City of North Miami Beach Calls For Revote After Granting Dezer Development Approval To Redevelop The Intracoastal Mall

Just one week after Dezer Development won approval from the North Miami Beach City Commission to redevelop the Intracoastal Mall into a mixed-use project named Uptown Harbour, the Commission has called for a revote without a scheduled date.

Just one week after Dezer Development won approval from the North Miami Beach City Commission to redevelop the Intracoastal Mall into a mixed-use project named Uptown Harbour, the Commission has called for a revote without a scheduled date. The issue is tied to two ordinances, including zoning amendments and a 30-year development agreement, as well as two commissioners being absent from the initial vote which was decided with three yes and two no votes. The project is also still pending approval from the Florida Department of Transportation. The Intracoastal Mall is located at 3501 Sunny Isles Blvd. on a 29.1-acre site. The traditional retail center currently features 234,026 square feet of retail and 33,260 square feet of office.

Uptown Harbour would feature condos, retail, offices and hotels complete with a waterfront promenade with restaurants and retailers. When complete, the mixed-use development would bring over 2,000 residential units, which would be split between 1,750 for-sale condos spread across five towers, 200 rental apartments and 50 townhomes. Uptown Harbor would also feature 250 hotel rooms, 375,000 square feet of retail, and 200,000 square feet of office to the area. Dezer Development would also fund public improvements including building a police department, fire station, community center, a 6-acre park and infrastructure as part of the proposal. Towers would have a maximum height of 40-stories. Uptown Harbor is designed by Zyscovich Architects.

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Talent Hub Agency Acquires Ground-Floor Retail Suite At Merrick Manor In Coral Gables

Merrick Manor in Coral Gables has announced the sale of a ground-floor retail condominium to Talent Hub Agency, where the firm will open their new Miami headquarters following the acquisition. Merrick Manor is a mixed residential and commercial luxury condo building developed by the Henry Torres-led Astor Companies.

Merrick Manor in Coral Gables has announced the sale of a ground-floor retail condominium to Talent Hub Agency, where the firm will open their new Miami headquarters following the acquisition. Merrick Manor is a mixed residential and commercial luxury condo building developed by the Henry Torres-led Astor Companies. The condominium offers nearly 20,000 square feet of prime retail space on the ground floor neighboring the Shops at Merrick Park. Manny Chamizo III, the Global Commercial Director of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, arranged the sale of this Class A retail space to Talent Hub.

“With interest rates low, prospective commercial tenants are realizing they can buy their own spaces at prices on par with market rents and take advantage of appreciation while building equity,” Chamizo said. “Talent Hub’s purchase at Merrick Manor underscores how this building offers an unparalleled opportunity to buy Class A commercial product within a brand-new luxury mixed-use building just steps away from the world-class Shops at Merrick Park.”

Talent Hub is co-owned by Puerto Rican actor, singer and songwriting Carlos Ponce. The agency represents many A-list influencers and celebrities which will add even more character to the already existing and diverse mix of retailers and businesses at Merrick Manor. Existing businesses include Anaïs Nails & Spa, Body Details, Elegance Beauty Salon, Sweat 440, Trésor and a substation for the Coral Gables Police Department. Coral Gables business district is the perfect location for many businesses as it is easy to commute from Downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. This central location is even walkable to Miracle Mile.

“Merrick Manor is an ideal location for Talent Hub’s Miami headquarters,” Ponce said. “The quality of the building is impeccable. We look forward to helping our talented members realize their vast potential in our new home.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty is the exclusive residential sales and marketing representative at Merrick Manor located at 301 Altara Avenue in Coral Gables.

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Ness Realty Proposes The Gateway Mixed-Use Project In Aventura

An entity tied to Raphael Ammar and Ness Realty have proposed The Gateway, a mixed-use project that would feature office space, retail and a hotel. The developer has filed an Administrative Site Plan Review Application with Miami-Dade County for the 1.35-acre site located at 2630-2600 NE 203rd Street.

