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

Hosts & Sponsors

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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:

Cocktails & Networking

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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

St. Regis Residences Miami Reveals New Renderings and Ultra-Luxury Sales Gallery

The St. Regis Residences Miami (The Residences) has revealed new renderings and images of its newly unveiled ultra-luxury sales gallery. Located within the prestigious South Brickell neighborhood, The Residences is set to rise 50-stories on South Brickell’s waterfront, offering a bespoke experience synonymous with the St. Regis brand.

Developed by Related Group and Integra Investments, every inch of the tower is being painstakingly curated and manicured, designed by a visionary team, with architecture by the esteemed Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) and interiors by the renowned Rockwell Group. The Residences marks RAMSA's first residential development in South Florida, showcasing their modern classicism style inspired by the elegance of golden-age ocean liners at sea. Each of the 152 residences offers panoramic water views, access to world-class amenities and services including over 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities.

Residences will range from two to six bedrooms with lavish finishes throughout. The grand floor plans include private elevators and entry foyers, as well as oversized walk-in closets, spa-like bathrooms and more. Kitchens are equipped with top-of-the-line Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, custom Italian cabinetry designed by Rockwell Group, and imported natural stone countertops and backsplashes. Each residence will also showcase panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the glittering Brickell skyline.

Amenities include a fine-dining restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi; a professional-grade fitness center with a pilates and yoga studio; a new, full-size pickleball court; a world-class spa and holistic wellness center; an indoor lap pool; and the iconic St. Regis Tea Room.

Park-like grounds surround the building with lush landscaping designed by the acclaimed Swiss design firm, Enea Garden Design. Signature butler services complete the lifestyle experience, including services such as deliveries to residences, an on-premises house car, shoeshine service and other personal arrangements.

The Residences’ recently opened sales gallery provides a glimpse into the elevated lifestyle that awaits the future residents of this prestigious address. A lavishly appointed model residence showcases the actual offerings home owners will find inside their units, including a spacious bedroom, oversized walk-in closet, modern living room, luxurious bathroom with dual sinks, and a waterfront terrace.

Images via Related Group

PROFILE Exclusive: 12 Questions With Simon Mass of The Condo Store

PROFILEMiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Simon S. Mass, CEO and Founder of The Condo Store (TCS). Simon is often recognized as the “architect” of the pre-construction condo investment sector in Canada, with over $25 billion in project transactions and a distinguished reputation that spans across North America. The Condo Store, which now hosts over fifty team members and more than 350 sophisticated high-net-worth clients from around the globe, started as a ten-person boutique firm he co-founded in 2004. Simon and TCS recently launched operations in Miami.

Simon has long-term relationships with hundreds of clients that include doctors, medical practitioners, and business professionals across Canada and now the United States. TCS clients account for over $500 million in annual investments.

It is common knowledge that condo investments have been one of the highest grossing asset classes over the past 25 years. These high-level personal connections allow TCS clients to have an advantage in the sector and ensures investing into a real estate project is targeted and knowledge based.

PROFILEmiami recently caught up with Simon amid his busy schedule managing TCS’s launch in Miami and developing Casa B&B Italia, a new construction luxury private residence on Miami’s Venetian Islands designed by Doo Architecture and winner of the 2020 Interior Design Magazine Best of Year for Residential Unbuilt Category and the 2019 Rethinking the Future Awards for Private Residential Concept:

PROFILE: Tell us about your background, how did you get involved in real estate?

Simon Mass: Purely by chance. I left the United Kingdom after graduating with an Engineering and Management undergraduate degree from Bath University to enroll into an MBA program at Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Canada. The idea was to graduate with an MBA, complete the marketing speciality, and enter the world of business back in London, UK. Honestly, at that time, I didn’t have a specific career path in mind and was open to finding that path organically and with no urgency, just like any other typical 21-year-old.

Real estate wasn’t on the agenda for me in terms of a business environment. I had a definite and keen interest in architecture and interior design but that was really for my own personal and vivid imagination. I was always thinking about and looking at real estate publications wondering what appealed to me and what I thought I’d like to own someday for my home.

PROFILE: How did you first get involved investing in pre-construction condominiums?

