Billionaire Investor Carl Icahn Officially Relocates Icahn Enterprises From Manhattan To Sunny Isles Beach

Billionaire investor Carl Icahn has reportedly officially finalized the move of Icahn Enterprises from New York City to South Florida. Icahn Enterprises has moved into their 23,463 SF lease on the 12th floor and penthouse of Milton Tower, located at 16690 Collins Ave. in Sunny Isles Beach. The firm previously was located in the General Motors Building in Manhattan. Icahn is the latest ultra high-net-worth investor to relocate his firm from high tax northern-states such as New York to more tax-advantageous states such as Florida.

Milton Tower was completed in March 2020 and was developed by J. Milton & Associates. The office tower spans 102,000 SF, rising 12-floors with 6-floors of parking. Office spaces are customizable and range from 3,000 square feet to 13,900 square feet and feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal and Sunny Isles skyline. Milton Tower offers first-class amenities include 24/7 access and security, a gym, ground-floor cafe, wifi-connected common areas, electric vehicle charging, emergency power, outdoor terraces and parking.

Leasing was launched in 2019 and the building is currently 50% occupied with tenants including family offices, law firms, investment companies and hedge funds. Much like Icahn, there is reportedly strong interest from firms relocating from the Northeast.

PROFILE Exclusive: New Age of Branded Residences With Gil Dezer, The Developer Behind Iconic Luxury Collaborations

Just before the COVID-19 shutdown, PROFILEmiami had the opportunity to meet Gil Dezer, CEO of Dezer Development, at the Residences by Armani/Casa grand opening party in Sunny Isles Beach. The building, which was developed in partnership with Related Group, was unveiled in full Miami-style with the grandeur you would expect from the two development firms: an Armani Summer Collection Fashion Show and a live concert by Mr. 305 himself, Pitbull.

The developers worked with fashion icon Giorgio Armani, architect Cesar Pelli and landscape architecture firm Enzo Enea to design the project. It is the first Armani-branded building in the U.S and joins the ranks of luxury fashion collaborations like Fendi Chateau. We were able to catch up with Gil during the shutdown to get inside the mind of the developer whose firm has a long history of building residences branded with leading luxury, automotive, and fashion brands. If the grand opening of Armani/Casa says anything about brand standards, then we can’t wait to see what Dezer has in store next for Miami.

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PROFILE: Where did the idea to do branded, luxury condo buildings come from? 

Gil Dezer: In 2001, we secured a licensing deal with the Trump Organization to build branded buildings with the Trump brand on it. That is when we realized putting a brand on a building is much more powerful than simply giving it a name.

PROFILE: Branded residences command anywhere from 20-35% of a premium against comparable non-branded product. What kind of premium did Porsche/Armani command during pre-sale and have they retained their value for re-sale? 

GD: Our goal when using a brand is not to try and maximize the value per square foot, but to enjoy a faster sellout in comparison to our competitors. Our closest competitor sold 100 less units than us in the same time period.

PROFILE: What are some of the differences between working with a car brand such as Porsche and a fashion brand such as Armani? 

GD: Each brand has their own motivation for building a branded tower, and each has a slightly different process. Porsche Design wanted the car to be “present” in the building, so we [used] a lot of leathers and woods and black chrome, as you would find in the automobiles. Meanwhile, Armani has a lifestyle aesthetic which is translated in the common areas as well as the furniture line that Armani/Casa manufactures.

PROFILE: What were some challenges during the design phase while working with a brand that has never lent its name to residential real estate?

GD: There was a lot of education from both sides. From the side of Armani, they taught us the history of the brand, design philosophy, reasons for certain aesthetics and the overall look. The two brands [Armani and Porsche] are completely distinctive in their styles, so it was great to be able to learn from each one.

PROFILE: Does using a brand help mitigate unforeseen risks such as seasonal/cyclical changes in the market?

GD: Absolutely. The main differentiator between having a brand on a building is the attention it receives in comparison to the neighboring properties. This proved to be true even during Covid-19. We still receive an extraordinary amount of attention to our buildings.

PROFILE: How are the last several units in Armani moving?  

GD: The market has slowed during COVID-19, but we are proud to report that there have been six new sales during this time. Four of them took place in the last month.

PROFILE: Cost control and specification analysis is also critical in a brand-forward environment, when design, service and security charges can be easily driven up. Are your design costs higher when collaborating with a high-end brand and how did you manage that process?

