Newgard Development Group Locks Down $170 Million Construction Loan For LOFTY Brickell Home-Sharing Tower

Newgard Development Group has locked down a $170 million loan from 3650 REIT for its newest residential property, LOFTY Brickell. The closing follows an impressive sales launch, with 80% of the tower’s inventory under contract and groundbreaking set to commence Q4. This is the second loan from 3650 REIT for LOFTY - the first being last fall tied to the land acquisition. Cervera Real Estate is the exclusive sales and marketing for the tower.

“LOFTY is the most elevated offering in short-term rental ownership,” says Developer Harvey Hernandez. “Coupled with its waterfront location and next-level amenities, we’ve assembled a dream team of collaborations with artists and designers for limited-edition experiences and lifestyles for global buyers.”

“3650’s strategy of financing well-located multifamily properties with sophisticated sponsors who employ highly targeted, value-add business plans at unique locations dovetails well with the LOFTY project,” says 3650 REIT Co-Founder and Managing Partner Jonathan Roth. “We believe that the property’s unique business plan to accommodate short-term rental ownership will make it a ‘change winner’ in the post-pandemic South Florida market as more residents seek flexibility and convenience in their living arrangements, and we expect to see sustained long-term demand for these types of units. LOFTY’s prime location adjacent to Brickell City Centre and walkability score of 100 will also provide residents with convenient proximity to best-in-class retail, dining, office and hotel options. It was a pleasure to work with the Newgard team once more, resulting in a smooth transaction despite a difficult market environment. We look forward to working with the Newgard team to execute this exciting opportunity which will transform the Miami skyline.”

LOFTY will deliver fully finished and furnished turn-key residences purposefully designed and licensed to be shared. The 44-story tower features studio, one- and two-bedroom units alongside 40,000 square feet of thoughtfully curated amenities, including a private marina, waterfront dining, members-only social club, resort pool deck and fitness center, indoor/outdoor cigar lounge, coworking lounge and meeting rooms. Interiors are designed by NY-based INC, architecture by Arquitectonica, and landscaping by Urban Robot Associates.

The tower features the first-ever NFT art collective designed for condo owners, integrating digital art into the DNA of the new residential building, while transferring ownership of a custom NFT to each unit owner. In addition to the art collective, which launched with renowned Miami-based artist Carlos Betancourt, a group of branded residences known as LOFTY PH Collection recently unveiled in partnership with Artefacto, a global furnishings brand, and INC, the multi-disciplinary NYC studio responsible for the project’s interiors.

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

Step Inside The DOMO-Designed Casa Eterna On Venetian Islands Which Just Sold For $26.25 Million

Casa Eterna, a tropical modern waterfront located at 45 E Di Lido on Miami’s Venetian Islands, has sold for a record $26.250 million, $4,900 PSF. The seller was represented by Dina Goldentayer with Douglas Elliman. The home was originally built by developer Todd Michael Glaser and was designed by DOMO Architecture + Design.

Casa Eterna has 60 feet of water frontage and sits on a 10,500 SF lot. The home spans 5,353 SF of interior space offering 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Casa Eterna features the finest finishes including French oak floors, elevator, Portuguese limestone entryway and insulated Butt glazed glass reducing UV transmission & heat. Floor-to-ceiling glass offers abundant natural light and captivating eastern panoramic wide bay views. Outside offers a roof deck with a putting green as well as an infinity pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen and a private concrete dock with a double jet ski lift.

Images via Mike Ruiz with LPG

Todd Michael Glaser And Partners Buy Palm Beach Penthouse Atop Tiffany & Co. On Worth Avenue For $15.5 Million

Spec home developer Todd Michael Glaser and his partners have closed on the penthouse on top of the Worth Avenue Tiffany & Co. building in Palm Beach for $15.5 million. The residence was delivered as an unfinished shell and the investors plan to complete the residence and list it at potentially $40 million. The penthouse occupies the buildings second floor and rooftop and spans 13,000+/- SF. The sellers were a JV between Fortress Investment Group, Hyde Retail Partners and Kean Development.

The original design called to offer five bedrooms, seven and a half baths, master suite, maid's quarters, three fireplaces, state of the art technology, elevator and a private rooftop overlooking panoramic views of Worth Ave. The rooftop’s distinctive exterior spa will boast an infinity edge swimming pool, sunbathing areas, putting green, outdoor bar, dining area and fire pit for the ultimate outdoor entertaining space.

