a well-regarded Japanese fusion restaurant located in the heart of Coconut Grove has launched a selection of new menu items aimed at expanding its offerings and deepening its connection to both traditional Japanese cuisine and international culinary influences which has built a loyal following over the past three years introduced a series of hot appetizers and kitchen specials this season reflecting a thoughtful approach to comfort food with a contemporary perspective Varsol’s version presents lightly battered shrimp served with a house-made dipping sauce The dish is prepared to maintain a balance of texture and flavor aiming to appeal to both new diners and regular patrons The Fish Katsu-Milanesa combines elements of Japanese katsu and Latin-style milanesa then served with either white or fried rice The preparation offers a familiar format with cross-cultural appeal the Filet Mignon Katsu-Milanesa features a tender cut of filet mignon prepared using the same breaded and fried technique The dish reflects Varsol’s goal of offering elevated yet accessible cuisine we’re introducing dishes that reflect our commitment to quality and our local community,” said the Varsol team in a statement “We remain rooted in tradition while continuing to explore new ways to bring thoughtful cuisine to our guests.” For more information or to make a reservation, visit Varsol’s website © Copyright 2012 - 2023 | citybiz | All Rights Reserved TrendingDevelopment South FloridaATerra lists Coconut Grove land leased to defunct Location VenturesDavid Martin’s firm is accepting offers starting at $19M for 0.4-acre site Listen to this article00:001xKey PointsAI Generated.✨This summary is reviewed by TRD Staff David Martin’s Terra is seeking to unload land underneath a Coconut Grove site complicated by a ground lease with Location Ventures the defunct development firm founded by Rishi Kapoor Coconut Grove-based Terra recently listed the 0.4-acre property at 3120-3138 Commodore Plaza with an asking price of $18.9 million Tony Arellano and Devlin Marinoff with Dwntwn Realty Advisors are marketing the property but it’s really an interesting opportunity for an irreplaceable property,” Arellano told The Real Deal “The site went to market about a week ago and we have been flooded with inquiries ranging from family offices to developers.” A Terra spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment The property includes an unfinished mixed-use project that is under a demolition order by the city of Miami, court records show. The building’s concrete shell is owned by a Location Ventures entity that has allegedly defaulted on the ground lease and is also facing foreclosure by two trusts managed by Martin Halpern in Miami The trusts allege the Location Ventures entity owes an unpaid mortgage debt of $27.4 million Bernice Lee, a court appointed receiver overseeing the dismantling of Location Ventures, including selling all of the company’s assets, struck a pending deal to sell the ground lease and the unfinished project to KOR Development, a Miami-based firm led by Andrew Korge, for $28.2 million the sale proceeds would be used to pay off the Halpern trusts after closing costs of an estimated $1.3 million the Halpern trusts are the back-up buyers and will automatically receive a credit of $27.4 million toward the $28.2 million purchase price The Commodore Plaza property played a central role in Location Ventures’ implosion, as well as the downfall of Kapoor, once a rising star in South Florida’s development industry. A Location Ventures affiliate entered into a 99-year ground lease in 2018 when Terra and Banyan Street Capital bought the site for $7.2 million Through Location Ventures’ subsidiary Urbin Kapoor planned to redevelop the property’s existing mixed-use building which is next to the Coconut Grove Playhouse The development was marred by permitting delays and a 2022 lawsuit in Miami-Dade Circuit Court by a minority group of project investors accusing Kapoor of obtaining the Halpern loans without approval from 70 percent of the ownership entity’s shareholders Within months of the pending complaint being filed Kapoor resigned as CEO of Location Ventures after a cascade of lawsuits and scandals engulfed him and his company including that he had hired Miami Mayor Francis Suarez as a private consultant who was paid $10,000 a month by Urbin In December 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a separate federal civil lawsuit against Kapoor, Location Ventures and various related entities for allegedly defrauding more than 50 investors who contributed $93 million for his failed real estate projects The SEC and Kapoor agreed to a settlement in November of last year that permanently prohibits him from disseminating false and misleading documents and materials to any prospective investor about securities and investment strategy Miami-Dade County is moving forward with plans to demolish a portion of the Coconut Grove Playhouse and replace it with a smaller theater and commercial plaza City of Miami records show a flurry of activity on the demolition permit application for the playhouse over the past few weeks the permit has received approval from zoning which leases the property from the State of Florida plans to reopen the playhouse by restoring its distinctive front building and building a 300-seat theater with an adjacent parking garage street-level retail shops and a pedestrian walkway The 1926 playhouse closed in 2006 amid financial troubles and has sat empty since “The demolition plans are under review by various city divisions,” Historic and Environmental Preservation (HEP) board member Denise Galvez Turros tells the Spotlight “It still has to go back to the HEP director for final approval.” While most of the required departments have approved the permit city records show environmental resources and structural reviews pending The county confirmed that it is working with the city to finalize the permit and County Commissioner Raquel Regalado told the Spotlight this week to expect an announcement soon on the fate of the local landmark READ MORE: After 18 years, construction on a revamped Coconut Grove Playhouse is set to begin John Bell Construction was awarded the contract for the project’s first phase and is ready to commence once the permit process is complete A Grove landmark with a distinctive façade designed by Kiehnel & Elliot the playhouse operated as a movie theater in the 1920s It reopened in 1956 as the Coconut Grove Playhouse premiere of Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” before growing into a hub for Miami theater performances Word of the impending demolition prompted ire from activists who’ve been fighting the project for the better part of a decade Max Pearl, an activist involved in the Save the Coconut Grove Playhouse campaign last week urged residents to flood the April 1 HEP board meeting in an eleventh-hour bid to stop the demolition “There’s been so much eradication of our history already of opportunities for the future in terms of jobs for actors and artists in terms of tourism and financial impact in the Grove,” Pearl said in a video statement another Save the Playhouse member wrote to William Hopper “What actions can the HEPB take to halt or delay demolition given that no final plans have been presented to or approved by your board Erven pointed to an April 2017 resolution by the HEP board tentatively approving the partial demolition of the playhouse on the condition that the county come back to the board with final plans “The resolution clearly states that no demolition permit for the Playhouse shall be issued unless and until the final design plans return to the HEPB for approval That condition has never been met,” Erven wrote “Please consider what actions may be taken under the law to halt demolition until the proper review has been completed.” The county maintains that there is not enough local demand for theater performances to justify keeping the venue at its former capacity of 1,150 seats The county’s Department of Cultural Affairs has also cited traffic impacts and design issues related to keeping a 1,000-plus-seat theater in operation at the property at 3500 Main Highway where traffic routinely backs up during the work week and on weekends The reconstruction project is funded with $5 million from Convention Development Tax bond proceeds and $15 million from the Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond opponents of the county’s restoration plan have vowed to keep fighting the demolition Save the Coconut Grove Playhouse claims a full review of the project has not been completed as required under Florida Chapter 267 – a law that governs how state agencies handle demolition or major refurbishment of historically significant buildings Last year the HEP board sent a public records request to the county asking for a copy of Chapter 267 review documents related to the project Assistant City Attorney James Brako said at the April 1 HEP board meeting that he would discuss possible recourse at the next meeting if the county does not fulfill the public records request by then has asserted that the necessary project reviews have been completed and insect damage have left the playhouse festering in the shadow of its former glory The theater – which once hosted actors ranging from Liza Minnelli to Hume Cronyn to Denzel Washington and holds a spot on National Register of Historic Places – sits vacant and dilapidated The building had already begun to deteriorate when Miami-Dade took out a long-term lease with the State of Florida in 2014 alongside Florida International University with local theater company GableStage enlisted to manage productions at the venue A 2016 engineering report detailed extensive cosmetic and structural damage to the Coconut Grove Theater which would have required multimillion-dollar repairs Galvez Turros questions why the county did not undertake more aggressive efforts to repair the structure upon taking it over If the building had been rehabilitated promptly contractors would have had a better shot at preserving a large portion of the historic property Chapter 267 also outlines state agencies’ responsibility to maintain historic properties under state control “If this property had been run by a private owner it would have been fined to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Galvez Turros said “The county did not protect the property from further deterioration and damage.” The county’s cultural affairs office did not respond to a request for a response to claims the building was allowed to deteriorate during the lease Opponents of the county’s plan for the playhouse have lost a string of legal challenges paving the way for Miami-Dade to move forward with the demolition In February 2024, a panel of Miami-Dade County judges tossed out a Planning and Appeals Board (PZAB) decision that denied the county’s demolition waiver The court found that PZAB ruled outside its jurisdiction and that its acting chairman failed to recuse himself despite having supported efforts to stop the playhouse demolition historic preservation activists had a short-lived victory when Miami Mayor Francis Suarez vetoed a 2019 Miami City Commission decision to move the project forward A Miami-Dade County court later nullified the veto on the grounds that Suarez had engaged in undisclosed communications with opponents of the project This story was originally published in the Coconut Grove Spotlight is accused of selling fake paintings he claimed were by renowned artist Andy Warhol out of Miami Fine Art Gallery at 3180 Commodore Plaza Agents took multiple paintings out of the business throughout the day Wednesday He’s now charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering in Miami federal court Prosecutors said Carlos Miguel Rodriguez Melendez is also charged with wire fraud conspiracy but federal prosecutors said in a news release that Roberts “falsely claimed to victims that he acquired the artwork directly from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and provided fake and fraudulent invoices to the victim.” “Rodriguez Melendez falsely represented that he was an employee of a New York-based auction company in order to fraudulently authenticate the artwork in (order) to conceal that the artwork was fake,” the news release states Authorities said Roberts made fraudulent money laundering transactions as well $40,000 and $50,000 in fraud proceeds from his Miami Fine Art Gallery bank account to a personal bank account The news release states agents arrested the pair Wednesday; both made an initial appearance in federal court and were released on bond It’s far from Roberts’ first time in a federal courthouse He served time in federal prison in both cases while Rodriguez Melendez faces up to 20 years Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Closed Captioning / Audio Description Contact Us Careers at WPLG Terms of Use Privacy Policy Public File FCC Applications EEO Report Do Not Sell My Info 1.0 Host Exhibit Copyright © 2025 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC. PROFILEmiami - Your Premier South Florida Real Estate & Lifestyle Guide PROFILEmiami is a leading source of Miami and South Florida Residential and Commercial Real Estate News and Content EVENT MAY 21: Secure your spot Royal Retreat - Hospitality Real Estate in Miami at Queen The Kobi Karp-designed OPUS Coconut Grove luxury boutique condo has launched in the heart of Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood Featuring only 14 luxurious condos,12 residences and 2 penthouses the luxury development will offer 3- and 4-bedroom layouts Estimated delivery is in the summer of 2026 OPUS Coconut Grove is being developed by Meta a joint venture between Lucid Investment Group and Iron Capital Architecture is by Kobi Karp and interior design by João Armentano the famous Brazilian designer’s first project in Miami he completed São Paulo’s Hotel Unique and the Hotel Carmel Taíba in Ceará Christopher Wands and Sari Libbin Shapiro of Douglas Elliman are leading sales and marketing The units will range in size from from 1,905-2,548 interior sq.ft and will feature light-filled 12-foot ceilings with floor to ceiling windows and private outdoor terraces Custom kitchens feature Sub-Zero appliances and porcelain tile floors Building amenities include a secluded rooftop pool with bar A business lounge with private rooms and conference room along with private dedicated wine cellars and a dynamic children’s playroom there is also a 24-hour concierge reception OPUS is ideally positioned within walking distance of Coconut Grove’s Cocowalk with the finest restaurants it’s just a short drive from some of the county's top-rated schools like