However, that clearly won’t be the case with the upcoming Ombelle Fort Lauderdale.

The 43-story twin towers at 300 NE 3rd Avenue in Flagler Village have a distinctive curvy design. It’s the first of three Fort Lauderdale projects planned by Dependable Equities, a Brooklyn-based vertically integrated real estate investment firm and New York City’s ODA Architecture.

It’s further affirmation of the attention downtown Fort Lauderdale is drawing nationally.

“We try to pick an area that has the fundamentals to support growth and to support luxury development,” says Isaac Schlesinger, a cofounder of Dependable Equities. “Our design is going to be on par with the nicest development that anybody can imagine as well as the finishes of the apartments.”

Ombelle will include 775 residences, over 11,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, and over 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities.

Schlesinger and co-founder Simon Dushinsky, who is also principal and founder of the Rabsky Group in New York, are responsible for developing thousands of luxury residential units there and have more than 2 million square feet under construction. The firm owns and manages a real estate portfolio of more than $4 billion. 

Schlesinger says Dependable Equities is basically a continuation of Rabsky, which has been around for three decades and focused the last 15 years on a lot of high-end influential areas in Brooklyn, where it has done millions of square feet of residential. Schlesinger thinks they might be the most active residential developers in Brooklyn these days.

Expanding to Florida

“When we expanded three years ago to Florida, we opened up Dependable Equities and we’re looking to continue the same business model as we have done in the past years in Brooklyn to deliver a very, very high-quality residential development,” Schlesinger says. Dependable Equities has its own in-house general contractor, “which gives us an edge not only completing everything on time and the quality, but our budget is just what our construction cost is.”

Developers usually stick with boxy designs because it’s cheaper to build than a building with curves, Schlesinger explains. However, Dependable Equities’ in-house team was able to work with ODA to come up with an eye-catching design and avoid busting the budget.

The key for buyers is that units will be offered at a very attractive pricing for a project with a lengthy list of amenities, Schlesinger says. Units are starting in the $400,000s. The studios and three bedrooms will range from 465 square feet to just over 1,648 square feet, while penthouses will range from 2,400 square feet to just over 2,600 square feet.

Ombelle will offer the latest smart building technology, top-of-the-line appliances and exceptionally finished Italian custom designed kitchens and bathrooms. Each residence will feature airy, sophisticated interiors with designer-curated finish packages, open concept designs and 10-foot ceilings in main living areas.

Residents will have the option to choose fully furnished units and may rent out units for a minimum of 30 days.

The property’s lobby will have a wow factor at 15,000 square feet with an artistic cultural garden. Schlesinger says it will give the feeling of arriving at a grand hotel/spa. The ground floor will include a reception area, multiple lounges and an exclusive residents-only café — designed to foster social interaction and a sense of community.

Wellness and lifestyle-driven amenities are being curated by Arch Amenities Group, which manages 496 sites globally.

The north tower will include a landscaped indoor lounge space, a chef’s kitchen, dining room and dining lounge, a grab-and-go eatery, a dedicated coworking suite with lounge seating, private workstations and private conference rooms, a library, a music room, a recording studio with instrument storage and two private recording pods, a creative arts and crafts studio, a resident lounge and entertaining space and a fully equipped game lounge.

Two indoor pickleball courts with windows on the side will be located on one of the corners of the garage level, Schlesinger says. “We think that’s going to be very cool.”

The south tower features an additional indoor lounge space, a world-class state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with private training, Pilates, massage room, immersive studio and yoga studios; a wellness lounge with an outdoor sauna, cold plunge, treatment rooms, an experiential shower, steam room and sauna complemented with an outdoors Zen Garden; a video game room alongside a swing sports game simulator, and a children’s playroom with indoor and outdoor space. Outdoor, residents will have exclusive access to a resort-style lap pool and a plunge pool with pool-side cabanas and a summer kitchen with multiple seating areas. 

“Because we’re building this large development, there’s going to be different people with different needs. So, we have put in every amenity that you can imagine,” Schlesinger says.

“We feel and think that this is going to make a difference in Fort Lauderdale,” Schlesinger says, noting that making a difference is a bedrock of the company’s philosophy. It’s one reason Dependable Equities chose Fort Lauderdale over Miami, which has an abundance of national developers.

Schlesinger said he expects construction to start in mid to late 2025. Dependable Equities is already talking with lenders and he doesn’t expect any issues because of its successful track record. That would contrast with dozens of projects in Flagler Village that have approvals but no announcements about financing.

Finding opportunity early on

Dependable Equities has three acres south of the New River at 633 SE Third Ave. (currently where the Trial Lawyers Building is located) and 101 SE 7^th St.