The Tiffany & Co. building is located at 259 Worth Avenue and was purchased in late 2018 by the Fortress Investment Group, Hyde Retail Partners and Kean Development Joint Venture for $20 million before selling for $26.4 million in January 2021 to the London-based real estate investment firm Motcomb Estates.

Master Brokers Forum Listing: Step Inside This $25 Million Coconut Grove Waterfront Mediterranean Estate

Master Brokers Forum: Master Brokers Forum member Roberta Ingletto presents this spectacular Mediterranean waterfront home with incredible views of Biscayne Bay, perfectly situated on a quiet street with a gated entrance in Coconut Grove. Features of this six bedroom/five and one-half bathroom home include a chef's kitchen with a marble island, two refrigerators, gas range, top-of-the-line appliances, two large wine storage cabinets, custom millwork throughout the home, a movie theater, a detached two-bedroom guest house, and a three-car garage. The spacious primary bedroom includes a sitting area, private balcony with beautiful bay views, two large walk-in closets, and a spa-like bathroom with an expansive walk-in shower, a separate tub, and double vanities. Outdoor highlights include a brand-new private dock, infinity pool, covered summer kitchen, and 70 feet of water frontage.

1940 South Bayshore Ln. is currently listed for $25,000,000 with Roberta Ingletto of RGI Realty, who can be reached at (305) 778-7343 and/or roberta@rgirealty.com.

The Master Brokers Forum is a local network comprised of South Florida's elite real estate professionals. Learn more at www.MasterBrokersForum.com.

This article was made in partnership with Master Brokers Forum

THE ESTATE COMPANIES GRANTED SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR SOLESTE POMPANO BEACH LUXURY MIXED-USE RENTAL COMMUNITY

The Estate Companies (EIG), a leading developer of luxury multi-family projects throughout South Florida, has obtained site plan approval from the City of Pompano Beach for Soleste Pompano Beach, an eight-story, mixed-use community with 253 luxury apartments and 4,000 square feet of commercial space at 208 N. Federal Highway in Pompano Beach.

“We are extremely excited to bring this project to the City of Pompano Beach and thank the city officials, planning and zoning board, and staff for their confidence and support,” stated Nicholas Diaz-Silveira, senior development associate at The Estate Companies. “This community-oriented development will provide a truly enhanced lifestyle experience for residents through our vast collection of luxurious amenities and social components at an attainable price point.”

Ranging in size from 450 to 1,050 square feet, Soleste Pompano Beach will include studio apartments, one- and two-bedroom units, and live-work units with a combination of residential and business space. A parking garage will include 367 spaces with another 11 parallel parking spaces at the ground level.

The Estate Companies is known for its Soleste Living brand portfolio of luxury multi-family rental developments throughout South Florida, all of which feature health and wellness offerings and social components. Soleste Pompano Beach will include a resort-style pool and amenity deck with fitness center on the sixth floor and public open space with a picnic area.

Soleste Pompano Beach is situated on one of South Florida’s main arteries, U.S. 1, just north of East Atlantic Boulevard, and in close proximity to many local attractions including the beach and a myriad of entertainment and dining options. The project is slated to break ground toward the end of Q3 2022.

The Estate Companies has numerous other projects in various stages of development throughout the tri-county region including Hialeah, Spring Gardens, North Miami Beach, Hollywood, Dania Beach, Riviera Beach, and West Palm Beach.

Italian Developers Capture South Florida

South Florida, the tropical paradise we know and love, can be a challenging business environment for residential developers coming from overseas.

So, it’s great to report on a company with strong European roots that continues to make its mark in the region. Coral Gables-based developers The Calta Group, are market leaders with over $150 million in its development project pipeline spread across South Florida’s most prestigious markets. The Calta Group’s projects are diversified between ultra luxury single-family residential and Class A multifamily properties.

“Post-pandemic South Florida’s appeal has grown immensely, and a new crop of buyers and renters have emerged,” says Gaetano Caltagirone, president and co-Founder of The Calta Group. “We cater to domestic and overseas buyers -- and now renters -- who appreciate functional design, as well as smart and sustainable detail and finishes in their homes,” explains Ignazio Caltagirone, CEO & co-Founder of The Calta Group.

Multilingual globetrotters Gaetano and his brother Ignazio have extensive development experience in one of Italy’s most prominent real estate dynasties, having completed upwards of $1.5 billion in transactions. They bring a refined European sensitivity to building homes that fit harmoniously into the local environment.

