Berkadia Secures $73M Construction Loan for Nexo Residences in North Miami Beach

In a significant milestone for one of North Miami Beach’s most exciting developments, Berkadia has successfully secured a $73.27 million construction loan on behalf of Fortune International Group and Blue Road for the completion of Nexo Residences, a 16-story short-term rental-friendly condominium.

The financing, arranged by Berkadia’s South Florida team — including Managing Director Scott Wadler, Director Michael Basinski, Vice President Bobby Dockerty, Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg, and Managing Directors Brad Williamson and Matt Robbins — was provided by Bank Hapoalim (BHI). The loan follows Nexo’s recent construction topping off, which had previously been funded by a combination of EB-5 investor capital and presale deposits.

With 90% of units sold and completion on track for 2027, Nexo Residences is quickly emerging as a standout project in a fast-transforming corridor next to SoLé Mia and minutes from Aventura.

“Fortune International and its partner Blue Road are delivering an exceptional building in a rapidly transforming area adjacent to Aventura and next to SoLé Mia,” said Scott Wadler. “A trifecta of experienced Sponsorship, high-quality product, and great location generated significant interest from lenders.”

The tower — designed for modern global buyers — allows for short-term rentals, an increasingly in-demand feature. The fully furnished residences range from studios to three-bedroom units, with prices starting from the $599,000s, and include a limited selection of three- and four-bedroom townhomes.

Notable architecture and design collaborators include Carlos Ott, Frankel Benayoun Architects Inc., and Urban Robot. Residences offer floor-to-ceiling windows, Italian cabinetry, porcelain flooring, custom closets, lockable owner storage, and dedicated parking for each unit.

Nexo also raises the bar on lifestyle with standout amenities, including:

• A three-story lobby and café lounge

• Two-story coworking and tech hub

• Resort-style pool with Jacuzzi

• Rooftop observatory deck

• Summer kitchens and outdoor movie theater

• Yoga studio, clubroom, event space, and playground

Located at 13899 Biscayne Boulevard, Nexo Residences is just minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway, Oleta River State Park, Florida International University, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles, and Hollywood Beach. The property’s accessibility is bolstered by its proximity to Miami and Fort Lauderdale International Airports and the Brightline Aventura station.

“The lifestyle offered at Nexo — combining elevated design, robust amenities, and rental flexibility — has driven strong sales momentum with buyers from over 25 countries,” said Edgardo Defortuna, CEO of Fortune International Group. “Securing this financing reaffirms the market’s confidence in both the product and the North Miami Beach submarket.”

With sales and marketing exclusively managed by Fortune Development Sales, Nexo Residences continues to attract a global audience eager for turnkey living and investment-ready opportunities in one of South Florida’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

Three-Phase Affordable Housing and Industrial Development Planned for Miami’s 7200 NW 22nd Avenue

Amazónico to Open Miami Location Fall 2025

Amazónico—often styled as Amazonica—is primed to bring its lush, Amazon‑inspired ambience and Latin‑American–fusion culinary flair to Miami’s vibrant dining scene this fall. With iconic outposts in Madrid, London, Dubai, and Monte Carlo—and currently hiring for its new location at 800 Brickell Ave—this marks the brand’s boldest move yet.

Nestled in a former bank building in Brickell, the new location promises multi‑level dining including:

• A stunning ground‑floor restaurant space

• A lively lounge with DJ sets and live performers

• A rooftop venue blending post‑work vibes with nightlife pulse
  With seating capacity for over 1,300 nightly covers, Miami’s spot will be the brand’s largest to date.

Miami’s version will preserve Amazónico’s trademark “elec‑tropical” DNA—infusing Cuban rhythms, tropical flair, and electric atmosphere throughout. Expect a full sensory journey: music, design, service and culinary vibrancy.