“We see there’s a lot of development coming up south of the river and we feel that the downtown, the same way it expands north of Flagler, is going to expand south of the river,” Schlesinger says.

Schlesinger and his partner like to identify potential areas for projects early. For example, the identified the promise of Brooklyn’s North Williamsburg neighborhood about 20 years ago and it has turned into a global destination.

“We’re one of the first who were building luxury residential in that neighborhood and today it’s just one of the hottest neighborhoods, not only in Brooklyn, but even New York City as a whole.”

A City of Fort Lauderdale website says 633 SE Third Ave. has approval for 830 units and 101 SE 7^th St. across the street has approvals for 630 units.

Schlesinger says details are being finalized. ODA’s website has a stylish rendering for a 47-story 633 SE Third Ave. with tubular shapes and scalloped balconies that keep the building from looking overly massive.

Schlesinger noted the new Federal Courthouse under construction about four blocks away at 1080 SE Third Ave. and likes his sites’ proximity to Rio Vista, one of Fort Lauderdale’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

He says, “We liked the fact that we were able to secure a three-acre site in a very densely populated downtown area, which gave us opportunity to create a really beautiful development that people will be able to appreciate and enjoy rather than kind of going and finding small sites and then building what I call ‘pencil towers.’”

The post Curve Appeal: Ombelle Brings a Highly Desired Aesthetic to Downtown Fort Lauderdale appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

The Property: Residence 1501, The St. Regis Residences, Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale

Future residences located at: 801 Seabreeze Blvd.,?Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Temporary Sales Gallery: 1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Lobby Level, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Interior living space in square feet: 3,550

Total square footage: 4,836

Bedrooms/baths: 4 bedrooms + den/4.5 bathrooms

Listing Realtor: Daniel Teixeira

Douglas Elliman

SRRbahiamar.com

Daniel@srrbahiamar.com

(954) 394-4100

The post Explore The St. Regis Residences at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Who better to talk about the changes than Jessi Blakley, vice president of property owner Tavistock Group, who grew up across from the resort in the Rio Vista neighborhood. Some of her earliest memories are sitting in the rotating Pier Top while her grandfather was doing business.

She was interviewed by Lifestyle Media Group editor-in-chief Kevin Gale. The following is edited for brevity and clarity.

How are things looking?

We’re very excited. We’re at the finish line and so it’s all coming together. It’s finishing touches at this point — the landscaping going in, we’re filling the pools, working on the interiors. As a native and talking with neighbors in the community, I think there’s this nostalgic tie to the property and a real excitement to see how Tavistock has been able to bring it back to life.

What would you say the biggest wow factor is?

I think I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Pier Top. It certainly is the literal crown jewel of Pier Sixty-Six and something that I can’t even get in an Uber without talking about it. Everyone wants to know if it’s going to reopen. It will reopen as a lounge and it will have the ability to rotate once again.

I think the other thing is how we celebrated the waterfront lifestyle that Fort Lauderdale is known for and how we relaid out the property to focus on that. The old property was a square with a circular building on one end. For a large majority of it, you couldn’t see or feel or appreciate that waterfront uniqueness that Pier brings to the table.

We opened up the landscape so that no matter where you are on the property, you can appreciate the maritime views and the waterway and the ocean breeze. I do think that’s an incredible wow, no matter where you’re standing on the property. The centerpiece of that is a 2 ½-acre multilayered pool deck, which will certainly be a feature for all of our guests. Then, we’re going to have 12 very unique dining venues again on the waterfront.

Will there be parties to kick things off and what is the status of reservations?

We absolutely will. We are working on those plans right now. Right now, bookings are available online, so reservations start in the new year. However, we do plan to open at the end of this year — the exact date to be determined — so we will have rooms that are available sooner than that.

What’s the history of Pier Sixty-Six?

In the 1950s, Phillips 66 petroleum owned the property and it was originally a fuel dock. That 66-spire tower that has now been designated historic was built in the late 1960s. At the time, it was the tallest building in Fort Lauderdale and it completely transformed Fort Lauderdale’s skyline.

We purchased the original resort property, in December 2016. Roughly seven months later in July, we purchased the property just on the other side of 17 Street that was formerly called the Sails Hotel Marina and Shops. Collectively, that makes 32 waterfront acres. We started and focused our plans on the north side on the original property site, and that’s being redeveloped right now and we’ll open later this year.

We have development rights on the south side, but we are contemplating what makes sense there as it fits into the whole area. Part of our development rights gives us the ability to build another hotel across the street, but we just rebuilt the one across from the Pier, so I don’t know that we need that. We need to spend some time on what we think could fit there.

Could you provide a brief overview of Tavistock?