An entity tied to Raphael Ammar and Ness Realty have proposed The Gateway, a mixed-use project that would feature office space, retail and a hotel. The developer has filed an Administrative Site Plan Review Application with Miami-Dade County for the 1.35-acre site located at 2630-2600 NE 203rd Street. The developer is seeking a zoning change to move the property entrance from NE 203rd Street to NE 26th Avenue. The property sits across Biscayne Boulevard (US-1) from Aventura Mall, adjacent to Beacon Tower, and is located within the Ojus Urban Area District. There is currently an older office and apartment buildings on the site.

The Gateway is designed by International Design Engineering Architecture (IDEA) and would be built in two phases. The current proposal calls for 100,800 square feet of office space, 7,200 square feet of retail, 21,760 square feet of convention space, 167 hotel rooms and 492 parking spaces. Phase 1 would include the construction of the 6-story office building and Phase 2 would include the 12-story hotel. The Gateway is expected to break ground in Q3 2021 pending approvals and obtaining building permits.

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Miami, Palm Beach County and Fort Lauderdale recover about 28,000 jobs since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic

Almost 28,000 jobs have been recovered since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Miami, Palm Beach County and Fort Lauderdale. Majority of these jobs fall into the government, hospitality and retail sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data showing the Miami market has gained over 16,000 jobs in August, Palm Beach has gained about 7,000 and Fort Lauderdale has gained over 5,000.

Almost 28,000 jobs have been recovered since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Miami, Palm Beach County and Fort Lauderdale.  Majority of these jobs fall into the government, hospitality and retail sectors.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data showing the Miami market has gained  over 16,000 jobs in August, Palm Beach has gained about 7,000 and Fort Lauderdale has gained over 5,000.  The largest growth in the job market over the last few months is coming from the government sector.  The majority of these jobs are temporary positions tied to the 2020 Census, but has helped the unemployment rate fall to single digits for the first time since COVID-19 hit.  

Hospitality and retail are industries that have suffered considerably from the COVID-19 pandemic across the Country.  Miami has lost about 70,000 jobs in hospitality and about 22,000 jobs in retail since March and April.  As stores and restaurants continue to open up operating at limited capacity, both industries combined have recovered an average of 55% of the jobs lost.  This has significantly boosted Miami’s total COVID-19 job recovery rate to about 45%. 

Palm Beach County’s hospitality and retail industries are slowly making a comeback but not at the same rapid pace as Miami.   At the beginning of the pandemic hospitality in Palm Beach County lost about 48,000 jobs and retail lost almost 10,000.  Since April, hospitality has recovered about 30% of jobs lost and retail has recovered about 45%.  Palm Beach County has regained about 35% of the 100,000 total jobs lost from the pandemic. 

Fort Lauderdale’s hospitality industry lost over 3,000 jobs and retail lost about 14,000 since March and April.  Hospitality has recovered about 44% of the jobs lost and retail has recovered about 60%.  Fort Lauderdale has a total recovery rate of about 36% of the 130,000 jobs lost from the pandemic.  Overall even though job loss from COVID-19 remains down, it is hopeful to see industries slowly coming back as customers begin to leave their houses and support local communities.   

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Tricera Capital and LNDMRK Development Acquire Walgreens-Leased Retail Building In Miami Shores

Miami-based real estate investment firm Tricera Capital, led by Scott Sherman and Ben Mandell, and Alex Karakhanian’s LNDMRK Development have teamed up to acquire a Walgreens-leased retail building in Miami Shores. The joint venture closed the off-market purchase of the 9020 Biscayne Blvd. property for $4 million on Sept. 30.

Miami-based real estate investment firm Tricera Capital, led by Scott Sherman and Ben Mandell, and Alex Karakhanian’s LNDMRK Development have teamed up to acquire a Walgreens-leased retail building in Miami Shores. The joint venture closed the off-market purchase of the 9020 Biscayne Blvd. property for $4 million on Sept. 30.