Amazónico’s menu celebrates shared dishes rich in South American flavors—Peruvian ceviche, Argentinian grilled meats, Venezuelan bites, Japanese‑style raw fish—and a playful tropical drinks program. The Miami offering will echo this formula, perfectly suited for communal dining, Instagrammable moments, and a splash of nightlife fun intertwined with fine‑dining quality .

Thomas Lecoq, general manager of London’s Amazónico, is overseeing the Miami project. After orchestrating openings in London, Dubai, and Monaco, he’s relocating stateside to ensure the brand’s signature flair lands just right in Miami. With over 320 staff being hired already, it’s clearly more than a restaurant opening—it’s a strategic cultural expansion.

For Miami foodies and nightlife lovers, Amazónico’s arrival is a breath of fresh, jungle‑charged air—and an invitation to something grand, global, and unapologetically tropical. Mark your calendars for fall 2025, and keep your eyes peeled for taste tests, previews, and grand‑opening happenings. Amazonica Miami is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience.

Ex-Formula 1 Star Eddie Irvine Lists $38M Waterfront Masterpiece on Biscayne Island

Miami’s luxury real estate market just got another head-turner—this time courtesy of a former Formula 1 icon. Eddie Irvine, the celebrated Ferrari driver turned spec home developer, has officially listed his newest residential creation: a striking modern estate on Biscayne Island, priced at $38 million.

Set at 1061 N Venetian Drive, the nearly 7,000-square-foot residence was completed in 2022 and brings a sleek, contemporary vision to life. Designed by acclaimed architect Max Strang, the six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom mansion is perched on a 100-foot waterfront lot with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the glittering Edgewater skyline. Every inch of the property exudes sophistication, from the rooftop lounge to the infinity-edge pool and private dock.

The interiors are equally luxurious. A private theater, covered outdoor cabana, and expansive primary suite with a secluded terrace add to the estate’s appeal. Crafted for both comfort and entertainment, the home seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living in true Miami fashion.

Irvine originally acquired the lot for $5.1 million in 2020 and transformed it into a statement of architectural excellence. For those not ready to buy, the property is also available to lease for $160,000 per month—a rare opportunity to experience high-end island living without the long-term commitment.

Since stepping away from motorsports in 2002, Irvine has carved a niche in luxury real estate, developing multimillion-dollar homes across Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods. His previous project, Casa Ischia on Hibiscus Island, was famously vacationed in by Drake and Jay-Z before selling for $27.75 million. At one point, it held the title of the priciest new listing in the U.S., with an asking price north of $70 million.

Related Group & Macklowe Properties Unveil Landmark Residential Project for North Bay Village

A bold new chapter in North Bay Village’s transformation is underway as Related Group and Macklowe Properties submit plans for a striking two-tower residential development at 8000 East Drive. Designed by the acclaimed Arquitectonica, the project encompasses four parcels—7946, 8000, 8010, and 8020 East Drive—and calls for the construction of dual 43-story towers rising over 500 feet in height. Set for review by the North Bay Village Planning and Zoning Board on July 2, 2025, the project is being evaluated through the Special Area Plan (SAP) process, offering zoning flexibility in exchange for substantial community enhancements.

Spanning 4.12 acres, the development will introduce 364 luxury apartments in a mix of one- to four-bedroom layouts, with an average unit size of 2,138 square feet. The North Tower will include 201 residences while the East Tower will feature 163. With just three one-bedroom units, the focus is on spacious multi-bedroom homes, including 161 two-bedrooms, 76 three-bedrooms, and 124 four-bedrooms. Residents will also have access to 798 parking spaces, a ratio of 2.19 spaces per unit, reflecting comparable standards seen in similar high-end projects.

The towers’ contemporary design showcases Arquitectonica’s signature architectural language—curved floorplates, continuous balconies, and a refined façade featuring curtainwalls of reflective glass, white stucco accents, wood-grain steel soffits, and frameless railings. Ground-level elements are activated by tropical landscaping, concrete pavers, and integrated seating areas. The base structure, or podium, houses shared parking, amenities, and serves as the architectural foundation for the towers’ soaring heights. Each building will reach 498 feet to the top floor, with rooftop structures extending the height to 523 feet, as supported by FAA filings.