GD: Costs are absolutely higher. For starters, the construction specifications for these buildings are above and beyond. In Trump International Hotel, we have floor-to-ceiling glass, private elevators, expensive kitchens and baths with automatic toilets that make the units more expensive to build. But the real cost difference appears in the lobbies and common areas; Armani/Casa has almost 40,000-square-feet of common areas with high-end finishes and furnishings by Armani. That’s where the competitors beat me. They make more money because no one has even gone as crazy as we did on the finishes. However, the overall product blows away anything else on the market, and we are sure of that.  

PROFILE: Did lenders look at the project any more or less favorably taking into consideration the brand association? Will they in the future after you paid off your loan so quickly for Armani?  

GD: I have been doing branded buildings since my partnership with the Trump Organization in 2001. Some said I was the first developer to do this – I certainly was in South Florida. By the time we get lenders involved in the process, we have usually experienced a high volume of pre-sales which is what lenders are looking for, along with the strength of the developer.

PROFILE: What did you need to keep in mind when choosing the right operator to provide that high-touch level of service? 

GD: After many years in Miami, I noticed there was not a management company that offered lifestyle services at a hotel service level with food and beverage management. My company also owns and runs hotels, so we have experience in top quality management. We simply opened up a division of our hotel group to start managing condominiums. That allowed us to build restaurants in the buildings that are not open to the public.

PROFILE: What signature features will Armani Residences be remembered for like Porsche is for its car elevator? 

GD: This lobbies and common areas are simply amazing. Second to none.

PROFILE: Market differentiation is one advantage of using a well-established brand, especially if you are trying to hit new price records. What is the next goal or milestone you would like to set for Dezer Development?

GD: We have several waterfront lots and amazing sites around Miami. We have a lot of great things coming up – stay tuned.

By Katya Demina

Check out PROFILEmiami’s coverage of the Grand Opening of the Porsche Design Tower

Check out PROFILEmiami’s exclusive Tour of Porsche Design Tower

Check out PROFILEmiami’s coverage of Residences by Armani/Casa paying off their construction loan

Check out PROFILEmiami’s coverage of Andrea Bocelli’s Evening Under the Stars for the Children of Haiti at the Residences by Armani/Casa

Estates At Acqualina Tops Out South Tower In Sunny Isles Beach

The South Tower of The Estates at Acqualina, the highly anticipated $1.8 billion residential development, topped out in Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach on July 3. The 52-story South Tower now rises 646 feet tall and after breaking ground in May 2018, the development is on track for the South Tower completion in the 2nd Quarter of 2021. The landmark occasion coincides with the reopening of the Sales Gallery which features a full-scale model of an Estates residence, giving potential buyers the ability to fully appreciate the luxury amenities that will be available in each residence complete with exquisite furnishings, rich materials and extraordinary attention to detail.

“We are one step closer to completing The Estates at Acqualina,” said Michael Goldstein, President of Sales. “Art, architecture and lifestyle are what we live by. We deliver beauty and wonderful lifestyle in everything we do.”

The Estates at Acqualina will offer 248 luxurious residences from three to seven bedrooms in two towers, The South Tower, and the Boutique North Tower with the 29th Floor currently being poured. Villa Acqualina will offer 45,000 square feet of amenities including a spa and fitness center, a world-class restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Circus Maximus, a full floor of amenities including an ice skating rink, bowling lanes, a golf simulator and a movie theater. 

Through an exclusive partnership with one of the world’s most celebrated designers, the entrance lobbies at The Estates at Acqualina will be designed by none other than the late Karl Lagerfeld. Mr. Lagerfeld’s design and style will further enhance the grandeur of two of the most important spaces at The Estates.

The Estates’ 5.6 acres of grounds and gardens will offer lush landscaped gardens, multiple pools, a FlowRider® wave simulator, a basketball court, a bocce court, a dog park, soccer field, a beachfront restaurant and five-star beach and pool services. Also available will be 24-hour valet, 24-hour security services, a full service resident concierge and a house Rolls-Royce car.

The Estates benefits from its sister developments, Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach and The Mansions at Acqualina. The legendary service by Acqualina Resort & Residences, a Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Hotel and TripAdvisor’s #1 Beachfront Resort in the Continental United States, ensures that The Estates at Acqualina delivers ultimate perfection and a unique experience on every level.