Tavistock Development Co. is a diversified real estate firm that’s owned by Tavistock Group. We specialize in planning, design, finance, construction and development of what we believe to be groundbreaking projects. We are well known for our master plan community in Orlando called Lake Nona. It’s among the bestselling communities in America, but also the most innovative as well. We’re starting a new project just down the road, Sunbridge, which celebrates living in nature. The real estate portfolio also includes a number of gems from the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood to Albany, our resort property in The Bahamas. This is our first real estate project in South Florida, though we’ve had a presence through our restaurants, Timpano on Las Olas, which was recently renovated as well, and then we also own Abe & Louie’s in Boca Raton.

Was the new lower circular building designed to echo the tower?

Exactly, yes. That will host a signature restaurant and also is home to the spa and the fitness center. You’ve got sweeping grand views of the water.

The new waterfront buildings have been described as having a coastal personality. What sort of elements go into that?

 We worked with Garcia Stromberg, based in Palm Beach County, a wonderful local group. They took their design inspiration from the water. It was important for us given that Fort Lauderdale is the Venice of Americas. We have two 11-story condominium buildings called Azul and Indigo. They took their inspiration from coral reefs. You can kind of see that in the ebbs and the flows of the balconies, all of which have plunge pools on them. That’s a first in Fort Lauderdale for the entire building to have plunge pools on the balconies. On the northernmost side of the property that faces Harbor Beach along the Mercedes Canal, there are some four-story condominium buildings. They are taking cues from sand dunes.

Prices start at $3.85 million. They’re designer-ready units. We have started closings, so buyers will be moving in with the opening of the property, but there are still units available.

Talk a little bit about the renovation of the historic tower.

It’s a complete renovation. In the fall of 2017, Hurricane Irma came in and did significant damage to the property, which at the time was open and still operational. We did have to close portions of the property and ultimately decided to shut the property down given the level of damage that was done.

One of the most challenging elements, was trying to find somebody to repair the rotating rooftop. There’s actually not many people who can do that.

The balconies on that original tower were originally blocking the views. We worked together with the city and their historic preservation team to come up with what we felt was a good solution to keep some of that original structure, but then add glass to a portion of it so that you can enjoy those views.

There’s a new 10-story building that attaches to the original building. When you’re inside, you truly don’t know which building you’re in unless you are on the 17th story and you can see that you’re higher than the other.

Talk about the 12 culinary venues.

It is a significant increase. Several of them will be signature restaurants offering diversified dining options. We have not talked specifically about those concepts yet. Leading up to the opening toward the end of this year, we are going to start to trickle out those details and more specifics about the chefs de cuisine and the menus. But we are taking our inspiration from our marina and the idea of gathering the best from all the different ports of calls. You will see those inspirations infused in the menus and the ambiance of each of the venues.

Talk about the spa, Zenova. The first ceremonial spa in the southeast caught my eye, but then there’s a snow room, a sensory shower and a vitality pool.

It’s about a holistic health and wellness experience and a differentiated amenity set that speaks to different people’s needs. You have the traditional elements that one thinks of when they go to a spa, but also some of these newer and again, regional offerings.

The ceremonial sauna that you mentioned is quite unique. It is the first in the southeast. It’s something that’s quite popular in Europe. This is inspired by the Aufguss Saunas. It’s like a bit of a fusion between sound therapy and rituals and there’s a sauna meister that disperses aromatics and does rhythmic movements.

We hear a lot about cold plunges now and the health benefits around what that does for you, so the snow room does that without dunking you underwater.

What’s the event space going to be like?

 Absolutely stunning. We have 40,000 square feet of meeting and events space. The ballrooms are gorgeous and also inspired by the marine setting. The details from the lighting and the light fixtures, the flexibility that the rooms provide are going to allow large scale events. We have some outdoor meeting spaces as well on an event lawn. So, both indoor and outdoor space that we think is going to be incredibly unique.

Were there many changes to the marina?

We also, of course, rejuvenated the marina, which has been the top yachting destination on the eastern seaboard. Most of that was on the southern side so that newly acquired property is where the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Super Yacht Village is. There was a kink in the face dock on the south side. We straightened it out so that now you can accommodate larger vessels on the south side of the bridge, which is significant. We attract many sailboats and large vessels, and that is a really unique amenity to be able to offer. There were a number of upgrades that were made to the docks and the design on the south side to make it easier for access and navigation.

 We’ve also incorporated a lot of environmental practices in terms of our waste management as well as some eco-friendly materials. We’ve also added EV charging ports because electric vessels are the next wave of technology in the boating world. We will once again host the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. We are one of the founding locations.