The venture obtained a $2.5 million loan from First National Bank of South Miami for the acquisition.

The acquisition is a desirable long-term investment with Walgreens is signed to a long-term single-tenant lease for the 14,850-square-foot building. Tricera and LNDMRK purchased the property at an attractive land basis, offering significant upside through future redevelopment or re-leasing the existing building. The property is adjacent to a Publix supermarket on a stretch of Biscayne Boulevard that generates substantial traffic.

“We are thrilled to partner with Alex and LNDMRK once again on this new investment,” said Tricera Co-Founders and Managing Principals Scott Sherman and Ben Mandell. “This acquisition underscores our firm’s unique ability to identify and execute on off-market opportunities in urban core neighborhoods.”

“It is exciting to expand on our successful partnership with Tricera,” Karakhanian said. “This new acquisition adds a strong asset with in-place cash flow and long-term upside to our growing portfolio.”

Miguel Pinto and Jamie Maniscalco of APEX Capital Realty represented both the buyer and seller in the off-market transaction.

In addition to the 9020 Biscayne acquisition, Tricera and LNDMRK are collaborating on several investments and developments including partnering with Related Group to develop The Dorsey, a 12-story apartment building with a parking garage and nearly 95,000 square feet of office and retail space in Wynwood. The joint venture acquired the project site, a former Coca Cola plant, in September 2019. Tricera and LNDMRK are also jointly developing a luxury retail project in Miami’s Design District.

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Urban X Group Celebrates Grand Opening Of River Landing Shops & Residences On The Miami River

Urban X Group and the Toronto-based H&R Real Estate Investment Trust have officially celebrated the grand opening of River Landing Shops & Residences, located at 1400 NW River Drive along the Miami River. The announcement comes on the heels of the projects completion earlier this year where the first phase of retailers were allowed to open in May 2020.

Urban X Group and the Toronto-based H&R Real Estate Investment Trust have officially celebrated the grand opening of River Landing Shops & Residences, located at 1400 NW River Drive along the Miami River. The announcement comes on the heels of the projects completion earlier this year where the first phase of retailers were allowed to open in May 2020. The ownership team delayed the official grand opening for the project until retailers were more comfortable with the economy in the post-COVID-19 world. The project originally broke ground in March 2017 and cost roughly $425 million to develop.

River Landing Shops & Residences brings in excess of 2.2 million SF of total development to the Miami River including 528 market-rate apartments; 135,000 square feet of office space; 345,000 square feet of retail; and, 2,200 parking spaces. The retail component of the project is currently 70% leased. Retail tenants include Publix, Chase Bank, Planet Fitness, TJ Maxx, AT&T, West Marine, Ross Dress For Less, Burlington Stores, Chick-Fil-A, Old Navy, Ficellas Bakery, Five Below and a Hobby Lobby. The project will also bring a 50’ wide linear park designed by Savino & Miller Design Studio, who is the landscape architect for the project.

Leasing for the office component at River Landing Shops & Residences launched in August 2020 with the first residents moving into the residential component in October. The residential component is managed by Lantower Residential, a subsidiary of H&R REIT.

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Tricera Capital And Merrimac Ventures Close On Society Las Olas Retail Acquisition

Tricera Capital and Merrimac Ventures have acquired the ground-floor retail space within the newly developed Society Las Olas mixed-use project in downtown Fort Lauderdale developed by PMG. The purchase of the prime 301 SW First Ave. space closed on Aug. 27.

Tricera Capital and Merrimac Ventures have acquired the ground-floor retail space within the newly developed Society Las Olas mixed-use project in downtown Fort Lauderdale developed by PMG. The purchase of the prime 301 SW First Ave. space closed on Aug. 27. The venture purchased the retail for $3.8 million, while also acquiring 40 parking spots as part of the transaction.

