special advertising section · 2019-12-06 · ballerina, aw ts-operated world-class spa and...

THEWALL STREET JOURNAL. Friday, October 25, 2019 |M7

Special Advertising Section

TheWall Street Journal news organization was not involved in the creation of this content.

by Joseph Dobrian

Special Advertising Feature

BARRY GROSSMAN

Florida Properties

THESOUTHFLORIDAATTRACTION

S outh Florida’s newest luxuryhomebuyers aren’t only snow-birds escaping the weather, but

also the affluent seeking a more tax-friendly climate for themselves andtheir businesses.

“It’s not just the owner of a privateequity fund buying a house,” saysNathan Zeder, broker-associate withThe Jills Zeder Group at ColdwellBanker Residential Real Estate, “buthis employees are coming too, filling ingaps in themarket.”

He notes that many second andeven primary homebuyers todayare flocking from the Northeast andCalifornia. “Summer is typically ourslowest season, but I’ve had one ofthe busiest seasons since I started in2003. We have seen a large in-flightfrom tax-heavy states like New York,Connecticut, across New England andCalifornia,” he says.

Amy Ballon, Fortune InternationalRealty director of sales, who is exclu-sively representing Kar Properties and2000 Ocean by Enrique Norten–TENArquitectos, confirms the trend. “Weare seeing very sophisticated buy-ers from the Northeast, Californiaand Canada who are coming to SouthFlorida to take advantage of our re-laxed tax climate,” she says. “I’m aCalifornian, and I’ve found that I canhave a better lifestyle in Florida thanCalifornia — and quality of life is whatpeople are looking for.”

At one of South Florida’s most eliteaddresses, residents at Oceana BalHarbour indulge in five-star, resort-style amenities, such as a gourmetresidents-only restaurant calledBallerina, a WTS-operated world-class spa and fitness center, designerpoolside cabanas, a relaxation pooland Olympic-style lap pool, a grandsalon with chef’s kitchen and bar,two clay championship tennis courts,a kid’s activity room, a cinema room,24-hour concierge service, valet,underground parking, and more.

Art is deeply ingrained in the fabricof Oceana Bal Harbour, transformingthe building into a one-of-a-kindmasterpiece. Residents share co-ownership of the property’s museum-worthy art collection, including twoiconic Jeff Koons sculptures, Pluto andProserpina and Seated Ballerina.

Oceana Bal Harbour features 240luxury residences between $3 millionto $30 million.oceanabalharbour.com(786) 414-2929

Continued onM8

Seated Ballerina, a larger-than-life sculpture by celebrated artistJeff Koons, is permanently on display at Oceana Bal Harbour.

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M8 | Friday, October 25, 2019 THEWALL STREET JOURNAL.

Special Advertising SectionSpecial Advertising Feature

Experience the one-of-a-kind Margaritaville lifestyle atOneParticularHarbour, abeautifulprivate islandcommunitylocated on the coast of Southwest Florida directly acrossfrom Anna Maria Island and its world-famous beaches.Luxury two and three-bedroom residences — pricedfrom the mid-$400s — offer spectacular water views ofAnna Maria Sound and owner access to private clubhouseamenities and a new deepwater marina.

At One Particular Harbour Margaritaville, you can enjoythe resort lifestyle any time you wish with exciting activitiesand all the amenities for a perfect vacation home or year-round residence. With our worry-free, short-term rentalprogram, you can just hand over the keys when you’re awayand allow our seasoned hotelier to handle everything. Andcoming soon, experience even more Margaritaville-stylefun with the new on-site Compass hotel by MargaritavilleHotels & Resorts and an authentic Old Florida fish-house-style restaurant.OPHMintoUSA.com | (866) 645-0392

One Particular HarbourMargaritaville

WHAT’S IN DEMAND?“Natural light, waterfront and green

space are at the forefront of whathomebuyers are looking for,” Zedersays. “Modernhomes tend tohavemoreglass and we’re also seeing more greenspace added to plans for condo towers.”