SM: While adjusting to the colder climate and heavy snowfall that are part of the winter season in most of Canada, I got lost in a snowstorm trying to find the University campus and stumbled upon a trailer that housed the sales center for a pre-construction development. Before I knew it, I had the real estate bug and fell into the pre-construction investment world.

The minute I realized that I could enjoy my time at work, make a living and grow a business and not be working for someone else, I knew that I should take extra care in understanding and utilizing the pre-construction investment model and not just look at it as a small-time side hustle while still trying to discover my calling. Without looking back, I quickly decided to make it my calling and decided to bring in many friends and family for the ride that proved to be a small steppingstone to growing the wealth of so many people around me that followed the same path. As the saying goes, the ‘snowball effect’ kicked in and people were contacting me and saying they had heard that I had insider deals with pre-construction developers, and they wanted to be given the same opportunity to make a lot of money and invest in a bricks and mortar opportunity versus risking their hard-earned money in the speculative stock market.

PROFILE: What was your first real estate deal that you worked on?

SM: This dates to the mid 1990’s and was a catalyst to my eventual decision to stay in Toronto and slowly set up the first business model for TCS. Shortly after the snowstorm incident, with just a handful of friends and classmates, I managed to secure a small number of units in a master planned community in downtown Toronto. I believe it was just twenty units, which at that time was substantial considering the average broker in the mid-1990’s handled ten transactions per year. This first foray into bulk transactions allowed me to establish a relationship with the head of the sales and marketing division at the multi-billion-dollar development (which now spans several city blocks and has over 22 towers).

It became apparent right after this 20-unit bulk deal that prices were increasing at a substantial rate and that if I was able to convince developers to reduce the down payment requirement for my firm and keep the normal, much higher rate for the brokerage and general public, I would be able to skew the ROI’s (cash-on-cash returns) for our ventures to levels that would not be conceivable to most investors. This first project had multiple other phases and the initial phase sold out within a few weeks, therefore giving me the confidence that pricing for future phases would be much higher.

PROFILE: What is your investment philosophy in regard to investing in pre-construction condominiums?

SM: Our success has been derived in large part by working with the best and most powerful developers, focusing on gentrification locations, and staying in it for the long-term. With respect to growing the business, we have been almost entirely referral based as we are not an advertiser of any kind, and we do not even show our offers to the general public. Our clients appreciate that exclusivity and reward us by continuing to purchase and invest through our firm recognizing the returns that they have recorded over the years.

PROFILE: Tell us about The Condo Store and what you guys do?

SM: Extremely important to note that 90% of our clients are doctors and surgeons. From day one, I have had a connection to medical professionals as they were my friends who had also recently graduated and entered the work force in Toronto. I always felt somewhat guilty that I graduated with both an undergrade and postgraduate degree in under five years whereas my friends who decided to go into the medical sector would only enter the work force after 9-12 years of schooling alongside a massive debt. It didn’t seem fair, and I wanted to specifically bring them in; in a way that they would be financially rewarded through real estate investing through my direct involvement.

TCS partners with developers to secure a large number of units in a new pre-construction building; in high density projects, we seek a minimum of 25% of the entire inventory, and in low density buildings, we can go as high as 100% of the inventory. Once we have secured the project with special terms (highlighted by a low-down payment structure) through educating developers and their financial lenders that it’s safer to have pre-construction buyers to have six to seven figure salaries and secure earnings (i.e., doctors) with career paths that were practically guaranteed until retirement age, over every other demographic. We keep it simple in terms of presentation materials, doctors are far too busy for long investment decks. We present the opportunity to our clients in real time, with no favoritism or special treatment on a first-come, first-served basis.

We curate only the best investments for our clients, and if that means we do not have an offer for a few months or even a full year, then that is what we will do. We will not risk our reputation to send a ‘just OK’ investment deal to our loyal clients.

The core tenet that has built our referral-based business is having skin in the game. What that means is that for every offer we put in front of our clients, we (myself and business partner, John Mehlenbacher) invest in multiple units in each deal. We invest alongside our clients and that is what differentiates us from almost everyone in the space.

PROFILE: What have been some of the keys to TCS producing consistent, successful returns for your investors?

SM: Quality and time. We hand pick three or four of the best sites annually (out of 150+ launches) and develop them into lucrative leverage-based deals; we don’t deviate from the fundamentals of a solid investment and never chase a deal.

