Introducing The Aurelian: A Luxury Multifamily Landmark Coming to Coral Gables

Empira Group has officially announced details of its latest venture—The Aurelian, a sophisticated 12‑story luxury multifamily development set to grace Coral Gables’ storied landscape. Anchored at 912–921 East Ponce de Leon Boulevard, this project signals Empira’s commitment to elevating upscale urban living in South Florida.

Prime Location & Strategic Vision

Situated on a substantial 1.2‑acre site nestled within a lush, leafy neighborhood, The Aurelian offers sweeping skyline views of Downtown Coral Gables and Brickell—making it a standout in one of Miami-Dade’s most sought-after locales.

Refined Architecture Meets Timeless Elegance

Designed by renowned local firm Behar Font, the design weaves Mediterranean-inspired charm with modern luxury—offering spacious unit layouts, high-end finishes, and sweeping private balconies that harmonize with Coral Gables’ historic and aesthetic values.

Luxe Interiors & Thoughtful Amenities

With 161 luxury residential units, The Aurelian is sculpted to deliver an elevated living experience. Expect:

1. A serene pool and outdoor lounge amidst landscaped trellises
2. A state-of-the-art fitness center paired with a private yoga studio
3. A 5,000 square foot public park space with a children’s play area to foster community connection
4. A private parking garage with room for 248 vehicles, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

Public Art as a Statement

Art meets architecture at The Aurelian’s entrance, featuring an evocative bronze sculpture by Michele Oka Doner—renowned for her immersive public works. The piece, designed to emit a golden glow, draws inspiration from Coral Gables’ abundant natural beauty.

Key Development Timeline & Context

• Site acquisition price: $18 million
• Groundbreaking: expected early 2026, aligning with Empira’s expanding South Florida pipeline, including other developments like Enso and Perrin

What’s Next?

Empira Group is poised to break ground in early 2026, with completion expected in 2028, according to CoStar. This timeline ensures deliberate attention to design, construction quality, and community integration—hallmarks that will define The Aurelian’s prestige.

Opus Coconut Grove Secures $28.8M Construction Loan, Paving the Way for Vertical Development

META Development has reached a major milestone for Opus Coconut Grove, announcing the successful closing of a $28.8 million construction loan from Los Angeles–based Arixa Capital. The funding marks a pivotal step forward in bringing this limited-edition boutique development to life in the heart of Miami’s Coconut Grove.

Financing Milestone with Arixa Capital

The construction loan signals strong confidence in both the project and Miami’s luxury condo market. With traditional lenders tightening standards, developers have increasingly turned to private lenders like Arixa Capital. This financing ensures Opus Coconut Grove has the resources needed to move confidently into the next phase of development, advancing from pre-construction to demolition and vertical building.

According to META Development CEO Andrew Rasken, securing financing validates the firm’s “Go Boutique” philosophy, which emphasizes smaller-scale, design-forward residential projects that cater to discerning buyers seeking exclusivity and craftsmanship.

A Boutique Vision for Coconut Grove

Opus Coconut Grove is designed as a limited-edition collection of residences, blending architectural precision with contemporary elegance. The development reflects Coconut Grove’s character—lush, green, and residential—while elevating the experience with curated design and modern amenities.

Rasken noted that the financing is not only a milestone but also a response to the growing demand for boutique, design-driven residences in Miami, a market that continues to attract both local and international buyers.

What’s Next for Opus Coconut Grove

With financing now fully secured, construction will progress to demolition, site work, and eventually vertical construction. Once completed, Opus Coconut Grove will stand out as a distinctive residential experience in one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

Located just minutes from Biscayne Bay and the cultural and dining offerings of Coconut Grove, the development offers future residents both convenience and a lifestyle defined by privacy, luxury, and architectural distinction.

Edge House Residences Secures $10M Bridge Loan as Private Financing Surges in Miami’s Condo Market

The financing landscape for Miami’s luxury condo developments is evolving, and Edge House illustrates how projects are moving forward under the new playbook. With traditional banks tightening lending standards, private lenders like Vaster and Winston Capital are stepping in — most recently closing a $10 million bridge refinance loan for Edge House, pushing their joint transactions past $100 million.