Dan Kodsi, CEO of Royal PalmCompanies, developer of the 60-storyluxury Paramount Miami Worldcenter,finds that in addition to green space,buyers want to be in walkable settingswith high-end shops and restaurants.

“There is a shift of people movingto more urban areas and demandingthat walkable live-work-play lifestyle,”he says. “I remember Miami in the1980s when there wasn’t one restaurantdowntown catering to themore affluentcrowd. Today we have museums,entertainmentandrestaurantsallwithinwalking distance.”

Oceanfront property is always in demand too,Ballon says. The 64 units at 2000 Ocean feature floor-to-ceiling glass with a modern look and clean lines.Buyers are looking for simplicity and elegance thatis timeless, she says. Ultra-wealthy buyers also seekamenities such as private elevators.

Flow-through units (versus corner units) whereresidents are able to enjoy both sunset and sunriseviews is one of the biggest trends Ernesto Cohan,Oceana Bal Harbour director of sales, is seeing amongbuyers today. They also continue to seek five-starhotel-like amenities, he adds, such as those offeredat Oceana Bal Harbour, a 28-floor, all-glass buildingwith a 24-hour concierge service, a gourmet residents-only restaurant, a world-class spa, valet parking andmuchmore.

CRYSTAL BALL“Historically, the condo market has relied heavily

on foreigners, but with the strength of the dollar, we’velost some of that foreign market from Europe andCentral and South America,” Zeder says.

Cohan agrees. Five years ago, Latin and Europeanbuyers were flooding the market due to their strongeconomies and a weak dollar at the time. Now themarket doesn’t see asmuch foreign capital, he says.

“Today, the dollar is stronger and Latin Americanand European commodities are weaker, resulting

in a slowdown. Looking ahead,the market will eventually see aninventory absorption as we entera new real estate cycle — a moremature market in which pricesstabilize with less ups and downs,” hesays. “For Miami specifically, it’s thestrength of the dollar that’s impactingthe market. Compare the euro or theBrazilian real to the dollar back in2013 to now. Home prices have goneup for foreign buyers significantly.History has proven prices improveover time.”

“I’m a big believer that as soon asthose economies turn around, peoplewill return; they want to be in Miami,”Zeder says. “We are already seeingmore Brazilian and Mexican moneycoming in. There is an oversupplynow in the condo market, but wehave fantastic buildings in a greatdowntown in a truly global city. Themarket built a lot, and it takes a while

to absorb. Miami turns around faster than everyoneelse. I believe we will see a lot of this excess inventorygo quickly, and prices will adjust as well.”

Todd Vance, NV Realty Group COO and brokerin charge, says, “Florida’s Office of Economic andDemographic Research released stats this summerthat showabout900peoplearemoving toFloridaeveryday. People aren’t just coming here to retire. When westarted in 2003, we felt the impact when the snowbirdsleft. But, over the years, there has been a steady moveto a year-round market with families coming in andstrong business growth.”

Kodsi is optimistic too. “I’ve seen people from allaround the world looking at Miami as the secondgateway city to the United States,” he says. “Lots ofpeople aremoving or investing inMiami because theysee it as a good long-term investment. I see Miami asbeing that city that continues to attract people; I’veseen it for the last 30 years. Miami has the third largestskyline in the U.S; it will continue to be a magnet forurban living in the South.”

Florida Properties

Paramount Miami Worldcenter balcony and the view.PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT MIAMI WORLDCENTER

Continued fromM7

“I’ve seen people from all around the world looking atMiami as the second gateway city to the United States.”—Dan Kodsi

(866) 645-0392 | OPHMintoUSA.com | 12340Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209

COMINGSOON

• 6-story island-inspired Compass Hotel byMargaritaville Hotels & Resorts

• Authentic Old Florida fish-house-style restaurant

OWN A PRIVATEISLAND RETREAT.

