Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami Reveals $50 Million Penthouse

National development and investment firm PMG, along with partners Canadian private equity firm Greybrook, global investment company Mohari Hospitality, S2 Development and global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT), have revealed the Penthouse at Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami. The $50 million full-floor penthouse is situated high above the clouds within the architectural marvel’s ninth cube, placing residents at the top of the tallest residential building south of New York City. The Penthouse encompasses 13,119 square feet of customizable living space adorned with a private gym, theatre, wine room, library, spa, pool and enclosed balconies which will deliver 360-degree views of Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, and the Atlantic Ocean. PMG Residential holds the exclusive listing for the residence.

“The Penthouse at Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami is the city’s most unique penthouse offering, setting the bar for sky-high luxury living with its contemporary design and sweeping views. The magnificent residence within Miami’s first Waldorf Astoria grants owners the ability to create a custom home to fit each and every need. Beyond their personal residence, owners will have access to five-star concierge services and a superb suite of private residential amenities within the tower, which will be a landmark structure shaping Miami’s skyline,” said Ryan Shear, Managing Partner at PMG.

Envisioned by award-winning interior design firm BAMO, concept renderings for the open-layout residence feature 6 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and an immense level of privacy at the top of Miami’s first Waldorf Astoria property. Owners have the option to curate entertainment spaces across multiple sitting and dining rooms. Additional features include a modern kitchen with sleek, bespoke finishes; an expansive primary suite with premium walk-in closets; custom Italian vanities with marble finishes within each bathroom; and the ability to create spaces such as a personal gym. Smart home technology within the home provides the ability for seamless personalization and convenience.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami is an architecturally awe-inspiring tower that features nine spiraling, offset glass cubes designed to be evenly stacked and wrapped in what can be referred to as a “glass skin,” distinguishing the property’s architecture from anything else on the East Coast. With concept design led by Sieger Suarez Architects, in collaboration with renowned architect Carlos Ott, the 1,049 foot tower will consist of 360 private residences in addition to 205 guestrooms and suites within the luxury hotel, which will be in the first three cubes of the tower along with the hotel’s signature spaces and private amenities.

Hotel guests and residents will have access to the Waldorf Astoria brand’s world-famous Peacock Alley; a specialty restaurant; indoor/outdoor pre-function and function event spaces; meetings and boardrooms; a resort-style pool deck with private cabanas; and a holistic wellness spa and fitness center. Private residential amenities will include an owners-only lobby and lounge; hospitality suite for chef’s tastings and intimate soirees; billiard room; kid’s club; and elevated pool deck. Each residence will include the latest smart-home technology with custom mobile app access to concierge services. The app will feature a full menu of available offerings, including dining reservations, 24/7 room service, spa, and fitness treatments, house car reservations, access to valet service, package delivery, and dog walking services. Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami will be managed by Hilton Management Services, providing residents and guests alike a truly refined haven through the brand’s relentless commitment to personalized service and best-in-class experiences.

Renderings via Arx Creative

Major Food Group and Boucher Brothers Win Bid To Take Over '1 Ocean Drive' In Miami Beach

Last Wednesday, 9/27, in a monumental decision that signals a thrilling, better future for Miami Beach and its residents, the local government named Boucher Brothers and Major Food Group the new stewards of one of the most stunning and historic beachfront properties on the globe, 1 Ocean Drive. Their vision for the address, designed by Kobi Karp, will come to life in 2026 at the site that has been operated as Nikki Beach since 1985.

MFG and Boucher Brothers will bring a concept combining leisure, cuisine, retail, and culture, all in one place where you will want to, and be able to, spend your entire day. Among the features of the Kobi Karp-reimagined Pier Park development will be 3 chef-driven food and beverage concepts by MFG designed to cater to a variety of contexts, tastes, generations, and price points; An idyllic overhaul of the marquee beach amenities, including the addition of a gorgeous new pool; a transformation of the entire property into a lush, sustainable wonderland, spearheaded by acclaimed landscape architect Raymond Jungles, Inc.; a state-of-the-art health and wellness center; and a retail pavilion that evokes the effortless elegance of Europe’s most storied isles and beach clubs, featuring a collection of legendary local and international fashion brands, artisanal food shops, and art galleries unlike anywhere else in Miami. The concept includes zero nightclubs where noise has been a point of contention in the ritzy South of Fifth neighborhood.