Residences at The Estates at Acqualina are priced from $4.6 to $14.5 million with penthouses up to $32 million.

Developers of The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles Beach Pay Off $212 Million Construction Loan

Fortune International Group and Château Group, joint developers of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, have paid off a $212 million construction loan on the newly opened condominium tower. The developers received the loan from Bank OZK in September 2016. The news comes on the heels of a string of triumphs for the property, which is managed by The Ritz-Carlton and is one of the brand’s only standalone oceanfront condominium high-rises worldwide. The 52-story building at 15701 Collins Avenue, which was designed by award-winning architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica and features interiors by acclaimed Florentine architect Michele Bönan, was completed on Feb. 24 when it received its temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO). The tower is already more than 80% sold. Since the building broke ground, each milestone associated with its rise has been monumental, including the pre-construction sell-out of all four penthouses, a record feat for the area. Now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the developers have seamlessly completed 100 closings, with a great number of them conducted virtually. They have additionally finalized new sales totaling more than $30 million.

“Paying off this loan so quickly after opening the tower, and in the midst of these extremely challenging times, further confirms the support for our project and the excitement it has generated among buyers across the globe,” said Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of Château Group.

“Our residents have been praising the end-result of the thoughtful and detailed work that has gone into creating and delivering this dream of ours,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “The project’s longstanding sales success, as well as these most recent triumphs, have been a testament to the buyers’ recognition of a high-quality project paired with a high-level of service.”

“The most high-profile buyers in the world have been purchasing homes in this condominium, knowing that the services by The Ritz-Carlton, amenities, architecture, and designs will exceed every expectation,” added Grosskopf.

“The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach are a new crown jewel for Miami’s ultra-luxury oceanfront property market,” continued Defortuna.

The Residences, which have no hotel on the premises, resides on a prime coastal location with 250’ of beachfront. The tower is comprised of 209 residences with a private club level on the 33rd floor including private suites for resident guests, beach restaurant and bar, two pool decks, a kids club, full-service spa, fitness center and wellness center, among other top-line amenities. Each of the homes, all of which are smart-technology-ready, include private entrances, both living and master bedrooms with direct oceanfront views, walk-in closets, and pre-wiring for high-speed internet access and Wi-Fi. Remaining residences start at $2.6 million and sales are overseen by Fortune International.

For more information about The Ritz Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Miami-Dade Orders All Hotels And Short-Term Rentals To Shut Down Due To COVID-19

Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach have ordered all hotels, motels and short-term rentals to begin immediately shutting down and vacate their guests, with full-closure by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 23. The announcement comes as Miami’s next step in curbing the spread of COVID-19 which has now surpassed 560 cases in Florida and over 123 in Miami-Dade. The move also comes to help dissipate the spring break crowds, many of whom have written off any care of the virus and are in Miami “to party.”

“Our hotels have always been the lifeblood of our economy, so shuttering them is not something to do impulsively. But right now, as painful as it may be, the reality is we just cannot be a tourist destination,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “Attracting visitors and tourists is just utterly incompatible with social distancing. For the many amazing operators and employees who are impacted, and the families that rely upon them, we are so sorry that you will feel this most acutely and we will advocate for whatever relief will be available at the state and federal level. These decisions were made collaboratively with County Mayor Gimenez, our City Manager Jimmy Morales and after input from all of our Miami Beach City Commissioners.”

The closures will apply to all hotels, motels, apartment-hotels, hostels, dormitories, and vacation and short-term rentals in Miami-Dade County. Miami Beach will also enforce a curfew from 12 A.M. to 5 A.M. Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles Beach and Coral Gables’ historic Biltmore Hotel both closed in advance of the announcement as reports of layoffs in the hotel and hospitality industry continue to grow. Last week Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez issued an executive order to shut down all non-essential business’ including restaurants, retail stores, nightclubs, casinos, gyms, public parks and beaches.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach Secures TCO & Sells Last Penthouse For $25.5 Million

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, one of South Florida’s most anticipated residential towers, has received its temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO), signaling the start of closings for the oceanfront tower.  The ultra-high-end, 52-story condominium is the brainchild of Fortune International Group and Château Group.  It will be managed by The Ritz-Carlton, ensuring that the needs of those who are privileged to live in the high-rise are not only met, but exceeded.  Legendary Ritz-Carlton services will be tailored to individual preferences and desires, with ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.  The curation of bespoke moments, coupled with the level of attention to detail, comfort and convenience, will be unparalleled, redefining the luxury-living experience for high-net-worth individuals in South Florida.