For correct representations, make reference to this advertisement and to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, tobe furnished by a seller to a buyer or lessee. © Minto Communities, LLC 2019. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rightsreserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without expresswritten permission. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists’ renderingsor otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. © Minto Communities, LLC 2019. All rights reserved.One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license.Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2019. CGC 1519880.

When you’re not in town, you can hand over the keys and our seasonedhotelier will handle everything through our short-term rental program.

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DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN A RESIDENCEAT ONE PARTICULAR HARBOUR MARGARITAVILLE!2- AND 3-BEDROOM RESIDENCES FROM THE MID $400s

Florida’s last private island is selling out fast! Come and explore the no-worries

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83 waterfront residences from $2M – $5MIntroducing La Clara, a stunning Palm Beach resort-style condominiumthat has deftly combined classic luxury with contemporary design.From tastefully modern suites, amenities and a shimmering pool, you’llenjoy stunning views of the ocean and intracoastal. A new perspectiveon modern upscale living. laclarapalmbeach.com

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THEDEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BYSECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. THIS OFFERINGIS MADE ONLY BY THE OFFERING DOCUMENTS FOR THE CONDOMINIUM AND NO STATEMENT SHOULD BE RELIEDUPON IF NOT MADE IN THE OFFERING DOCUMENTS. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL, OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERSTO BUY, THE CONDOMINIUM UNITS IN STATES WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION CANNOT BE MADE. PRICES,PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONSARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. EXCLUSIVE SALES AND MARKETING BY

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“Backyard privacy on the 30 ThirtyNorth Ocean large lanai terraces is veryimportant to our residents,” says AdamAdache, managing partner of projectdeveloper Cavache Properties. “Buyershad to decide between our units orsingle-family homes, and we are givingthem the best of both worlds, from pri-vacy to unique backyard style and out-door living without the headaches andmaintenance of a single-family home.”

“Landscaping, especially in SouthFlorida, is critical to a development. Itplays a huge part of the final outcome,”Adache says. “Outdoor living is a bigcomponent of this lifestyle and anyhigh-end luxury product has to focuson that.”

BRINGING LIFE TO LUXURYResort-style amenities and design

ideas have influenced the creationof ultra-luxury homes with the maingoal of building indoor-outdoor expe-riences that directly reflect lifestyle,says LandDesign partner GabrielaCañamar Clark.

“The landscape creates a continuityof the luxury appeal from the drivewayto the lanai to the gardens,” Clark says.“Landscapes reflect the architectural

style of the homes, adding texture anddepth. Today, more native plantings,trees and grasses are merging luxuryhomes with their natural settings andcoastal seascapes. Water features aresmarter now too. They enhance theSouth Florida aesthetic while protectingagainst flooding during heavy rains.”

“Experience” is the new catch-phrase permeating design, Clark adds.Landscape architecture design in theultra-luxury residential market adds ahigh degree of detail and craftsmanshipto home amenities. This is reflected inboth the hardscape and landscape fea-tures of the space, she says.

At 30 Thirty, Adache says the lower-level residences include backyard lanaiunits that feature large terraces, out-door kitchens and lush tropical land-scaping with privacy as the key criteria.The landscaping choices by WitkinHults include an array of Florida-friendly plantings. The project, whichis about 60% sold, has topped out andconstruction is in its final stages withlandscaping as the last step.

Among the native plants plannedfor the project are live oak trees to pro-vide shade and green buttonwood trees

to control and direct the views. The en-trances and common areas are flankedwith date palms, montgomery palmsand pink trumpet trees to provide asplash of color, he says. The understoryplantings provide a cool and modernvibe with a mix of leafy tropical, col-orful bromeliads and Parrot’s Beakheliconia. Native grasses and philo-dendrons serve as the backdrop for thecolorful palate, Adache adds.