The restaurant components will include a Mediterranean concept that is poised to set a new standard for the cuisine in America; a Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar of the very highest order; and an outpost of MFG’s all-day dining institution Sadelle’s, located right on the boardwalk.

An idyllic overhaul of the marquee beach amenities, including the addition of a gorgeous new pool. Delivering the same level of decor and service as the most acclaimed hotels on the planet, the new pool and reimagined beach amenities will reflect and promote the location’s illustrious, colorful history.

Boucher Brothers has 34-year track record of providing pool-and-beachside services to city dwellers and vacationers with their chair and service outposts located directly on the beach. Their managerial expertise and unmatched familiarity with the landscape will be combined with Major Food Group’s widely documented, industry-leading talent for buildings universally celebrated social spaces that stand the test of time in cities around the globe.

Founded by Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi, MFG has made a substantial commitment to South Florida over the last three years, moving their headquarters to the area and building an array of businesses that have enriched several neighborhoods and created more than 700 jobs to date. It all began mere blocks from 1 Ocean Drive at CARBONE Miami.

“Today we received the honor of a lifetime: the chance to build a beachside paradise the likes of which has never been seen before—anywhere. From this second on, we will devote ourselves fully and completely to giving the best city in the world the best, most dynamic, and most enjoyable center for cuisine, culture, leisure, art, wellness, and so much more. I can’t wait for all the memories we will make at this historic destination, and I speak for all of us at MFG and Boucher Brothers when I say that I deeply look forward to serving the residents of Miami Beach, and welcoming them to the public benefit they have deserved for so long. I know where I’ll be spending most of my free time once 2026 comes around.” said Jeff Zalaznick, Co-Founder Major Food Group

“For a company that has built their lives, businesses, and families in Miami Beach, there is no greater honor than being granted the opportunity to write the next chapter of the city’s historic beachfront crown jewel: Pier Park. Together with the visionary, peerless Major Food Group, who share our steadfast devotion to this great city, we look forward to creating a dynamic, multi-generational destination that serves its community first and foremost—one so compelling that it also attracts the world. We thank the public servants in the city government for their careful consideration, and we pledge to the people of Miami Beach that we will rise to this occasion and act as the stewards this stunning address deserves” said Boucher Brothers.

Emerging Leaders: The Next Generation of Real Estate Presented by the Miami Herbert Business School Accelerated MBA in Real Estate

PROFILEmiami and the University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School’s Accelerated MBA in Real Estate are pleased to present “Emerging Leaders: The Next Generation of Real Estate”, featuring an immersive panel event exploring the different stages of a career in the real estate industry and what it takes to get there. Miami is one of the hotbeds of commercial and residential real estate development and investment, making a career in Miami’s ritzy real estate industry a coveted position to hold. PROFILEmiami has teamed up with Miami Herbert Business School’s Accelerated MBA in Real Estate program to explore the next generation in real estate, working and hiring in the Miami market, recruiting, education and how some of Miami’s biggest real estate players got to where they are today.

The evening will be held at The Village of Coral Gables Sales Gallery in Coral Gables, showcasing their new luxury condominium and townhome project now under development in Downtown Coral Gables.

The relaxed and open setting provides an opportunity for attendees to learn about how to advance their career in real estate, educational opportunities and recruiting in Miami’s commercial and residential real estate industries. The sales gallery provides an intimate yet luxurious setting to enjoy cocktails and bites while networking with some of South Florida’s preeminent and emerging real estate leaders. The engaging panel will feature keynote speakers Jakub Hejl, the Founder & CEO of Westside Capital; Diego Torrealba, a current student in Miami Herbert Business School’s Accelerated MBA in Real Estate program and a Senior Vice President at MG Developer; Marc Chasin, a Vice President at Eden Multifamily; moderated by Demetri Demascus of PROFILEmiami.