Coconut Grove Montessori School For more information about OPUS Coconut Grove or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below: Sign up to stay up to date with the latest in Miami residential and commercial real estate news and content Sign up to receive PROFILEmiami’s Bi-Weekly Newsletter to stay up to date with the latest in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content Actively read by 15K+ of South Florida’s Top Real Estate Industry Professionals Fort Lauderdale and the Palm Beaches since 2016 Privacy Policy PROFILEmiami takes no ownership of any imagery unless otherwise noted. Virginia Otazo FL 33133">.css-56eu0z{width:1em;height:1em;display:inline-block;line-height:1em;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray100);vertical-align:middle;fill:currentColor;}3133 Grand Ave Miami No restaurant better embodies the tension between old Grove and new Grove The Last Carrot inspired this guide—and sadly won’t be on it for much longer The healthy cafe will soon get demolished to make way for some kind of mixed-use monstrosity This vegetarian-friendly counter has been serving up overstuffed wraps and wheatgrass smoothies since 1975 Grab a spinach pie and veggie burger wrap before you can’t anymore According to the surfer kid who makes killer pineapple smoothies they won’t move until about November 2025—and may have found a new home PlayUnmuteA.C.'s Icees American Coconut Grove A.C. is a Miami legend who deserves a spot on Miami’s restaurant Mount Rushmore somewhere between Jimbo Luznar and Robert (from Robert Is Here) The hyper kids he used to cool down with frozen lemonade at Kennedy Park are now dealing with colonoscopies and other adult pains in the butt the Grove was full of questionably legal hot dog carts and fruit stands But A.C.’s has always been a (perfectly legal) fixture of the Coconut Grove food scene It’s still the best way to bribe your six-year-old into good behavior Bar Food Cuda is where you run into your high school’s former quarterback hopscotch over UM students on the verge of vomiting and chat with Grove nomads like Jamaican Paul You can still reliably run into old acquaintances here—except now they’re eating a fish sandwich while nursing a baby instead of a bottle of Yuengling This small change turned Cuda into one of the best outdoor bars in the neighborhood Seafood but few places make us feel like a ‘70s Grove hippy like Shore To Door the outdoor seafood joint turns into something that looks more like a backyard fish fry than a proper restaurant Grab one yourself and mark a tally next to your name every time you take another Try not to lose count or get distracted by the whole fried snapper when it hits your table Rather than spending your Saturday afternoon battling G-Wagons in the CocoWalk garage Bar Nothing sends us digging into a hole of embarrassment faster than memories of Sandbar It’s the Murphy’s Law of bars—where the thud of grown men falling off chairs competes with a lot of woo-ing This is where you go to drink migraine-inducing cocktails named after hurricane categories we know we’re not selling you on this place—and we’re honestly not trying to But we love that it’s still here for a new generation of 22-year-olds to collect their own immensely cringey memories PlayUnmute8.4Le Bouchon du Grove French PlayUnmute7.5Greenstreet Cafe 2859 Bird Ave Miami-Fort Lauderdale Pizza Flanigan's Coconut Grove The Taurus Monty’s Raw Bar 2550 S Bayshore Dr Coconut Grove and an owner who people refer to as The Grovefather but why do that when you can eat coconut shrimp There’s almost always a live band playing Jimmy Buffett-adjacent tunes Whether you arrive on a boat or a rusty old bike and Miami Vice even shot a couple of episodes here 7.4 Atchana’s Homegrown Thai Thai Atchana’s has been on the corner of Grand Ave That’s not long by Coconut Grove standards But this is very much a locals’ spot—the kind where regulars’ names are hammered into the wall on small plaques Bring your family and cool off with Thai tea between bites of spicy curry and papaya salad Atchana’s has that not-so-secret old Grove formula: a buzzy patio where you can run into familiar faces walking by and friendly service that’s never rushing you out the door PlayUnmute7.6Lokal Burgers but they understand the Grove assignment as well as anyone The graffiti on the walls reminds us of those spraypainted posters artists used to sell on the sidewalks back in the ‘90s This place isn’t self-serious and knows you’re here to get uncomfortably full on a guava jelly frita and cold beer They also have a meatloaf on the menu—for your dog but we still have a soft spot for the classics Eating in Miami just wouldn't be the same without these spots Virginia is a Miamian with a creative writing degree She managed restaurants for 11 years before joining The Infatuation Miami in 2022 Contribute Now Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy Miami without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Miami Masters of high-status hospitality Major Food Group opened their latest Miami outpost the Coconut Grove Italian spot was an instant hit But unlike the velvet-roped Carbone of the beach Vino has a different feel—still glamorous but with less pretension and more warmth to match the eclectic waterfront neighborhood it calls home. The front bar hums with after-work regulars and sleekly dressed couples sipping cocktails before dinner—or enjoying a full meal at the counter which isn’t an option at Carbone proper The unbuttoned vibe continues into the dining room which is decked in Carbone’s signature tufted banquettes and extravagant florals with fun throwback touches like black and red checkered floors pleated chandeliers and funky artworks by the likes of Rene Ricard and Lola Montes. Carbone Vino distinguishes itself most clearly with its outstanding wine collection Curated by Major Food Group’s award-winning wine director the wine list offers a broader selection of wines by the glass that rotate daily so there’s always something new to try the menu stays true to Carbone’s greatest hits—Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka Veal Parmesan and Caesar Salad alla ZZ—while introducing new classics like Zucchini Fritti a vibrant Radicchio & Gorgonzola salad and the luxurious Tortellini Tartufo Nero it's a solid menu designed to lure mainland Miami's well-heeled locals and the snowbirds lucky enough to call Coconut Grove home part-time The vibe A glam yet cozy Italian social club The food Classic Carbone with a few Florida-inspired surprises The drink An unmatched wine selection with plenty by the glass Time Out tip Don’t leave without ordering the Cannoli Sundae: a frosty chalice piled with housemade cannoli soft serve gelato tucked between crispy cannoli shells and topped with Sicilian pistachios and cherries Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! twitter About us Contact us Time Out magazine Unit owners at Mutiny on the Bay – a Coconut Grove landmark with a rich history as a party hotspot during Miami’s cocaine boom – are mulling over a second buyout offer from competing developers who aim to raze the building and redevelop the site West Palm Beach developer Steven Figari and Slate Property Group from New York offered $160 million last month to buy the storied Grove landmark overlooking Biscayne Bay The new bid follows on the heels of an earlier offer from DaGrosa Capital The Mutiny’s condominium board wrote in a March 12 letter to residents that Slate and Figari are “ready to send individual offers directly to each unit owner,” and that interested parties should reach out to the developers via email for purchase-price quotes The Mutiny Hotel rose to fame in the 1970s and ’80s as Hollywood A-listers and rock stars flocked to its onsite club The hotel’s cocaine-fueled parties became the stuff of legend The property also served as a headquarters for drug kingpins inspiring the “Babylon Club” scenes in the movie “Scarface.” the 12-story building is markedly more mellow operating as a 170-unit condominium with a hotel program managed by Provident Resorts The Mutiny has emerged as a prime target for redevelopment in recent months The location offers a rare sliver of waterfront real estate on the bay – with unobstructed views of the water DaGrosa Capital, a real estate group where Miami Mayor Francis Suarez is listed as a senior partner, extended a separate buyout proposal in December Condo board president Mayra Gomez tells the Spotlight that the offer is still active We are doing a general appraisal of the property which should be complete within five weeks,” Gomez said a longtime resident who used to run the Mutiny’s onsite restaurant says a majority of unit owners are investors who don’t live in the building year-round Digon has banded together with a small group of full-time owner-residents who are concerned they won’t be able to find alternate affordable housing in Miami if they agree to sell The group is trying to gather support to oppose the new purchase proposal I can’t move to a different home in this area because I won’t be able to afford millions of dollars and the yearly property taxes,” Digon says A GoFundMe page set up by resident Debbie Caulley entitled “Save the Mutiny,” is seeking to raise money for legal representation to help block buyout efforts Under Florida law the buyout would require 80% approval from owners to move forward If at least 5% of unit owners explicitly object the deal would be stalled or thwarted for a minimum of two years Slate and Figari’s proposed deal is contingent on their ability to secure approval from county and municipal governments for a large-scale redevelopment owners who live in the condo will have at least six months to stay in the building Other incentives include rebates for condo association fees and special assessments DaGrosa’s competing offer did not lay out a total purchase price that could be directly compared to Slate and Figari’s offer – as two commercial spaces on the property were not included in the DaGrosa proposal Neither Slate nor Figari has responded to a request for comment Slate Property Group has developed and acquired more than 17,000 units since it was founded by Martin Nussbaum and David Schwartz in 2013 The firm also touts $8 billion in transactions across its portfolio since inception Figari used to serve as managing director at Slate He’s currently the managing partner at Shoreham Capital in West Palm Beach told the Spotlight in late January that an early poll of residents indicated it was likely they could reach the 80 percent threshold needed to authorize a buyout The poll was taken one month after DaGrosa sent a letter outlining its plans to purchase the property Wilkinson said at the time that DaGrosa’s offers for some owners were 40% higher than what the owners could get if they listed their units on the open market “There are a lot of people here who are investor-owners and they are hungry for a sale,” Wilkinson said the board indicated that Wilkinson would be representing Figari’s purchasing group She has not reached back out for comment after the Spotlight contacted her regarding the new buyout proposal Redfin estimates for Mutiny units currently range in value from roughly $400,000 for a one-bedroom 650-square-foot unit to more than $2.4 million for a penthouse Mutiny owners who are critical of the buyout offers claim the Mutiny’s land alone calls for a steep premium The property has the potential to be transformed into one of the most pricey condominium buildings on Bayshore Drive with multiple multimillion-dollar apartments boasting waterfront views Digon has not reached out to Figari and Slate for a price quote under the new buyout proposal He says DaGrosa offered him roughly $800,000 for his unit Though he’s seen his property value rise since acquiring his 740-square foot unit for $201,000 in 2004 he says the profit on a sale won’t offset the new long-term expenses that will come along with buying a nearby unit in Coconut Grove “The investors want to go on their merry way Sell.’ But some folks who have lived in the building for years aren’t making a ruckus We will be quietly showing the developers we are not interested,” Digon says Liane Morejon MIAMI – FBI agents were “conducting court-authorized activity” in the business district of Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood Wednesday afternoon Leer en español Video from Sky 10 showed FBI tents set up directly against the backdrop of the distinct multicolored grinning oranges that clad the Miami Fine Art Gallery at 3180 Commodore Plaza Authorities have not confirmed whether the business or its owner is the subject of their investigation or whether it pertains to art A Local 10 News crew saw agents hauling out what appeared to be pieces of artwork wrapped in foam inside cardboard boxes Nearby restaurant owner Vincenzo Borriello had to shut down his business for the day because of the raid Those outlets report that Roberts has denied any wrongdoing Public records show Roberts pleaded guilty in federal court in 2015 to mail fraud after prosecutors alleged he sold “forged and fraudulent copies” of paintings and represented them as real “I try to be more cautious than ever because of my past,” he said of his past conviction in the Times’ Aug Stay with Local 10 News and Local10.com for updates Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010 Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard one of the leading real estate firms in the Southeast U.S. a mixed-use development that will enhance the heart of Coconut Grove while ensuring homage to the area’s deep history and heritage all of which reflect the vibrant and unique character of Coconut Grove The proposed development will include a five-story office building comprising 100,000 square feet of world-class office space a three-story condominium building with 19 ultra-luxury residences and approximately 40,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor of the two structures A standout feature of the project will be a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of Biscayne Bay Collarte Interiors – a Miami-based leader in custom residential curation is designing the interior of this exclusive development The development will also feature pedestrian-friendly paseos leading to a central interior courtyard filled with lush plantings that will create a relaxing environment for residents The ground floor retail spaces will spill into this area exclusively represented by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty will feature residences from 1,254 sq ft to over 5,000 sq ft Andrew Trench and Brian Gale with Cushman & Wakefield will manage office leasing alongside Thad Adams with The Allen