GREEN DREAMS“Landscapes immediately speak to

lifestyle, especially the indoor-outdoorloving wealthy buyers attracted toFlorida,” says LandDesign director ofplanning and landscape architectureKeith Bongirno. “It is more than justcurb appeal. Luxury landscape designis ultimately about creating harmony.You’ll see this in successful luxuryhomes, where the grounds present amix of plant textures, growth directionand colors that complement each oth-er, with a thoughtful mix of hardscapeand soft, pervious surfaces that inviteboth the eye and a walk outdoors.”

“Additionally, we enjoy the natu-ral beauty of South Florida and knowwhich trees and flowers attract song-

birds and create healthy gardens andlawns. We also design for natural shadeand water features that cool the prop-erty during hot summers, enhancinguse and enjoyment,” Bongirno says.

Engineering and landscape designgo hand in hand. Landscaping notonly boosts and protects luxury homevalue by ensuring lasting beauty. Ifdesigned properly, it can also provideresilient grounds that can weather seri-ous storms and protect structures fromweather damage, Clark says.

“Design allows us to improve priva-cy or openness and reduce street noiseand other intrusions to foster tranquil-ity,” says LandDesign principal ChadKovaleski. For instance, a bamboostand and a garden-topped berm canprovide a sense of refuge. “We can evenfine-tune water andmoisture control toreduce mold and algae.”

“We’ve helped with innovative waysto plan sites, lots, walkways and evenirrigation design. When it’s done well,it merges seamlessly into the archi-tecture, almost as an extension of thebuilt world to the natural world,” Clarksays. ‘When it’s not done well, savvyeyes notice.”

by Tonie Auer

When luxury boutique condominium 30Thirty North Ocean was on the drawing board, the developer didn’t think twice

about hiring award-winning landscape architect Witkin Hults Design Group to fashion lush privacy landscaping for

the Fort Lauderdale beach project.

LANDSCAPEPHOTO COURTESY OF CAVACHE PROPERTIES, LLC

30 Thirty North Ocean landscaping was designed by Witkin Hults Design Group with privacyin mind to create a tropical modern landscape perfect for entertainment and leisure.

Florida Properties

LUXURY HOMESINCOMPLETEWITHOUTTHE RIGHT

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M10 | Friday, October 25, 2019 THEWALL STREET JOURNAL.

Florida Property PortfolioADVERTISEMENT

John’s Island Real Estate Companyphone: 772.231.0900 e: [email protected]

Enjoy peerless views from this palatial 5BR masterpiece poised on1.41± acres along the Intracoastal on the exclusive Gem Island.Offering 14,212± GSF, it hosts a luxurious master suite, majestic stateroom,media room & sumptuous pool. John’s Island is a private coastal communitywith an abundance of water sports, 3 miles of beaches, 3 championshipgolf courses & more.$12,950,000 131GemIsland.com

JOHN’S ISLAND – VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

GL Homesphone: 800.495.6406

The Florida lifestyle of your dreams can be yours at Valencia, wheregorgeous new homes, world-class amenities, and an exciting lifestyle await!Enjoy a magnificent clubhouse, resort-style pool, tennis, and so much more.Villa and single-family homes include luxury standard features. 4 amazinglocations – Boynton Beach, Naples, Tampa and Port St. Lucie. Try before youbuy, 3 Days/2 Nights for $99 in some locations. Call today!From the $200s to $1 million ValenciaLiving.com

55+ LIVING IN 4 GREAT FLORIDA LOCATIONS

CompassAudrey Rossphone: 305.206.4003 email: [email protected]

Overlooking the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay and located in GablesEstates, one of Miami’s most exclusive, gated communities, this exquisitehome exemplifies the epitome of waterfront living. Situated on an acre +/- lotone can enjoy the delightful water views of Gables Estates’ widest and largestlagoon, immediately accessible to Biscayne Bay.

$26,500,000 miamirealestate.com

CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA


This stunning Palladian-style waterfront home in the prestigious GablesEstates community is flooded with Florida sunshine.With beautiful moderninteriors, including soaring ceilings, plenty of large windows, and light-coloredstone, tile, and wood throughout, this breezy, waterfront estate is a trueFlorida gem. Repriced To Sell / Owner Financing Available.