About the University of Miami Accelerated MBA in Real Estate Program

Named one of the world’s best MBA programs, the Accelerated Real Estate MBA combines the expertise of Miami Herbert Business School with the School of Architecture, a leader in new urbansim. In the program students learn from global real estate leaders, strengthen their business foundation with a real estate focus, and have the opportunity for up to two paid internships with firms, such as Brookfield, Fortune International, Mast Capital, Nuveen, Related Group, The Kislak Company, and more.

Miami, and South Florida in general, is a growing hub for commercial and residential real estate. As such, Miami Herbert Business School attracts local, national, and international industry experts through the annual University of Miami Real Estate Impact Conference. The school also hosts the annual Impact Investing in Commercial Real Estate Competition, showcasing innovators and trendsetters who are shaping the future of real estate. Both the conference and the competition give you exclusive access to extensive networking opportunities.

Who Should Attend: Prospective MBA candidates, Recruiters, Employers, Developers, Investors, Brokers, Lenders, Architects, Lawyers, Designers, Wealth Managers, Financial Planners, CPAs and other Business Professionals.

Date: October 26, 2023 | 6 PM - 8 PM

Where: The Village at Coral Gables Sales Gallery, 2990 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables

Panelists:

• Manuel de Zárraga, Executive Managing Director, Executive Committee Council Member, JLL Capital Markets, Americas

• Jakub Hejl, Founder & CEO, Westside Capital

• Diego Torrealba, Vice President, MG Developer & University of Miami

• Marc Chasin, Vice President, Eden Multifamily

• Moderator: Demetri Demascus, Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami

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George Merrick's 8th Village Comes to Life as MG Developer Breaks Ground on 'The Village at Coral Gables'

MG Developer, led by Alirio Torrealba, announces the successful groundbreaking ceremony and Harvest Festival for The Village at Coral Gables, the highly anticipated residential development that pays tribute to the aesthetic beauty and lifestyle of Seville, Spain, and continues the legacy of the dreamer and founder of Coral Gables, George Merrick, and his vision for “The City Beautiful.”

The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place on Saturday, September 16 at 504 Malaga Avenue, marked the official commencement of construction for this remarkable enclave. The event was graced by more than 600 esteemed guests, including Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago, President of Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Mark Trowbridge, the project's exclusive sales partner: Founder and CEO of One Sotheby’s International Realty, Mayi de la Vega and President Daniel de la Vega, residents, and neighboring residents and buyers.

“I’m beyond words today. I feel truly proud to be able to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Village at Coral Gables with all of you and share in this auspicious occasion,” said Alirio Torrealba, CEO and Founder of MG Developer. “It’s been a true labor of love for me, and for everyone at MG Developer, my family, our partners, our investors, the entire community. They have all entrusted us to build a beautiful enclave that is part of the vision George Merrick had when he founded Coral Gables in 1925 and that is exactly what we are doing now.”

Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago added, “The Village at Coral Gables is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of our city. George Merrick’s vision for ‘The City Beautiful’ lives on in this exceptional project. I am immensely proud of Alirio for his dedication in bringing his vision to life, creating a lasting legacy that will enhance the fabric of Coral Gables for generations to come.”

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, attendees were treated to an unforgettable experience at the aptly named “The Village Harvest Festival.” The event held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., brought together families and residents from the community to celebrate the Fall Season and the arrival of The Village at Coral Gables. The festival featured a farmer’s market with local artisan vendors and fun carnival activities including face painting, bounce houses and more.