A New Chapter for Edge House in Edgewater

Located at 1837 NE 4th Avenue, Edge House is a planned 57-story luxury tower that broke ground in March 2025. Designed by Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, with interiors by Adriana Hoyos Design Studio, the project will deliver 592 fully furnished residences across 870,000 square feet of space. Each home is short-term rental–friendly and integrated with a built-in booking system, catering to the rising demand for flexible ownership models in Miami’s condo market.

Residences will be priced from the mid-$500,000s to approximately $1.9 million, offering investors and end-users alike access to a rare opportunity in the built-out Edgewater district. At sell-out, Edge House is projected to achieve between $400 million and $500 million in value, with completion slated for late 2028.

Why Private Financing Matters

The $10 million bridge loan, arranged for Meridian Real Estate Group LLC (led by Grupo T&C), will fund pre-development and entitlement work, including design, permitting, and site planning. This early-stage capital ensures project momentum while maximizing zoning potential in one of Miami’s most competitive neighborhoods.

The deal underscores the growing role of private lenders like Vaster and Winston Capital in advancing Miami’s next condo cycle. By backing one of Edgewater’s last high-density waterfront sites, they are positioning themselves as key players in shaping the city’s skyline.

Resort-Style Living with Investor Flexibility

Edge House is one of the few new luxury condo towers in Miami designed with short-term rentals in mind. Fully furnished residences, paired with world-class amenities—including two pools, a spa, a sky lounge, co-working spaces, a fitness center, and landscaped gardens—deliver the resort-style living buyers expect.

With Douglas Elliman handling sales and Thornton Construction as general contractor, the development team has brought together some of Miami’s most respected firms to execute the vision.

Prime Location in Edgewater

Situated across from Margaret Pace Park and steps from Biscayne Bay, Edge House offers residents unmatched walkability and access to Miami’s cultural and economic hubs. The project is minutes from Wynwood, the Design District, Midtown, and Downtown Miami, making it a premier address for buyers seeking both convenience and lifestyle.

The Bigger Picture: Private Lending Fuels Miami Growth

Together, Winston Capital and Vaster have now closed more than $100 million in private lending deals, signaling a broader trend in Miami condo financing. As developers pursue ambitious towers in land-constrained districts like Edgewater, private capital is proving essential to keep projects on track.

For Edge House, this financing milestone not only ensures steady progress but also highlights the project’s role as a flagship for Miami’s evolving real estate market.

Aman Residences Miami Beach Goes Vertical: A New Era of Ultra-Luxury Begins

As of mid‑August 2025, vertical construction has officially commenced on the highly anticipated Aman Residences Miami Beach, marking a pivotal moment for luxury real estate in the Faena District.

A Bold Move from Ground to Sky

Located at 3425 Collins Avenue, the project has cleared critical early stages including piling, excavation, soil stabilization, and foundation—including a two-level underground parking structure using advanced Deep Soil Mixing and Triple Soil Mixing methods. These engineering feats laid the groundwork for vertical build-out to begin in earnest.

Building Up and On Schedule

• The new 18‑story residential tower, designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is set to rise in tiered, scalloped form.
• Construction is configured at a brisk pace—one floor every two weeks—with a top-off expected in early 2026 and full delivery slated for 2027.

Harmonizing Design Heritage & Contemporary Luxury

The development blends historic preservation with avant‑garde design:

• The adjacent Versailles Hotel, a restored Art Deco icon, will house 56 Aman‑branded hotel rooms, with interiors by longtime Aman collaborator Jean‑Michel Gathy of Denniston.
• The 22 private residences in Kuma’s tower will exemplify minimalist elegance—fluid indoor-outdoor transitions, Japanese-inspired materials, and a nod to Miami’s Art Deco roots.

Regulatory Milestone Achieved

• The FAA has issued crucial height clearances: up to 252 feet above ground (255 feet AMSL), with earlier partial clearance of 227 feet (230 feet AMSL) for areas near flight paths. These approvals are valid through April 2026.
• These clearances remove regulatory roadblocks, allowing unimpeded vertical progress.

Prestige, Momentum & Market Implications

• According to Alan Chun, COO of OKO Group, starting vertical work “builds on Aman’s record-setting residential sell-out” and positions Miami Beach as a prime destination for design, wellness, and luxury living.
• Industry analysts note the potency of marrying heritage, visionary architecture, and branding in generating early market confidence and premium pricing.