Morris Company Daniel Cardenas and Michael Sullivan with Vertical Real Estate will lead the retail leasing efforts a long standing and highly regarded family in the Grove who have owned and operated Grove Laundry & Cleaners on the site since 1961 will partner with The Allen Morris Company on the project They plan to open a new location within Coconut Grove and open an outlet of Coconut Grove Laundry & Cleaners on the site once the property is redeveloped the development will be a captivating addition to Coconut Grove’s landscape blending the area's rich natural surroundings with modern architectural elements The building will incorporate lush plantings with oolite stone cladding and other natural materials throughout the design to compliment the neighborhood’s distinctive style will direct the landscape design for the project we are creating an architectural landmark that celebrates Coconut Grove’s rich heritage using native materials and world-class design to integrate into the downtown village Each residence will overlook the revitalized Kirk Munroe Park and public spaces reflecting our commitment to building something truly exceptional and enduring for this community.” says Spencer Morris “It was essential for us to ensure the project embodies the incomparable spirit of Coconut Grove and contributes positively to the neighborhood while allowing us to continue to serve Coconut Grove and surrounding areas where we have operated our business for more than 60 years,” said an Espinosa Family representative “Our desire was to create something we could take pride in—an endeavor that leaves a meaningful and lasting legacy for future generations and we believe we have found the best partner possible in Allen Morris Co because of their commitment to embrace and preserve the Grove’s uniqueness” “Ziggurat will set a new standard for luxury living in Coconut Grove a market that continues to be one of the most sought-after in South Florida,” said Daniel de la Vega President of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty “The residences present a rare opportunity to own a home in a Chad Oppenheim-designed building located at the center of it all—with unbeatable walkability and access to the best of the neighborhood.” “The project will redefine the office experience in Coconut Grove state-of-the-art amenities and a deep connection to the vibrant Grove community,” adds Ryan Holtzman “It will set the gold standard in the office world offering tenants an unparalleled blend of style In addition to the development’s focus on community and sustainability and the Espinosa family are proposing to partner with the City of Miami by agreeing to manage and financially contribute to a series of public improvements to the nearby Kirk Munroe Park and Fuller Street that will realign the civic heart of Coconut Grove and reinforce the neighborhood’s pedestrian character For more information about Ziggurat Coconut Grove or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below: PROFILEmiami takes no ownership of any imagery unless otherwise noted After spending a year upgrading the Douglas Road Metrorail station county transit officials have learned from the experience and say they can make over the Coconut Grove station in just four months – but only by shutting it down and having trains bypass it until May The Coconut Grove station was fully closed Jan 21 as the developers of the adjacent Grove Central project remake the Metrorail stop at their own $6.2 million expense which was one of the terms of allowing the transit-oriented development “The Underline project is coming through and the Grove development team has renovated the station at the same time and tying into the Underline,” said Javier Bustamante the transit department’s assistant director of project management and support services developers Terra and Grass River are supplying a shuttle bus to the nearby Douglas station as well as a dedicated Freebee for passengers who have missed the most recent bus trip Bustamante told the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust last week Bustamante listed all the elements of the station project trust member Harry Hoffman asked dubiously “You’re saying all of this is going to be done in approximately five months?” after saying that the Douglas station work earlier took a year of work part time and the transit department learned that a full shutdown would work far better so the Douglas team had weekend and night work only … the last train passing by at 12:45 a.m. crew starts to work” and the tracks are deenergized “By the time they really got to work it’s now past 1 a.m or so and they have to be out of the way by 4 a.m. so that small three-hour window you didn’t get a lot.” It took “almost a year in work.” “it’s an inconvenience for four months but maybe it won’t be an inconvenience for 12 months.” Trust member Paul Schwiep was late to the meeting – because to attend he normally takes his scooter to board the Metrorail in Coconut Grove and he forgot the station would be closed I’m sold” on the full-time shutdown to do the work One reason is that the private developers are doing the station work themselves “They have got an incentive to go quick” to get their residential and commercial tenants access to the station Grove Central has 170,000 square feet of retail space 402 residences in a 23-story residential tower The Coconut Grove station is getting a new elevator and escalator new flooring on the ground and upper platforms new granite benches on the upper platform instead of the old wood benches glass block and glass panels on the elevator shafts instead of dark predecessors As the old 40-year-old elevator and escalator systems are ripped out for the new the county is saving the parts to repair its old hardware elsewhere because new parts aren’t available any longer Imagine that many vehicles on US 1 or SW 27th Advertise | Donate Submit a tip Submit an Op-ed the Coconut Grove Arts Festival featured over 280 artists and attracted over 100,000 attendees over the course of three days. This cultural mecca invites people to immerse themselves into a new world of art By providing a platform for artists to exhibit their work attendees can build a personal connection with the art that surrounds them and the artists themselves. The festival showcases a wide variety of art forms The passion these artists bring to their craft breathes life into stories and sentiment creates imaginative worlds filled with intricate details that depict vivid narratives inspired by video games and comics As a former writing major and short-lived journalist he has always had a passion for storytelling “I learned a lot from visual aesthetics and what goes into a story,” Maydak said “I want my audience to spend some time there and also put a lot of thought into their own story we are making a connection through the artwork.” Storytelling is a central component for many artists at the festival who uses collages to explore the meaning behind Greek mythology She is a master at the encaustic technique – an ancient Greek method of painting with beeswax – to honor its historical significance while incorporating some abstract elements as well. “I just wanted to do an homage to the fact that it is still even around,” Luttrell said. Her pieces encapsulate the feeling of being in a dreamscape with an emotionally charged color palette and layered compositions open to interpretation Luttrell has exhibited her work at CGAF on and off since 1984 she has witnessed how her art has inspired and even uplifted others Marge recalled a moment when a man purchased one of her pieces for his wife who was battling cancer “He said this might uplift her because it’s about forgetfulness and it’s medicine for sadness,” Luttrell said “You don’t know how your art touches people.” Art resonates with everyone in different ways whether it is through the comfort it provides someone or the sense of abundance it evokes uses his art as an extension of himself to showcase his vast soul The focal point of his sculptures are often curvaceous women flowing movement. His voluptuous and curvy figures piqued many attendees’ interest for the comforting emotion it evokes “Each of these have their own soul,” Okonwo said “I hope that the peace and tranquility will reflect a little back to them.” It is an extension of our soul and how we express ourselves has found that making clothing to adorn the most realistic sculptures of all – people – is her purpose She wanted to make clothing that empowered women and men but that was also practical and aesthetically pleasing. “It’s a challenge because bodies aren’t geometric,” Giberson said. drape material and her own personally designed color pallet.What makes Betsy’s clothing special is that she is involved in every part of it to creating the patterns and dying the cloth The intimacy she finds in making clothing differs from sculpting as the heavy material requires collaboration and assistance from other people With such a wide variety of artwork to browse and purchase making it an exciting introduction to the festival. Although she was not able to purchase any art work “ a lot of it is high end work and priced accordingly,” she was fulfilled with the experience of seeing new artwork The Coconut Grove Arts Festival has given attendees a bit more than just a new piece of art for their homes it is a deeply rewarding experience affirming the power of storytelling through art. making it a source of inspiration and a truly unforgettable experience The Miami Hurricane is the student newspaper of the University of Miami in Coral Gables The newspaper is edited and produced by undergraduate students at UM and is published in print every Tuesday and online everyday during the academic year Members of the Davis High School Band listen to musical performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles as part of their trip south last month The Davis High Band piles into its bus in March for the drive down to Los Angeles and Disneyland Davis High School band students fill Central Park in April 2024 with the sounds of Coconut Grove; their biggest concert of the year Brad Sparks unwittingly attended his first Coconut Grove in Central Park a few years ago Biking home from work at the university as the UC Davis Marching Band’s coordinator Sparks saw a concert band getting ready to perform “I stopped and listened for a while before noticing Mr Slabaugh and realizing it was the high school band,” he said Following Thomas Slabaugh’s retirement last year Sparks now leads the Davis High Band and makes a pitch for this year’s fundraiser the 33rd Annual Coconut Grove features performances by all of the high school band and mariachi ensembles playing music from soundtracks like Harry Potter “The Lord of the Rings” and “Up,” as well as music by Jaco Pastorius and the junior high jazz band Silent auction items range from gift cards to businesses like Southwest Airlines “I hope that many other community members will attend in a similar manner I’d like it to be a fun and engaging community event,” Sparks said The event will also welcome Sparks to the community to infuse the Davis High band program with fresh energy He also taught the marching band at UC Davis for a few years before coming to Davis High everyone has been so welcoming and appreciative They work so hard to make great music.” He says it’s a lot of work teaching four ensembles each performing actively around the community it’s so worth it to see the students’ excitement and enthusiasm for making music I’m so grateful for such supportive parents as well.” Coconut Grove funds will support purchases next year including updating the instrument inventory The location of next year’s trip will be announced soon Sparks says a large portion of the instruments and we need to replace quite a few other instruments as well,” he said Sparks said people don’t always see how hard they work to get their kids to all of their activities and put on fundraisers like this one but the band and mariachi programs could not run without the parent support they receive Turney shared highlights from last month’s Disneyland trip the band took a nine-hour bus ride to their hotel they explored Disney’s California Adventure before a recording session guided by a Davis High graduate They recorded music for clips from Disney productions like The Lion King and Star Wars Rebels then spent the rest of the day in the parks they used park hopper passes to explore both parks Their final day included lunch at Grand Central Market and a visit to Walt Disney Concert Hall for performances of Bach and Handel before returning home to Davis “We’ve got a wide selection of popular and exciting music being performed by each group,” he said regarding Saturday’s repertoire “Mariachi will be showing off some of their best music they’ve been working on throughout the year including Nunca es Suficiente The high school jazz band will be performing some great pieces like Come On This tune features our fantastic bass player We’ll also be featuring our saxophone section with the whimsical loony-toons-inspired Hunting Wabbits by Gordon Goodwin While my music selection process is typically driven by what is going to give the students the greatest opportunity to learn and grow we put a little more focus on making the program fun and entertaining for the audience.” Slabaugh provided a history of the name Coconut Grove saying it comes from the “World Famous Coconut Grove” nightclub He said many “Coconut Groves” started in the 1920s with at least one that lasted into the 1980s.” Continued Slabaugh: “The world-famous Coconut Grove was a jazz nightclub similar to the Cotton Club or the Tropicana with the two most famous clubs being in Boston and Los Angeles The Boston club was famous for being run by a mobster and burning to the ground The Los Angeles club was in the Ambassador Hotel and always had famous headliners while the hotel was regularly host to presidents and dignitaries The Ambassador Hotel was frequented by celebrities six Academy Awards ceremonies were performed at the hotel along with chiefs of state from around the world the hotel’s famed Cocoanut Grove nightclub hosted well-known entertainers What: Live performances from the DHS Jazz Band Concert/Symphonic Band and the Junior High Jazz Band The silent auction featured $10,000 worth of items such as golfing packages — Contact Monica Stark at monica@davisenterprise.net Email notifications are only sent once a day Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Receive occasional local offers from our website and its advertisers summary of the weather details and news of any severe weather We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen Receive our newspaper