Society Las Olas is the premier mixed-use project along the revitalized Riverwalk in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Tricera’s partner, Dev Motwani-led Merrimac Ventures, has been a driving force in the neighborhood’s reemergence. Merrimac acquired the former Las Olas Riverfront complex and brought in PMG to develop Society on a portion of the property before partnering with Tricera to acquire and curate the retail component.

Merrimac also owns the adjacent property and operates the Wharf Fort Lauderdale and Rivertail with Breakwater Hospitality Group. Tricera and Merrimac own a total of ~16,500 square feet of retail at Society, with ~8,500 square feet of prime space still available. Nearly half of the space is already home to numerous first-to-market tenants of national prominence. 

Thompson Hospitality, one of the largest retail food and facilities management companies in the country, is leasing over 6,000 square feet of space that will house the company’s popular Matchbox Restaurant and Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co. After an initial $14 million investment earlier this year, Thompson Hospitality has fully acquired the Matchbox Brand and strategically expanded the concept into emerging markets. Since 2003, the Washington, D.C.-based chain has provided a quintessential neighborhood gathering place for communities.

With 11 locations across the U.S. and more on the way, Matchbox’s menu is centered around fresh, premium ingredients, offering something for everyone, from wood-fired pizzas and mini burgers to simple, yet refined main courses, and a full bar featuring specialty cocktails, local beer and wines from around the globe.

Thompson is also bringing its latest venture, Big Buns Damn Good Burger, to Society. Big Buns is a fun-casual restaurant specializing in burgers, burger bowls, shakes, craft beer and cocktails. The restaurant is inspired by a true love for burgers and beer, and the belief that eating out should feel like a fun backyard party with delicious food, ice-cold drinks and good friends.

Pura Vida Miami, the popular Miami casual health food restaurant, is leasing an ~1,600-square-foot space. Society Las Olas marks the first ever Fort Lauderdale location for Pura Vida, which strives to bring healthy food and a sense of community to each of its South Florida locations.

“Fort Lauderdale continues to offer great opportunities for us to expand our presence in the market,” Tricera Capital Co-Founder and Managing Principal Ben Mandell said. “We are thankful to be able to close this deal mid-pandemic with confidence and plan to continue our efforts in the area.” 

“Bringing these exciting concepts to downtown Fort Lauderdale continues our company – and my family’s – long history of enhancing the city we are fortunate to call home,” Merrimac Ventures President and CEO Dev Motwani said. “The tenants we are securing at Society nicely complement Wharf and Rivertail and will help make this area the focal point of the Riverwalk.”

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OFF-WHITE c/o VIRGIL ABLOH™ Opens Flagship Store In Miami Design District

OFF-WHITE c/o VIRGIL ABLOH™ has opened in Miami Design District (MDD). The new two-story flagship location is located at 127 NE 41st Street and will feature seasonal men's and women's collections of the luxury brand’s ready-to-wear streetwear.

OFF-WHITE c/o VIRGIL ABLOH™ has opened in Miami Design District (MDD). The new two-story flagship location is located at 127 NE 41st Street and will feature seasonal men's and women's collections of the luxury brand’s ready-to-wear streetwear. The Miami Design District store was designed by Virgil Abloh in collaboration with OMA’s Director of Architecture Samir Bantal to operate as a flagship retail store, fulfillment center, cafe and multipurpose event space that can host a runway fashion show or art show.

COVID-19 reportedly contributed to Abloh and Bantal’s decision to make the location flexible and cater to customers who are shopping online as opposed to in-store. In addition the walls are modular and can be compressed or opened up to change the space for different uses as well as opening up the front facade the outdoors. The store was designed with an industrial aesthetic with concrete floors, corrugated metal walls and mesh ceiling panels. Apparel will be displayed on stainless steel shelving with black marquina and white Carrara marble platforms, all of which, including the furniture, is modular and on wheels to be easily moved.