We are not just a real estate company; we are an investment company that specializes in real estate. Keeping true to our principles, where we invest side-by-side with our clients, we ultimately offer that rare quality of being in every deal that we present. With that, we do not pump out offer after offer every other week and we are not willing to sell run-of-the-mill projects that, in our opinion, won’t allow for significant double digit returns to our clients.

PROFILE: You are now opening in Miami, can you discuss your expansion to South Florida?

SM: We have seen many of our doctor clients leave Canada for the United States. They asked for our assistance, and we also understand the magnitude of the U.S. market as it’s ten times larger than Canada population wise, and that allows us to work with millions of doctors all living, working, and seeking investments in Miami.

With our track record amongst their peers, we feel that we can grow our referral-based business within the medical practitioner space at a level that will over time be two or three times the size of our Canadian operations.

Over the years we have been able to understand the needs and wants of our core clients, and we can bring that outlook and experience to an entirely different market. We’ll bring the fundamentals of what a great real estate investment is and push to create the same deals and opportunities in Miami that we are known for in Toronto.

PROFILE: What is your outlook on the real estate market in Miami amid a changing economic environment and rising interest rates?

SM: Miami has unique characteristics that can influence its real estate market, so it goes without saying that I am very bullish on real estate investing in the right locations across Florida.

With a dynamic tourism sector that keeps on growing, and foreign investments that is now super-charged with an aggressive domestic immigration push from American citizens changing their residence to Florida and moving here and making it their home, there is so much positive news for the sunshine state.

Miami's real estate market is for the time being only minimally being influenced by a changing economic environment and rising interest rates. Looking to the future, I believe that we have yet to see the actual real estate boom that Miami (or generally Florida) has been chronicled to have been in for years. The next 10 years will most likely see massive price appreciation that will make this city even more expensive on many levels.

PROFILE: What is the biggest hurdle that you have had to overcome in your career?

SM: I’ve been very fortunate and would be the first to call myself a workaholic since a very early age. There’s a fundamental reason for my success as I’ve had the advantage of loving what I do and as such, not counting down the hours each day to end my work schedule and start on my social calendar.

I’ve overcome the hurdle of listening to all the noise in the market by keeping my mind open. Information is power, so listening to everyone but not being influenced by everyone is the challenge. For example, taking in information from so-called ‘institutional experts’ but not being bound to call it solid. Especially from those ‘experts’ who in my humble opinion are so often wrong when it comes to the real estate market, and it’s future.

I have also found that economists, for the most part, always have a skewed perspective on the value proposition of the real estate space and tend to downplay the psychological consumer mindset when it comes to property ownership.

I have been lucky that my gut feelings combined with analyzing the economic fundamentals have typically played out well; and let’s not forget that Toronto has been on a 32 year real estate growth run. That has obviously helped in our firm’s double digit, cash-on-cash, annual returns.

PROFILE: What was the first gift you bought yourself after closing a big deal or first big development?

SM: Very cliché…I walked into a Porsche dealership and an hour later, drove out in a 911. Since I was a small child, I was always in love with sports cars, so I was fortunate enough to start with a 911 in my early twenties with money that I had made from my own hard work and risk-taking tactics.

I still treat myself after every single venture as I believe that to stay motivated, an entrepreneur needs to be self-incentivized. I will add a charitable donation to my self gift-giving ritual as I feel it’s imperative that we realize how fortunate we are and to give back, even if it’s a small donation. It’s a lifestyle necessity, in my mind, to count your blessings and pay it forward.

PROFILE: Describe your perfect Saturday night in Miami?

SM: So, it all depends on who the other friends or clients are, sometimes it’s a chill evening at one of my favorite restaurants in SoFi, for example, Call me Gaby where the ambiance of European dining in a unpretentious space is always inviting. Sometimes it’s a longer evening of cocktails and fine dining at one of the many restaurants that have opened in Miami (that have outposts all across the world), such as LPM, The Surf Club or Carbone.

I’ve never been a big drinker and prefer a good dinner over a few bottles of wine. Makes my Sunday mornings a lot more efficient and painless.

PROFILE: Where do we find you on your day off?

SM: If you ask anyone that knows me well, they will tell you that I need a day off.