The Pier plus the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center expansion and its new hotel seem like they are really going to be a quite powerful combination. I feel like Fort Lauderdale is coming into its own right now. There’s significant investment being made across the city and a rising tide floats all boats. I think when I look specifically at the 17th Street corridor, we’re the gateway to the beach. I think it’s really significant that the investment that’s being made to bring in larger events to our convention center is having the diversification of hospitality offerings with our resorts and our food and beverage and entertainment venues. I think that’s important to the vitality of the continued growth of our city. It’s an exciting time and we’re excited.

The post Pier Sixty-Six: A Legend Reborn appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Tyler is the managing partner of Fortune Christie’s International Real Estate on Las Olas and Tristan is the visionary founder and CEO of Luxury Vacation Stays, a premier white-glove luxury vacation rental management company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale.

With over two decades of experience as a real estate broker, investor and developer, Tyler has built a reputation as one of South Florida’s premier real estate professionals. He is known for his deep industry knowledge and his ability to connect clients with some of the most sought-after properties in the region.

Tristan’s Luxury Vacation Stays, which features properties in South Florida and the Caribbean, goes far beyond the typical transactional nature of short-term rentals. She and her team of four provide a bespoke service that ensures clients’ luxurious properties receive prompt, impeccable care, much to the delight of discerning guests.

TYLER’S PATH TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE

Before launching his real estate career, Tyler worked for 15 years in the automotive industry as a finance director and sales manager. His transition into real estate began in 2000 when he started buying and managing properties for his own personal portfolio. He later joined a longtime friend in the business; when that friend moved to Texas, Tyler bought him out and set up a brokerage in a modest 300-square-foot office.

In 2002, he founded the boutique real estate firm Kensington & Co. Ten years later, he took a leap of faith by relocating to a much larger space at 1038 E. Las Olas Blvd., despite the much higher rent that came with it. The move paid off: Kensington’s reputation flourished, eventually catching the attention of major real estate firms. Tyler ultimately joined Fortune Christie’s International Real Estate, drawn by its strong brand and the leadership of Edgardo Defortuna, the company’s highly respected president and CEO.

But Tyler’s expertise extends beyond real estate sales. A savvy negotiator, he has successfully brokered deals, including assembling a prime property in Edgewater for New York-based developers, which led to a partnership on the Cove Miami project, a 40-story, 116-unit boutique condo with architecture by Kobi Karp. His ability to track down elusive property owners and to close complex deals — even while on vacation, as with the buyout of a 12-unit condo building — has contributed significantly to his success.

“I always wanted to sort of dip my toe in the water with developing,” Tyler says. “Instead, I got very lucky by being the broker that I am by locating property for clients of mine from New York who were developers. They wanted to find something to develop a great location. So, I was able to assemble property in Edgewater right on the bay.”  Another 55-story project is being planned 10 blocks south on 19^th Street.

Part of Tyler’s success is being a savvy detective and dealmaker, whether tracking down an obscure overseas property owner or negotiating the buyout of a 12-unit condominium building. The latter deal was finalized while the Tuchows were on a cruise.

TRISTAN’S LUXURY VACATION STAYS

Tristan credits Tyler’s persistence to helping him track her down on Facebook after they had met in passing at a Humane Society event. Their first date was meant to be a Miami Heat playoff game, but she had a broken foot, so instead they watched the game at Bru’s Room in Pompano Beach.

Tristan, who grew up in Kendall, had been working in the medical field selling devices in a subspecialty of cardiology. Because the job involved traveling often, which wasn’t conducive to starting a family, she decided to take some time off.

One day, when their son was about a year old, Tyler asked her if she was interested in helping with the rental of a Harbor Beach property that a client from Chile had purchased. She had experience managing her own properties and brought skills from her management information systems degree.

In the beginning, Tristan launched the properties on Airbnb and VRBO. But with referrals from Tyler, and prospective clients seeing great reviews about her service and word of mouth, the enterprise took off, and today LuxuryVacationStays.com is now the hub of her business.

A key aspect of the company’s approach is the concierge services it offers guests. “If they need private aviation, if they need a private driver or a private car, or if they’d like to rent a yacht, you have a point person leading up to and during their stay,” Tristan notes. The white glove service extends to helping the property owners as well. “We do everything,” she adds.

Under Tristan’s leadership, Luxury Vacation Stays has gained a reputation for delivering personalized, bespoke services that ensure properties are not only well-maintained but also marketed to attract discerning travelers. Her approach goes beyond the typical transactional nature of vacation rentals, focusing on creating memorable experiences for guests while maintaining top-notch property standards for owners. Luxury Vacation Stays has properties going north into Delray Beach and plans to add more locations in Boca Raton and Palm Beach.