In addition to announcing this milestone, the joint developers have disclosed that sales at the property are flourishing. In the last year, the condominium, which is now almost sold out, recorded more than $150 million in pre-construction transactions.  Buyer demographics, furthermore, have been far-reaching, with a majority hailing from the U.S., Latin America and Europe.

“This is a day of tremendous pride for our team of visionaries,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group.  “On a global scale, the significance of our tower’s opening cannot be overstated.  It has been one of the most talked-about projects worldwide.  Homebuyers familiar with The Ritz-Carlton brand know the level of service that they can expect to receive when they live in a high-profile property, such as this one.  Every conceivable convenience will be at their fingertips.”

“We are thrilled to be showcasing this building to the world and celebrating the continued excitement surrounding its unveiling,” said Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of Château Group.  “The interest from buyers has been a testament to the strength of The Ritz-Carlton brand, its global visibility, and subsequent appeal.  Savvy high-net-worth individuals know that these homes are going to offer them all of the perks of a five-star resort, but none of the transient use.  Needs of our residents will be anticipated before they even know they have them.  It’s an opportunity that cannot be overlooked.”

The ocean-inspired silhouette of The Residences is unmistakable, set to illuminate the coastline with its shimmering façade, comprised of more than 365,000 SF of glass (or more than 6,000 panes total). As the first building north of Bal Harbour, the tower boasts a prime location with 250’ of pristine beachfront. The Residences’ designs have been crafted by renowned architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica with interiors by acclaimed Florentine architect Michele Bönan. Comprising 212 residences, the high-rise will have a private club level on the 33rd floor, beach restaurant, pool deck, kids club, full-service spa, fitness center and wellness center, among other top-line amenities. Residences start at $2.6 million.

Further highlights in each of the homes, all of which are smart-technology-ready, include walk-in closets, laundry rooms with full-size washers and dryers, and pre-wiring for high-speed internet access and Wi-Fi.  Penthouses feature lush garden terraces spanning 2,000 SF – 4,000 SF, private pools and summer kitchens, custom-designed Italian cabinetry, service quarters, and well-appointed master suites.

Each resident will enjoy luxury hotel-level butler services, from cleaning and turndown services, to transportation to and from the airport, tickets to the most sought-after shows, restaurant reservations, educational programming and activities for youth, daily curated events, all the way to one’s favorite flowers arranged in their foyer vases and groceries securely stored in their refrigerator, to ensure there is a sense that everything falls perfectly into place.

Residents will also have the opportunity to share the splendor of their beachfront lifestyle with their guests while also offering exceptional privacy. The high-rise’s club level includes eight individual Guest Suites exclusively for friends, family, and loved ones of resident owners. These guests will have a taste of The Ritz-Carlton standard of service with daily housekeeping and access to the building’s services and amenities.

Since the launch of sales in 2015, the sell-out of all four penthouses has been one of the most profound indicators of the tower’s remarkable appeal, with the latest transaction having taken place early in February.  In total, sales of the quartet of sprawling, amenity-rich units have reached more than $82 million.  This pre-construction feat is virtually unheard of in the surrounding market, with most penthouses selling after a building has officially opened, once again signifying the project’s unique appeal.

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Residences by Armani/Casa Pays Off $315 Million Construction Loan

Developers The Related Group and Dezer Development announced today the payoff of a $315 million construction loan to Wells Fargo for Residences by Armani/Casa. The 308-unit tower located on the sands of Sunny Isles Beach celebrates the legendary vision of interior design firm Armani/Casa, led by the famed Giorgio Armani; architecture firm Pelli Clarke Pelli, founded by the late César Pelli; and Swiss landscape architecture firm Enzo Enea. 

This milestone comes weeks after the tower received its temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO), signaling imminent move-ins for buyers. With $800 million in contracts expected to close quickly, the building is well on its way to a planned $1 billion sellout.  

“Paying off this loan so quickly is testament to the caliber of industry leaders this tower unites, from my partner on the project, Related, to the design icons who curated every inch of the building,” said Gil Dezer, President of Dezer Development. “Since TCO, we’ve seen multiple closings per day and could not be prouder to deliver a tower that exceeds all expectations.” 