electronically with the e-Edition email Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account has revealed a transformative new mixed-use development in the heart of Coconut Grove The iconic Oppenheim Architecture-designed plans invite the community in and complement the natural environment of the Grove and enhance walkability located at 3101 Grand Avenue at the intersection of Grand Avenue will span approximately 1.7 acres and include an office The project’s name is still being finalized a three-story condominium building with 20 ultra-luxury residences The Allen Morris Company will be partnering with the Espinosa family on the development a long standing and well-regarded family in the Grove who have owned and operated a business on the parcel since 1961 to continue operations and will open an outlet of Coconut Grove Laundry & Cleaners on the site once the property is redeveloped As evidence of its commitment to the project and the community The Allen Morris Company will be moving their corporate headquarters to the proposed office building where they plan to occupy approximately 15,000 square feet will maintain its family office presence at its award-winning Alhambra Towers in Coral Gables “This site is the jewel at the center of historic downtown Coconut Grove We feel strongly compelled to create a project on the site that captures the essence of The Grove: blending the natural and built environments and harmonizing through its design the residential and commercial elements of this neighborhood,” says Spencer Morris “Moving our corporate offices to Coconut Grove is also a defining moment in our 66-year history.” The Saddy Delgado team with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty will oversee condominium sales “It will set the gold standard in the office world—offering tenants an unparalleled blend of style It will undoubtably drive a flight to quality drawing Miami’s top firms and attracting new-to-market firms from leading global cities,” “This project sets a new standard for luxury living in Coconut Grove “The residences present a rare opportunity to own a home in a Chad Oppenheim-designed building located at the center of it all—with unbeatable walkability and access to the best of the neighborhood We are proud to represent a development of this caliber and contribute to the continued evolution of Coconut Grove.” or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below: Arbor Residences in Coconut Grove has now reached 50% sold Arbor has achieved over $33 million in transactions with an uptick in buyer activity since early 2025 This milestone underscores the growing demand for well-priced newly built luxury residences in one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods Originally stalled due to financial challenges Arbor was revitalized under Isaac Kodsi’s leadership The project is expected to be completed in Q2 2025 and is the only new construction in Coconut Grove building offering 2025 occupancy Arbor Residences carves its niche in Coconut Grove with an intimate collection of 45 residences designed by local firm Behar & Font The development provides premium living with a touch of understated luxury celebrating the harmony between modern living and nature Arbor Residences stands out as an extraordinary value proposition with premium residences starting at $1.2 million a rare find in Coconut Grove’s luxury market Inspired by the lush surroundings and the giant oak trees that define the Coconut Grove neighborhood the residences are designed to accommodate a variety of households Thoughtful design by Behar & Font features expansive terraces and spa-like suites Offering an organic connection between modern living and nature residences offer between 10–20-foot ceilings chef-style kitchens with Bosch Appliances and custom oak cabinetry from the rooftop terrace complemented by outdoor entertainment areas such as a bar and lounging space followed by the second floor with a pool deck area and a swimming pool as well as state-of-the-art fitness center Located in the heart of Coconut Grove and near the newly renovated Cocowalk – an open-air shopping mall – residents are within walking distance to cafes high-end boutique shops and entertainment spaces as well as schools and numerous lush parks For more information about Arbor Residences or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below: the visionary hospitality collective behind Carbone has opened CARBONE VINO in Miami’s ritzy Coconut Grove neighborhood Responding to overwhelming enthusiasm for the CARBONE experience beyond Miami Beach this new addition to the family brings the brand’s culinary artistry and iconic ambiance to the heart of Coconut Grove—plus an array of exciting features unique to the CARBONE VINO experience guests will dine on all of CARBONE’s signatures along with a range of newly unveiled additions to the repertoire from MFG Co-Founders Chef Mario Carbone CARBONE VINO will feature one of the largest wine collections in Miami as part of a dynamic beverage program that gives diners the opportunity to enjoy fine and rare wines by the glass that are usually only available by the bottle at other establishments Adding to the concept’s appeal is a world-class bar that will serve the complete menu and welcome walk-ins This feature is unique to the Coconut Grove location which was designed to become the kind of restaurant that diners can visit time and time again for everything from a milestone celebration to an impromptu meal orchestrated to perfection “We’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to continue the incredible story of CARBONE in Miami It’s a thrill to unveil a new restaurant that will share all the iconic dishes along with a collection of new signatures that will become tomorrow’s classics and one of the finest wine programs in the country We look forward to introducing everyone in Coconut Grove and beyond to their new favorite restaurant.” said MFG Co-Founder Jeff Zalaznick Honoring the rich tradition of the New York-style Italian restaurant CARBONE VINO delivers CARBONE’s iconic dishes like the Caesar Salad alla ZZ Chef Mario Carbone introduces an array of expertly crafted new dishes that have been years in the making and are designed to pair with the restaurant’s extraordinary wines Antipasti highlights include Zucchini Fritti and Chef’s spin on Shrimp Toast: Bruschetta featuring ruby red shrimp Faithful renditions of Italian classics also appear on the menu Tortellini Con Tartufo and Chicken Cacciatore Dinner will culminate with desserts like fresh-fried Zeppole and the CARBONE VINO sweet section’s hallmark: Cannoli Sundaes These feature homemade cannoli-flavored soft serve with all the classic cannoli garnishes including candied fruit and fresh-fried cannoli-shell shards “We’re creating something truly special for Coconut Grove: a restaurant that delivers the quintessential CARBONE experience while sharing new exciting ideas that draw on years of refinement and a deep passion for giving diners unparalleled versions of what they know and love To put it another way: I hope to become a regular at CARBONE VINO and I have a feeling that many others will once our team has the pleasure of welcoming them.” Said Chef & MFG Co-Founder Corporate Wine Director John Slover—whose various wine lists for MFG have garnered countless awards—is proud to present a dynamic and unique beverage program that will keep locals and regulars coming back again and again The collection encompasses one of the largest in Miami with an inventory of over 3,000 bottles and 600 selections across price points and styles from all major wine-making regions of the world Connoisseurs will find nearly 100 examples with bottle age from five to twenty years while anyone curious about wine will be able to try something new on every visit thanks to the extensive and ever-changing by-the-glass selection CARBONE VINO’s wine team looks forward to shining a light on a variety of their favorite winemakers and styles effortlessly sophisticated atmosphere where you never know what one of the sommeliers might pull from the cellar and pour for you While no two CARBONE locations look the same CARBONE VINO pays homage to the original on Thompson Street in New York’s historic Greenwich Village CARBONE VINO’s interior consists of a series of moody and romantic environments that evoke a bygone era and a private dining room that are each defined by unique elements such as works of art curated by the renowned gallerist and longtime MFG collaborator Vito Schnabel The selection boasts pieces by the likes of Rene Ricard Warm lighting and the careful use of color play a significant role in CARBONE VINO's design with signature fine wine and blue shades selected for a refined touch adorned with burnished bronze accents and a soft arch design seamlessly integrating with the dining areas gold-accented wallpaper and intricately crafted ceilings further contribute to the sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere from the custom-made leather-upholstered banquettes to the meticulously sourced ceramic tiles all of which work together to create the space’s energetic flow “We wanted to transport people on the journey through design It’s a place where everyone can experience the escapism of everyday life in Miami Every element is in synergy—from the interiors to the food and service—creating a space that feels both current and authentic for all.” said Paul Bishop The opening of CARBONE VINO caps off a remarkable year that saw MFG’s global portfolio grow to more than 50 acclaimed establishments everywhere from Dallas to Dubai GQ Magazine named the brand “one of the most creative companies in the world,” placing it in the company of Apple and Tesla CARBONE VINO marks MFG’s ninth endeavor in Miami Images via Douglas Friedman and Major Food Group Office space in Coconut Grove remains in high demand as low vacancy rates reflect the limited amount of space available a principal at Lee and Associates South Florida says the vacancy rate in Coconut Grove is 2.75% and the average rental rate for Class A and Class B office spaces combined is $70 per square foot Impacting the conversation are new developments that were previously projected to be completed in mid-2025 and now expected to be completed in 2026 a new development previously expected to be completed in mid-2025 is now targeting a completion in the fourth quarter of 2026 “The reason why the market continues to increase in rate is that there’s just no new product.” also targeting completion in the fourth quarter of 2026 Checa said he believes the market will “continue to break records with higher rates.” Additionally people will continue to see the same path in the upcoming year of 2025 due to the two projects in line not being completed by then forecasted relief would be towards the end of 2025 but I think maybe a stopping of the increase in rates and a flattening of the cost if these two projects are completed.” What draws people in to look at office space in Coconut Grove is the location The streets are all shaded with landscaping and trees.” Additionally diverse amenities offered throughout the market such as restaurants and high-end retail Office vacancies in the Grove are less than 3% and Class A and B rents are about $70 per square foot It’s an area with high walkability and it’s safe “The walking score on a lot of these buildings are all in the high 90 percentiles.” This means people don’t need cars to do many things “The traffic flows a lot quicker for tenants; employees coming from Kendall it’s a much shorter drive time than to go out all the way to Brickell and Downtown.” Newer buildings in Coconut Grove have attracted interest as tenants have been going to markets with newer office buildings Coconut Grove is one of the smallest sub-markets in the county for office space it is in great demand because of its location access to public transportation and restaurants The average rental rate per square foot is about $65 “They start off as low as in the $40s and they go as high as almost $80.” long-time tenants are moving out of Coconut Grove “I have recently seen several legacy tenants that have been in the Grove for over 10 years,” said Mr that have even been in the Grove for 20 years and have reluctantly had to leave the Grove and go to Coral Gables.” They could not afford to renew their leases in the Grove and had to go to Coral Gables $20 to $25 per foot below what the Grove was pricing some Class A space for and they are now taking office space in Coral Gables.” the desire for human interaction has also been noted from companies and their employees “We’re starting to see some changes where employers are not just demanding,” said Mr “but even employees are actually seeking the live interaction of being with their colleagues UM students are quite familiar with Coconut Grove and its vast selection of restaurants and bars up and down Grand Avenue Less widely known is the severe erosion Coconut Grove faces today driven by gentrification and the City of Miami’s inadequate response. If the City of Miami does not make a more significant effort to combat gentrification Coconut Grove will lose the long-term residents who make the city unique and diverse depriving the neighborhood of its cultural value. As defined by National Geographic, gentrification is a demographic shift that displaces “working-class communities and communities of color in favor of wealthier newcomers and real estate development companies.” Coconut Grove is one of several cities in South Florida, like Little Haiti, that has been victim to gentrification. The city has become a prime destination for developers to build multi-family apartments and single-family homes at expensive prices In areas like West Grove, hundreds of families have been forced out of their homes due to economic displacement caused by new developments that are unaffordable for the local community The absence of these families and communities leaves Coconut Grove soulless qualities that make cities unique and appealing to tourists. Recent development plans have emerged, such as the “Bimini Block Project,” which continues developing parts of Grand Avenue without any affordable or workforce housing The ongoing rise in development projects without adequate housing for current residents will ultimately force them to relocate as they won’t be able to keep up with the escalating market prices. “Akinshimaya Nnamdi [a West Coconut Grove Resident] lived at one of many other multi-family apartment buildings located in the West Grove, a subset of Coconut Grove,” said Chelsea Jones, a writer for CBS News “The neighborhood was predominantly Black and went as far west as Plaza Street and as far east as Margaret