Set perfectly on a 50,000 SF waterfront lot in Gables Estates, this newPalladian waterfront home offers the perfect backdrop for entertaining andfamily affairs. In the 12,839 SF home, one finds a theater, chef’s kitchen, andmaster suite with his and her baths and closets; summer kitchen, pool andprivate dock complete this amazing offering.



Robin HogueCoastal Realty Experts, LLCphone: 850.384.4699

REDUCED! NW Florida’s finest waterfront estate - The Floridaaddress you are looking for to escape high tax states!!! This 4-acre SantaBarbara style estate was built in 2010 to the latest hurricane codes w/insulated concrete construction. 7,500 sq. ft. 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths. Finestconstruction! 3,000 sq ft car barn w/caretaker apt. 20 min from airport,vibrant downtown, top-rated schools & the world’s whitest beaches.$3,950,000 www.2530bayshore.com

GULF BREEZE, FLORIDA


Florida Properties

“To fully enjoy the South Floridaresort lifestyle, buyers are looking forproperties that are directly on deep wa-ter capable of dockage to moor a boator yacht,” says Innovative Creations,Inc. principal and creative directorKatia Bates. “Buyers also look for thebest locations near restaurants, shops,beaches and entertainment of all kindswith quick access to the ocean and nofixed bridges.”

Peggy Marker, president of FortLauderdale-basedMarkerConstruction,agrees. “Everyone wants to see the wa-ter, and almost all of the homeswe buildare on or near the water,” she says.

ON THE WATERFRONTFollowing her belief that being on

the water is king, Bates, who is widelyknown for styling the Gianni Versacemansion (now an upscale hotel) in

Miami Beach, bought and extensivelyrenovated (along with her husband,homebuilder Tom Bates) BontonaPeninsula at 529 Bontona Avenue inFort Lauderdale.

“The most appealing feature of theBontona Peninsula property is its pedi-gree,” Bates says. “It always belonged toan important Floridian family. To sealthe status from the previous family, wekept the bronze dolphins, which arenow located as a feature sculpture inthe fountain right in the middle of themain entrance driveway.”

But, more than its history, Bates saysit is a rare property on almost one acreof land with about 700 feet of dock-age on three sides able to accommo-date mooring for superyachts as wella number of smaller tenders, sea toysand fishing boats without losing thefabulous and endless views of the New

River and Intracoastal Waterways.With all the dockage available at

Bontona Peninsula, a yacht owner couldpotentially purchase the property to off-set the dockage charges formooring at aregular marina, Bates says.

Another trend is the shift awayfrom the dark Mediterranean style thatdominated the luxury home market forso long, Marker says. “Homeownersare moving more toward transitionaldesign with the clean lines of modernhomes. And, with very few exceptions,they want brand-new. Most of our cli-ents will raze a home and build their vi-sion from the ground up, unless they’regetting a historic home.”

Bates agrees that newer homes arein demand. “Most buyers are now look-ing for transitional or classic contem-porary styles that are sophisticated andtimeless,” she says. “They want classicinterior design and architecture witha contemporary style. And they wantmore unique and exclusive features,such as custom furniture, wallcover-ings on canvas and boiserie/wood pan-eling designed especially for them.”

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE INMost luxury homeowners want to

maximize square footage for resale

value because the cost of land is soexpensive, says Jacob Brillhart, ownerand founding architect of Miami-basedBrillhart Architecture. But he is findingmany clients who want smaller homeswith meaningful indoor-outdoorconnections and ample green spaceinstead of rooms designed around big-screen televisions and six-car garages.

“We are building slightly smallerhomes between 3,500 to 4,500 squarefeet. Owners are putting more moneyinto smaller packages with improvedquality and design that is integratedinto the landscape,” he says. “We haveseen a great response to courtyardhomes with windows on multiple sidesand smaller rooms, as well as homesraised off the ground. Much of this sur-rounds the concept of climate change.”