“This building is a love letter to South Florida from Giorgio Armani and Cesar Pelli, and now stands as a landmark for design as striking as it is thoughtful,” Jon Paul Perez, Executive Vice President at The Related Group. “Alongside Dezer, we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this tower to life, and it’s clear our excitement is mirrored by those who will call it home.”

The residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Atlantic Ocean, expansive terraces with glass railings and summer kitchens and kitchens with premium Armani Dada-designed cabinetry and Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. The master suites feature Armani Dada designed midnight bar with marble countertop and sink, and in the master bath Armani Roca design sink, tub & plumbing fixtures. 

The common spaces are a representation of sophisticated living, through the lens of Giorgio Armani. With over 35,000 SF of amenities across two floors, all exquisitely designed and furnished by Armani/Casa. This is apparent upon arrival to the lobby level, which features a residents-only version Armani/Privé, the famed lounge club with flags in Milan and Dubai. Rich textiles, a palette of softly dramatic tones, and sensual textures creates an atmosphere of refined elegance that continues through the rest of the spaces including the private bar and restaurant adjacent to Armani/Privé, club-inspired game room with billiards, state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga and Pilates, two-story revitalization spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, dedicated children’s room, old Hollywood-inspired movie theatre, private cigar room and temperature-controlled wine cellar. Outdoors, a landscaped terrace serves as the property’s backyard with benefits like an infinity-edge heated pool and hot tub, private oceanfront restaurant and bar offering in-residence deliveries and oceanfront cabanas set within 300-feet of private beachfront. 

Residences are available for immediate occupancy, ranging from 1,800 SF to 6,000 SF and priced from $2.9 to $17 million. This is inclusive of the crown jewel listings, a 5,968 SF north facing penthouse and 5,375 square foot south facing penthouse priced at $17 million and $14 million, respectively. Both feature five-bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms and rooftop terrace space with a private pool.

For more information about Residences by Armani/Casa, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

Check Out This Oceanfront Condo At The Herzog & De Meuron-Designed Jade Signature Which Just Closed For $6.6 Million

Fortune International Group has announced the $6.6 million sale of a turnkey residence in the developer’s award-winning Jade Signature condominium tower in Sunny Isles Beach. The transaction of the contemporary retreat, No. 4801, which was furnished by revered interior designer Luxury Living Group, is the latest in a string of recent sales at the property. Created by Pritzker prize-winning architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, with interiors by Parisian interior design firm PYR and landscaping by architect Raymond Jungles Inc., Jade Signature is widely lauded as one of Miami’s most architecturally extraordinary oceanfront address’.

With flow-through views of both the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, the five-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath home features 4,953 SF of space as well as 1,454 SF of outdoor terraces, one on each side of the tower. The home features stunning accents and finishes including an elegant console in the foyer, situated under a gold and silver-leaf work of art by Peterson Guerrier and Chris Jones. Likened to its own private retreat, the master bedroom boasts a resort-like feel with its own sitting room and master baths which are dramatically extended by oceanfront terraces. The listing agent was Elizabeth Garcia of Jade Signature’s in-house sales team. The buyer was represented Michael Martirena of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.

“This residence has been a jewel in the crown of Jade Signature -- reflective of the building’s overall attention to detail,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “Across the globe, there has been tremendous demand among high-net-worth buyers to live in this tower -- singling it out for its lavish comforts, innovative beachfront amenities, and timeless designs.”

Currently, a limited number of residences remain for sale within the building, including several recently completed turnkey homes by renowned interior designers. Jade Signature’s most luxurious offerings, a portfolio known as “The Collection,” has a compilation of two-story Sky Villas and a two-story penthouse, ranging from $11.9 million to $29.5 million. The Sky Villas offer stunning features, such as flow-through views, expansive terraces, private elevators, smart technology, service quarters and PYR-designed bathroom cabinetry. The two-story penthouse boasts all of these world-class features as well as a private pool, gym and 360-degree views. Additional offerings include three- to five-bedroom residences, with sizes starting at 3,260 SF and prices starting at $4.49 million. Jade Signature is located at 16901 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160.

