In a landmark partnership reshaping Miami’s skyline, Italian business titan Gianluca Vacchi and acclaimed developer Michael Stern have joined forces to lead $4 billion in transformative South Florida projects, marking an unprecedented alliance in the region’s real estate history.
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Personal Portfolio
Before his major development partnership with Stern, Vacchi made significant personal investments in Miami real estate. In a notable move, he acquired a waterfront Miami Beach home for $24.5 million from developer Valerio Morabito and model Vita Sidorkina-Morabito. The luxurious property features:
- 150 feet of water frontage
- Seven bedrooms across 12,700 square feet
- A screening room
- 7,400 square feet of terrace space
- A 90-foot swimming pool
- Reflecting pools framing the entry
- A roof terrace with ocean views
The teak, glass, and stone house represents Vacchi’s commitment to architectural excellence. His Miami portfolio previously included a 7,000-square-foot Miami Beach penthouse, which he listed for $10.9 million in April.
The Power Partnership
The collaboration brings together two distinct forces in business: Michael Stern, founder and CEO of JDS Development Group, known for architectural landmarks like New York’s 111 West 57th Street, and Vacchi, a social media titan with over 47 million followers who recently made headlines for selling his stake in IMA Group at a $7 billion valuation.
Landmark Projects
Their partnership has already launched two of Miami’s most ambitious branded real estate projects:
888 Brickell Dolce&Gabbana
This luxury development represents Dolce&Gabbana’s first venture into the U.S. real estate market. The project will become Miami’s tallest tower, featuring:
- 259 residences
- Six food and beverage outlets
- A signature ground-floor restaurant
- Two bars in the Grand Lobby
- A Pool Club restaurant and bar
- Demo kitchen and private dining facilities
Mercedes-Benz Places
Currently the largest mixed-use development under construction in Miami, this 67-story project includes:
- Over 130,000 square feet of amenities and hospitality space
- 250,000 square feet of commercial space
- A 174-key hotel
- Retail outlets
- Innovative mobility solutions
- Reimagined Southside Park
The Mercedes-Benz project has already broken Miami sales records, with over 100 condominiums sold within weeks of launch.
From Manufacturing to Real Estate
Vacchi’s entry into real estate follows an impressive business trajectory. During his tenure at IMA Group, he helped grow the company from $100 million to over $2.5 billion in sales. His first Miami property purchase in 2015 marked the beginning of his investment in the region, operating through GV Development Group, a U.S. real estate division of his Cofiva Holding.
Beyond Real Estate
The partnership extends beyond traditional real estate development. Vacchi and Stern, along with partner Rafi Gibly, are launching Sunset Padel, a members-only indoor padel club in Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood, scheduled to open in late summer 2024.
Future Expansion
The duo isn’t limiting their vision to South Florida. Plans are in motion to announce additional Miami projects later this year, with future developments planned for New York and the West Coast in the coming months.
Market Impact
Located in Miami’s Brickell district, these projects are transforming what was historically a business and financial center into a vibrant 24/7 lifestyle neighborhood. The developments have attracted significant interest from local, domestic, and international purchasers, indicating strong market confidence in the partnership’s vision.
Looking Ahead
“The quality of life is unmatched to any place in the world. The city is growing and Michael has the greatest vision for the city that I love,” Vacchi explained, emphasizing his commitment to Miami’s future. With their combined expertise in development, branding, and luxury lifestyle, Stern and Vacchi are positioned to significantly influence the future of Miami’s real estate landscape.
Their partnership represents a new model in real estate development, one that combines traditional development expertise with modern branding and lifestyle elements. As Miami continues its evolution into a global city, this collaboration between a construction veteran and a media-savvy entrepreneur might well set the template for future development partnerships.