Advanced building materials havealso increased in use. “Glass technologyand insulation have come so far, we cancreate homes that are livable and se-cure, but also offer greater transparency,”Brillhart says. “Floor-to-ceiling hurri-cane-impact windows allow residentsto sit in their living rooms but feel likethey’re sitting outside. For second sto-ries, you can create beautiful spaces thatfeel as if you are living among the trees.”

by Tonie Auer

Ultra-luxury home designs in South Florida vary as

much as their owners, but one trend that will likely

never go out of vogue is the allure of water and

outdoor living.

CRAIGDENISPH

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BEAUTYHOMEBUYERSDRAWNTOTIMELESS

Bontona Peninsula features a classic and timeless contemporary design and is move-in ready.Brillhart Architecture designed this 5,900-square-foot house on Di Lido Island in Miami.

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Florida Property PortfolioADVERTISEMENT

Christian Angle Real EstateChristian J. Anglephone: 561.629.3015 e-mail: [email protected]

Stunning oceanfront newly built estate with 14,000 +/- total sq. ft.,6BR/9.4BA, staff quarters, guest studio, and multi-car garage. Designedby Smith & Moore Architects with Marc-Michaels Interior Design. Withgorgeous stone and wood flooring, intricate moldings, and exceptionalfinishes throughout, the home exemplifies the highest standard incraftsmanship and attention to detail.$43,000,000 www.AngleRealEstate.com

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

CompassLourdes Gutierrezphone: 305.206.8096 [email protected]

Faena House designed by Foster + Partners, is a boutique building offeringthe ultimate in indoor and outdoor living. This residence boasts expansivewraparound terraces with spectacular views of both the ocean and the city.Exquisitely designed and furnished, the 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath residence, has2,238 SF of indoor space, and 1,190 SF of outdoor.

$6,100,000 lourdesgutierrezgroup.com

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA

CompassElizabeth DeWoodyphone: 561.308.0931 [email protected]

This center of town prime location beach house has been completelyreimagined and is ready for immediate move in. Enjoy easy living in the 3bed, 3.5 bath main house while your guests enjoy the like new guest housecomplete with a kitchen, laundry, 2 bedrooms and a bath. Walk to popularrestaurants, beaches, docks, tennis, and world class shopping on WorthAvenue.$5,000,000

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

CompassElizabeth DeWoodyphone: 561.308.0931 [email protected]

This center of town prime location beach house has been completelyreimagined and is ready for immediate move in. Enjoy easy living in the 3bed, 3.5 bath main house while your guests enjoy the like new guest housecomplete with a kitchen, laundry, 2 bedrooms and a bath. Walk to popularrestaurants, beaches, docks, tennis, and world class shopping on WorthAvenue.$5,000,000

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Douglas EllimanArno De Vosphone: 561.316.8940 email: [email protected]

Construction is now complete at Palm Beach’s first new oceanfrontcondominium in over a decade. 3550 South Ocean features only 30 luxuryresidences, ranging from 2,600 to over 3,600 SF. The building boastsAtlantic Ocean views and on-demand concierge services. Residence 3Boffers 2,982 interior SF with 3 bedrooms + den, 3.5 baths and comesfurnished.$4,325,000

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

The Lake ClubDebbie Urbanphone: 219.313.6399 email: [email protected]

Lake View Estates is one of the newest enclaves within The Lake Club, withestate homes of more than 3,000 sq. ft. and magnificent outdoor living spacesfrom acclaimed builders. The Lake Club offers the most coveted lifestylewithin Lakewood Ranch, with a Grande Clubhouse, indoor and outdoor dining,spa & fitness, tennis & pickleball and much more.