The Village at Coral Gables will be set throughout 17 lots, bordered by Malaga Avenue, Santander Avenue, Segovia Street, and Hernando Street. The townhomes, lofts, villas, and flats will vary in style and size, from the sophisticated flats of two bedrooms with a study room and a balcony to the charming four-bedroom townhomes that range from 1,750 square feet to 3,100 square feet. Inspired by Merrick’s seven villages, The Village at Coral Gables will be built in a Mediterranean Revival-Style Architecture, designed by De La Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists, and integrate gardens, courtyards, and fountains inspired by the alcoves in the Plaza de España.

Residents will enjoy an array of recreational amenities, including a wellness clubhouse, indoor and outdoor terrace lounge, fitness wing, plunge pool, library, conference center, and high-speed Wi-Fi – redefining modern living in historic Coral Gables. The Village at Coral Gables is situated within walking distance of Downtown Coral Gables, golf courses, the Lowe’s Hotel, Biltmore Hotel, cultural attractions, and renowned dining venues, offering residents the best of South Florida living.

With its captivating design, luxurious amenities, and prime location, The Village at Coral Gables is poised to become the most sought-after living destination in South Florida, seamlessly blending the past with the present.

Inside PROFILEconnect: State of the Market Miami 2023 Presented by The Lighting Studio

On September 21 PROFILEmiami hosted the sold-out ‘PROFILEconnect: State of the Market Miami 2023 Presented by The Lighting Studio’ at Eclectic Elements Miami showroom in Wynwood featuring some of the biggest names in the Miami real estate industry. Attendees came out in record numbers to hear from Fortune International’s Edgardo Defortuna, Gil Dezer, Douglas Elliman’s Jay Phillip Parker, Kobi Karp, ONEsir’s Daniel de la Vega, Ronny Finvarb, Royal Palm Companies’ Dan Kodsi, and others as they discussed current and future state of Miami’s commercial and residential real estate markets. The evening featured two engaging panels matched with a trendy evening soirée of bespoke networking and cocktails.

Guests were immersed in a high-energy atmosphere, which featured cocktails by E11EVEN Vodka, live art installations, sounds by Miami-based DJ DAKAP and a chance to explore the newly revealed Rolls Royce Spectre, the first fully electric Rolls Royce which was on display by Braman Rolls Royce. The evening was highlighted by two engaging panels exploring the ‘Residential State of the Market’ & ‘CRE State of the Market’. The evening was hosted by Demetri Demascus and Katya Demina of PROFILEmiami; Monica Suleski of Eclectic Elements and Sexy Bedding; and Gustavo Tello and Vivian Sanchez of The Lighting Studio.

PROFILEconnect brings together Miami’s real estate industry and business professionals to network and connect outside of a business setting. PROFILEconnect is attended by Miami’s top investors, developers, business professionals, brokers, financiers, architects and designers. Guests have the opportunity to network and share their experiences in South Florida through thoughtful discourse, while forging new relationships with industry leaders.

Thank you to our sponsors:

The Residential Panel

The ‘Residential State of the Market’ Panel explored pricing and availability across South Florida, luxury real markets, new developments, where are the buyers coming from, factors impacting pricing and demand, mortgages, how new technology is impacting real estate and future market outlook. Panelists include Edgardo Defortuna of Fortune International Group, the developer of St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach; Gil Dezer, the developer behind Bentley Residences Miami and Porsche Design Tower; Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman FL; Daniel de la Vega of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty; Nelson Stabile, Principal of Integra Investments and co-developer of St. Regis Residences, Miami; moderated by Simon Mass of The Condo Store.

Watch the full panel on YouTube below:

The Commercial Panel

The ‘CRE State of the Market Panel’ offered an immersive discussion exploring current commercial real estate markets, which asset classes are poised for growth, entertainment & hospitality, capital markets and how are they impacting commercial real estate prices and future market outlooks for multifamily, office, retail, hospitality and industrial real estate. Panelists include hotelier Ronny Finvarb of Finvarb Group, hotel and multifamily developer Dan Kodsi of Royal Palm Companies, multifamily developer Lisette Calderon of Neology Life, financier Scott Wadler of Berkadia, commercial investor and developer Ron Bloomberg of Bloomberg Equities, and legendary architect Kobi Karp.