Playboy Relocating HQ from Los Angeles to Miami Beach; Plans Glamorous New Playboy Club

Hold onto your sunscreen, Miami Beach! Playboy—yes, that legendary lifestyle icon—is packing up from L.A. and turning our sandy shores into its new global nerve center. This isn’t just a relocation—it’s a cultural jet-setter’s dream come true, poised to reshape our city’s vibe with entertainment, innovation, and electric energy. And now, the iconic brand has chosen the ultra-luxurious RIVANI Miami Beach as its new home base.

A Bold, Strategic Win for Miami Beach

Playboy, Inc. officially announced today (August 13, 2025) it will relocate its global headquarters from Los Angeles to Miami Beach. This move isn’t just cosmetic—it signals Playboy’s intent to anchor itself in one of America’s most dynamic, culturally vibrant, and business‑friendly cities.

For Miami Beach, that translates to high-paying jobs, new economic opportunities, and a renewed spotlight as a global hub for arts, entertainment, and lifestyle. City officials are thrilled, and so is Robert Rivani—the hospitality and real estate visionary behind RIVANI Miami Beach, a $100 million “Class X” office redevelopment located at 1691 Michigan Avenue, just steps from Lincoln Road. “Securing a top-tier, globally recognized company like Playboy underscores the level of prestige and energy we are bringing to RIVANI Miami Beach,” says Rivani.

Lobby Entrance | Credit: RIVANI

Why RIVANI? The Perfect Headquarters Fit

Designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group and inspired by Rivani’s hospitality experience, RIVANI Miami Beach blends five-star hospitality, curated wellness, and elevated design—setting a new benchmark for commercial office buildings in South Florida.

This penthouse space will give Playboy’s global team access to full-service concierge and valet, a world-class spa and fitness center, a meditation room, a living room-style lounge for meetings, an Omakase restaurant, a hidden speakeasy, and private event venues. The building’s lifestyle-driven approach aligns perfectly with Playboy’s own brand of luxury, exclusivity, and experience.

The Spectacular Playboy Club: Heritage Meets Cutting-Edge Hospitality

In addition to its high-profile move into RIVANI, Playboy is partnering with a top-tier hospitality company to develop a brand-new Playboy Club in Miami Beach.

• Expect a world-class restaurant and exclusive members-only enclave inspired by the legendary Playboy Mansion.
• Think modern luxury mingled with nostalgia: Playmate-inspired service, immersive ambiance, and members-only flair—all set against Miami Beach’s glittering nightlife backdrop.

Lobby | Credit: RIVANI

Next-Gen Content Creation Hub

Playboy’s RIVANI headquarters will also house state-of-the-art content studios designed for:

• Original podcasts
• Fashion and editorial photography
• Multimedia production
• And the expansion of its global creator network

RIVANI’s advanced infrastructure and luxury environment make it the ultimate creative hub—fusing business, entertainment, and lifestyle in one address.

A Milestone for Both Brands

This announcement also marks a turning point for Robert Rivani’s own company. Alongside Playboy’s arrival, Black Lion has officially rebranded as RIVANI, reflecting its evolution into a leader in lifestyle-driven commercial development. “Black Lion laid the foundation, and RIVANI is the evolution,” says Rivani. “We’re continuing to disrupt the industry with a timeless, elegant, and intentional approach.”

Speakeasy Corridor | Credit: RIVANI

Why This Matters Big Time for Miami

• Economic Windfall: Corporate HQs bring jobs, contracts, and attention. Miami’s gaining a global brand with serious staying power.
• Cultural Cred: Playboy’s move underscores Miami’s reputation as a global style and lifestyle capital—where bold meets beautiful.
• Tourism & Buzz: A new Playboy Club means major media exposure, influencer visits, and a fresh reason for travelers to flock here.
• Creative Capital: RIVANI strengthens Miami Beach’s position as a powerhouse for content creation.

Abitaro Launches Fractional Luxury Ownership in Brickell from Just $68K – A New Way to Own in Miami

Miami’s Brickell district is known for its luxury towers, world-class dining, and unmatched energy. But with rising prices, many buyers have found the dream of owning in Brickell out of reach — until now.