A SPECIAL SYNERGY

The Tuchows’ complementary businesses intersect in several ways, creating a powerful synergy. For instance, as a licensed real estate broker, Tyler can list Luxury Vacation Stays properties on the MLS, helping to boost visibility and attract potential buyers. This collaboration allows them to serve a broad range of clients — from those seeking to purchase a vacation property to owners who need professional management for their high-end short-term rentals.

Together, the couple has forged a unique business partnership that combines their expertise in real estate with a passion for luxury hospitality. Their shared commitment to excellent service and attention to detail has allowed them to carve out a distinctive niche in the South Florida market.

Now, that is a winning business model.

The post A Perfect Merger appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Pier Sixty-Six has transformed into a world-class luxury destination that beautifully balances its storied legacy with a forward-looking vision for Fort Lauderdale. It’s not just a resort—it’s a vibrant hub for the community, with premier retail, diverse dining and entertainment, and ultra-luxury residences with private club amenities, all anchored by the iconic marina. Pier Sixty-Six is a gateway for locals, visitors and global travelers, combining timeless charm with modern innovation.

Why has Pier 66 endured as a hallmark of Fort Lauderdale after so many decades?

 Since 1966, Pier Sixty-Six has been a landmark in Fort Lauderdale thanks to its unique architecture, an iconic marina and a rich history of hosting celebrities and community events. It’s where generations have come together to celebrate, connect and make lasting memories. We are excited to be building on that legacy with this reimagined vision.

What are some of your favorite innovations that you’ve been able to do exciting things with on the work front? 

 At Pier Sixty-Six, we’ve embraced innovation to honor its legacy while shaping its future. From the public marina promenade that fosters community connection to advanced View Glass that enhances comfort and sustainability, every detail is thoughtfully designed. The Zenova Spa & Wellness sets a new standard with the Southeast’s first ceremonial sauna, a snow room, and a vitality pool. We’re thrilled to introduce Fort Lauderdale’s first private heated plunge pools on select expansive terraces. The restored rotating Pier Top Lounge pays tribute to its iconic past with breathtaking views. And the superyacht marina accommodates vessels up to 400 feet.

What’s your favorite off-hours way to enjoy Fort Lauderdale?

I enjoy an evening walk with my family and our dog along Las Olas Boulevard or the beach—it’s the perfect way to take in the city’s energy and the coastline’s natural beauty. Weekend bike rides down A1A are another favorite.

What’s the one thing you’ve always meant to try or do in the city that you still haven’t gotten around to?

Every day, I pass the International Swimming Hall of Fame and its striking diving platform sculpture. It’s such a unique part of our city’s history, and I look forward to exploring it.

Name your go-to restaurant in the city for an impressive business lunch.

Timpano on Las Olas Boulevard is my top choice. The Italian cuisine is consistently exceptional, and the mussels are a standout. A perfect choice for a business lunch.

What local causes do you champion or strongly support?

Giving back is a priority for us. My wife, Lisa, and I are proud to support Florida Foster Care, Habitat for Humanity in Miami and the Urban Land Institute, dedicating time and resources to creating opportunities for others.

Favorite vacation spot and why?

Telluride, Colorado, is a magical place. Set in a stunning box canyon, it offers world-class skiing and endless summer activities.

What’s the next big project on your agenda?

With the completion of Pier Sixty-Six’s $1 billion first phase, we’re looking ahead to the next chapter of development. We’re focused on building momentum and creating even more spaces that enhance Fort Lauderdale’s global profile.

Share your all-time favorite mottos for business and for life in general.

In business: “Good development is good for both the developer and the community.”

In life: “Good communication is the key to success.”

The post Pier Sixty-Six Hits New Heights appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Jade Ocean, designed by renowned architect Carlos Ott, presents a range of five-star amenities such as beach service, a café, sunrise and sunset pools, a wellness and fitness center, a children’s playroom, and a business center. Additionally, residents can utilize in-home touchscreen technology to request concierge, valet, dining, and spa services.

Residents at Jade Ocean can indulge in the property’s amenities including a six-story cascading waterfall, beautiful landscaping, and a beachfront park. The pool deck offers heated, infinity-edge sunrise and sunset pools with a beach-style entry, perfect for relaxation. Additionally, the in-house spa includes massage and treatment rooms, a sauna, and steam rooms, while residents can also enjoy their own private beach club complete with a cafe and poolside cabanas for a tranquil beach experience.

WHERE: 17121 Collins Ave., #3904-5, Sunny Isles

COMMUNITY: The Jade

INTERIOR LIVING SPACE: 4,360 square feet

BEDROOMS/BATHS: 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 2 half bath

LISTING PRICE: $5,750,000

THE REALTOR:  DENISE RUBIN

CONTACT: The Denise Rubin Group, Coldwell Banker Realty, www.deniserubin.com or (305) 932-9326.