Watch the full panel on YouTube below:

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Robert Rivani's Black Lion and Mathieu Massa's Massa Investment Group Set To Acquire Former Starwood Capital HQ In Miami Beach For $82 Million

Real estate and hospitality visionaries Robert Rivani, founder and President of Black Lion, in partnership with Mathieu Massa, Founder and CEO of Massa Investment Group, are under contract to acquire one of the most significant office buildings in Miami Beach for $82 million. Serving as the former headquarters of Starwood Capital, the building has been primarily vacant since the company exited in 2022. Black Lion and Massa Investment Group have plans to invest millions to overhaul and breathe new life into the property.

Located in the heart of the South Beach historic district, the property occupies a coveted corner at 1601 Washington Avenue, allowing for ocean-level views of the beach and scenic Miami skyline. Encompassing a sprawling 140,000 square feet, the versatile mixed-use development comprises ground-level retail spaces plus an expansive 499-space parking garage. The 8-story building sits steps away from the iconic Lincoln Road Mall, ensuring effortless access and walkability to a wealth of restaurants, shopping, and hotel options.

“Black Lion has a track record for transforming properties into prime assets by being creative and coloring outside of the lines. Our vision for this space is next level,” said Rivani. “With the migration of companies and wealth from cities like Los Angeles, New York and Chicago to South Florida, there is an undeniable need for elevated, world-class office space. We plan to deliver a one-of-a-kind hospitality office and retail experience that the area has never seen before.”

"Teaming up with Robert Rivani and Black Lion on this groundbreaking Miami Beach acquisition is an exciting step forward in our journey to redefine luxury living and workspaces,” said Mathieu Massa. “This property at 1601 Washington Avenue holds immense potential, and our vision is to transform it into an unparalleled, world-class office and retail destination that South Florida has long been yearning for. We're here to bring innovation, creativity, and a touch of visionary flair to this iconic space."

Jeremy Hakala and Clay Sidner with Newmark brokered the deal. The property is expected to close at the end of the year.

The Allen Morris Company and Black Salmon Unveil $1 Billion Highland Park Miami Project Expanding Miami's Medical District

Miami’s unprecedented growth has transcended major global destinations, sparking increased need and demand for economic drivers, including healthcare, to support the evolving City’s infrastructure. To further solidify the metropolitan’s top position as the second largest health district in the U.S., the partnership of Miami-based national commercial real estate investment firm Black Salmon and The Allen Morris Company, one of the largest diversified real estate firms in the southeast, unveiled plans to develop Highland Park Miami. The $1 billion mixed-use project will span 7 acres and increase the footprint of the Miami Medical District by approximately 10%.

As a highly anticipated project, Highland Park Miami will begin preliminary site clearing later this year. The visionary team behind the multi-phased development has been conceptualizing and planning Highland Park Miami for the past decade, visiting major medical hubs in the United States, including Houston and Rochester’s renowned Mayo Clinic Health District, to glean further understanding of the requirements for such a vast and important project.

“We gratefully thank our partners as we announce Highland Park Miami, one of Miami’s most impactful developments seen in many years. This iconic project will be the heartbeat of the growing global metropolis, elevating its status as a premier health destination by adding state-of-the-art medical offices to support demand and new offerings for healthcare professionals in a strategically designed and thoughtful setting,” said Camilo Lopez, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Black Salmon. “We look forward to job creation, expansion of critical offerings, and uniting an area with more resources for working professionals, patients, and the greater community as we usher in a new era for the local economy.”

Highland Park Miami will rise at the crossroads of health and business. The multi-block, mixed-use development will house medical and related office uses in an urban setting that includes hotels, apartment buildings, supporting retail, food and beverage uses, and green space. The project is master planned and designed by the globally recognized architecture firm Arquitectonica.