Habitat Group, the award-winning developer behind projects such as Smart Brickell I, Smart Brickell II, Smart Brickell III, Parkside Brickell, Millux Place Miami, and Season One Brickell, has introduced Abitaro — a modern fractional co-ownership model that lets you own a luxury, fully furnished condo in Brickell starting at just $68,000.

What Is Abitaro?

Abitaro is an innovative real estate ownership program designed for those who want the benefits of owning a second home without the high cost or hassle of sole ownership. Each residence is divided into eight shares (1/8 ownership), giving you:

• Guaranteed usage for several weeks per year
• Fully furnished luxury apartments in prime Brickell locations
• Complete property management and maintenance handled for you
• Guaranteed 9% annual return during periods you lease back your share
• Flexible payment options, including interest-free installment plans

When you’re not using your residence, Abitaro’s exclusive rental program can generate passive income for you.

Why Brickell?

Brickell is one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the U.S., ranked among the top global financial districts outside New York City. It’s home to:

• The largest concentration of international banks in the U.S.
• Over 1,400 multinational corporations
• A thriving hospitality and dining scene, from rooftop bars to Michelin-rated restaurants
• Luxury shopping at Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village
• Annual events like Art Basel, Miami Open, Ultra Music Festival, and Formula 1 Miami

For investors, Brickell’s high rental demand and year-round tourism make it a prime location for generating consistent returns.

Featured Properties in the Abitaro Portfolio

Currently, Abitaro’s fractional ownership opportunities are available in Smart Brickell I, with more locations planned. Smart Brickell offers:

• 23 floors and 100 luxury units
• Rooftop pool with Miami skyline views
• State-of-the-art fitness center and spa
• Fully furnished residences with short-term rental flexibility (nightly, weekly, monthly)

Available units include studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom floor plans, with share prices ranging from $68,000 to $122,000, depending on size and view.

How the Co-Ownership Model Works

1. Choose Your Property – Select from a curated collection of fully furnished residences.
2. Purchase Your Share – Each share represents 12.5% ownership (1/8) of the property.
3. Enjoy Flexible Usage – Use your property for several weeks per year, or opt for the leaseback program for passive income.

Example:

• Unit 305 (Studio, 442 sq ft) – Shares from $68,000
• Annual Net Income (Leaseback) – Projected returns from rental program, minus HOA, taxes, and maintenance.

Leaseback Program – Earn While You’re Away

Owners who participate in Abitaro’s leaseback program can earn a guaranteed 9% return annually on their share price when the property is not in use. You can choose:

• Full Leaseback – 45 days per year for income
• Hybrid Use – 30 days leaseback + 15 days personal use

Maintenance is a fixed $900/year per share, covering operational and administrative management.

Why Co-Ownership Is Growing

According to recent studies:

• 26.7% of U.S. home purchases now involve co-buyers
• 14% of buyers in 2024 purchased with friends (up from 4% in 2022)
• The top reasons: financial benefits (78%), property access (41%), and social factors (37%)

Abitaro taps into this trend, offering affordable access to Miami’s luxury market without sacrificing lifestyle or investment potential.

The Bottom Line

With Abitaro, owning in Brickell no longer requires millions in cash or the burdens of full-time property management. For as little as $68,000, buyers can secure luxury living, flexible usage, and guaranteed income potential — all backed by Habitat Group’s 20+ years of experience. If you’re interested in security a unit at Smart Brickell I for fractional ownership, contact us at [email protected].

Swire Properties Sells Prime Brickell Development Site to Kerzner International for $45M

Swire Properties has completed another major land sale in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, continuing its shift in focus toward its flagship holdings on Brickell Key. On August 5, 2025, the Hong Kong–based developer sold a 1-acre development site located at 9 Southeast 6th Street for $45 million to Kerzner International, the Dubai-based hospitality group led by CEO Philippe Zuber. The transaction equates to approximately $1,043 per square foot.

The property sits in a prime location just steps from Brickell City Centre and was previously approved for 350 residential units and 180 hotel rooms. Its strategic positioning in the heart of Miami’s financial district makes it one of the most sought-after parcels in the area.