Street.” These neighborhoods are now dwindling and becoming ghost towns compared to the thriving cultural areas they once were highlighting a lack of appreciation for Coconut Grove’s image that made Miami special to others A little Bahamian and a little bohemian, Coconut Grove reflects the legacy of its original Bahamian settlers and the creative spirit of past generations. As Miami’s oldest neighborhood, its streets continue to resonate with history and heritage Coconut Grove has been a vibrant haven for tycoons creating a long-established diverse charm and vibrant community filled with many shops “Gentrification in the West Grove (and Miami) more broadly will push longtime residents out of the city and bungalow-style architecture that characterizes West Grove risks being replaced by white “The loss of yet another (comparatively) affordable neighborhood will further perpetuate the process of Miami being one of the most unaffordable cities in the country in terms of housing.” Coconut Grove’s rich cultural heritage should be shared with nearby communities rich in family history and deep-rooted traditions as they are the heart and soul of the city’s identity The Miami Herald and other local press stations have repeatedly covered this issue but the public’s persistent disregard signals a deeper concern The lack of sufficient attention is hindering any meaningful efforts toward a solution We need to get people to care for and defend minority families who are being forced out of their homes. it’s hard for people to care when the City of Miami appears to have no issue disregarding the concerns of hundreds of its most loyal residents. “A list submitted as a part of the housing complaint lists at least 162 residents who say they were impacted They’re calling on the City of Miami for changes,” said Jones. leaving residents displeased with the city’s response. you will undoubtedly see the deteriorating buildings that were once homes to locals Renovation efforts should be consistent across the city working to improve areas not just of developer interest but also to rehabilitate all neighborhoods and communities the City of Miami must strive to maintain affordable housing options and preserve its traditional history. Coconut Grove could lose much of the cultural value it once thrived on Only a few will soon remember the vibrant cultures that once lived loudly and proudly in the community MIAMI, Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coconut Grove Arts Festival® (CGAF), South Florida's premier outdoor fine-arts event, returns for its 61st edition, produced by Loud And Live and presented by First Horizon Bank (NYSE: FHN) this iconic celebration of art and culture promises to be the social event of the year attracting tens of thousands of attendees worldwide Having First Horizon Bank as the presenting sponsor of a festival with more than six decades of history underscores the event's enduring significance and deep connection to the community "We are grateful for First Horizon Bank's commitment to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival we will continue providing a first-class experience for our attendees This multi-year commitment will enable us to enhance the festival experience while reinforcing our status as one of the country's premier arts festivals," said Dave Hill Chairman of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Board of Directors First Horizon Bank solidifies its role as the festival's official bank and strengthens its position as the preferred community bank for South Floridians who celebrate culture "As the presenting sponsor of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival First Horizon Bank is honored to support one of the most cherished cultural events in our county," said Orlando Roche Market President of Miami-Dade at First Horizon Bank "The festival showcases the vibrant creativity and diversity of our community aligning with our commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of Miami We look forward to celebrating and inspiring connections among artists and visitors while continuing to invest in the people and the experiences that make Miami extraordinary." the CGAF has been a cornerstone of South Florida's cultural calendar and is internationally recognized as one of the nation's top outdoor art festivals "Producing the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is a privilege and a passion ensuring it remains a remarkable celebration of creativity and the vibrant spirit of Coconut Grove," said Tony Albelo 285 artists have been invited to join the 2025 show Known for exceptional sales and a discerning audience this juried show is a rare opportunity for artists across all disciplines "One of my favorite (and hardest) moments each year is hitting that 'send' button to notify the artists not everyone makes the cut," says Camille Marchese we're thrilled by the fresh talent joining us each year – including over 100 artists new to the festival." The festival's legacy includes commemorative posters designed by renowned artists such as Romero Britto This year's commemorative poster artist remains a surprise adding an extra layer of excitement to the festival's rich tradition of showcasing exceptional talent Although the Coconut Grove Arts Festival spans just three days its dedication to advancing arts education in South Florida continues throughout the year The Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association has been devoted to fostering the next generation of artists for six decades Proceeds from the festival support year-round programs that positively impact the community and enrich countless lives beyond the event itself CGAF has also given more than $200,000 in scholarships in the last three years $144,000 of which has gone to Miami Dade High School graduating students and $90,000 to students at Florida International University First Horizon Bank (NYSE: FHN) proudly celebrated the grand opening of its newly refreshed banking center at 325 Leola Street in Boone and the Town of Cary unveiled new signage at First Horizon Stadium over the weekend,.. Art Entertainment Banking & Financial Services Do not sell or share my personal information: Alexis Frazier MIAMI – The Miami Marathon is Sunday and law enforcement will be implementing street closures from 5 a.m The MacArthur Causeway will be closed eastbound from 5 to 8:15 a.m The Venetian Causeway will be closed from 6 to 10 a.m The Rickenbacker Causeway will be closed from 6:30 a.m There will also be temporary closures on Brickell Avenue The closures in the Miami Beach area are from 5 to 10 a.m. The closures in the Coconut Grove area are from 7 a.m Schedule of closures for the marathon Schedule of closures for the 5K Map of the track The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013 She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award Alexis Frazier joined the Local 10 family in April 2020 The Fort Lauderdale native came to WPLG from the ABC affiliate in Columbia She's glad to be back in South Florida known for its lush greenery and vibrant community is set to welcome a new residential development that blends modern luxury with historic charm The Lincoln Coconut Grove has officially launched sales offering 48 meticulously designed condominiums at 2650 Lincoln Ave Developed by Element Development and LORE Development Group in partnership with Leste Group and Opportunity Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário the project seeks to elevate the standard of boutique living in one of Miami’s most cherished neighborhoods The Lincoln offers a variety of floor plans ranging from one to four bedrooms plus a den with residences spanning 1,323 to 3,073 square feet feature double-height ceilings and expansive views of Biscayne Bay and sales are managed by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty The architectural and interior designs by Paredes Architects and CITE Arquitetura reflect Coconut Grove’s unique character The building’s façade is inspired by the neighborhood’s iconic banyan trees with vertical contours and root-like forms creating a blend of aesthetics and practicality The property features a double-height lobby adorned with a bespoke chandelier and a sculptural bronze glass wall dog park and a 2,000-square-foot wellness center with hot and cold plunges “The Lincoln reflects the essence of Coconut Grove’s charm while embracing modern living,” said Jorge Rucas “Our vision was to create a residential destination that honors the area’s history and lifestyle while positioning it for the future.” The Lincoln offers walkable access to Coconut Grove’s vibrant cultural and culinary scene Nearby attractions include Cocowalk’s high-end shopping Michelin-recognized restaurants like Ariete and Los Félix and local favorites such as Sadelle’s and Regatta Grove For more information about The Lincoln Coconut Grove or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below: lifelong residents Paula and Paulette Culmer shared a childhood steeped in the warmth of a tight-knit community rich with Caribbean culture and the legacy of their Bahamian immigrant family. “We didn’t have electricity until we were about eight,” Paula recalled reflecting on the days when streetlights were installed and running water finally came to the historically Black neighborhood “We knew everybody when we were kids,” Paulette said remembering families from various Caribbean and American backgrounds She also remembered Black families who migrated from Alabama now designated as “Little Bahamas,” faces profound changes as gentrification takes hold Also known as “Black Grove,” the population was once roughly 90% African American according to data from the University of Miami’s Center for Ethics and Public Service a proposed project at Douglas Road and Day Avenue aims to replace Stirrup Plaza — which houses 65 Section 8 apartments for seniors — with a 20-story mixed-income complex called Gallery in the Grove by Related Urban It would be taller than Platform 3750 across the street The new building would include 345 units: a one-for-one replacement of the existing senior units 46 additional subsidized apartments for seniors and 62 workforce units for low- and moderate-income families While the project promises replacements of existing affordable units skepticism runs high among long-time residents READ MORE: In a suburban Miami shopping center, Kmart's last 'Blue Light Specials' flicker “It feels like the heart of the Grove is fading,” Paula lamented chairman of Grove Rights and Community Equity (GRACE) voiced concerns that developments tend to prioritize profit over community needs Martin is particularly worried about the proposed lottery system for the subsidized units believing it will not benefit the Black residents “The only thing they’re guaranteeing is that a few people can return to their previous units But what about the families that are already displaced or will be displaced as development continues?” Martin said The Miami Times reached out to Related Urban regarding the proposed Gallery in the Grove and resident concerns Miami-Dade County recently selected another developer which is negotiating to redevelop eight public housing properties on two adjacent blocks containing 24 two-story units These properties share the same Rapid Transit Zone (RTZ) zoning as Related Urban’s site Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who represents Coconut Grove, told the Coconut Grove Spotlight that she’d keep residents informed about the project details and consider their concerns before finalizing plans The Miami Times contacted Regalado’s office for the latest on these two developments but did not receive a response by the time of publication This new development is aimed at prospective commercial tenants and is located on the north side of Grand Avenue as well as other Black and Hispanic neighborhoods like Allapattah This elevated limestone ridge averages nine feet above sea level making it an attractive location for developers looking to avoid the risks associated with rising seas and coastal flooding those developments often mean displacement “People can't afford the rent,” Paulette emphasized they don’t really help those already living here You can’t find a home in the Grove under a million dollars.” This story was produced by The Miami Times, one of the oldest Black-owned newspapers in the country, as part of a content sharing partnership with the WLRN newsroom. Read more at miamitimesonline.com A rare waterfront estate in Coconut Grove owned by the late James Kaufman who was the co-founders of one of the biggest accounting firms of South Florida has been reimagined by the renowned Thirlwall Design and will be listed for $60,000,000 with Julian Johnston of The Corcoran Group Located at 3373 Poinciana Drive in the heart of Coconut Grove this oversized waterfront lot offers a renowned design by Thirwall known for their sculpture-like designed homes will offer a new construction two-story home with 360-degree rooftop views The 21,000 sq foot residence features 10 beds and 12 baths harmoniously blending elegance with unparalleled amenities Indulge in the 2,000 sq ft gym/spa sanctuary with sauna or retreat to a Japanese Zen meditation garden Sophisticated living with suspended staircases executive office suite with tele-screen facilities and glass-enclosed climate-controlled car gallery accommodating 14+ vehicles The estate is within walking distance to renowned educational institutions such as Ransom and Carrollton and close to retail and restaurants in Coconut Grove Lush landscaping provides intimate privacy in this highly sought-after location The property is being sold with three separate folios for a combined 106,000 sq/ft and the land can be purchased for $34,950,000 or $60,000,000 on completion of home Looking for something to do this weekend? The 61st Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival is coming back to Miami, offering a vibrant blend of beautiful art, music and delicious food. Presented by First Horizon Bank, the festival anticipates welcoming over 100,000 attendees to explore the works of 285 internationally acclaimed artists. The festival is produced by Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association Proceeds help fund year-round arts programs including scholarships for Florida International University and Miami-Dade high school students the Visiting Artists Program and the Next Generation Emerging Artist Program. the association has awarded hundreds of scholarships to students who attend fine arts programs in local schools $45,000 in scholarships is awarded to 15 graduating seniors from Miami-Dade County’s public magnet arts high schools marking the festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Attendees can immerse themselves in various artistic expressions The festival is a chance for artists and art enthusiasts to foster creativity the festival offers culinary delights with cooking demonstrations led by local and celebrity chefs Make sure to attend hungry as more than a dozen restaurant and gourmet partners will showcase their cooking skills providing a range of bites from high-end eats to festival-style favorites. just south of downtown Miami and next to Biscayne Bay General admission tickets are $35 plus fees and can be purchased online or at the gate All food and beverage vendors accept credit cards though artists may choose to accept cash only So make sure to hit the ATM before going just in case The festival features a Family Zone located in Regatta Park for families The zone offers interactive activities and hands-on art projects for children ensuring an engaging experience for attendees of all ages. The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is not just an event but a celebration of Miami’s rich cultural tapestry musicians and the community to celebrate creativity and support the arts. Read Today’s Top Story: Matthew Gardner’s Q1 2025 market insights The facade was designed by CITE Arquitetura of Rio de Janeiro and aims to represent Coconut Grove's banyan trees Element Development and LORE Development Group recently launched sales for The Lincoln Coconut Grove, a luxury condominium midrise planned for 2650 Lincoln Ave The project will offer 48 residences ranging from one-to four-bedroom-plus-den floor plans that span 1,323 to 3,073 square feet. There will also be six penthouses with 3,000 square feet and double-height ceilings. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty is handling sales and marketing Community amenities include a golf simulator as well as a rooftop pool deck with private cabanas and summer kitchens Additional amenities include an owners’ lounge 2,133-square foot wellness center with hot and cold plunges sauna and steam room and covered dog park and grooming room. “The Lincoln captures the essence of Coconut Grove’s vibrant lifestyle blending its rich artistic heritage and close-knit community with contemporary living,” Element President Javier Lluch said in a press release the property offers seamless access to lush parks top-rated schools and a host of cultural and culinary experiences.” Miami-based Paredes Architects designed the building while Design Philosophy designed interiors and communal spaces The facade was designed by CITE Arquitetura of Rio de Janeiro and aims to represent Coconut Grove’s banyan trees LORE is a joint venture between Leste Group and Opportunity Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário a Brazilian independent asset management company. Community amenities include a rooftop pool deck with private cabanas and summer kitchens and website in this browser for the next time I comment Copyright © 2025 South Florida Agent magazine Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited The Juniorette Club of Coconut Grove is a vibrant youth-led organization that empowers local young people through leadership the club was created to provide young people with the opportunity to engage with their community and develop leadership skills Officially ratified by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) in April 2024 the Juniorette Club has quickly grown into an influential and impactful force in Coconut Grove made possible through the support of The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove and Unchained Mothering Under De Vreeze’s leadership as founder and president the club has successfully integrated a diverse group of dedicated members who have been instrumental in shaping the club’s vision and making it a reality and the leadership has worked together to create bylaws and plan initiatives that reflect their collective goals The club’s growth and success are a testament to the collaborative efforts of both the leadership and the members the Juniorettes have made a tangible difference in the community One of the club’s early actions was to gather donations for the Coconut Grove Food Pantry Crisis showcasing a commitment to serving those in need the Juniorettes were involved in the creative process of designing and voting on the club’s logo helping to establish a unique identity for the group the club has led a variety of initiatives aimed at raising awareness for important causes In partnership with The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove the Juniorettes organized events to raise awareness about human trafficking and hosted self-defense workshops in collaboration with Unchained Mothering These events not only empowered youth but also fostered a sense of community and solidarity within Coconut Grove The club also participated in the King Mango Strut parade for two consecutive years advocating for a plastic-free initiative and environmental responsibility the club has focused on educational growth Jill Kaplan to provide Juniorettes with valuable insights into college preparation and leadership These educational opportunities are key to fostering the next generation of leaders who will go on to make a difference in their communities and beyond the Juniorette Club hosted a mini leadership workshop led by District 11 of GFWC and members of The Coral Gables Woman’s Club at the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove (WCCG) This workshop provided valuable leadership development and training for the Juniorettes enhancing their skills and preparing them to take on more responsibilities within the club and beyond What truly sets the Juniorette Club apart is the dedication of its members both girls and boys alike have demonstrated their commitment to making a difference they have proven that leadership is not just about titles but about taking action and being present when needed have played a vital role in guiding and supporting the club’s development combined with the hard work and enthusiasm of the Juniorettes ensure that the club will continue to grow and positively impact the Coconut Grove community the Juniorette Club of Coconut Grove is poised for even greater accomplishments in the coming years they will inspire and empower the next generation of leaders making a lasting impact in Coconut Grove and beyond look no further than Miami Community Newspapers This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed With topics ranging from local news to community events Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news and local initiatives within its respective community Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com Promote your business to the localized audience you want to reach with Miami's Community Newspapers. Call 305.669.7355 or view our Media Kit. One of South Florida's most unique estates in Miami’s hot Coconut Grove neighborhood has hit the market for a whopping $135,000,000 Located at 3585 Anchorage Way in Coconut Grove the estate known as Banyan Ridge is a rare multi-dwelling compound spread across 10 parcels on 4.5 lush acres With its stunning waterfront location offering approximately 180' of frontage on Biscayne Bay The compound includes two primary residences and a multi-level townhome perfect for a family office The structures are surrounded by paved garden paths lined with towering banyan trees and lush vegetation providing a tranquil escape in the heart of Coconut Grove a showcase kitchen with high-end appliances and glass-wrapped walls showcasing mesmerizing views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami The property also includes a guest house with three bedrooms the estate features a family office townhome with two bedrooms The property's amenities also include multiple pools and a 12,000 square foot dock with a boat lift 3585 Anchorage Way is listed with Lourdes Alatriste and Holly Parker of Douglas Elliman MIAMI – A family in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood is trying to rebuild after a devastating house fire on Christmas Eve Seventeen-year-old Helena Martinez showed Local 10 News the memories on the family refrigerator Leer en español “This is basically all destroyed,” she said Pictures and drawings are among the remnants after a fire tore through their home in the 2900 block of South Federal Highway Martinez was home with her younger siblings They were all napping when she woke up to prepare for Nochebuena “Flames were coming from that corner and I saw the entire house in smoke and soon Miami firefighters arrived at the home to find flames and smoke “There was a lot of smoke coming from the living room,” said Martinez’s uncle The duplex housed six adults and five children from the same family “This is where I have most of my memories,” Martinez said he had the ability to start exploring and walking “So I have a lot of memories that I’m losing.” Davila’s church took them in for Christmas Eve and firefighters managed to save their Christmas presents Nearby Casola’s Pizzeria provided them with food for a Christmas meal “We didn’t let this ruin Christmas,” Martinez said The American Red Cross has provided the family with funds for a hotel for the next few days but they are now concerned about long-term housing for their large family The key is for the kids to be in a safe place,” Davila said Family members have started a GoFundMe page to help pay for expenses Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved live music and culinary delights will be taking over Coconut Grove for the return of one of the nation's largest art festivals Art lovers from all over the city and beyond are gathering this weekend for the return of the beloved Coconut Grove Arts Festival the three-day outdoor event will see a host of artworks musical performances and fun for the whole family Running along South Bayshore Drive from February 15-17 the festival will see stalls from more than 280 internationally acclaimed artists each presenting unique pieces ranging from paintings and photography to jewelry and mixed media Art enthusiasts and collectors can meet these talented artists face-to-face and hear the stories behind each of their works Highlights of CGAF will include the return of live music at Peacock Park accompanied by live mural painting and interactive DIY activities Wynwood Brewery will serve craft beers to visitors who will also witness live artistry in action at their Arts & Drafts Beer Garden you can bring out your inner artist through painting Home Depot will also power a Creative Corner to foster creativity and at the Young Collectors Club kids aged 5-12 can purchase their own piece of art for just $5 making it an adorable introduction to art collecting The Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association has been dedicated to fostering the next generation of artists for six decades with proceeds supporting impactful year-round programs such as scholarships for Florida International University and Miami-Dade high school students For more information and tickets, visit the Coconut Grove Arts Festival’s website WHEN: February 15 & February 16: 10 a.m MIAMI – Miami police announced Friday that they were seeking a man seen on camera wearing a “Jesus Saves Lives” shirt who wasn’t exactly following one of the Ten Commandments Police said the suspect hit at least two homes in the Coconut Grove neighborhood on Dec 29: One at around midnight on Tigertail Avenue and another at 1:15 a.m described as a white male donning the aforementioned black shirt and a white baseball cap police said a victim told investigators that after waking up “it was discovered that the screen to the window was missing and several household items including silver and gold figurines stolen.” Detectives reviewed surveillance videos and believe the suspect may be responsible for more crimes in Coconut Grove a Miami Police Department news release states Police released two CCTV screengrabs of the suspect Friday Anyone with information is asked to call the MPD Burglary Unit at 305-603-6030 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477 MIAMI – Miami-Dade Transit is closing a station on its elevated Metrorail rapid transit system for major renovations located at the intersection of Southwest 27th Avenue and U.S will be shut down for approximately four months beginning on Jan Leer en español According to an MDT news release the agency plans to reopen the station in the spring Trains will bypass the station in the meantime transit riders will have access to an enhanced experience that includes new elevators and escalators and new ADA-compliant features,” an MDT news release states MDT plans to run a bus shuttle between the Coconut Grove and Douglas Road stations for Metrorail riders “This project is part of the broader Grove Central development a transit-oriented community initiative designed to improve connectivity and accessibility for the Coconut Grove community and surrounding areas,” the news release states ”Several station improvements have already been completed and this next phase will bring the project closer to its full potential.” It’s not the only transit station starting 2025 with a shutdown On Monday, MDT closed the Park West Metromover station “for up to six months” as part of another major renovation project MIAMI – The Grove Pickles and Miami Firefighters Benevolent Association hosted their first-ever pickleball tournament and wellness fair on Saturday morning made up of firefighters and Grove Pickles players the wellness fair in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood offered free health screenings by Baptist Health and free youth EKG screenings by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Officials with the the Miami Firefighters Benevolent Association said the goal of the fair is to promote wellness awareness ensuring attendees have access to valuable preventive healthcare resources Michaila Hightower joined the Local 10 News team in January 2025 as a reporter After being tied up in legal battles and neglect for nearly two decades Miami-Dade County is finally ready to begin construction on a long-anticipated renovation of the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse In the proposed Miami-Dade County budget that is currently being debated by commissioners, $16.4 million is being recommended for construction on the project The county anticipates that construction will continue through the 2025-26 fiscal year with $26 million in estimated construction costs construction would finish in the 2026-27 fiscal year The proposed construction funding comes just two weeks after Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal cleared the way for a partial demolition