Beginning in South Florida in 2010, the family-owned firm has weathered tumultuous real estate cycles while growing their business. They have built an impressive multidisciplinary team, which approaches each project with an exceptional pursuit of excellence. Coming from Italy, the Caltagirone brothers emphasize attention to detail. “We focus on delivering high-level finishes using the best materials and consider everything from lighting placement, to quality doors and kitchen hardware. Incorporating sustainable solutions into our projects is also a given,” says Ignazio Caltagirone.

The Calta Group’s success is reflected in a portfolio of ultra-luxury custom and spec single-family homes in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, South Miami and Pinecrest. They develop highly desirable homes that lead their respective market with record sales.

The company recognizes that single-family buyers, both domestic and new arrivals, appreciate a distinctly Florida vibe that makes their year-round residences feel like a vacation home. Many of the homes include resort-style amenities such as a pool, gym, saunas etc. “These amenities in a tropical environment make a home the ultimate sanctuary,” notes Gaetano Caltagirone.

The Calta Group has diversified into multifamily development and expanded its geographical footprint with the recent acquisition of a 180-unit multifamily development site in Hollywood, Florida. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, with proximity to Hollywood’s commercial center, the project will appeal to young professionals and their specific lifestyle needs. “We’re going to offer residents a fresh perspective on urban living with amenities suited to evolving tastes and preferences and of course, our signature attention to detail,” says Iganzio Caltagirone. Unit sizes will be smaller than comparable apartment buildings, but more efficient, and with more common area spaces that appeal to the resident demographic. “Younger people are not looking to live in these spaces long term. They don’t necessarily want to spend much time in their apartments and prefer common areas.” Amenities will include an onsite business center so residents can simply walk downstairs to work, as well as a dog park and dog-washing stations.

The Calta Group is actively pursuing multiple multifamily development projects in South Florida’s burgeoning and bustling neighborhoods. As recently featured in The Miami Herald, the firm plans new projects in the Little River neighborhood, catering to area workers next.

This article was done in partnership with The Calta Group

Master Brokers Forum Listing: Check Out This Coconut Grove Modern Tropical Oasis Asking $2.995 Million

Master Brokers Forum: Master Brokers Forum member Karen Elmir presents this exceptional turnkey renovated home in the highly desirable north Coconut Grove neighborhood. The 3,152 square foot, four bed/four bath/two story traditional modern home on quiet Tequesta Lane features an open floor plan with master suite on the second floor and private balcony. High-end finishes throughout the house include an artificial grass wall lining the front facade, a staircase wall, along with slatted wood lining in the overhangs. Upgrades include a new tankless water heater, heat pump, closets, fresh landscaping and more. Enjoy the pool & hot tub surrounded by a huge backyard with plenty of grass and palm trees for privacy.

2315 Tequesta Ln, Miami, Florida is currently listed for $2,995,000 with Karen Elmir of ONE Sotheby's, who can be reached at (786) 301-2220 and/or kelmir@onesothebysrealty.com.

The Master Brokers Forum is a local network comprised of South Florida's elite real estate professionals. Learn more at www.MasterBrokersForum.com.

This article was produced in partnership with Master Brokers Forum.

Okan Tower Anchored By Hilton Hotel Breaks Ground In Downtown Miami

Okan Tower, the new Downtown Miami megaplex, with residences anchored by a Hilton Hotel, broke ground on Friday, June 17 with all the fanfare of a major international milestone, attended by a who’s who of the business, political, civic, hospitality and real estate brokerage community. Okan Tower represents the largest Turkish investment in the United States with a design inspired by the country’s native flower, the tulip.

Notable dignitaries in attendance included City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Binali Yildrim, Former Prime Minister of Turkey, Murat Mercan, Turkish Ambassador to the United States, Turkish Consulate of Miami Feyza Barutcu Altug, Burc Ceylan, Former Turkish Consulate of Miami, Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales, Commissioner Ken Russell, and Fortune International CEO, Edgardo Defortuna.

Okan Tower is located at 555 North Miami Avenue and marks the first U.S. development for Okan Group who oversees an extensive portfolio of renowned mixed-use projects that has earned the firm a global reputation in the construction, banking, textile, production and tourism industries, among others.