I’m always “on” because I enjoy what I do, as making money for your friends and clients is beyond rewarding. Deal making is a undertaking that I’m very-very passionate about. I take my role in building wealth for clients very seriously – and that’s one of the main reasons that TCS is known as the largest pre-construction investment firm in Canada built on a referral network that keeps on growing.

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

On September 21 PROFILEmiami is set to host our largest event yet as the next installment of PROFILEmiami’s highly-regarded PROFILEconnect bespoke networking event series will delve into the 'State of the Market Miami 2023 Presented by The Lighting Studio’. The experience will feature two panels featuring some of the biggest players in Miami’s real estate industry as they discuss the state of Miami’s commercial and residential real estate markets, matched with a trendy evening soirée of bespoke networking and cocktails.

Immerse yourself in Wynwood’s high-energy atmosphere at the luxurious Eclectic Elements Showroom for bespoke networking and cocktails highlighted by two engaging panels exploring the ‘Residential State of the Market’ & ‘CRE State of the Market’. The relaxed and open PROFILEconnect setting provides an amazing opportunity to network with Miami’s top industry leaders and market makers, continuing post-panel with cocktails by E11EVEN Vodka and sounds by local Miami-based DJ DAKAP.

The ‘Residential State of the Market’ Panel will explore pricing and availability across South Florida, luxury real markets, new developments, where are the buyers coming from, factors impacting pricing and demand, mortgages and future market outlook. Highlighted 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.

The ‘CRE State of the Market Panel’ will offer 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. Highlighted panelists include hotelier Ronny Finvarb, commercial real estate investor Robert Rivani, hotel developer Alex Witkoff, multifamily developer Lisette Calderon of Neology Life, Scott Wadler of Berkadia, and legendary architect Kobi Karp.

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 will have the opportunity to network and share their experiences in South Florida through thoughtful discourse, while forging new relationships with industry leaders.

Space is limited due to venue constraints, so buy your tickets soon before they sell out.

Thank you to our sponsors:

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

Date: September 21, 2023

Where: Eclectic Elements Wynwood Showroom 51 NE 24th St. Suite 103, Miami FL 33137

Time: 5 PM - 9 PM

Tickets: $150

Panelists (Residential):

• Edgardo Defortuna, CEO, Fortune International Group

• Gil Dezer, Dezer Development

• Jay Phillip Parker, CEO, Douglas Elliman Florida & Douglas Elliman Development Marketing

• Daniel de la Vega, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

• Nelson Stabile, Integra Investments

• Moderated by Simon Mass, The Condo Store

Panelists (Commercial):

• Ronny Finvarb, Principal, Finvarb Group

• Robert Rivani, Black Lion Investment Group

• Lisette Calderon, Neology Life

• Scott Wadler, Berkadia

• Alex Witkoff, Witkoff

• Moderated by Kobi Karp, KKAID

Schedule:

• 5 PM - 5:45 PM: Cocktails & Networking w/ sound by DAKAP

• 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM: ‘Residential State of the Market 2023 Panel’

• 6:45 PM - 7 PM: Break

• 7 PM - 8 PM: ‘CRE State of the Market 2023 Panel’

• 8 - 9 PM: Cocktails & Networking w/ sounds by DAKAP

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The First Estate Built On Star Island In 1924 Sells For $57 Million Following Ultra-Luxe Mega-Expansion

The first estate built on Star Island in 1924 has sold for $57 million following an ultra-luxe mega-expansion. The transaction is one of the highest prices paid for a modern home in Miami-Dade. The seller was represented by Dina Goldentayer with Douglas Elliman, while the undisclosed buyer was represented by Chad Carroll with The Carroll Group at Compass.

Located at 27 Star Island, the sprawling estate offers history and the ultimate in contemporary living with two distinct homes spanning 25,000 square-feet of living space on an expansive 40,000 square-foot waterfront lot. The property initially listed for $90 million with Alyssa Morgan, currently of INSIDE Network, seeking to set a Miami-Date County record. Star Island is one of Miami Beach’s most coveted address’ with just 30 waterfront homes in the gated community.

The original home built in 1924 by prominent architect Walter De Garmo is Star Island’s first residence. The structure was picked up and relocated to the South side of the property in 2014 and masterfully restored in a way that embodies the roaring 20’s. The second home is a modern masterpiece overlooking 100 feet of water frontage designed by Starchitect SAOTA and built by Coastal.