of the historic playhouse a move that essentially cleared the last legal hurdle for beginning construction "We are pleased with the outcome of this litigation we look forward to collaborating with our City of Miami partners and engaging with the community as we move forward to restore and rebuild the Coconut Grove Playhouse — a historic icon cherished by so many in our community," Raquel Regalado Roughly 80% of the building will be demolished as part of the construction of the new space Most of what will be left of the original structure is the historic facade The theater itself will be reduced under the county plan shrinking to 300 seats from the 1150 seats in the building now a fact that sparked much of the community pushback to the plan A courtyard and other pedestrian-friendly features will take up space resulting from the smaller theater The Playhouse operated between 1927 and 2006 first as a movie theater then later as a playhouse During its heyday between the 1950s and early 2000s legends of the theater like Maureen Stapleton and Liza Minelli performed there and it was one of the best known theaters in the East Coast circuit The building was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 READ MORE: Renovations coming to Coconut Grove’s historic Black theater. The question is when news that demolition and construction could start soon touched a nerve "Replacing the Coconut Grove Playhouse with Cocowalk 2.0 and calling it restoration is not only economically shortsighted They are telling the world we only care about flash and trash — and it's beyond disrespectful to the community they're supposed to serve" Carmen Pelaez a local playwright who has been outspoken in opposition to the county plans "There isn't a metropolis in the world that doesn't have a historic theater at its core The neglect and demolition of the most consequential and historic theater in the region proves that our elected officials care more about their donors' profits than Miami being taken seriously on a global scale," she added The Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs told WLRN in an email that while it has clearly won the court case it is still within the period of time during which the plaintiffs can ask for a rehearing "As the pending litigation has moved forward the Court has continued to rule in favor of the County as part of the FY 2024-25 Proposed Budget and Multi-Year Capital Plan allows the County to be ready to move the Coconut Grove Playhouse Project forward," wrote Liliana Hernandez-Constenla the marketing and public affairs officer of the county department in an email The county maintains that keeping a larger theater size would result in “increased traffic” for the area and would be hard to fill night after night The county-owned Adrienne Arsht Center opened in 2006 just as the Coconut Grove Playhouse closed and it currently hosts many theater companies that might have once operated at the Playhouse The analysis led the county to embrace a smaller size for the theater will manage theater operations once it is opened The closure of the Playhouse in 2006 was due to financial difficulties preventing needed renovations from taking place coming in at an estimated total of $57.2 million dollars — with the bulk of funds coming from county bond money — is by no means cheap The City of Miami was at one point in litigation with the county over the planned partial demolition and reconstruction of the Playhouse, but it gave up that lawsuit in 2022 The office of City of Miami District Two commissioner Damian Pardo told WLRN he did not take part in any conversations about starting the construction process September 11 to include comment from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado The City of Miami has approved $4.2 million in funding to support a new affordable housing initiative in the historically Black neighborhood of West Grove Grand Bahamas Place, a joint venture between Prospera Real Estate Collective, the Collective Empowerment Group (CEG), and Believers of Authority Ministries aims to bring forth new homeownership opportunities to families that the traditional real estate market has long left behind Grand Bahamas Place will include 56 micro-condominiums designed for families earning 80% or less of Miami-Dade County’s area median income (AMI) The development will revitalize Grand Avenue between Gibson Plaza and what used to be the Tikki Club near Douglas Road It includes a five-story residential building and another two-story building with nearly 3,000 square feet of retail space and a 4,000-square-foot religious and community space Believers of Authority owns two of the properties: a 4,500-square-foot lot at 3655 Grand Ave. and a 5,000-square-foot empty lot behind it at 3650 Florida Ave a 9,000-square-foot lot at 3659 Grand Ave. is owned by Stirrup Properties and under contract to Believers of Authority The Believers of Authority building at 3655 Grand Ave near Douglas Road is where the development partners have proposed the affordable housing project The residential units will be 400 to 650 square feet and priced between $305,000 and $405,000. According to Redfin, the median sale price of a home in Coconut Grove was $1.4 million in February 2025 “The smaller size units are intended to allow for that affordability so that individuals and families can afford to live within the Grove and have a unit of their own to build that home equity,” said developer Ellen C founder and CEO of Prospera Real Estate Collective emphasized the significance of homeownership The development will revitalize a portion of Grand Avenue between Gibson Plaza and the former Tikki Club “It’s not just about rental options; it’s about giving people the chance to own a unit in the neighborhood,” he said “This project gives those who may have been displaced a chance to stay in their community at an affordable level.” The $4.2 million came from Pardo’s share of funds allocated for affordable housing within the Miami Forever Bond Once the project is complete and sales begin the money will be used to provide downpayment assistance for low-income buyers The total cost of the development is $21.3 million The third parcel is owned by Stirrup Properties and under contract to Believers of Authority It is currently where food trucks park for the weekly Taste of the Bahamas event and Prospera Real Estate Collective brings a unique perspective to the project CEG is a faith-based nonprofit representing a consortium of more than 40 churches has prior experience as a former director of development at the Coconut Grove-based Terra Group Believers of Authority is a local church with longstanding ties to the Little Bahamas community Bernard Phanord wears two hats within this project as the CEG’s President and CEO and also the lead project representative for Believers of Authority “The intent behind CEG is to empower underserved communities and we recognize that the houses of worship within these various communities are doing that very thing and playing a key role in this mission,” said Bernard Phanord He is also the lead project representative and ordained minister with Believers of Authority Faith-based organizations often have land assets that can be used to create positive and lasting change "Our job is to help them maximize what's in their hand to benefit the development and community,” Phanord said READ MORE: New high-rises and vanishing roots in West Grove highlighted the evolving role of churches in modern development Though many churches prefer to maintain traditional sanctuaries these spaces are only used about twice a week He noted a new and progressive effort by leaders like Chambers to maximize the land for other community needs “Pastors are trying to move into a direction with multipurpose space that doesn't necessarily look like a traditional church inside,” Prado said. “We're trying to be responsive and sensitive to the wishes of the congregations while at the same time providing feasible and affordable housing solutions.” The CEG and Prospera Real Estate Collective have worked together on similar projects including one in the city of North Miami with Faith Community Baptist Church The collaborators have several more planned across Miami-Dade and Broward counties While the Grand Bahamas Place project offers affordable housing for families within the target income range it also aims to address another important issue: the risk of displacement due to gentrification Prado shared a key insight into the project’s approach “Our secret ingredient is a single word: trust,” he said adding that the immediate past president and CEO of CEG, Rev Joaquin Willis, “likes to say that our projects with churches proceed at the speed of trust the story is that people who look like me and Ellen [both white] have been taking advantage of people who look like Bernard [who is Black] for 60 years By showing we’re not just a developer who wants to make a lot of money." Prado emphasized the project's broader impact which aims to ensure that low-income families are not left behind “We’re trying to cater to those that conventional developers don’t seem to care much about,” Prado said They're going to help stabilize the neighborhood in ways that people that are renting and transiting will not do the same.” president of the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners & Tenants Association Cooper has seen many families displaced as property values rise “We've seen so many changes since a lot of our friends and other families have been displaced because of properties being bought and sold on Grand Avenue and also on the Douglas Road corridor,” she said “We have homes here that have been newly built or restored and they're asking a million dollars for them The average Black person here can’t afford anything like that “We know many people who would love to move back here they can’t afford to get back here,” Cooper added Cooper appreciates that Grand Bahamas Place is focused on affordability and led by local “I like the fact that it’s being offered by a local organization People who have a long-term interest in Coconut Grove like Apostle Chambers and the Believers of Authority so we understand the importance of having more housing here.” Other community members voiced their support at the city commission meeting on Thursday. “This project and its sponsors are people who are constantly engaged in the community They are known to the community,” said Jihad Rashid chairman of Grove Rights and Community Equity Inc. emphasizing the need for affordable housing in the area “We would encourage you to work closely with some of the churches that have property and would like to use it for this purpose as well,” he said The project is now progressing after receiving city commission approval The next steps include finalizing documents obtaining entitlements and design approvals Construction is expected to begin once those processes are complete Phanord also highlighted the developers’ commitment to educating the community first-served access — we're educating people We’ll have homebuyer workshops and homebuyer education sessions There’s an 18- to 24-month window where we can help people within the community prepare to capitalize on the opportunities when they present themselves," he explained The project will also assist individuals in navigating available subsidies and financing programs in Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Director Herschel Faber cannot wait for Miami to meet Ethan Bloom oddly mature 13-year-old character he has been developing with screenwriter Maylen Dominguez for over six years Ethan is the star of the film fittingly named Ethan Bloom an actor on the television series The Neighborhood and 13 Reasons Why The film follows Ethan as he embarks on a spiritual quest all while handling a teenage boy's typical challenges: girls The Miami-based film will premiere on April 6 at the Olympia Theater, alongside 35 other films making their debut at the 42nd Miami Film Festival READ MORE: Historic Olympia Theater returns in time for Miami Film Festival Set in the historic Coconut Grove neighborhood the film is an ode to Miami as much as it is a coming-of-age story from electric scooters to shots of the Coconut Grove Playhouse to a real estate developer father “It was a way for me to sort of pay homage to that part of Miami,” he said He hopes the film will bring people back to their own childhood “ There’s this other sort of coming of age universal component that I want people to really connect with and think back to when they were growing up and the issues that they faced as teens,” he said their issues likely weren’t sneaking around a rabbi to prepare to be baptized with a priest against their father’s wishes but Faber hopes it elicits emotions just the same who is also the chair of the New York Film Academy South Beach (NYFA) This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity How did you get involved and what drew you to the script? She was the dean of the campus and I'm the chair of filmmaking She brought me this amazing script that she had written and asked for notes Anytime your boss asks you for notes on anything this isn't going to go well for me.' I invariably had to read it and fell in love with it What made you want to choose Coconut Grove as the setting for the film The original version of the script was set in Coconut Grove and that also was something that really drew me to the project I spent most of my childhood in Coconut Grove and Miami Beach and so there was a certain nostalgia element that really played into it for me I went to film school at Columbia University in New York and I they rolled out the red carpet for this little movie I was making and people did a lot of really nice things for me "I'm going to come back and make a movie here." You feature a lot of iconic Grove and Miami landmarks like the A.C.’s Icees truck in Kennedy Park Did the setting of the film inspire it or shift it in a way that gave it a uniquely Miami or Coconut Grove feel I think the movie is largely dependent on the setting It was important to isolate those landmarks and that setting the Grove is changing all around us and buildings are going up every day That charm is starting to get lost a little bit Choosing these locations was a way for me to sort of immortalize that part of the Grove that exists in my mind I was really trying to pay attention to those sorts of elements while also trying to establish a real color palette because the Grove seems like it sort of exists on its own Miami-based films have gone up and down throughout the years At one point Florida had an incentive program to help fund films How is it doing from your perspective as a director I think there are a