INSIGHTS: “Where the outdoors and indoors intertwine with some of the most spacious terraces anywhere. Resort-style living at its very best!”

The post Experience Five-Star Amenities and a Beachfront Location at Jade Ocean appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

WHERE: 1231 South Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach  

COMMUNITY: Waldorf Astoria Residences

INTERIOR LIVING SPACE: Floor plans range from 2,100 sq. ft. to 6,100 sq. ft.

ALL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 29 stories, 35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities

LOT SIZE: Two-acre oceanfront site

BEDROOMS: Floorplans range from 2 to 5 bedrooms

LISTING PRICE: Prices range from $2.5 to $5.9 million excluding Penthouse units.

COMMUNITY: Recognized for its laid-back and easygoing lifestyle, Pompano Beach is positioned for remarkable growth thanks to its stunning natural surroundings and convenient access to major highways and airports, which perfectly align with the escalating real estate demand in South Florida. Situated in an enviable “Goldilocks” location, the city is ideally positioned just north of Miami and Fort Lauderdale and south of Boca Raton and Palm Beach, offering easy access to a wide array of amenities. The transformation of the beach’s Fishing Village into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community featuring seaside open-air pavilions and upscale dining options adds to the city’s allure. Additionally, residents have easy access to restored dunes, tree-shaded outdoor attractions, and various beachside activities, making it an ideal location for those who prefer a nature-oriented lifestyle.

DAILY LIFE: Crafted as a tribute to the esteemed Waldorf Astoria brand, the Residences represent the pinnacle of luxury living, providing an oasis of refinement and grace. Residents have the option to host gatherings or enjoy serene evenings at home with exclusive in-residence dining or by partaking in the property’s onsite food and beverage offerings. Exemplifying coastal living at its best, the 20,000-square-foot oceanfront pool deck is surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, while private beachfront access and resident cabanas offer secluded retreats. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the carefully curated selection of artworks from the renowned Jorge M. Perez Contemporary Art Collection displayed throughout the property.

THE REALTOR

WENDY MARKS

CONTACT: Wendy Marks, Related Realty

info@waldorfastoriaresidencespompanobeach.com, 754-202-0992

INSIGHTS: “From the design and architecture to the resident services, this property fully embodies the lustrous brand envisioned as a love letter to the history and tradition of the Waldorf Astoria name.”

The post Quintessential Living: Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

“I live right down the street, so this is my backyard,” Catalfumo says. “It’s on PGA Boulevard and the Intracoastal. It is just the heartbeat of everything and, being so close to the inlet, we can leave our house and be to the inlet in 10 minutes and headed to The Bahamas.”

The Ritz-Carlton Residences will be an anchor in the Palm Beach Gardens Marina district, which is seeing investments in other waterfront properties east of The Gardens Mall.

The project is notable for how 14 acres were pieced together to enable a rare, ultra-luxurious, low-rise project on the Intracoastal in South Florida

“It almost killed me. I couldn’t do this again. It was extremely difficult,” Catalfumo says. “I was very patient. We had to annex property into the city of Palm Beach Garden. It changed all the zoning codes.”

It took him 3 1/2 years with work weeks that hit 90 hours, he says.

Madison Realty Capital provided a $340 million construction loan, announced in May 2023, so Catalfumo’s efforts are paying off.

Going vertical

The project is out of the ground and into vertical construction. It will have 106 units starting at $4.5 million, with three to five bedrooms and dens, arrayed in three seven-story buildings. It will offer owners a chance to have an estate-size home in a multifamily development with 20,000 square feet of indoor amenity space and 29 boat slips for lease.

Catalfumo calls the concept “homes in the sky” since the units go all the way from front to back rather than wrapping around a center core like most condos.

Residents can park in the garage underneath their units and take a private elevator up to their homes.

Residents will have a 95-foot lap pool with an infinity edge so they can watch the boats go by. Six cabanas by the pool will be available for residents to use, and another six with private bathrooms will be available for residents to purchase.

“It’s everything that you could think of if you were going to the highest resorts you wanted to, except you live there. You’re truly on vacation 24/7,” Catalfumo says.

About half of the buyers are locals. Many of them are moving out of 12,000- to 13,000-square-foot homes because their children are no longer there, they don’t want to renovate and don’t need so much space, Catalfumo says.

Instead of the hassles of managing a single-family home, the buyers will get the round-the-clock pampering that Ritz-Carlton is known for.