Together, the towers will encompass more than 1.5 million gross square feet. The North Tower accounts for 677,767 square feet, the East Tower spans 504,433 square feet, and the podium and parking structure adds another 356,716 square feet. Residential floorplates average 27,754 square feet, and levels 1–5 are dedicated to a mix of lobby, amenities, and structured parking, with additional amenity decks throughout.

Public benefit is a cornerstone of the proposal. The developers plan to deliver a new 9,000-square-foot waterfront park and over 1,200 linear feet of Island Walk along Biscayne Bay, far surpassing the SAP’s minimum requirement for public open space. Public art installations are also expected throughout the landscaped areas, further enhancing the community experience.

A robust infrastructure investment accompanies the plan, including a $5 million commitment to seawall repairs and full coverage of water and sewer system upgrades. A traffic study determined that the project would result in only a modest increase in vehicle trips during peak hours, adding minimal delays to East Drive. Meanwhile, sun studies showed that shadows cast by the towers would primarily fall over the bay rather than neighboring properties.

Amenities will span over 100,000 square feet and include indoor and outdoor spaces across the towers’ ground floors, podium deck, and fifth-floor terraces. A 42-slip private marina with a dedicated dockmaster facility will complement the project’s waterfront lifestyle.

The economic impact on North Bay Village is projected to be substantial. Developers have already paid $10 million in Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) fees, which funded the new Village Hall. An additional $2 million will be paid as a height-related fee, and the project will generate $6.2 million in combined impact and building permit fees. Altogether, the $18.2 million in municipal contributions will double the city’s net assets. Long-term property tax revenues are expected to reach $110.6 million over 20 years, amounting to an annual revenue increase of 11% for the city.

City staff have recommended approval of the development, contingent on minor design and planning adjustments. If approved by the Planning and Zoning Board and subsequently by the Village Commission, the development team will be required to secure a master building permit within two years, with the option for two one-year extensions.

As North Bay Village undergoes a remarkable transformation, 8000 East Drive is poised to become a landmark residential address—offering elevated coastal living while delivering meaningful civic and economic value to the community.

New Legislation Signed by Governor DeSantis Aims to Deliver Relief and Reform for Florida Condo Owners

In a major move for Florida’s condominium community, Governor Ron DeSantis has signed two significant pieces of legislation—HB 913 and HB 393—designed to bring much-needed relief to condo owners across the state. These new laws aim to ease financial burdens, strengthen oversight of condo associations, and improve long-term building safety, transparency, and accountability.

The new legislation directly responds to mounting concerns from condo owners about rising maintenance costs, limited transparency, and lack of control within their associations. Key provisions of HB 913 allow for more flexibility in reserve funding requirements and defer costly safety compliance mandates. This includes a one-year extension for reserve study deadlines and a two-year pause on reserve fund contributions, giving associations time to prioritize essential repairs without immediately passing the cost to residents.

Additionally, HB 913 increases the threshold for repairs considered in the Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) from $10,000 to $25,000, helping associations focus on the most critical structural issues while reducing the immediate financial burden on owners. The legislation also empowers boards and unit owners to hold managers accountable, especially in cases of mismanagement or conflicts of interest.

HB 393 enhances the My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program, streamlining access to safety improvement grants and reducing the unit owner approval threshold for upgrades. It also prioritizes funding for improvements like roof replacements that qualify for insurance discounts—potentially lowering monthly premiums for owners.

In the short term, these legislative changes may provide welcome relief to Florida condo owners, particularly those in older buildings facing expensive safety upgrades. By pausing reserve contributions and creating more flexible funding mechanisms, owners may avoid sudden, unaffordable assessments. This could stabilize or slightly improve condo market prices in buildings previously viewed as financially distressed or burdened by looming repair costs.