lot of really super talented up-and-coming filmmakers and filmmakers that have been here who want to keep making films in Miami I think the challenge is the fact the state as a whole doesn't have an incentive anymore Getting Ethan Bloom made was a struggle financially because the film industry isn't as big as it used to be It used to be that Miami was like Hollywood southeast I feel like there's so much opportunity here, and I know that Miami-Dade County now has a 20% tax rebate for money spent in the area and I'm hoping that it'll lure more filmmakers back to Miami because there's not a more cinematic place on earth READ MORE: Can Florida’s lagging film industry attract big-budget movies and TV again? What does it mean to you and everyone involved knowing that it's finally going to be making its big screen premiere on April 6? I am incredibly grateful to the people that supported us making this film Raising the money for this film was a labor of love It took us a year to raise the funds for it believed in the story that we were trying to tell We live in a really divided world right now And this film reminds us that at the end of the day And whether you're Catholic or Jewish or Muslim or whatever it is that you are we all have this common thing that we're on this earth and we’ve got to figure out a way to get along It was funded by Miamians and people that loved Miami What does it mean to you to see this full-picture Miami moment come together in the Ethan Bloom film The fact that we made this little movie and we're having such a grand opening for it as lovingly as it has been so far by those that have seen it We can’t imagine premiering it anywhere else Keep up with South Florida's arts and culture scene by signing up for The A/C Newsletter. Every Wednesday, the A/C will offer a curation of stories and deep dives that celebrate South Florida's arts community. Click here to subscribe The Barnacle Society is hosting its second annual Poetry Night this month at Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove The event on Sunday ( April 6) will feature poetry readings by students from 15 Miami-Dade high schools and will be attended by renowned poets the fifth inaugural poet of the United States and Miami-Dade's inaugural poet laureate READ MORE: Miami poet Richard Blanco finds belonging in 'Homeland of My Body' The event aims to promote literary talent in South Florida and will include a display of selected poetry written by students More than 400 students from 15 Miami-Dade high schools submitted nearly 600 poems for consideration to be read or displayed at the event The schools include: Belen Jesuit Preparatory Academy “We gave a lot of thought to what kind of poetry event this should be,” said Marc Stone and himself a published poet and award-winning short fiction writer “We decided to focus it on the students — after all and this experience is priceless for them.” Nicole Tallman the official Poetry Ambassador for Miami-Dade County and a published poet herself will also will also be attending the event The Barnacle Society is a volunteer non-profit group that supports Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove IF YOU GOWhat: Second annual Poetry Night, presented by the Barnacle SocietyWhen: Sunday, April 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Where: Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Highway, Miami FL 33133Cost: Price of admission is $6 ($3 for members of the Barnacle Society).Learn more here Keep up with South Florida's arts and culture scene by signing up for The A/C Newsletter. Every Wednesday, the A/C will offer a curation of stories and deep dives that celebrate South Florida's arts community. Click here to subscribe The television producer turned pie maker moves his pandemic business In Miami’s West Coconut Grove neighborhood, former television producer Joshua Abril has found a permanent home for Fookem’s Fabulous The dessert shop focuses solely on variations of the South Florida classic and marks a major step for the company that began as a home-based pie stand in 2020 during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic The new storefront features Abril’s popular sea salt graham cracker pie crust in every dish The menu includes whole pies in varieties like classic Key lime and Key lime-guava (known as “The Station 8” and popular among local firefighters) A Key lime-espresso version incorporates coffee from local roaster Café Vidita while a tropical blend combines Key lime with coconut Daily rotating mini pies include these staples alongside seasonal offerings like pineapple or tahini options who lost his television production job in 2020 started baking and selling Key lime pies from his house to make ends meet What began as a pandemic pivot has since grown into a wholesale operation supplying pies to five Miami restaurants and the Downtown Miami food hall Julia & Henry’s “Miami has really gone under the knife over the last few years There was a drift-woody coziness that’s become hard to find I still get that feeling in West Grove,” Abril said “Big cosmetic changes are working their way here quickly and I like the idea that Fookem’s Fabulous’ being here might ease the transition.” The Key lime pie company even received an unexpected boost this year when Florida Panthers goaltending coach Rob Tallas requested one of Abril’s pies to eat from the Stanley Cup following the team’s 2024 NHL championship victory — and apparently marks the first time a Key lime pie has been served from the trophy Fookem’s Fabulous is open daily from 5 p.m ShareSaveCommentReal EstateCoconut Grove Renaissance Sparks Luxury DevelopmentsByJeffrey Steele Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Jeffrey Steele has been a freelance writer for one-third of a century.Follow AuthorNov 18 09:00am ESTShareSaveCommentArbor Residences The revival of iconic shopping strip Coco Walk isn’t the only sign of revival in Coconut Grove the Miami neighborhood famously dubbed “a bit Bahamian and a bit bohemian.” In addition to continual waves of new boutiques and exclusive restaurants palatial properties have sprouted in the colorful enclave helping author the next chapter in the storied history of The Grove the oldest continuously inhabited district in Miami-Dade Coconut Grove’s chronology extends all the way back to the years immediately after the Civil War the enclave ever since has witnessed more than its share of highs and lows The Grove served as the setting for the first South Florida hotel the originally independent city was annexed into the city of Miami Coconut Grove provided a backdrop for the 1960s counter-culture movement complete with love-ins and a legendarily infamous Dinner Key Auditorium concert by The Doors It evolved into a sanctuary of sorts for drug kingpins during the heyday of Miami Vice it’s always been both of Miami and seemingly removed from the Magic City Its location plays a large role in its appeal Among the new luxury offerings is Arbor Residences The development presented a compelling challenge to Isaac Kodsi a lender who filed foreclosure and prior purchasers in danger of losing their deposits Kodsi acquired the positions of both the bank and developer refunded purchasers’ deposits and provided them a release from the contracts they’d inked he was able to deliver a fresh new start for every stakeholder in the project The design of Arbor Residences forges a connection between its built environment and the great outdoors Floor-to-ceiling windows and 10- to 20-foot-high ceilings invite natural light to flood interiors Wide-plank porcelain wood-grain floors and natural wood finishes serve as additional harmonies between the natural world and the home’s great indoors A diverse group of buyers has stepped up to purchase reflecting the fact that the project “is for everyone,” Kodsi says because of the variety of attractions it offers – whether schools casual [to] fancy restaurants or lifestyle and fitness options – and because of the convenience it offers in terms of getting to other neighborhoods.” Arbor Residences is not the only newcomer on the modern Coconut Grove scene Developed by CMC Group and Fort Partners and set on Biscayne Bay Four Seasons Residences aims to bring opulent hotel living to the residential realm offering 70 two-to four-bedroom residences across its 20 stories Residences start at 2,025 square feet in size and $5.62 million in price The building’s amenities include a library Another recent entry among Coconut Grove luxury developments is Vita at Grove Isle The collection of three residential buildings stands on the water on Grove Isle The product of luxury developer Ugo Colombo and CMC Group Vita features seven stories and 65 residences extending from three- to four-plus-den-bedroom units and provides dramatic sunrise and sunset panoramas over its secluded corner of the Coconut Grove tableau Blog Richard Berlin, MD, shares the poem, "Hattie McDaniel Arrives at the Coconut Grove," by Rita Dove Ohio in 1952 and graduated with a BA in English from Miami University of Ohio in 1973 She subsequently earned an MFA in creative writing from the University of Iowa Dove served as poet laureate of the United States from 1993 to 1995 and as poet laureate of Virginia from 2004 to 2006 She currently serves as a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Virginia Dove’s many honors include 28 honorary doctorates President Bill Clinton awarded her the 1996 National Humanities Medal and President Barack Obama presented her with the 2011 National Medal of Arts making her the only poet who has received both medals was the first African American to win an Academy Award She became famous for her role in Gone With the Wind Dr Berlin has been writing a poem about his experience of being a doctor every month for the past 27 years in Psychiatric Times in a column called “Poetry of the Times.” He is instructor in psychiatry University of Massachusetts Medical School In or Out The Hang Gliders You Cannot Stop the Spring Last Concert of the Summer (Podcast) The Killer... The Child Colossus: A Poem After “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus on our Statue of Liberty 609-716-7777 As you stroll through the vibrant streets of Coconut Grove a new landmark is set to capture your attention and redefine the neighborhood’s skyline The Allen Morris Company has unveiled Ziggurat an ambitious mixed-use development that promises to seamlessly blend luxury living Situated on a prime 1.7-acre plot at the intersection of Grand Avenue Ziggurat is poised to become a cornerstone of Coconut Grove’s evolving urban landscape This visionary project not only introduces a new level of sophistication to the area but also prioritizes community engagement and sustainability ensuring that it will enhance and preserve the unique character that has long made Coconut Grove one of Miami’s most desirable destinations prioritizing experience-driven design and local authenticity Ziggurat’s approach promises to create a magnetic community hub that will enhance Coconut Grove’s unique character and appeal to Haute Residence’s discerning audience Under W. Allen Morris’s leadership, the company has expanded its portfolio to include over 85 successful development projects showcasing a commitment to excellence in mixed-use The firm’s success is attributed to its client-first approach and dedication to delivering on promises as evidenced by projects like Ziggurat in Coconut Grove and collaborations with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty Ziggurat is setting a new benchmark for luxury living in Coconut Grove This landmark mixed-use development seamlessly blends sophisticated design with the neighborhood’s vibrant culture With 19 bespoke residences featuring premium amenities like private elevators and chef-inspired Italian kitchens Ziggurat offers an unparalleled living experience The project’s commitment to the community is evident in its proposed revitalization of Kirk Munroe Park enhancing the area’s pedestrian-friendly Represented by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty Ziggurat is poised to redefine Coconut Grove’s luxury real estate landscape attracting discerning buyers seeking the pinnacle of urban sophistication in this historic Miami enclave and finding fulfillment in both career and life Morris’s expertise has made him a sought-after voice in the real estate industry frequently appearing on Fox Business News shows to provide expert commentary As you consider the future of Coconut Grove Ziggurat stands as a testament to thoughtful urban development This landmark project seamlessly blends luxury living and curated retail experiences while honoring the neighborhood’s rich history Ziggurat sets a new standard for mixed-use developments in South Florida Whether you’re seeking an unparalleled residential experience or simply a vibrant destination to explore Ziggurat offers something truly exceptional it promises to elevate Coconut Grove’s status as one of Miami’s most desirable and dynamic neighborhoods for years to come MIAMI – Miami police arrested a 43-year-old liveaboard boater who they said was responsible for a vessel-to-vessel shooting at a Coconut Grove marina that left a fellow liveaboard injured Leer en español Monday in the waters off Dinner Key Marina it all began with a dispute over some items that the suspect The victim told police that he’s known Woodward for a few months and had just returned from a trip to find that Woodward had been on his boat and left his “paraphernalia and paperwork” inside The report states that the victim told investigators he packed Woodward’s belongings got on a dinghy and went to Woodward’s boat pulled out a black rifle and fired three rounds hitting the victim in the abdomen and grazing his right arm “The victim stated he ducked down for cover in his dinghy and fled from the scene at which time (Woodward) dropped the rifle on the boat and began chasing the victim in his dinghy,” the report states “(Woodward) was able to catch up to the victim and grab him by his shirt at which time the victim grabbed a flashlight and struck (Woodward) in the face Police said that Woodward told them he was eating cereal on his boat when he “heard a commotion inside.” Woodward said he “then chased after the victim briefly before returning to his boat,” telling police that he saw that the man was bleeding Police said that Woodward “denied shooting the victim.” Authorities arrested Woodward on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and using a firearm in the commission of a felony he was being held in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with a bond listed as “to be set” in online records More Stories Like This In Our Email Newsletter