From $1 million www.TheLakeClubLWR.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FLORIDA

Margaritaville Cottages OrlandoTad Serbinphone: 407.250.7311 email: [email protected]

Minutes from Orlando’s theme parks,Margaritaville Cottages Orlandocombines island tropics & a luxury resort. This furnished 8-bedroom, 9 full& 2 half bath 3-story cottage features a 4090 sq ft floorplan, stainless steelappliances, dining & family rooms, game room, backyard pool & hot tub. Sipa Margarita at one of our 3 lagoon pools, spa or restaurant. Stroll SunsetWalk’s dining, shopping & entertainment or H2O Live! Waterpark.$1,059,262 MargaritavilleCottagesOrlando.com

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Special Advertising Section

Florida Properties

Virgin Trains is the only privatelyowned, operated and maintained inter-city express passenger train service intheU.S., says president PatrickGoddard.It is designed to connect cities that suf-fer fromcongested corridors too close tofly and too long to drive, he says.

The line currently operates betweenMiami, Fort Lauderdale and West PalmBeach, with plans to expand to Orlandoby 2022. Trip times from Miami to FortLauderdale average 30minutes—samegoes for the ride from Fort Lauderdaleto West Palm Beach. The trip fromWest Palm Beach to Miami is about65 minutes. Once Orlando is added, itwill take about 90 minutes to get therefromWest Palm Beach and about threehours fromMiami.

“There is a real need for this service.If you take I-95, the average speed isabout 33 miles per hour — on a goodday,” Goddard says. “There are 50,000

accidents on I-95 annually. It is a bigpain point for a lot of people.”

MEET ME IN MIAMIVirgin MiamiCentral is a mixed-use

railroad station that provides a hub forall things transportation, business, din-ing and entertainment in DowntownMiami, Goddard says. It connectsMetrorail, Metromover, Brightline and,soon, Tri-Rail, and also features a CitiBike share and designated zone for Lyft,Brightline’s official rideshare partner.

“Virgin MiamiCentral is the onlydestination that connects Miami-DadeCounty through its various transit sys-tems, and with the combination ofBrightline and Tri-Rail, it will connectthe entire southeast region. Mobilitycontinues to be key as our region andpopulation grows — and we are meet-ing the demand,” he says.

The station stands on a former four-block expanse of “no man’s land” that

is now a growing real estate develop-ment featuring office towers, multifam-ily units and a complete live-work-playenvironment, Goddard says. The firstgrocery store to serve the neighbor-hood is coming soon.

COMMITMENT TO COMMUTERSAmong corporate customers, the le-

gal industry leads the charge in terms oftotal rides, followed by real estate, tech-nology, hospitality and finance. Thereis also a huge market of leisure travel-ers, with the resort destinations acrossOrlando to South Florida as well asthe Miami cruise port. Plans are in theworks to add service directly to the port.

On weekdays, there are almost threedozen departures, with close to twodozen on Saturdays and about 18 de-partures on Sundays. The train reachesspeeds of 79 mph between Miami andWest Palm Beach; top speeds of 110mph between West Palm Beach and

Cocoa; and 125 mph between Cocoaand Orlando International Airport.Each train carries up to 240 passengers.

“We are still in the adoption phase,but our inaugural year showed greatpromise and tremendous opportunityto reinvent passenger rail in America,”Goddard says. “Mobility in SouthFlorida has been an issue for decades.This project was really born when a100-year-old railroad in the densestpart of Florida began talking about railto cut through that congestion.The dis-cussions never yielded results until weshowed up.”

Goddard says growth continues toincrease month over month. “We arestill working to grow awareness. Peopleunderstand that we exist, but only 10%to 15% of the market has experiencedit,” he explains.

Tonie Auer is a freelance writer fo-cused on real estate and construction.

by Tonie Auer

In January 2018, Virgin Trains unveiled its intercity passenger rail service — a car-free way to travel in South Florida. This past

summer, it reached 1 million riders.

In November 2018, Brightline announced a strategic partnership and trademark licensing agreement with the Virgin Group.

EXPRESSTRAINOPENS UPSOUTH FLORIDA

Special Advertising Feature

COURTESYOF

VIRGINTRAINS

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special advertising section · 2019-12-06 · ballerina, aw ts-operated world-class spa and...

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