Catalfumo has known the property for about 35 years.  “I remember when Panama Hattie’s Bar & Grille was the place to pull your boat up on Sunday afternoon because they had like dollar drinks, so it was perfect.”

Catalfumo missed one opportunity to buy the site, but then struck a deal in November 2021 to buy it from investor Nicholas Mastroianni II, who had also bought two more adjacent sites. A 2014 Palm Beach Post article says Mastroianni faced opposition from nearby residents for a 160-room hotel and 150 condos rising 10 stories. By the time of the article, the plans changed to 146 hotel rooms and a condo building with 78 one and two-bedroom units.

The acreage for the Ritz project grew over time, says Eichner, who is an executive VP at Catalfumo Companies and the owner and president of Catalfumo Management and Development Group and Aaron Group Realty.

“We started out with only 6 1/2 acres, which grew to 8 1/2, so we designed our development for that; then we had 11 acres, and we designed our plans for the 11 acres—and all of a sudden it grew again to 14 acres. So, we’ve run out of room. There are properties to the south already developed and too costly at this point. We’ve maxed out and we’re glad to be able to accomplish what we did.”

As it stands now, the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Palm Beach Gardens project will have a much lower impact on traffic than earlier plans, which was one concern of residents since it will have 35% of the originally proposed number of units.

Eichner has been allied with Dan Catalfumo for 35 years. “When he retired 10 years ago, I spun off a couple of his companies and have been operating those. They still operate independently. Then he got bored, and I brought him back to work here and the Ritz Carlton is the result of our patience.”

Catalfumo knew he wanted to do a Ritz-branded project and had the experience doing so with the Ritz-Carlton condominium on Singer Island and the Ritz-Carlton on Donald Ross Road in Jupiter, which he says is the largest clubhouse golf community that Ritz-Carlton has ever branded. He did the Donald Ross Road project as a developer for a third party and it is now owned by former president Donald Trump and called Trump National Golf Club Jupiter.

Eventually, the new Ritz will be turned over to a condominium association, but Catalfumo is keeping the marina, which will be leased only to Ritz residents.

Marina District gets investments

Eichner says the city took the initiative to create a marina district north and south of PGA Boulevard on both sides of the Intracoastal. “The reason for doing so is because the waterway is becoming very private and this will help preserve the use of the waterway for the public for the future.” Zoning and density flexibility will help accomplish that goal.

The PGA Marina on the north side of PGA Boulevard is getting an $80 million overhaul by owner Port 32 Marinas, a Charleston company. The 50-year-old building that houses 200 boats will be reconstructed with two hurricane-proof buildings to hold 420 boats, which meets the city’s goal of providing more waterfront access to residents.

Catalfumo has struck up a partnership, so Ritz residents can store their boats there and have a boat valet deliver them to the day dock at their homes.

Lifestyle was given a tour of the Marina District on a sleek Barton & Gray Day Chaser 48. B&G, which is like NetJets for boating, has about 40 locations nationwide, including Jupiter, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach and Key Largo.

Among those aboard was Chris Cox, a broker associate with Douglas Elliman, who is handling the Ritz’s sales.

As we cruised by the site, she noted, “It took over a year for the site work here because there’s a two-story garage that’s going beneath all three buildings. They had to remove 38,000 cubic yards of dirt in order to put in those 207 sheet piles and then stabilize the soil.”

She says that much of the garages are covered by green space, which is a very different approach than putting a high rise on postage stamp lots.

She expects the units to be delivered in about two years. Sales have been brisk, with some floor plans in certain vertical stacks nearing sell-out.

Wall Street South meets suburbia

The Palm Beach Business Development Board’s success at creating “Wall Street South” appears to be spilling over beyond the Town of Palm Beach and West Palm Beach.

A March article in the New York Post proclaimed, “Wall Street South execs are moving north — but only a few miles. And they’re not alone, as many house hunters on this end of Florida look to the under-the-radar Palm Beach Gardens — just 12 miles north of Palm Beach, which offers more space and less of a hustle.”

“We’re seeing the influx of people from New York and there is very limited high-quality space to be purchased in West Palm Beach,” Catalfumo says. It’s about a 20-minute drive to downtown.

Of course, all those businesses moving to Wall Street South also need housing for workers.

Catalfumo certainly isn’t ignoring the need. His company has approval to build 1,016 apartments at PGA Station, the 37-acre master project southeast of I-95 and PGA Boulevard. Ten percent will be workforce housing. He expects to start 620 apartments in the park by early 2025 and then tear down a building to start 620 more later.

The park also has existing and future Class A office space, which could be attractive to relocating businesses.

When asked if he has anything else in the pipeline Catalfumo quipped, “Well, that’s $1.5 billion, so that’s enough for me.”