Buyers will also benefit from extended time—now seven days instead of three—to review financial documents, promoting more informed purchasing decisions. Increased transparency may rebuild confidence in certain buildings or associations that had previously discouraged buyer interest.

Over the long run, these reforms could bolster condo property values by increasing financial transparency, ensuring better management practices, and enforcing stricter building safety compliance. By mandating improved record-keeping, open communication, and electronic access to documents and meetings, the legislation encourages more active and informed participation by unit owners. Stronger oversight may also deter mismanagement and fraud, creating more stable and attractive investment opportunities.

Moreover, by linking state grants to insurance discounts and ensuring only safety-compliant buildings are eligible, HB 393 incentivizes long-term structural improvements—potentially leading to more resilient and insurable properties. This, combined with regulatory oversight and better-informed buyers, may strengthen the entire Florida condo market.

Governor DeSantis’s signing of HB 913 and HB 393 marks a turning point for Florida condo communities. These laws offer both immediate financial relief and a blueprint for a safer, more transparent, and better-managed future. For current and prospective condo owners, the changes promise to ease today’s cost pressures while laying the groundwork for healthier property values in the years ahead.

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami Unveils $100M Transformation Ahead of 2025 Reopening

Set on 17 acres along the serene barrier island of Key Biscayne, the iconic Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne resort is undergoing a sweeping $100 million transformation—its first comprehensive renovation in nearly 25 years. The resort is scheduled to reopen in December 2025, reintroducing itself as a reimagined haven of coastal luxury that blends natural beauty with refined design.

Originally co-developed by hospitality investment firm Gencom, the 13-story, 420-room resort has long stood as a symbol of Miami’s sophisticated hospitality scene. With 600 feet of pristine beach frontage and a commanding presence at 455 Grand Bay Drive, it has served as both a peaceful escape and a world-class destination for global travelers.

This transformative renovation is being led by an acclaimed design team, including architectural firm Hart Howerton, with interiors for public spaces curated by DesignAgency and guestrooms reimagined by Chapi Chapo Design. Together, they are crafting a design narrative that celebrates the property’s island roots while elevating its sense of luxury and modernity. The refreshed resort will feature serene palettes, lush landscaping, and organic textures inspired by the surrounding ocean, sand, and native foliage.

A revitalized arrival experience will greet guests with a new East-facing glass façade that blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor, ushering in natural light and unobstructed views of the Atlantic. Inside, the lobby and communal areas will reflect tropical sophistication, creating a seamless transition from the vibrant Miami culture to the tranquility of Key Biscayne.

Notably, The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami will undergo a full redesign, emerging as a sanctuary inspired by the island’s mangroves, limestone, and coastal elements. This holistic wellness space will embody the serenity of its surroundings while offering elevated spa and wellness experiences.

Culinary innovation is also at the heart of the resort’s evolution. A new signature restaurant will debut, featuring bold flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, the resort’s six beloved dining venues—RUMBAR, Cantina Beach, Dune, Scoop, Stefano’s, and Key Pantry—will be thoughtfully refreshed, preserving their character while aligning with the resort’s refined new identity.

Enhancements will also reach every aspect of the guest experience, from upgraded swimming pools and a revitalized Club Lounge to improvements at the world-renowned Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center—the largest tennis facility among any Ritz-Carlton resort. Business and event travelers will continue to enjoy access to the resort’s 37,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, now set to offer an even more elevated and inspiring environment.

Karim Alibhai, Founder and Principal of Gencom, emphasized the project’s significance: “With this transformative renovation, we are honoring the property’s legacy and doubling down on our 25-year commitment to the Key Biscayne community. These enhancements will allow the property to remain competitive in the region’s increasingly sophisticated hospitality landscape, while further elevating Key Biscayne as a premier destination.”