“This is a one-of-a-kind project in the health space as it integrates all the familiar uses found in daily urban life with the healthcare component, creating a convivial environment for its users and the surrounding community,” said Bernardo Fort-Brescia, Design Principal at Arquitectonica. “In addition, it sits in a highly visible location on Miami’s most important east-west corridor along I-95 and equally important across from Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Health complex. Its graphically powerful design and the sheer scale will announce the importance of this new neighborhood.”

Abutting the Medical District, Highland Park Miami’s transformation from an underutilized area into a walkable, beautifully landscaped lifestyle community that promotes health and wellness was artfully constructed by Naturalficial, a Miami-based landscape architecture and design practice. It will feature 1,000 residential units crafted by Oppenheim Architecture, a 150-room hotel keys, and 500,000 square feet of medical-related office space weaving through open walkways and greenery to emphasize connectivity as a design cornerstone.

“With Highland Park, we’re creating a new center of gravity for the Medical District, with curated wellness-oriented retail and restaurants, world-class architecture, and best-in-class medical office and residential offerings. The project will create a destination for the thousands of patients and employees at Jackson Memorial Hospital, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the Miami VA Healthcare System, as well as the larger Medical District ecosystem,” said W. A. Spencer Morris, President of Allen Morris Company. “We are proud to be part of this transformational project, which will further establish Miami as one of the most important medical hubs.”

Highland Park Miami will be located at 800 NW 14th Street, between the booming Miami River and the key east-west transit artery Florida State Road 836, which leads directly to the international airport and nearly every major destination in the City’s core. It will also draw substantial density as a transit-oriented development (TOD), just 400 feet from a Metrorail station.

Renderings via Arquitectonica

FIRST ON PROFILE: DAMAC International Submits Revised Sanitation and Service Bay Access Plans For Proposed Surfside Project

DAMAC International, a Dubai-based luxury property developer who purchased the 1.8-acre site at 8777 Collins Avenue in Surfside with plans for an iconic Zaha Hadid Architects-designed 12-story tower, has addressed the concerns of some members of the Champlain Towers memorial committee regarding refuse collection and the building’s service access bay along 88th Street. DAMAC International, led by Hussain Sajwani, has now resubmitted amended plans in accordance with the Town’s new policy.

At the recent Planning & Zoning meeting on August 31st, officials announced new town guidelines stating that refuse would no longer be collected on private property, but would rather be collected on the roadside. This raised concerns from a few memorial committee members of the proximity of the refuse collection point and the building's service bay access to the planned partial road closure of 88th Street to accommodate the memorial park for the Champlain Towers tragedy.

DAMAC International amended the plans with their architect and has relocated the refuse holding area to the building basement and created a pathway that arrives from the basement to the refuse collection point and avoids the use of 88th Street.

A Town Memorandum dated September 12th stated: “The collection point designated will be at the junction of 88th and Collins, and this location will also be used for sanitation personnel staging during the waste collection of both properties abutting 88th Street. The town designated this area to be of low impact on the quality of the area while optimizing sanitation personnel safety.

Additionally, the area will not have an impact on the proposed memorial park as the footprint is adjacent to an existing driveway. The location was coordinated with the proposed 88th Street closure. The sanitation collection schedule for commercial properties is from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. The expected staging for the proposed development is 5 minutes per pick-up day, which is scheduled differently for every property depending on the customer’s needs.”

As part of this review, DAMAC International has also been able to reposition the building’s service access bay further west by 15 feet resulting in more open spaces along 88th Street for the memorial park.

“The change in the Town’s policy allowed us the opportunity to enhance the open spaces available for the memorial park and addressed the sensitivity around this topic,’’ said Niall Mc Loughlin, DAMAC International Senior Vice President of Communications. ‘’We appreciate the opportunity to welcome 8777 Collins Avenue into our property family and do our part as a new member of this great community by using our resources to make an impact on the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit there.”