Photos by Larry Wood

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THE PROPERTY

WHERE: 508 Isle of Palms Drive, Fort Lauderdale

COMMUNITY: Las Olas Isles

LIVING AREA: 6,586 square feet

WATERFRONT FOR DOCKAGE: 100 feet

LOT SIZE: 13,000 square feet

BEDROOMS: 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 1 half bath, office, media room

HIGHLIGHTS:

Nestled on the serene banks of Sunset Lake, this elegant waterfront estate offers a life of luxury and leisure. Boasting six bedrooms and six full baths plus a half bath, this home is a testament to grandeur and comfort. The heart of the home is the two-story foyer, crowned with a crystal chandelier that cascades light onto the marble floors. The tray ceiling, designed by Perla Lychee, and the warmth of the gas fireplace set the tone for the exquisite details that unfold throughout the property. Entertain in style in the bar/theater room with a half bath or retreat to the office on the first floor, complete with a full bath. Culinary adventures await in the gourmet kitchen, featuring a bay window with mesmerizing views of the flowers and tropical landscaping, Neff designer custom-built cabinets of burl wood, and a suite of top-tier appliances including a Viking gas stove, built-in microwave, steamer, and a total of four dishwashers. A butler’s kitchen adds to the sophistication. The generous-sized elevator leads to the second floor where the primary suite unfolds to a balcony offering sweeping water views. The primary bath is a sanctuary with a steam room, a separate shower, and a generous tub. Additional bedrooms are thoughtfully designed with en-suite baths and large closets. Heated pool, gas generator and 100 amp dock power cater to both convenience and entertainment. The lanai/covered patio with a summer kitchen, wet bar, and al-fresco dining area is an oasis for relaxation or hosting memorable gatherings outdoors.

LISTING PRICE: $8.5 million

COMMUNITY: Nestled along a series of picturesque canals just off the famous Las Olas Boulevard, the Las Olas Isles community is often considered the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale’s luxury real estate and boasts some of the city’s most exquisite waterfront properties. A boater’s paradise, the estate homes have deep water dockage and wide canals, a direct proximity to the Port Everglades inlet with access to the Atlantic Ocean.

DAILY LIFE: The heart of the world-renowned yachting capital unfolds at your doorstep, making water sports an integral part of the lifestyle. The convenience of proximity is unparalleled—chic boutiques, Museum of Art, gourmet dining, vibrant outdoor activities and music concerts are all within a leisurely stone’s throw, ensuring that life’s pleasures are never far from reach. 

THE REALTOR

ANI ROMANSON

CONTACT: Ani Romanson, Broker Associate at Florida Luxurious Properties

aniromanson.com, ani@aniromanson.com, 954-338-8277

INSIGHTS: “This estate is not just a home; it’s a statement of unparalleled luxury, designed for those who seek the finest in waterfront living and the boating lifestyle.”

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Address: 2170 N Ocean Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

Neighborhood: Fort Lauderdale Beach on the sand! The gated community of the Palms Condo and Townhomes

Interior living space in square feet: 4,270 square feet

Bedrooms/baths: 3 beds plus media room and 3.5 baths

Listing price:  $4,195,000

Insights

The unmatchable proximity of The Palms Townhomes, Villa II to the ocean offers sunrise, view, sound, and smell of the ocean, an experience not available in a condo. The best feature of this residence is being able to step on the sand from your backyard and relax your senses.

The Neighborhood

Uptown Fort Lauderdale Beach, where all generations meet to enjoy the sand, sun and breeze. A stone’s throw away from the 180-acre Hugh Taylor Birch State Park on the Intracoastal Waterway with bike trails, canoe rentals, fishing areas and children play areas. It’s very close to many restaurants with fine and casual dining. This area offers many entertaining activities: live music along State Road A1A, wine bars, sports bars and the convenience of a new Publix grocery store within walking distance. Within minutes of Coral Ridge Country Club for the golfing enthusiast and Coral Ridge Yacht Club for the boating enthusiast, one can have it all in this wonderful area of Fort Lauderdale.

Community

This community has the perfect serene location on the sand, but all the fine dining and fun of the Fort Lauderdale strip are a stroll away. A short drive away are The Galleria Mall, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Riverwalk, museums and Las Olas Boulevard, with its upscale shops, countless restaurants and boutiques.

Daily Life

There’s plenty to do right on the property with a charming boardwalk, racquetball, tennis, two pools, a fitness center, conference room, a 24-hour concierge and guard gate security.

The Realtor

Ani Romanson

(954) 338-8277

ani@aniromanson.com

Florida Luxurious Properties

2438 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale FL 33301

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