Enjoy the video and photo tour below:

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

Dezer Development & Related Group Complete Residences by Armani/ Casa In Sunny Isles Beach

Dezer Properties and Related Group have completed the 56-story Residences by Armani/ Casa in Sunny Isles Beach and closings are now underway. The Residences by Armani/ Casa offers 308 luxury condo units with total sales valued at over $1 billion. The project first broke ground in January 2016 and received its TCO in late November/ early December 2019. Pre-sales hit the 87% mark with over $800 million in sales since launch. The Residences by Armani/ Casa was designed by the late César Pelli and marks his final project before his death in July 2019.

Units at The Residences by Armani/ Casa range from 1,350 SF to 4,700 SF, priced from $1.6 million to over $17 million. There is also a penthouse furnished by Giorgio Armani that includes a trip to Italy to meet the iconic designer himself. The Residences by Armani/Casa features over 35,000 SF of incomparable amenities including a fine dining restaurant, cigar room and wine cellar, heated swimming pool, ocean-facing fitness center, two-story revitalization spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, movie theatre, and clubroom, all situated on 300' of private shoreline.

For more information about The Residences by Armani/ Casa, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

The Developers of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach Unveil Striking Pablo Atchugarry Sculpture For Miami Art Week

Marking the culmination of one of the most exciting weeks of the year in Miami, dozens of art world influentials, local luminaries and friends joined leaders with Fortune International Group, Château Group and internationally renowned artist Pablo Atchugarry for the unveiling of “Dreaming the Future,” Atchugarry’s latest sculpture.

The stunning piece, intricately carved from Carrara marble and stretching 11.5’ in height, was commissioned by joint developers Fortune International Group and Château Group for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach. Revealed during an exclusive on-site ceremony during Miami Art Week, “Dreaming the Future” is now seated at the base of the tower’s entrance, serving as an enduring landmark for the both the condominium and the surrounding community.

“It is an honor and a privilege to share this masterpiece with the City of Sunny Isles Beach and, by that token, all who visit South Florida’s coastline,” said Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of Château Group. “For the last two years, we have worked hand-in-hand with Pablo Atchugarry and the City to create a spectacular work of art that is truly timeless -- one sure to be admired far and wide by generations to come.”

“The synergies between fine art and luxury real estate cannot be overstated -- with The Residences being no exception,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “This sculpture is another jewel in the crown of our beautiful building and a tribute to the artistry, architecture and designs that define it.”

“The inspiration behind ‘Dreaming the Future’ is the promise of a bright tomorrow…one full of possibilities. I hope it will continue to inspire all who see it -- encouraging everyone to keep dreaming and be forever guided by their values and principles,” added Atchugarry.

Gathering at the 52-story project for an elegant, late-morning commemoration, guests of the Dec. 6 event included the Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach, George “Bud” Scholl; Commissioners Dana Goldman and Alex Lama; Fortune International Group President & CEO Edgardo Defortuna and Executive Vice President Ana Cristina Defortuna; Château Group father-and-son co-founders Sergio Grosskopf and Manuel Grosskopf; G.M. of The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles Beach, Nathalie Rader; and Sales Director Isabella Holguin.

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Atchugarry has been widely regarded for his sculptures, which are part of public and private collections worldwide. In addition to having had works of art be sold at auctions by Christie’s and Sotheby’s in London, New York and Paris, his sculptures are currently featured in a myriad of revered galleries across the globe. Atchugarry additionally opened his own family gallery in Miami last December where his collaboration with The Residences was first announced. “Dreaming the Future,” which measures 11-and-a-half feet by four feet by two-and-a-half feet, was crafted in both Italy and Uruguay before being transported to the South Florida high-rise.

As the first building north of Bal Harbour, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach boasts a prime location with 250 feet of pristine beachfront. The building’s designs have been crafted by award-winning architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica with interiors by acclaimed Florentine architect Michele Bönan. Comprising 212 residences and managed by The Ritz-Carlton, the tower will have a private club level on the 33rd floor, beach restaurant, pool deck, kids club, full-service spa, fitness center and wellness center, among other top-line amenities. Residences start at $2.6 million, with the full-floor penthouse offered at $32 million.

Further highlights in each of the homes, all of which are smart-technology-ready, will include walk-in closets, laundry rooms with full-size washers and dryers, and pre-wiring for high-speed internet access and Wi-Fi. Penthouses will feature lush garden terraces spanning 2,000 SF – 4,000 SF, private pools and summer kitchens, custom-designed Italian cabinetry, service quarters, and well-appointed master suites. The sales gallery is located at 15800 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach.

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below: