Miami

Miami Art Week 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Art Basel’s Cultural Spectacle

By Columbus International,4 December 2024

As the art world converges on Florida’s vibrant coastline, a comprehensive look at the most anticipated shows, collaborations, and experiences during this year’s premier art celebration.

When Miami transforms into the global art capital each December, it attracts more than just traditional art enthusiasts. For six dynamic days (December 3-8, 2024), the city becomes a melting pot where A-list celebrities, fashion innovators, culinary masters, and art professionals converge, creating a cultural phenomenon that transcends conventional art exhibitions.

While Art Basel Miami Beach stands as the centerpiece, Miami Art Week has evolved into a multifaceted celebration where experiential marketing meets artistic expression. Major brands orchestrate immersive launches, while philanthropic galas draw society’s elite to oceanfront venues.

ICONIC VENUES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

The Miami Beach EDITION marks its tenth anniversary with a series of exclusive gatherings. Parisian cultural hub Silencio returns to curate three invitation-only evenings, featuring collaborations with MoMA PS1, the How Long Gone podcast, and an artistic partnership between PIN-UP Magazine and Perrotin Gallery.

Tribeca Festival makes its third appearance at Art Basel, hosting four nights of music-focused programming at the Miami Beach Bandshell. Highlights include a conversation with Camila Cabello and David Grutman, plus a nostalgic celebration of The Birdcage’s 28th anniversary featuring local drag luminaries.

ARTISTIC HIGHLIGHTS

At SCOPE Art Show, British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori MBE presents an interactive installation in collaboration with Chase Bank. His work “Lift Me Higher With Joy” creates an immersive environment inspired by family gatherings, while the Shrine of Affirmations offers a contemplative space in the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge.

CULINARY INNOVATIONS

The Resy Lounge, powered by American Express and Delta Air Lines, returns to Untitled Art with L.A.’s Jon & Vinny’s providing sophisticated casual dining. Terra celebrates the launch of Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences with an exclusive event exploring the intersection of gastronomy and design.

FASHION MEETS ART

Gucci embraces the season with an enchanting snow globe installation at Sweet Bird North Plaza, running through January 7. The display features miniature recreations of iconic Gucci locations worldwide, complemented by local culinary partnerships.

Cartier concludes its Trinity 100 world tour in Miami with an immersive experience celebrating the iconic collection’s centennial. Meanwhile, Maison Margiela collaborates with tattoo artist Kozo on an exclusive capsule collection, featuring customized signature pieces that blend classical and contemporary aesthetics.

The week also sees performance artist Marina Abramović partnering with Massimo Dutti for “Nomadic Journey,” an exhibition spanning four decades of her artistic journey, while Autry teams with artist Rob Pruitt for a limited-edition sneaker release celebrated at a transformed Miami Beach gas station.

Through this convergence of art, fashion, culture, and cuisine, Miami Art Week 2024 continues to redefine the boundaries of traditional art fairs, creating an unparalleled cultural experience that resonates well beyond the confines of gallery walls.

Photo via Design District | Source: THR

Miami’s Next Real Estate Boom: Why Savvy Investors Are Eyeing 2025-2026

By Columbus International,19 November 2024

The Miami skyline tells a story of transformation, but beneath the glittering facade lies an overlooked opportunity that sophisticated investors are quietly positioning themselves to capture. As the dust settles from the post-pandemic surge, a perfect storm of market conditions is brewing for 2025-2026.

The Hidden Supply Crisis in Luxury Rentals

While headlines focus on Miami’s luxury condo market, a more compelling narrative is unfolding in the high-end rental sector. Brickell, Miami’s financial nerve center, hasn’t welcomed a new market-rate apartment development since 2019. This supply drought, combined with soaring office occupancy rates and expanding financial sector presence, creates a unique arbitrage opportunity for institutional investors.

Follow the Money: Financial Giants Double Down

JP Morgan’s recent decision to double its Brickell footprint isn’t just another corporate expansion – it’s a harbinger of a larger shift. When Paul Singer’s Elliott Investment Management commits $443 million to acquire 701 Brickell, it signals something bigger than just a real estate play. These moves suggest a longer-term bet on Miami’s evolution into a serious financial hub, one that will require sophisticated housing solutions for a growing professional class.

The Demographics Don’t Lie

The numbers paint a compelling picture: Brickell’s $185,585 mean household income isn’t just a statistic – it represents a fundamental shift in Miami’s tenant base. This isn’t the Miami of vacation homes and retirees; it’s increasingly the domain of high-earning professionals seeking quality rental housing. With private-sector job growth outpacing the national average by 107%, the demand pressure on luxury rentals is set to intensify.

Smart Money’s New Playbook

Institutional investors like Empira Group, with €9 billion in assets under management, are already executing on this thesis. Their focus on Class A multifamily developments in premium locations suggests a sophisticated understanding of where the market is headed. The key insight: Miami’s luxury rental market isn’t just about housing – it’s about lifestyle infrastructure for a new generation of high-income professionals.

Why 2025-2026 Matters

As interest rates normalize and construction costs stabilize, the window for optimal market entry is approaching. But the real opportunity isn’t just about timing the market – it’s about positioning for a fundamental shift in Miami’s real estate landscape. The convergence of limited new supply, strong demographic trends, and institutional capital flows suggests a market primed for sophisticated investors who can execute on complex, large-scale residential projects.

The Bottom Line

For investors seeking alpha in real estate, Miami’s 2025-2026 window presents a rare opportunity to capitalize on a market inefficiency. While others chase headlines in the condo market, smart money is quietly assembling positions in the luxury rental sector, betting on a fundamental transformation of Miami’s real estate landscape.

As one prominent developer recently noted off the record, “Miami’s next chapter isn’t about selling dreams to tourists – it’s about building infrastructure for global finance.” For investors who can read between the lines, that might be the most valuable insight of all.

Miami Real Estate Forum: Migration Trend Persists Despite Market Challenges

By Columbus International,12 November 2024

South Florida’s real estate boom shows no signs of slowing, according to industry leaders at The Real Deal‘s recent South Florida Real Estate Forum. Despite rising costs and limited inventory, the region continues to attract investors and residents, distinguishing itself from other major U.S. markets.

The two-day forum, hosted at Mana Wynwood on November 6-7, drew an impressive crowd of over 6,000 real estate professionals and featured more than 50 speakers across 80 exhibitor booths. The event showcased the enduring strength of South Florida’s real estate market, even as other regions face significant headwinds.

Industry Leaders Take Center Stage

The forum’s star-studded lineup included several notable speakers:

WeWork founder and billionaire Adam Neumann discussed his new venture, Flow, revealing stronger-than-average NOI growth in their rental properties
Douglas Elliman’s newly appointed CEO Michael Liebowitz made his first major public appearance
Terra CEO David Martin shared insights on government relations and development strategies
Celebrity brokers Ryan Serhant and Pam Liebman hosted exclusive VIP breakfasts

Market Insights: Challenges and Opportunities

Multifamily Sector

Miami Worldcenter’s master developer, Nitin Motwani, maintains an optimistic outlook on apartment rental growth in South Florida. However, developers acknowledge current market realities:

Rent growth has plateaued due to substantial new inventory
Construction costs are outpacing inflation
Higher interest rates are impacting construction financing

Development Landscape

Key challenges facing developers include:

Shortage of qualified subcontractors for high-end construction
Escalating insurance and land costs
Supply chain concerns, particularly regarding potential tariff impacts

Single-Family Market

Veteran developer Todd Michael Glaser reported a strategic shift toward renovation projects rather than new construction, citing unfavorable economics for ground-up development of luxury homes.

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, South Florida’s real estate market continues to benefit from several advantages:

Sustained migration from other states
Strong demand across residential and commercial sectors
Continued interest from high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors

The pandemic-driven surge in South Florida real estate may have moderated, but the region’s fundamental appeal remains strong. With its favorable tax environment, growing business ecosystem, and lifestyle benefits, industry leaders expect the “flight to Florida” trend to persist, even as the market adapts to new economic realitie

From Porsche to Palate: Miami’s Luxury Condo Scene Embraces Culinary Stardom

By Columbus International,28 October 2024

In a city where branded residences already feature car elevators and fashion house finishing touches, Miami’s latest luxury development is betting on the power of gastronomy to attract ultra-wealthy buyers. Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences, the first-ever residential project from legendary Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is set to redefine luxury living through the lens of culinary excellence.

The 48-story architectural masterpiece, rising in Miami’s coveted Design District, represents a bold departure from the automotive and fashion-branded towers that have dominated the city’s luxury real estate landscape. While the Porsche Design Tower made headlines with its innovative sky garages and Dolce & Gabbana’s upcoming project promises haute couture living starting at $3.5 million, Jean-Georges is betting that the way to a luxury buyer’s heart is through their stomach.

“The evolution of branded residences in Miami reflects a deeper understanding of what today’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals truly value,” says Douglas Rill, veteran Florida broker at Century 21 America’s Choice. “It’s no longer just about the name—it’s about the lifestyle experience that name represents.”

A Recipe for Success

The numbers suggest the timing couldn’t be better. Miami-Dade County’s luxury condo market has shown remarkable resilience, with sales of units priced over $1 million surging 122.2% this August compared to 2019 levels. The Jean-Georges project, with prices starting at $1.6 million, enters a market where branded properties command significant premiums.

The development, a collaboration between Terra and Lion Development Group, promises 329 meticulously crafted residences ranging from one to four bedrooms, plus select penthouses. But it’s the 41,000 square feet of amenity spaces that truly set this project apart. The crown jewel? A ground-floor restaurant complex spanning 27,500 square feet, where Vongerichten will blend his various culinary concepts into a singular dining experience.

Beyond the Plate

“This isn’t just about putting a celebrity chef’s name on a building,” explains David Martin, CEO of Terra. “We’re creating an ecosystem where culinary excellence informs every aspect of daily life.” The amenities read like a wish list for the gastronomically inclined: a private dining room with indoor-outdoor flexibility, a chef’s kitchen for resident use, and a sophisticated bar and lounge space.

But perhaps most telling of the project’s ambitions are the unexpected touches: a podcast recording studio, wellness facilities including cold plunges, and even a squash court—suggesting that while food may be the central theme, the development aims to satisfy all aspects of a luxury lifestyle.

The Business of Branded Luxury

The Jean-Georges project joins an increasingly crowded field of branded residences in Miami. Mercedes-Benz, Cipriani, and Aston Martin have all planted their flags in the city’s skyline. Meanwhile, Bentley Residences is under construction in Sunny Isles Beach, with units starting at an eye-watering $5.6 million.

“Not everyone will be able to say they live in a Jean-Georges tower,” notes Juan Arias, CoStar’s director of market analytics. “That exclusivity, combined with the genuine lifestyle integration the brand represents, allows developers to command significant premiums.”

Looking Ahead

With groundbreaking scheduled for summer 2025 and completion targeted for 2027, the Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences represents more than just another branded development—it’s a bet on the future of luxury living. As traditional luxury brands continue to enter the real estate market, this culinary-focused approach might just prove to be the secret ingredient Miami’s high-end market has been waiting for.

For Vongerichten himself, who has built an empire of over 60 restaurants globally, including the two-Michelin-starred Jean-Georges in New York, this represents a natural evolution. “This project embodies my vision of combining culinary excellence with lifestyle spaces,” he says. And in Miami’s competitive luxury market, that combination might just be the perfect recipe for success.

Photo via Miami Tropic Residences

Miami’s Office Market Paradox: Record-High Rents Amid Lowest Leasing Activity in Years

By Columbus International,24 October 2024

In a striking display of market contradictions, Miami’s commercial real estate sector is experiencing a unique phenomenon: skyrocketing premium office rents alongside its lowest leasing activity in four years. This unusual dynamic highlights the growing divide between luxury and conventional office spaces in one of America’s fastest-growing business hubs.

Premium Space Commands Historic Rates

The recently completed 830 Brickell tower, Miami’s newest luxury office building, has set a new market record with Brazilian bank Banco Master securing space for nearly $200 per square foot – almost double the city’s previous record from just two years ago. This rate represents a more than threefold increase from pre-pandemic levels, when premium Brickell office space commanded around $60 per square foot.

“These tenants are already leasing in markets like New York or internationally where you have top quality, world-class real estate assets,” notes Tere Blanca, founder and CEO of Blanca Commercial Real Estate. The building has attracted an impressive roster of blue-chip tenants, including Microsoft, Citadel, Thoma Bravo, and Kirkland & Ellis, with approximately 90% of tenants relocating from major markets like New York and Los Angeles.

Broader Market Shows Signs of Strain

However, this success story masks broader challenges in Miami’s office market. According to Avison Young’s third-quarter market report, the city is experiencing its slowest leasing activity since 2020. Total leasing volume reached just over 2.5 million square feet year-to-date, significantly down from around four million square feet during the same period in 2022.

The average deal size has notably contracted, dropping to 3,682 square feet from 4,581 square feet last year, reflecting a wider trend of companies reassessing their office space needs. This reduction in average lease size suggests a more cautious approach from traditional office users, even as premium spaces command record rates.

A Tale of Two Markets

This divergence creates a fascinating market dynamic: while luxury office space in Miami remains scarce and increasingly expensive, the broader market is grappling with changing workplace patterns and reduced demand. The success of premium properties like 830 Brickell has spurred new development, with over 1.8 million square feet of office space currently under construction, including Citadel founder Ken Griffin’s ambitious $1 billion waterfront development project.

Looking Ahead

Despite the overall slowdown in leasing activity, there are positive signs for the market’s resilience. Return-to-office metrics show improving attendance, particularly on Mondays and Fridays, with law firms leading the charge at a 97% increase in office attendance since August of last year.

The contrast between record-setting rents and declining leasing activity presents both challenges and opportunities for Miami’s office market. As new premium inventory comes online and workplace patterns continue to evolve, the market’s ability to balance these opposing forces will be crucial for its long-term health.

Miami Real Estate: A Golden Opportunity on the Horizon for 2025-2026

By Columbus International,8 October 2024

The Miami real estate market is poised for an exciting period of growth and opportunity as we look towards 2025-2026. With a combination of favorable economic conditions, increasing demand, and the city’s enduring appeal, Miami is set to cement its status as a premier destination for real estate investment and living.

Promising Price Projections and Market Dynamics

The future looks bright for Miami’s property values, with median home prices expected to surge by an impressive 6.5% overall. Single-family homes are the star performers, with projections indicating a remarkable 9.7% increase. This robust growth reflects the enduring demand for Miami’s unique blend of urban sophistication and tropical paradise.

Adding to the positive outlook, mortgage rates are anticipated to become more favorable, potentially dropping to around 5% by the end of 2025. This development is set to open doors for a wider range of buyers, making the dream of owning a piece of Miami more attainable than ever.

Luxury Market: A Testament to Miami’s Global Appeal

Miami’s luxury real estate sector is experiencing a renaissance, particularly in the condo market. Properties valued at over $1 million have seen an astounding 122.2% increase in sales compared to pre-pandemic levels. This surge underscores Miami’s growing reputation as a global luxury destination, attracting discerning buyers from around the world who are eager to invest in the city’s unparalleled lifestyle.

Economic Tailwinds Propelling Growth

The city’s real estate market is benefiting from a perfect storm of positive economic factors. The Federal Reserve’s proactive measures to reduce interest rates are making mortgages more affordable, setting the stage for increased buying activity. This improved affordability, coupled with pent-up demand from recent years, promises a dynamic market with ample opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

Miami: A Magnet for Talent and Wealth

One of the most exciting trends fueling Miami’s real estate boom is the influx of high-earning professionals and businesses. The city has become a beacon for talent, with new arrivals boasting an average adjusted gross income of $175,600 – significantly higher than long-term residents. This migration has injected billions into the local economy, further stimulating the real estate market and enhancing Miami’s status as a thriving economic hub.

A Seller’s Market with Room for Growth

While the current inventory shortage presents challenges, it also signals strong underlying demand and creates opportunities for sellers. The scarcity of available properties, particularly in the condo market where active listings are 42.2% below historical averages, indicates a robust seller’s market. This situation bodes well for property appreciation and investment returns.

International Appeal Driving Cash Transactions

Miami’s global allure is evident in its high proportion of cash sales, which account for 32.9% of transactions – well above the national average. This trend highlights the city’s appeal to international investors and underscores the strength and stability of Miami’s real estate market.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Miami Real Estate

As we approach 2025, Miami’s real estate market is brimming with potential. The combination of price appreciation, increasing demand from both domestic and international buyers, and the city’s unmatched lifestyle offerings create a compelling case for investment and residence.

The luxury segment, in particular, is expected to flourish, with Miami ranking first in the U.S. for luxury market price growth according to Knight Frank’s 2024 Wealth Report. This prestigious recognition cements Miami’s position as a top-tier destination for high-net-worth individuals and savvy investors alike.

In conclusion, Miami’s real estate market is on track for an exhilarating period of growth and opportunity. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or someone looking to upgrade your lifestyle, Miami offers a unique blend of economic potential and quality of life that is hard to match. As the city continues to evolve and attract talent from around the globe, the future of Miami’s real estate market looks brighter than ever.

Supermodel Elle Macpherson Sells Coral Gables Estate for $18.5 Million

By Columbus International,3 October 2024

In a notable real estate transaction, Australian supermodel and entrepreneur Elle Macpherson has sold her luxurious Coral Gables mansion for $18.5 million, marking a significant return on her initial investment. The sale, while impressive, falls short of her original ambitious asking price of $29 million when the property was first listed two years ago.

Elle Macpherson vende la sua villa a Coral Gables | Foto: Douglas Elliman Realty

The Property

The estate, located at 9550 Journeys End Road, boasts an impressive 8,935 square feet of living space. The property features:

Six bedrooms
Six and a half bathrooms
A spacious 1.7-acre lot
A pool
Home office
Gym
Chef’s kitchen
Lavish primary suite

While not directly on the waterfront, the property includes a coveted boat slip at the exclusive Journey’s End Marina, adding significant value for nautical enthusiasts.

The Transaction

The buyer, identified in property records as Bumda Trust, is a discreet entity managed by an attorney, reflecting the high-profile nature of the sale.

Investment Success

Macpherson originally purchased the property in 2018 for $8.1 million, following her divorce from developer Jeffrey Soffer. The recent sale at $18.5 million represents a remarkable 128% increase in value over just five years, showcasing Macpherson’s savvy in real estate investment.

Market Insights

The sale price, while substantial, indicates a cooling in the ultra-luxury real estate market from its peak. The final figure of $18.5 million is significantly lower than the initial $29 million asking price, and even below the most recent list price of $22 million.

This transaction underscores the ongoing appeal of Coral Gables real estate to high-net-worth individuals and investors, even as the market adjusts to changing economic conditions.

Source: WSJ | Cover photo: Instagram

Consumer Goods Tycoon Secures $100 Million Miami Beach Island Parcel: The Year’s Most Expensive Real Estate Deal

By Columbus International,26 September 2024

In a move that has sent ripples through the luxury real estate market, consumer goods titan Anand Khubani has recently closed on an extraordinary acquisition in Miami Beach. The entrepreneur has shelled out a staggering $100 million to secure three adjacent properties on La Gorce Island, an exclusive enclave overlooking Biscayne Bay.

A Record-Breaking Transaction

This deal, initially reported by The Real Deal, not only represents the most expensive residential purchase in Miami-Dade County in 2023 but also stands as one of the most significant in recent Florida real estate history.

The three properties, located at 18, 22, and 24 La Gorce Circle, form an impressive waterfront compound spanning nearly 3 acres, boasting almost 600 feet of water frontage. Originally listed two years ago with an asking price of $170 million, the properties were ultimately sold at a substantial discount, while still maintaining their status as prime real estate assets.

Property Details

The real estate assemblage purchased by Khubani includes:

– 18 La Gorce Circle: A two-bedroom residence with a private dock and guest house.
– 22 La Gorce Circle: A five-bedroom villa with a dock.
– 24 La Gorce Circle: Currently a private park, offering potential for future development.

The Seller and History

The properties previously belonged to the trust of the late Dr. M. Lee Pearce, a controversial activist investor and physician. Pearce, who passed away in 2017 on La Gorce Island itself, had assembled this extraordinary estate in the 1980s, investing over $3.1 million at the time.

The Buyer: An Industry Visionary

Anand Khubani, the buyer, is the founder of Ideavillage Products, a New Jersey-based firm that distinguishes itself by “creating and partnering with high-potential brands” and “disrupting categories,” as stated on their website.

Future Prospects

This acquisition not only underscores Miami Beach’s continued allure to the ultra-wealthy but also suggests potential future developments in one of the city’s most exclusive areas. With Khubani’s entrepreneurial vision, one can expect this property to become an even more significant landmark in Miami Beach’s landscape.

As the luxury real estate market continues to evolve, transactions like this demonstrate that despite global economic fluctuations, prime locations and unique properties maintain a strong appeal for elite buyers ready to invest in extraordinary real estate assets.

The sale was brokered by top-tier real estate professionals, with Danny and Jill Hertzberg and Jill Eber of The Jills Zeder Group at Coldwell Banker representing the seller, while Brett Harris of Douglas Elliman, and brothers Zach and Cody Vichinsky of Bespoke represented Khubani.

This landmark deal not only sets a new benchmark for Miami’s luxury real estate market but also signals continued confidence in the region’s long-term value proposition among high-net-worth individuals and savvy investors.

Source: New York Post

Soaring Ambitions: Miami’s Supertall Skyscraper Surge Transforms the Urban Landscape

By Columbus International,24 September 2024

The city of Miami is experiencing a remarkable digital transformation in its urban infrastructure, as more than half a dozen developers race to build the first supertall skyscrapers in the city’s history.

For the first time, Miami is witnessing the simultaneous development of seven “supertall” towers – defined as structures exceeding 984 feet in height. This unprecedented surge in tall tower projects signals a new era of ambition and technical innovation in the city’s real estate industry.

“Miami is the center of the tech world right now, with a real estate market that has never been hotter,” says Dan Kaplan, managing principal at PMG, the development company behind the 1,049-foot-tall Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Residences Miami – the most advanced of the supertall projects.

The influx of new tech companies and high-net-worth individuals to South Florida has injected billions in capital investment, providing the necessary resources to tackle the unique technical challenges of constructing supertall buildings in Miami. Despite the city’s complex geographic and environmental constraints, developers are demonstrating their engineering expertise and cutting-edge solutions to transform the skyline.

“Many of these towers are now selling condos at price points of over $4 million,” notes Juan Arias, CoStar’s director of market analytics for South Florida. “That’s allowed developers to justify the substantial research and development costs required for supertall towers due to their size, complexity and scale.”

The supertall projects in the works include RFR Realty’s 1,049-foot tower, Florida East Coast Realty’s 1,049-foot One Bayfront Plaza, and Gencom and Hyatt’s Miami Riverbridge development, featuring a 1,044-foot residential tower. These developments are attracting a new caliber of experienced, technologically-savvy developers, many hailing from tech-centric hubs like New York.

“Developers with longer histories of deploying cutting-edge construction technologies have also been coming to the market, again a lot from New York,” Arias says.

While Miami still has ground to cover before challenging the skyscraper supremacy of tech-forward cities like New York and Chicago, the rapid advancement in the city’s tall tower capabilities is undeniable. In the coming years, Miami could join the exclusive club of American cities with offices, hotels and homes powered by state-of-the-art skyscraper software, cementing its status as a global tech-real estate powerhouse.