In addition to being the founder of OFF-WHITE c/o VIRGIL ABLOH™, which he founded in 2012, Abloh is also the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collection. OFF-WHITE c/o VIRGIL ABLOH™ goods are manufactured in Milan with a core value of the brand to be made from the best available and particular opinion regarding fabric, fit and fabrication.

Miami Design District was developed by Miami Design District Associates, led by Craig Robins, in a partnership between his firm Dacra and L Catterton Real Estate, a global real estate development and investment fund that was established in 2016 by Catterton, LVMH and Groupe Arnault. MDD is a creative neighborhood with shopping, dining, contemporary art, design and events. MDD is home to over 120 flagship stores like Balenciaga, Hermes, Rolex, Fendi, Panerai, Tag Heuer, Dior, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Tesla, etc. MDD also offers three cultural and art institutions being ICA Miami, the de la Cruz Collection and Locust Projects.

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Taurus Investment Holdings To Redevelop Civica Center Into Medical Space

The Boston-based Taurus Investment Holdings has acquired the Civica Center for $30.5 million in Miami’s hot Allapattah neighborhood. The Civica Center is located at 1050 NW 14th Street at the entrance to Miami’s Health District, which is home to a large concentration of medical firms and institutions including the University of Miami Leonard Miller School of Medicine.

The Boston-based Taurus Investment Holdings has acquired the Civica Center for $30.5 million in Miami’s hot Allapattah neighborhood. The Civica Center is located at 1050 NW 14th Street at the entrance to Miami’s Health District, which is home to a large concentration of medical firms and institutions including the University of Miami Leonard Miller School of Medicine. The Civica Center broke ground in 2014 and was developed by the Swerdlow Group. The two-story retail property was sold with an adjacent parking lot and the deal also included a small office building. The Dallas-based Rockpoint Group was the seller.

Tenants at Civica Center include 7-Eleven, Au Bon Pain, Burger King, Chicken Kitchen, Dunkin’ Donuts, Flavors, Food Court, Gateway Dental, Jimmy John’s, La Estancia, Optical Boutique, Panera Bread, Pasha’s, Quest Diagnostics, Salsa Fiesta, and Smoothie King, amongst others.

Taurus has been agressively acquiring life-sciences and medical buildings and plans to convert the 0.77-acre parking lot into a giant 460,000-square-foot medical office building. It also plans to expand the existing 47,000-square-foot retail building into a 62,500-square-foot retail and medical office property. Taurus expects to start work on the redevelopment in the next 24 months.

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Le Sirenuse Restaurant & Champagne Bar at The Surf Club The Latest Permanent Closure Due To COVID-19

COVID-19’s impact on the restaurant industry and commercial real estate is beginning to show its ugly face. Just several years after their well received March 2017 opening, Le Sirenuse Restaurant & Champagne Bar at The Surf Club has permanently closed its doors citing the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19’s impact on the restaurant industry and commercial real estate is beginning to show its ugly face. Just several years after their well received March 2017 opening, Le Sirenuse Restaurant & Champagne Bar at The Surf Club has permanently closed its doors citing the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Surfside location was the first Le Sirenuse location outside of Positano, Italy, where the original restaurant is located at Hotel Le Sirenuse. Le Sirenuse Restaurant & Champagne Bar at the Surf Club was located in The Four Seasons Hotel & Residences at The Surf Club, at 9011 Collins Ave. The ultra-luxury hotel-condo development was developed by Fort Partners, led by Nadim Ashi and delivered in 2017. The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller, which is also located at The Four Seasons Hotel & Residences at The Surf Club, remains open.

The Surf Club has been an integral part of the cultural history of Miami Beach since its inception as a private social club in the 1930's. The Four Seasons branded redevelopment led by Fort Partners broke ground in March 2014. The building features a 77 room hotel and 150 residences across three glass towers, two of which are residential and one hotel.

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