Together the residences offer a total of 11 bedrooms plus 12 full and 3 half baths. Features include a Chef’s kitchen with Gulio appliances and 5 cooking methods, elevator, sunset rooftop lounge, and 1,400 bottle wine room. Estate amenities include a waterfront gym, spa with sauna & steam, cold plunge, jacuzzi , massive wraparound pool, office cabana, spa with massage room and hair salon, and new dock with boat lift.

Images by Lifestyle Production Group (LPG) from the original listing by Alyssa Morgan which was covered by PROFILEmiami in January 2022.

Images via LPG/ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Check Out This Hibiscus Island Home Which Just Sold For Non-Waterfront Record $5.1 Million

185 S Hibiscus Drive has sold for $5.1 million, setting a record ppsft for a non-waterfront home in the ritzy guard-gated neighborhood of Hibiscus Island. Per public record, the buyer is Brad Pitt's manager Cynthia Pett-Dante. Dina Goldentayer and Joseph Schafer with Douglas Elliman represented the seller and Jordan Karp of Jordan Karp LLC represented the buyer.

The completely renovated modern home is nestled in the tropical and highly coveted Hibiscus Island. Situated on a 9,500 SF corner lot, the open floorplan home with features multiple sitting areas and gorgeous millwork as well as custom build-ins throughout. A sleek kitchen by Italkraft with an oversized chef's island, European cabinetry, & marble counters by Opustone offer an elevated dining experience. The primary suite is appointed with 2 walk-in closets, steam shower + soaking tub, and its own terrace.

The lush outdoors features a new heated saltwater swimming pool, sundeck, and privacy landscaping. Hibiscus Island is a 24/7 guard gated community with tennis and basketball courts, playground and is in proximity to South of 5th & Downtown Miami.

Images via Become Legendary / Dina Goldentayer

PROFILE Exclusive: 12 Questions With Developer James Curnin Of Clara Bay Harbor

PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with James Curnin of Clara Homes, a Miami-based, vertically integrated real estate firm, to discuss how he has found success developing and expanding his brand in the Miami market following an accomplished start to his career developing luxury residential properties in Los Angeles. Founded in 2014 by James, Clara Homes offers residential and commercial development, operations oversight and custom homes.

With work spanning South Florida to Los Angeles, the Clara Homes has collaborated with some of the industry’s most innovative architecture firms, including Vertoch Design Architects, McClean Design and Strang Design, to differentiate its portfolio from others in the market. Currently in the pipeline are three waterfront spec homes, three privately owned custom homes, as well as a 150-unit, three-building rental development in Bay Harbor Islands named Clara Bay Harbor which broke ground in March 2023.

Recent completed projects include a single family spec home project, a Modern Farmhouse located at 6341 Allison Road on Allison Island, which sold for $13,875,000, as well as 416 W San Marino Drive which is currently pending for $29 million. Curnin also delivered a project on Sunset Island II and other homes on Miami Beach. Homes currently under construction include properties on La Gorce Circle, Davis Road and Pinetree Dr Circle. PROFILEmiami recently caught up with James following his site approval for the third building as part of his Clara Bay Harbor development to see how he has taken the Miami market by storm:

PROFILEmiami: Tell us about your background, how did you get involved in real estate?

James Curnin: I was always drawn to real estate. My great grandfather had an impressive portfolio of buildings around New York City, and I grew up knowing that one day, I would follow in his footsteps. When I was finally old enough to start working for the family business, I was 14. It was hard work, but it solidified what I already knew to be true: I would grow up to be a real estate developer. My great grandfather’s company gave me my start. I contributed to major tri-state area projects such as Parker Meridien Hotels, Parker Towers and Parker Plaza. After some time, I decided to leave New York City and start my own legacy. In 2014, I founded Clara Homes, starting in Los Angeles. Great weather, a favorable business landscape and the promise of opportunity brought me to Miami. Here in South Florida I’ve grown Clara Homes into a vertically integrated real estate firm offering residential and commercial development, operations oversight and custom homes.

PROFILE: What was your first real estate development project?

JC: A single-family home in the bird streets of Los Angeles.

PROFILE: What is your development philosophy?

JC: Chase every penny, as frequently told to me by my great-grandfather when I was just getting started in the business.

PROFILE: You have built a name for yourself in Miami developing Spec Homes, can you tell us about your past projects? Are you currently working on any?