Kerzner International — best known for its global luxury resort brands including Atlantis and One&Only — has not yet disclosed its development plans for the site. Given Kerzner’s history of delivering high-end hospitality projects, the parcel could be the future home of a flagship luxury hotel, branded residences, or a mixed-use tower.

The deal marks the latest in a string of non-core asset divestments for Swire Properties as it refocuses development and investment efforts on Brickell Key. Swire has been a major force in shaping the Brickell skyline, most notably through the multi-phase Brickell City Centre project.

With Miami continuing to attract both domestic and international investment, this sale underscores the strong demand for prime development land in Brickell — and signals that the neighborhood’s transformation is far from over.

Grove Gallery Now Open Along The Underline’s Newest Segment in Coconut Grove

The Underline has reached a major milestone with the opening of its newest segment in Coconut Grove, extending the urban trail system from SW 19th Avenue to SW 27th Avenue. This addition not only expands The Underline’s total length to 3.5 miles but also debuts a vibrant new community anchor: Grove Gallery.

What Is Grove Gallery?

Grove Gallery is a 150,000-square-foot linear activation space designed as a dynamic and inclusive gathering spot for the community. Conceived as a “canvas for the community,” the gallery space introduces a mix of cultural, recreational, and wellness-focused features that reflect Coconut Grove’s creative and eclectic spirit.

Key Features of Grove Gallery

• Market Space for Food & Beverage Vendors
  Rotating pop-up vendors will provide local flavors and culinary diversity, giving residents and visitors a new destination for food and drink experiences.
• Bocce Ball Courts
  Dedicated courts for this classic game create opportunities for casual fun and intergenerational play.
• Art Plinth for Rotating Installations
  The space will host rotating public art exhibits, making it a living gallery that celebrates local and regional talent.
• Interactive Community Bookshelf
  Visitors can browse, borrow, or donate books, creating a shared, literary connection point.
• Column Murals
  The iconic Metrorail columns have been transformed into large-scale murals, showcasing bold, expressive artwork that adds color and character to the corridor.

More Than a Park: A Cultural Connector for Coconut Grove

In the coming months, Grove Gallery will serve as a backdrop for a wide array of cultural events, wellness programs, and community gatherings. From outdoor yoga sessions and live performances to local art showcases and farmers markets, the space is designed to evolve alongside the neighborhood it serves.

Why It Matters for Coconut Grove

The opening of Grove Gallery represents a major step in redefining Coconut Grove’s public space and pedestrian connectivity. As part of The Underline’s broader mission to transform the land beneath Miami’s Metrorail into a world-class linear park, Grove Gallery adds depth, identity, and function to the corridor—connecting people not just geographically, but culturally.

With this new segment, The Underline continues its vision of linking Miami—mile by mile—while enhancing livability, accessibility, and sustainability across neighborhoods.

Selva Nightclub to Debut in Brickell Above Amazónico Miami

Brickell is about to get a lot louder after dark.

This Fall, the vibrant financial district will welcome its first true nightclub — Selva, a high-energy nightlife concept described as “the dark side of the jungle.” The nightclub will be located above Amazónico Miami, a rainforest-inspired restaurant opening in September 2025 at 800 Brickell Avenue.

Selva is owned and operated by the team behind Amazónico, an internationally renowned restaurant brand with locations in Madrid, London, Dubai, and now Miami. Known for lush interiors, exotic flavors, and elevated dining, Amazónico brings the Amazon rainforest to life — and Selva promises to take that same jungle energy into the night.

While details remain limited, Selva’s official website teases a mysterious, immersive atmosphere that blends music, glamour, and tropical edge — perfectly aligned with Brickell’s evolving identity as a luxury lifestyle destination.

This marks a major shift for Brickell, which, until now, has been largely without a dedicated nightclub scene. With Selva’s arrival, Brickell residents and visitors may no longer need to travel to Wynwood or South Beach for an upscale nightlife experience.

Amazónico and Selva will both be located at 800 Brickell Avenue, in the heart of Miami’s urban core. As the lines between fine dining and nightlife continue to blur, this dynamic duo is poised to become a game-changer for the area.

Stay tuned for updates as more details — and opening night announcements — are revealed.