Alessandro Colantonio, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at Gencom, added, “This investment reflects our long-term vision and dedication to redefining the luxury hospitality experience in Miami.”

As a flagship property within Gencom’s expansive global portfolio—spanning nearly $8 billion in assets under management—the reinvention of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence. It joins a prestigious lineup of renowned properties including The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, The St. Regis Chicago, and Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

The Cloud One Hotel & Residences Announced in Wynwood

The Cloud One Hotel & Residences Wynwood is redefining luxury in Miami’s most creative and dynamic neighborhood with an exclusive offering of just 85 loft-style condominiums. This eight-story architectural landmark blends the energy of Wynwood with international design sensibilities. From sleek studios to expansive three-bedroom units—and a select collection of 15 bespoke duplex penthouses with soaring double-height ceilings—each residence captures the spirit of modern, inspired living. Prices range from $550,000 to $2 million, with a flexible 30-day minimum rental policy for up to six times per year.

Designed through a visionary partnership between HWKN, ODP Architecture, and March and White Design, The Cloud One is a celebration of artistry, sustainability, and hospitality. Residents enjoy a private entrance, exclusive elevators, and world-class amenities, including a rooftop pool deck with panoramic views, a wellness center with outdoor yoga, a co-working lounge with a coffee bar, and curated art installations by Goldman Global Arts. Residences are delivered fully finished with Miele appliances, imported SieMatic cabinetry, Juliet balconies, smart-home systems, and luxurious finishes that reflect both craftsmanship and comfort.

Situated at 2215 NW 1st Place, this development places you steps from Wynwood’s iconic murals, eclectic restaurants, and cultural experiences. With effortless access to Miami’s urban core and the beach, The Cloud One Hotel & Residences Wynwood invites you to live creatively, stay connected, and own a piece of the neighborhood that’s shaping the city’s future.

East Tower of Oasis Hallandale Prepares for Vertical Rise as Development Nears Final Phase

Progress continues at Oasis Hallandale, where vertical construction is about to begin on the highly anticipated East Tower. Located on a prime 10-acre site in Hallandale Beach, the mixed-use community is entering its final stage as the West Tower has officially topped out and remains on track for a late 2025 delivery. The East Tower, now poised to rise, is scheduled for completion in 2027.

The brainchild of developer Giuseppe Iadisernia and designed by internationally renowned firm Arquitectonica, Oasis Hallandale encompasses two residential towers with 500 total units, paired with thoughtfully integrated retail, office, and entertainment components. The project’s contemporary design, walkable layout, and high-end finishes have attracted buyers from across the globe, including the U.S., Latin America, Canada, and Eastern Europe.

The East Tower will bring a new collection of residences ranging from 900 to 4,750 square feet. Designed with luxury and lifestyle in mind, units will feature floor-to-ceiling glass, expansive balconies, imported Italian finishes, and open-plan living spaces. Some residences will offer unique two-level layouts, walk-in closets, and powder rooms.

An extensive amenity program will span 70,000 square feet and include:

• Resort-style pool deck with cabanas and yoga lawn

• Wellness spa and state-of-the-art fitness center

• Co-working lounge and social areas

• Indoor and outdoor cinemas

The already completed commercial sector comprises 60,000 square feet of dining and retail plus 35,000 square feet of office space across five low-rise buildings. Current tenants include KC Market, Oasis Dental, Davinci Café, and Oasis Fit, adding daily convenience to the residential community.

In addition to Arquitectonica’s bold design, the project features lush landscape elements curated by ArquitectonicaGEO, including a signature six-story waterfall, shaded pathways, and vibrant green spaces designed for relaxation and recreation.

With momentum building, Oasis Hallandale stands as a flagship development redefining modern living in Hallandale Beach—joining a wave of high-profile projects like Shell Bay by Auberge Resorts and the revitalized Diplomat Hotel to elevate the city’s profile on the luxury real estate map.