Fortune International Group Secures Pre-Development Loan for ORA by Casa Tua in Brickell
Fortune International Group, a prominent Miami-based developer, has made a bold move by acquiring a prime 46,373-square-foot site at 1210 Brickell Ave in the heart of Brickell. This acquisition is a crucial milestone for the ORA by Casa Tua project, further supported by a substantial $36,080,000 pre-development loan from Amerant Bank. The project, set to redefine luxury living in Miami, is now on track for its groundbreaking in 2025.
The site was purchased from Miami-based Patagonian Investment Internacional LLC, and the developer is now gearing up for the construction phase, with groundbreaking expected to commence in 2025.
ORA by Casa Tua is set to be a landmark development in Miami, standing at 77 stories and approximately 930 feet tall. The building, designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by m2atelier, will feature 533 fully furnished residences available for short-term rentals. This ambitious project aims to embody Miami’s dynamic and evolving spirit, establishing itself as a prime destination in the city.
The development will also include approximately 25,000 square feet dedicated to Casa Tua’s four new restaurant concepts. Additionally, it will feature creative workspaces with private office spaces, conference rooms, content creation rooms, bar lounges, and outdoor seating areas.
Edgardo Defortuna, President, CEO, and founder of Fortune International Group, expressed his excitement about the project: “The acquisition of the site and loan closing are principal steps that mark an exciting beginning for ORA by Casa Tua’s vision to take shape. We are eager for Miami’s community to sense the anticipation and witness the project come to life.”
ORA by Casa Tua promises a range of luxurious amenities, including a second pool on the 12th floor with a sun shelf, loungers, cabanas, a jacuzzi, a show kitchen, a private event space, and lush landscaping. Residents will also enjoy an entertainment lounge, a two-floor fitness and wellness center with a hammam and couples treatment rooms, and a unique three-story open sky garden.
The residences will range from 500-square-foot studios to 2,400-square-foot four-bedroom units, all fully furnished and ready for immediate listing as short-term, seasonal, or long-term rentals. These units will offer stunning panoramic views of Brickell, Biscayne Bay, and Coconut Grove, featuring ten-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows and curated window treatments. The Italian-designed kitchens will be equipped with top-tier appliances, and the Italian-designed baths will include imported fixtures. Additionally, the residences will be outfitted with smart home technology and spacious walk-in closets.
Casa Tua, founded by Miky and Leticia Grendene, opened its flagship Miami Beach location in 2001. It quickly became known as a welcoming place for friends, family, and guests from around the world to celebrate life. Pioneering the members club concept in Miami, Casa Tua blends art, entertainment, and fine dining with a signature Italian style. Over the years, it has expanded to Aspen and Paris, with a New York City location opening in 2023. The brand also launched Casa Tua Cucina in partnership with Richard Baker and Saks Fifth Avenue, an award-winning Italian open kitchen concept located in Miami’s Brickell City Centre.
ORA by Casa Tua is poised to add to this legacy, offering a unique blend of luxury living and innovative design that reflects the vibrant spirit of Miami. As the project progresses, it will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of the Brickell skyline and a testament to Fortune International Group’s vision and commitment to excellence.
848 Brickell: A New Landmark in Miami’s Financial District
Developers for 848 Brickell have taken a significant step towards reshaping Miami’s skyline with their latest project. Key International and Sterling Bay filed for FAA permits on June 27, 2024, for this 51-story Class A office and retail tower in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. Designed by the renowned Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the structure is set to reach an impressive height of 764 feet above ground, or 775 feet above mean sea level. As of now, the permit status is “work in progress.”
848 Brickell promises to be a major addition to Miami’s Financial District, providing over 750,000 square feet of premium office space and 7,500 square feet of ground-floor retail. Additionally, it will include on-site parking facilities for more than 1,000 vehicles. Catering to modern business needs, the tower will feature tech-enabled conference facilities, a luxury fitness center, an expansive outdoor terrace, padel tennis courts, and private open-air lounges.
Strategically located at 848 Brickell Avenue, the tower will offer stunning views of the ocean and Brickell Avenue. Its prime location ensures quick access to top dining, retail, and entertainment spots, making it a premier business hub in Miami.
Key International, under the leadership of Diego and Inigo Ardid, chose Sterling Bay for its expertise in developing world-class office spaces. Sterling Bay’s impressive portfolio includes creative office spaces for major corporations like Google and McDonald’s. This collaboration aims to create a next-generation workspace that meets the evolving needs of modern businesses and professionals in South Florida.
The FAA permit applications signify a major milestone for 848 Brickell, underscoring ongoing efforts to transform downtown Miami with new residential, commercial, and office projects. This development is poised to play a crucial role in the continued growth and modernization of the area.