JC: I got my start in Miami building and selling spec homes, and it’s been an incredible journey. Just as the pandemic was setting in, we were completing four residences throughout the city. It was a time when everyone was in quarantine looking for more space, warm weather and private outdoor access, so we were able to quickly sell the listings and rapidly grow a good reputation for our use of quality materials and thoughtful design. Ever since, buyers have come to recognize our work and trust that we strive for perfection. We collaborate with the best architects in the area to design modern, tropical homes that truly suit the needs of families today, and people have even started coming to us for help to build their own custom homes. Currently, we’re finishing construction on three new spec home projects. I’m excited to report that all of them are now under contract. We will close when the homes complete, which will probably be in the next six months.

PROFILE: As a developer what is your strategy or some of the key items you take into account when developing an ultra-luxury home on spec?

JC: I like to invest in areas with a high barrier to entry, like Miami’s many islands. The land is fleeting and people are always going to want to be on the water, so there’s a much better chance these homes will hold their value over time. I’ve made it a point to hone in on opportunities such as waterfront and extra secluded properties to really maximize my portfolio.

PROFILE: You recently broke ground on Clara Bay Harbor on Miami’s Bay Harbor Islands, can you discuss the process of developing a high-end rental community in a neighborhood that did not have one?

JC: We’re developing Clara Bay Harbor as the premier rental community for Bay Harbor. The project will have three buildings, totaling 150 expansive apartments. The first broke ground in the beginning of this year, and the two following buildings have been approved by the Town of Bay Harbor Islands. We expect to begin construction on them soon.

Getting development rights in Bay Harbor is a challenge because there is a limited number the town has left to give and a ton of interest to go around. The town sold us the last of their TDRs, and now our entire site plan is approved and ready to go vertical.

A luxury rental development project of Clara Bay Harbor’s caliber will help to redefine and reinvigorate the neighborhood, introducing an elevated precedent for luxury in Bay Harbor Islands. With the influx of in-migration to South Florida in the last few years, there is a need for full-service rental offerings in the area that can accommodate young families. Clara Bay Harbor will feature private amenity spaces, concierge services and the level of hospitality where all staff, from the doormen to the pool attendants, know your name, your children’s names and your dog’s name.

PROFILE: As the developer how does the process differ between housing built for sale and housing built to lease?

JC: I approach every project with the same mindset. I want each to be of the highest quality, with the finest materials, blurring the line between apartment and condominium. The rentals I’m developing will have a luxury lifestyle one would expect to see within a resort-style condominium tower. That’s something I think will set Clara Bay Harbor apart from other multifamily offerings throughout Miami.

PROFILE: What is your outlook on the real estate market in Miami amid a changing economic environment and rising interest rates?

JC: Over the past few years, we have seen a rollercoaster of a real estate market, but Miami has sustained tremendous demand that is on an entirely different level from the rest of the nation. Even as interest rates rise, Miami will always be a destination that attracts people. Thousands are relocating to South Florida and many more have plans to purchase real estate. What we’ve seen, though, is that many would-be buyers are turning into luxury renters to wait out high interest rates and other market conditions. These renters are the people who will be attracted to our apartments at Clara Bay Harbor. For this reason, I’m very bullish on the rental market across the Miami area. I find it’s a huge, untapped opportunity, as there are not many professionally managed buildings designed specifically for renters with a high-touch experience in mind.

PROFILE: What was the first gift you brought yourself following a career milestone?

JC: More real estate.

PROFILE: What is your favorite restaurant in Miami?

JC: My favorite restaurant in Miami is either The Surf Club or Makoto.

PROFILE: Describe your perfect Saturday night in Miami?

JC: A perfect Saturday in Miami would be spending quality time with my family, especially with everyone’s busy schedules. Whether going out to dinner by the water or hanging out with friends.

PROFILE: Where do we find you on your day off?

JC: As a real estate developer, I’m afraid I never really have a true “day off” but in my spare time I’m actively involved with the Institute of Contemporary Art and Perez Art Museum in Miami. I hold leadership positions at both museums, so I try to be as hands on as I can with any events, awards, or activations going on. I also try to be outdoors as much as possible whenever I can, so I love going over to the beach and playing tennis or golf on my off days.

Images via Clara Homes