In August DAMAC Properties responded to misconceptions and misinformation following the July 25th Town of Surfside Special Commission Meeting in order to promote an informed dialogue following PROFILEmiami first revealing the Zaha Hadid-designed proposal in June.

DAMAC Properties and DAMAC International have been at the forefront of the Middle East's luxury real estate market since 2002, delivering award-winning residential, commercial and leisure properties across the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, the Maldives, Canada, the United States, as well as the United Kingdom.   

Since then, the company has delivered approximately 46,000 homes. Joining forces with some of the world’s most eminent fashion and lifestyle brands, DAMAC has brought new and exciting living concepts to the market in collaborations that include luxury homes in association with Versace, Cavalli, Just Cavalli, de GRISOGONO, Zuhair Murad, Vincent Faudemer, Paramount Hotels & Resorts, Rotana and Radisson Hotel Group. With a consistent vision and strong momentum, DAMAC Properties is building the next generation of Middle Eastern luxury living.

Renderings via DAMAC International

Brightline Launches Rail Service Connecting Miami to Orlando

Brightline’s passenger rail service between Orlando and Miami has officially commenced with the first train completing the 235 mile journey on September 22, 2023. The first train, Bright Pink, arrived in Orlando at 11:05 a.m. and was greeted by more than 500 elected officials, business leaders, community partners and company leaders from across the state. The celebration put an exclamation point on the boldest private infrastructure project in the nation and marks the revitalization of Henry Flagler’s original vision for the Florida East Coast Railway. A decade in the making, Brightline’s launch is poised to reinvent train travel in America and offers a blueprint to connect city pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive.

The start of service was celebrated at the Brightline Orlando Station with guests who joined Brightline’s Founder Wes Edens, CEO Mike Reininger and President Patrick Goddard. Upon the train's arrival, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer greeted guests on the platform and presented the Key to the City to Edens who was joined by Reininger, Goddard and other Brightline representatives. Officials from the Federal Railroad Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority and more, were present to greet the first train.

Brightline launched operations in South Florida in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened last year. Construction on its 170 mile extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019. The $6 billion project has generated substantial economic benefits in Florida creating 10,000 jobs and approximately $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to the region. Construction teams worked more than seven million hours over the course of four years to complete the project.

Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando and the new route will take between 3 and 3.5 hours depending on South Florida station stops.

Brightline has quickly become known for its guest experience, innovative station design, spacious lounges and comfortable train sets. Designed by The Rockwell Group, and set with Brightline’s signature yellow, the stations are meticulously built through the lens of today’s modern traveler. All stations and trains are packed with amenities including Starlink Wifi, chargers and outlets at every seat, and a selection of food, beverage and cocktails available for purchase for SMART and complimentary for PREMIUM. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of light bites, beverages and cocktails throughout the day at one of Brightline’s signature in-station Mary Mary Bars or pick up last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments at one of the MRKT shopping retail locations.

The new Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health, is located at MCO’s 37,350 square foot Train Station adjacent to its new Terminal C. This is the only intercity passenger rail station of its kind to be located in a U.S. airport and stands three-stories tall, including a 72,000 square feet platform area, making it the company’s largest train station. The Train Station connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces marked for Brightline guests. The Train Station provides direct access to the other airport terminals A and B via the airport Terminal Link (automated people mover) in under five minutes.

MiamiCentral is strategically located on an 11-acre complex in downtown Miami and represents Brightline’s southern flagship terminus. MiamiCentral is a unique live-work-play destination featuring luxury rental residences, commercial offices and dynamic retail and entertainment space. Guest’s looking to connect have a number of options including Brightline+, the Miami Metromover and Metrorail which are both connected to the station.