Key International and Sterling Bay Partner to Develop Innovative Office Tower in Miami’s Brickell Neighborhood
In a move set to redefine the workplace experience in Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood, Key International has announced its partnership with Sterling Bay, a renowned real estate development firm. Led by Diego and Inigo Ardid, Key International is set to join forces with Sterling Bay to develop the impressive 848 Brickell project. This 761-foot-tall Class A creative office and retail tower, located at the heart of Miami’s Financial District, promises to be a game-changer in the city’s commercial landscape.
Sterling Bay, known for its innovative approach to creating world-class office spaces, has an illustrious track record. The firm has consistently redefined the workplace experience through innovative design, amenities, and functionality. Sterling Bay’s portfolio boasts an impressive lineup of globally recognized tenants, including tech giant Google, fast-food giant McDonald’s, Dyson, WPP, Boston Consulting Group, and law firm Greenberg Traurig. With a pipeline of $20 billion in transformative urban campuses, Sterling Bay has reshaped entire communities and transformed how people perceive and engage with office spaces.
With over two decades of experience, Sterling Bay has partnered with global architecture and design leaders to create work environments that foster productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being. In 2019, Sterling Bay marked its entry into the Miami market with the completion of 545wyn, the first-ever Class A office building in Wynwood. This development triggered a commercial boom in Wynwood, attracting major tenants like Sony Music, PwC, MIAX, Gensler, and Slalom.
As Miami establishes itself as the nation’s new epicenter for commercial growth, Brickell has emerged as the hottest submarket for commercial office development. Sterling Bay’s CEO, Andy Gloor, acknowledges Brickell’s pivotal role in Miami’s business landscape. He anticipates that 848 Brickell will set new standards, seamlessly blending the Miami lifestyle with the workplace needs of its tenants.
Upon completion, 848 Brickell will offer over 750,000 square feet of Class-A office space, complemented by a curated ground-floor retail space spanning 7,500 square feet. The development will also feature on-site parking facilities capable of accommodating over 1,000 vehicles.
Designed by the globally renowned Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM), 848 Brickell will cater to the evolving needs of modern businesses and professionals. The tower will feature hospitality-inspired workplace amenities, including tech-enabled conference facilities, a luxury fitness center, and an expansive outdoor terrace. Lifestyle amenities like padel tennis courts and private open-air lounges will ensure that tenants enjoy a vibrant work-life balance. Moreover, the prime location offers breathtaking ocean and Brickell Avenue views and provides easy access to the neighborhood’s top dining, retail, and entertainment destinations.
The partnership between Key International and Sterling Bay to develop 848 Brickell is set to redefine Miami’s commercial landscape. With a focus on innovation, amenities, and functionality, this project promises to deliver the next generation of modern workspaces in South Florida. As Miami’s commercial epicenter, Brickell continues to evolve, and 848 Brickell is positioned to be a beacon of excellence that sets the bar higher for workplace environments in the city.
Key International Sets Sights on Miami’s Financial District with a Pioneering Office Tower
In the heart of Miami’s bustling Financial District, Key International, under the leadership of co-presidents Inigo and Diego Ardid, is poised to redefine the skyline with their ambitious plans for 848 Brickell Avenue. This isn’t just another office building; it’s a statement of intent, a 50-story beacon that promises to elevate the standards of Class-A office spaces.
The architectural maestros behind this venture are none other than Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the globally acclaimed firm responsible for iconic structures such as the Burj Khalifa and One World Trade Center. Their involvement alone signifies the magnitude and prestige of this project.
Positioned strategically in the sought-after Brickell neighborhood, the tower will be a stone’s throw away from the Brickell City Center and a plethora of upscale dining and retail establishments. Once completed, it will soar to an impressive height of approximately 761 feet, making it a dominant feature of Miami’s skyline.
Diego Ardid, co-president of Key International, shared his vision for the new 848 Brickell. He envisions it as more than just a workspace; it’s a testament to architectural prowess combined with unparalleled amenities that will reshape Miami’s work culture. This isn’t just about meeting expectations; it’s about surpassing them.
The tower is meticulously designed to cater to the burgeoning demand for luxury office spaces in Miami. Boasting 750,000 square feet of office real estate, prospective tenants can expect floor plans ranging from 19,000 to 27,000 square feet, tailored to accommodate diverse sectors such as law, technology, and notably, finance.
What truly sets this building apart is its emphasis on holistic well-being. It’s not just about work; it’s about wellness. The building champions both LEED and WELL rating systems, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and the health of its occupants. Features such as residential-style balconies foster a connection with nature, while a sprawling 40,000-square-foot amenity level, complete with outdoor meeting spaces, lounges, a state-of-the-art gym, an outdoor walking trail, and two regulation-sized Padel courts, ensures that work-life balance isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a reality.