The 70-story Okan Tower is set to be one of Miami’s tallest towers at 902 feet once complete in 2026. The tower features 163 Sky Residences with exclusive owners-only amenities, a 316-key Hilton Miami Bayfront Hotel with a full suite of amenities and entertainment areas, 236 Short-Term Rental Residences powered by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and 64,000 square feet of ‘Class A’ office space.

“We are enormously proud to celebrate this momentous achievement and commemorate the start of construction for Okan Tower,” said international property magnate and developer of Okan Tower, Bekir Okan, Chairman of Okan Group. “It’s an honor and privilege to be delivering our first major mixed-use project in Miami. Our vision for Okan Tower was to bring something truly unparalleled to the area and introduce a new paradigm for living in Downtown. We’re very grateful to all of the city officials who have supported the project and share in our vision for the future of Downtown Miami.”

Okan Tower is exclusively marketed and sold by Fortune Development Sales. Okan Tower was designed by internationally renowned architecture firm Behar Font & Partners who’ve given it a striking curvature façade inspired by the Turkish national flower, the tulip.

Amenities include a ground floor arrival entrance with dedicated 24-hour reception and concierge, a 70th floor rooftop pool and sky deck with private cabanas featuring sweeping views of downtown and Biscayne Bay, and an additional 12th floor lap pool with clubroom and indoor and outdoor lounges. Buyers will also have access to a state-of-the-art health and fitness center with a yoga studio, Peloton® bikes and interactive fitness MIRROR®, as well as a dedicated wellness spa with sauna, steam and treatment rooms. A fully-equipped children’s sensory and play room, cutting-edge technology theater, and wine cellar and owner’s lounge are some of the other extraordinary features available that add to the range of the lifestyle amenities.

“We’re thrilled to mark the official groundbreaking of Okan Tower and celebrate the tremendous momentum that has been generated since we took over sales last fall. The feedback from buyers worldwide has been phenomenal, and it is a testament to Okan Group, who envisioned a true beacon for Downtown Miami,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “From the endless array of amenities to superior finishes and designs, Okan Tower presents an opportunity for investment that simply cannot be missed.”

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

The Alexander Team Launches Ultra-Luxe Real Estate Advisory, Official, Backed By Side

The nation’s leading ultra-luxury real estate group The Alexander Team, led by Oren and Tal Alexander, has left Douglas Elliman to launch their own firm, Official. Official is the first real estate advisory firm to specialize in the ultra-luxury segment of the market and is backed by the San Francisco-based real estate firm Side, which partners with top-producing agents and teams who own their own brands. The Alexander team will also expand to the West Coast.

The Alexander Team was ranked by Douglas Elliman as the leading team by gross commission income and sales volume in both Florida and New York in 2021 with $1.8 billion in sales, accounting for 3.5% of the brokerages $51.2 billion in total sales volume. They were also ranked the #1 Team in the USA by Wall Street Journal in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Side is a real estate brokerage founded in 2017 by Guy Gal to partner with leading real estate agents. The agents own 100% of their own brand and business and Side powers the back-end and acts as the broker. Side typically takes 10% of commissions and Side keeps the brand if the partners leave within the first two years of the partnership. Side expanded to Florida in 2019 and reached a $2.5 billion valuation in 2021. Side is backed by Tiger Global Management, ICONIQ Capital and Trinity Ventures.

ALTARA Properties Oversees Leasing Of Key Biscayne’s “Miami Vice” Estate On Mashta Island For $100,000 Per Month

ALTARA Properties has successfully overseen the leasing of 400 S Mashta Drive on Key Biscayne which was featured in “Miami Vice” for $100,000 per month. The transaction was brokered by Scott Lawrence Porter of ALTARA Properties and Nile Lundgren of SERHANT who represented the tenant and by Brigitte De Langeron of Fortune International Realty Key Biscayne Inc. who represented the landlord.

The ultra-luxe 400 S Mashta Drive is one of the most desirable estates in Miami. The estate offers total privacy, located on a gated, secluded cul-de-sac on the prestigious Mashta Island. 400 S Mashta Drive was featured in the last remake of "Miami Vice" in the iconic scene by the pool with mega star Gong Li. The 36,355 SF private peninsula which is surrounded by Biscayne Bay and Smugglers Cove. The property features 480 linear feet on the water and a 70' concrete dock which can accommodate a yacht up to 120'. The 5 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom home features high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling impact glass offering stunning water views and unbelievable sunsets. The home also features a home theater, office, 2nd floor master suite, waterfront summer kitchen and garage for 4 cars.