The future looks bright for Miami’s skyline, as the city’s developers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, leveraging the latest in construction innovation and digital infrastructure. This is just the beginning of Miami’s remarkable supertall transformation.

Fonte: CoStar

Foto: WaResidences

Pastis Expands to West Palm Beach, Joining the Trendy Nora District

By Columbus International,17 September 2024

In a move that further cements South Florida’s status as a burgeoning culinary hotspot, renowned New York bistro Pastis is set to open its fourth U.S. location in West Palm Beach’s upcoming Nora District. This expansion, slated for 2026, marks a significant milestone for both the restaurant and the developing arts and shopping district.

A New York Icon in the Sunshine State

Pastis, the brainchild of restaurateur Stephen Starr, has been a New York institution since its original opening in 1999. After a brief hiatus and relocation, the bistro has been on an expansion trajectory, with successful openings in Miami and Washington, D.C. The West Palm Beach location will be its second foray into the South Florida market, following the warm reception of Pastis Miami in Wynwood.

The Nora District: West Palm Beach’s Answer to Wynwood

The new Pastis will be a cornerstone establishment in the Nora District, a mixed-use development that aims to bring a touch of Miami’s artistic Wynwood neighborhood to West Palm Beach. Spearheaded by NDT Development, Wheelock Street Capital, and Place Projects, the district is designed to be a pedestrian-friendly hub of arts, shopping, and dining just north of downtown.

A Culinary Anchor for a Boutique Hotel

Pastis will occupy a prime 13,300-square-foot space on the ground floor of the boutique Nora Hotel. True to its roots, the restaurant will feature its signature design elements, including white subway tiles, red banquettes, and a curved zinc bar. Starr Restaurants’ involvement extends beyond Pastis, as they will also co-create and operate the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and lounge, as well as manage room service operations.

Strategic Growth and Market Demand

Stephen Starr’s decision to bring Pastis to West Palm Beach was driven by strong market demand. “Since opening Pastis in Miami last year, the positive response to the restaurant has been astounding. Residents of Palm Beach, West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas have asked me countless times to bring Pastis to their neighborhood,” Starr stated in a press release.

The Nora District: A New Urban Landscape

The Nora District represents a significant urban development project for West Palm Beach. The first phase of construction, which began last year, is supported by an $84 million loan from Bank OZK. The project involves the renovation and repurposing of industrial buildings along North Railroad Avenue, creating 150,000 square feet of commercial space, including 55,000 square feet of creative office space and a linear park.

A Magnet for New York Transplants

The district has already attracted over a dozen retail tenants, many of which are New York-based businesses expanding into the South Florida market. This trend aligns with the broader movement of businesses and individuals relocating from the Northeast to Florida’s more favorable tax environment and lifestyle offerings.

Looking Ahead

As Pastis prepares to make its mark on West Palm Beach, the Nora District is poised to become a significant cultural and commercial hub in South Florida. With its mix of dining, shopping, and arts, coupled with the cachet of established New York brands, the development is set to redefine the urban landscape of West Palm Beach and further elevate its status as a destination for both residents and visitors alike.

Source: CoStar News
Photo via Pastis

The Hidden Supply Crisis in Luxury Rentals

Follow the Money: Financial Giants Double Down

The Demographics Don’t Lie

Smart Money’s New Playbook

Why 2025-2026 Matters

The Bottom Line

Industry Leaders Take Center Stage

Market Insights: Challenges and Opportunities

Multifamily Sector

Development Landscape

Single-Family Market

Looking Ahead

A Recipe for Success

Beyond the Plate

The Business of Branded Luxury

Looking Ahead

Premium Space Commands Historic Rates

Broader Market Shows Signs of Strain

A Tale of Two Markets

Looking Ahead

The Property

The Transaction

Investment Success

Market Insights

A New York Icon in the Sunshine State

The Nora District: West Palm Beach’s Answer to Wynwood

A Culinary Anchor for a Boutique Hotel

Strategic Growth and Market Demand

The Nora District: A New Urban Landscape

A Magnet for New York Transplants

Looking Ahead

Columbus international

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