanz, president of Orion Real Estate Group, led the buyer group, Orion Colonial Plaza LLC. “Colonial Palms Plaza is located in a strong submarket with incredibly high barriers to entry,” Sanz said. “This was an amazing execution by our team, and we are excited to acquire this high-performing center with a superior national tenant roster.”

In March 2021, Limestone and Orion closed on Pinecrest Town Center, approximately one mile away from Colonial Palms Plaza for $32 million. Located at 12651 South Dixie Highway, Pinecrest, FL 33156, Pinecrest Town Center is a mixed-use retail and office property. In September 2022, Limestone began a $4 million renovation of the property, with a slated completion date of Q2 2023.

Pinecrest is a suburban village in Miami-Dade County, located south of downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. It is one of Florida’s most affluent neighborhoods. More than 101,670 residents, with an average household income of $149,442, reside within a 3-mile radius of the property. The average home listing price for Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay is $1 million+. With a high quality of life and vast acre lots, major business executives and professional athletes have long been attracted to Pinecrest with many new Florida residents flocking to the area since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Miami Heat Star Tyler Herro Buys Pinecrest Mansion For Record $10.5 Million

Miami Heat star Tyler Herro has purchased the most expensive home on record in Pinecrest for $10.5 million. Located at 12900 SW 63rd Avenue, the transaction closed on December 28th and represents the highest price achieved to date in Pinecrest according to MLS data. Only eight other properties in Pinecrest have sold for $8 million or above.

Josie Wang of Brown Harris Stevens Miami was the exclusive listing agent representing the sellers in this transaction. In October, 2021 Josie represented both the buyer and seller on this same property which closed for $5.3 Million while the home was still under construction. After the closing, the Buyer spared no expense to further create one of the most extraordinary homes ever built in Pinecrest.

Recognized as the true gem of Pinecrest, the single-family home was built in 2021 and spans 9,505 interior square feet. It features 8 bedrooms, 8.5 bathrooms. The resort style masterpiece blends modern design, extraordinary craftsmanship and blends modern design with Balinese inspired architecture. The property’s natural marble, stone and wood were sourced from around the world, including rare materials from Brazil and Italy. Floor to ceiling glass windows throughout bring the outdoors in, showcasing hundreds of thousands of dollars of opulent, lush tropical landscaping. Along with a huge primary suite, the new owner will enjoy a wine cellar, media room and summer kitchen.

“Pinecrest is an incredibly desirable destination for luxury home buyers and this home is truly the area’s crown jewel. The location offers proximity to Miami’s finest attractions, including marinas, top schools, dining, shopping and parks. The home is unrivaled in its design, craftsmanship and custom, top of the line finishes from lighting to millwork.” Said Josie Wang, Brown Harris Stevens Miami.

Images via Josie Wang, Brown Harris Stevens Miami

Bahamian Casino Mogul Sells DOMO-Designed Venetian Islands Mansion Developed by Todd Michael Glaser For $28 Million

A Bahamian casino mogul has sold his home at 830 W Dilido on the Venetian Islands which was originally developed by Todd Michael Glaser for $28.212 Million. Per public record, the seller is Diamond Seafront Group LLC, managed by Sebastian Bastian, CEO of Bahamian casino company Island Luck. The buyer purchased under a trust and is unknown. Chad Carroll, Eli Faitelson and Korina Evaniuk with The Carroll Group represented the seller’s in the off-market deal, while Jaime Blatt with Inside Network brought the buyer.

Developed by Todd Michael Glaser, the 3-story new construction home completed in 2021 by renowned DOMO Architecture & Design features 5 beds with 5 baths and 2 half baths on a 13,408 square-foot property overlooking the water. Features of the 12,351 square-foot estate include floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, a custom marble bar, movie theatre, fire pit, summer kitchen, 10-foot infinity-edge pool, and unobstructed views overlooking the Miami skyline.

Images Daniel Petroni

PROFILE Guide: A Beginner's Guide To 1031 Exchanges

"In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes," as the famous quote by Benjamin Franklin goes. But what if we told you that there's a way to potentially defer paying those pesky capital gains taxes on the sale of an investment or business property? Enter the 1031 exchange, also known as a like-kind exchange or a Starker exchange.

So, what exactly is a 1031 exchange and how does it work? Simply put, it's a tax-deferred exchange of investment or business property that allows you to sell a property, reinvest the proceeds in a new property, and defer paying capital gains taxes on the transaction. This means that you can potentially save a significant amount of money on your investments.

To qualify for a 1031 exchange, the properties being exchanged must be of "like-kind," meaning they must be similar in nature or character, even if they are not exactly the same. For example, a rental property could be exchanged for a commercial property, or a vacation home could be exchanged for an investment property.

There are a few important rules to keep in mind when conducting a 1031 exchange:

1. The exchange must be made for business or investment purposes, not for personal use.

2. Both the original property and the new property must be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment.

3. The properties being exchanged must be of "like-kind," as described above.

4. The exchange must be completed within specific time limits. The investor must identify the new property within 45 days of the sale of the original property, and the exchange must be completed within 180 days of the sale of the original property.

5. The exchange must be conducted through a qualified intermediary, a third party who holds the proceeds from the sale of the original property until they are reinvested in the new property.