Brightline trainsets were made in partnership with Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, Calif. The stainless-steel coaches are made with components from more than 160 suppliers across 27 states. They are designed for luxury and comfort, featuring special ergonomic seating, contemporary communication systems and enhanced Wi-Fi. Thanks to wide aisles, wheelchair storage and fully accessible restrooms, the Venture trainset exceeds ADA requirements from end to end.

Brightline’s Orlando extension showcases engineering skill, cutting edge technology and design to create a transportation system that redefines intercity travel.

The Orlando expansion project included 56 bridges, including 18 new bridges, three underpasses, drainage installations, track and signalization installation and 60 track miles of new rail. Over the four years of construction, upgrades and improvements were made to three underpasses and 156 railroad crossings. Engineering of double track under active airport taxiways and tug roads and a new 35-mile rail alignment along the Beachline Expressway/SR 528, were also made.

The expansion to Orlando also included the development of Basecamp, a $100 million state-of-the-art train maintenance facility situated on 62-acres south of Orlando International Airport (MCO). The facility operates 24/7, servicing trains with skilled engineers, conductors, technicians and inspectors.

Brightline’s phase I and II construction along with the launch of service have and will have an indelible impact on the state's economy. Independent studies show the combination of construction and operations will generate more than 10,000 jobs, 2,000 permanent jobs and over $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to the state. The system is expected to have a major impact on Florida’s travel and workforce industries while bringing a sustainable transportation alternative. Environmental benefits are equally impressive and include reduced highway and city congestion and CO2 emissions by an estimated 72,000 metric tons per year. Studies show the system will remove more than three million cars from roadways each year.

In 2022, Brightline launched a concierge service to connect guests to and from stations with Brightline+. The mobility service, powered by the Brightline app, makes planning a trip with Brightline from start to finish seamless through its add-on options available within the booking platform. Ground transportation and mobility options at the Orlando Station will cater to the unique needs of the Orlando visitor with new Brightline+ products including MEARS shuttles, Uber rideshare and car rental options through Avis. Upon booking a Brightline ticket, guests will receive confirmation email and instructions on how to add extras, such as parking, checked baggage, and Brightline+ mobility options available closer to their trip date.

Brightline recently unveiled a new digital experience for guests featuring a redesigned website and native mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. The enhanced guest journey is driven by a cutting-edge backend system, modern and intuitive design, and multiple additional upgraded features. Introduced ahead of expanded service connecting Miami and Orlando, the new digital journey transforms the booking process into a fast, dependable and frictionless system.

Images via Brightline

Finvarb Group's Rudy Ricciotti-Designed Thompson Hotel South Beach Nearing Completion

Construction is nearing completion at Thompson Hotel South Beach which is being developed by Finvarb Group, led by Ronny Finvarb, and Chahine Investment Corp. Glass has been installed at the architectural masterpiece by world-renowned French architect Rudy Ricciotti, its iconic wave design is already making a statement in Miami Beach. The Thompson Hotel South Beach is set to transform the nexus of Washington Ave. and 17th St., with close proximity to the beach, Lincoln Road, The Miami Beach Convention Center and Collins Avenue.

The mixed-use project is being developed on a .7 acre site at 1685 Washington Ave. When complete the building will feature a 150-room hotel which will be branded as a Thompson Hotel by Hyatt, with a rooftop restaurant and pool deck, as well as ground-floor retail. Ortega is the general contractor.

In addition to the Thompson and other projects in different stages, Finvarb Group owns 13 hotels and restaurants in Florida, Texas and Arizona, including the Kimpton Palomar South Beach and Osteria Morini, the Residence Inn by Marriott South Beach, and the Courtyard by Marriott South Beach, which they developed. Finvarb Group also recently acquired the iconic Macy’s South Beach, the Landon Bay Harbor, including The Palm restaurant, and an assemblage in Deerfield Beach, including JB’s on the Beach, among others.

Chahine Investment Corp. is a family office subsidiary managed by Agathe Chahine that focuses its investments on office buildings, luxury hotels with the historic Palacio Ludovice in Lisbon that just opened, private equity, and financial markets.