6. The investor must not receive any cash or other personal benefits from the exchange.

So, if you're looking to potentially save money on your investments and reduce the impact of taxes, a 1031 exchange may be worth considering. You can partner with a real estate broker to help you navigate the acquisition and disposition of assets: Just be sure to carefully review the rules and requirements and seek the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax lawyer or CPA, before proceeding.

Global Investment Management Firm Pretium Signs Lease At Eighteen Sunset In Miami Beach's Sunset Harbour

Specialized investment management firm Pretium plans to open an office at Deco Capital Group’s Eighteen Sunset, a Class A office building being constructed at 1769 Purdy Avenue in Miami Beach. Pretium has leased 11,591 square feet on the fourth floor of the project, which together with other completed leases represents approximately 80% of all available office space at Eighteen Sunset. About 9,500 square feet in the building is still available. The project is currently rising after securing a $60 million construction loan last year.

“Miami Beach is excited to welcome Pretium to our community where our business assistance programs and incentives ease the ability of doing business, and our culture and lifestyle benefit business leaders, create jobs, and attract and retain talent,” shared Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.

With more than 4,500 employees, Pretium has over $50 billion in assets under management across U.S. residential real estate, residential credit and corporate credit. Pretium’s Miami Beach office will span more than half of the fourth floor in the five-story building. The company will join a multibillion-dollar, publicly traded Toronto firm that signed a 20,000 square foot lease earlier this year. On the ground floor, Uchiko, a restaurant concept by award-winning Hai Hospitality group, will occupy approximately 6,000 square feet of space. Stephen Rutchik, executive managing director of Colliers International Florida, and Neil King, vice chairman of CBRE New York, represented Deco Capital Group in the transaction, and Daniel Posy, executive managing director of JLL New York, represented Pretium.

“Pretium is excited to be expanding its office presence to Miami, a region with a growing financial services community,” said Laura Cappiello, Pretium’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “Having an office in Miami will enable Pretium to attract and retain premium talent and broaden the pool of diverse candidates we seek to recruit.”

“Miami Beach has seen a significant increase in inbound investment, and the most fundamental change to the city’s economy has been the drive to develop Class A, best-in-class office space capable of accommodating the needs of preeminent global companies,” said Bradley Colmer, founder of Deco Capital Group. “Pretium operates from exemplary offices in international financial hubs and is proud to be one of the trailblazing companies relocating or expanding and establishing a more substantial presence in South Florida. Pretium is drawn to Eighteen Sunset for its quality design, prime waterfront location in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood and market-leading amenities and views.”

The City of Miami Beach has assisted a number of technology and financial services companies in expanding or relocating their operations after launching meaningful business incentive programs and business concierge services in 2021. Pretium participated in the city’s Expedited Plan Review and Permitting Program which offers an accelerated permitting review process of 10 business days. The city’s Job Creation Incentive Program offers an incentive of up to $60,000 per year for up to four years for businesses in targeted industries that create or relocate a minimum of 10 new, full-time jobs with average annual wages that meet or exceed 125% of Miami-Dade County or Florida average wages.

“It is really encouraging to see great companies, like Pretium and others, take advantage of Miami Beach’s programs and services,” affirmed Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak. “These programs were created to diversify the Miami Beach economy for the benefit of the entire community.”

Renderings via Eighteen Sunset

Beyonce, Elton John and Guns N' Roses Former Manager Lists Penthouse Atop Brickell's Exclusive Santa Maria Bayfront Condo Tower For $15 Million

A rare two-story penthouse in Brickell’s exclusive Santa Maria condominium tower with stunning views of Miami's crystal blue waters and city skyline just hit the market for $15 million. The unit is owned by Merck Mercuriadis, the former manager of Elton John, Beyonce, & Guns N’ Roses, and owner of Hipgnosis, the music catalog that partnered with Blackstone Group.

Coming in at six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the 10,000-square foot property’s milk and honey lies in the private rooftop pool and expansive outdoor terrace space. Entertaining is top of mind with a grand living room and family room. The contemporary kitchen features a walk-in pantry and separate butler's pantry. In addition, find a wine cellar, a massive bedroom with a huge walk-in closet, a study, private foyer entry, formal dining room and more.

Building amenities include a private marina, lighted tennis court, waterfront clubhouse, lap pool and hot tub, and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Santa Maria PH 4902 is listed for $15 million by Liz Hogan with Compass.

Images via 1Oak Studios / Liz Hogan

Pinecrest Spec Home Sells For Record $10.25 Million

A spec home in Pinecrest has just sold for a record $10.25 million which is the priciest sale ever in Pinecrest. The newly constructed home is located at 6155 SW 106th Street and spans 9,886 SF spread over 7 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms on a 1.06 acre lot. Angel Nicolas and Jose Nicolas with Compass represented the buyer, while Jo-Ann Forster with Compass represented the seller.

The home features walls of glass to take in 360 views of tranquil water elements, sunlight, and foliage. The estate also features smart home technology, high end finishes, home theater, elevator, large den, two driveways and a 1, 300 SF primary suite with sitting area, spa-like bathroom and walk-in closet with laundry. Folding glass doors provide seamless indoor/ outdoor living, opening to a 75' tiled pool and jacuzzi, summer kitchen with electric screens, and cabana with dramatic marble slabs and full bath.