PROFILE Exclusive: Exploring W Fort Lauderdale & The Fast Growth of Fort Lauderdale Beach with ISG Principal Craig Studnicky

PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Craig Studnicky, Principal and Co-Founder of ISG Realty and leads sales at The Residences at W Fort Lauderdale. Take a look inside Related Group and Related Companies $60 million renovation of the iconic property and find out how the Fort Lauderdale Beach real estate market is on the move.

PM: Fort Lauderdale and Fort Lauderdale Beach have seen an influx of high-end condo and hotel developments in recent years. What sets The Residences at W Fort Lauderdale apart?

CS: The W Fort Lauderdale was completed in 2009. It was designed and developed as part hotel and part condo, essentially a condo hotel. A lot of the developments on the ocean in Fort Lauderdale, like Auberge and Paramount, are being developed for the end-user. Auberge and Paramount have typical rental restrictions for end-user condominiums. The Residences at W Fort Lauderdale, by contrast, has the ability to be rented short-term. The original developer designed the W as two towers, with the hotel in the east tower, and the condo residences in the west tower. 

What really sets The Residences at W Fort Lauderdale apart is the flexible use of the units. You can buy a unit as a second home and never rent it, buy it as your permanent residence and live there year-round, or you can buy it as a combination second home and rental property. Most of the people who buy at the W use their condo as a combination of a second home and rental property. When owners are not in town, they sign a management contract with Starwood and Starwood manages the unit as a “hotel residence” which generates income for the owner.

W Fort Lauderdale was acquired by Related in 2014. Related has developed more than 80,000 condos over the past thirty years, and are clearly the largest condo developer in the U.S. After taking ownership, Related decided to do a $60 million renovation to the entire property. The W, Starwood and Related agreed to use New York-based design firm Meyer Davis to head up the redesign. Meyer Davis has also been hired by Related for Auberge Beach Residences & Spa, the Paraiso Bay Beach Club in Edgewater, Park Grove in Coconut Grove and 1 Hotel & Homes in South Beach.  

PM: Do you see a need for more hotel branded residences in Fort Lauderdale?

CS: Absolutely. We are welcoming the Four Seasons, just two blocks north of the W, which promised to break ground this fall. The Four Seasons is the most recent addition to the high-end branded residences in the area, including W Fort Lauderdale and Ritz-Carlton.

PM: So, you guys were selling strong when a lot of other projects were slowing down?

CS: We are selling strong because Fort Lauderdale Beach is selling strong. The pricing gap between oceanfront properties in Miami Beach vs. oceanfront properties in Fort Lauderdale Beach has never been greater, and developers and buyers from around the world have noticed. Historically, the price difference from Miami Beach to Fort Lauderdale Beach has been about 25 to 30 percent, with Miami always getting the premium. Today, Miami Beach is about 200 percent more expensive than Fort Lauderdale Beach.  

In the last three years, $1.5 billion in new development has taken place in Fort Lauderdale, 70 percent of which has already been sold. 

PM: Where do you see most of the buyers coming from? Are there a lot of New Englander’s and New Yorkers who want a second home and like the supplemental income and the ability to show up with their golf clubs?

CS: The United States is the number one market for The Residences at W Fort Lauderdale. The overwhelming majority of buyers are from the northeast, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago but also Canada, Toronto and Montreal. The next market after that is Brazil. Brazilians have discovered Fort Lauderdale and the price difference between Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale is very appealing to them. They love the beach, and the beach in front of the W is the nicest beach in Fort Lauderdale. Even though the dollar is high, they love the idea of buying into a condo hotel because they get their rental income in U.S. dollars, which is valuable for Brazilians. 

PM: So how did you start to connect with Chinese buyers?

CS: I have owned my company for 25 years and we have done lots of work for developers, but I can honestly say, this is the first time I have ever sold to Chinese buyers. About 18 months ago, I started a division called ISG Asia and currently have 20 Mandarin-speaking agents working with me. A majority of China has not been exposed to South Florida and needs a lot of education on what Florida is and the different markets it includes. They are starting to discover South Florida and interest is rising because Florida is a bargain compared to pricing in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. The Chinese are only investing so far, mostly looking for income-producing properties. Of all of the properties I show them, The Residences at W Fort Lauderdale is one that they like the most because of its brand. 

When President Xi visited President Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach in April, travel websites from China were completely sold out of availability for Florida. The visit was really big for Florida real estate in terms of introducing Florida to the biggest country in the world. By the end of 2017, we are supposed to have a non-stop flight from Tokyo, and by the end of 2018, we are supposed to have non-stop flights from Beijing and Singapore, which will be a real game changer for South Florida real estate. 

PM: Can they move money freely out of China? How easy is it for them to invest their capital in the United States? 

CS: Currently there is a $50,000 restriction per individual on foreign investments annually, which is a challenge. There are ways of getting around it, but it is very challenging. The Chinese government is watching them very closely at the moment. 

PM: What else does Related Group and Related Companies have in store for Fort Lauderdale Beach?

CS: I think you will see Related develop more high-end condos like Auberge Beach Residences & Spa. The value difference between Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach makes this Fort Lauderdale’s time.

About Craig Studnicky:

Craig Studnicky is a principal of International Sales Group, ISG, and has been a real estate broker for more than 25 years. Studnicky began his career in New York City as a sales associate in residential real estate for JPS Associates. In 1984, he founded Steven Craig Realty in Atlantic City  where his firm became Atlantic City’s leader in real estate, cornering two thirds of the market. In 1992, Studnicky relocated to Florida to work as Director of Sales for Country Club Estates in Aventura from 1992 to 1994. In partnership with Philip J. Spiegelman, he co-founded International Sales Group. Under Studnickys’ leadership, ISG maintains the areas top-producing sales force who have posted record real estate sales. Studnicky is a licensed real estate broker in states of New Jersey and Florida. He holds a degree from Virginia Tech.

Take our tour of Related Group & Related Companies' $60 million renovation of W Fort Lauderdale HERE

Inside Related's $55 Million Renovation of W Fort Lauderdale by Meyer Davis Studio

Related Group and Related Companies have nearly completed a $55 million renovation on W Fort Lauderdale, a hotel/ hotel-condo on Fort Lauderdale Beach under the watchful eye of Meyer Davis Studio. W Fort Lauderdale was developed as a joint venture between Related Group and Related Companies and the 2 tower development features both oceanfront hotel suites rooms and condo-hotel residences which are for sale and can be put into the Starwood Hotel Program. All of the amenity and public spaces as well as the rooms were redesigned by the New York-based design firm Meyer Davis Studio. Meyer Davis took a nautical theme in the redesign with sailing rope and knots, wood, gold, blues, etc. which connects the hotel's style with the amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean throughout the property. Redesigned amenities include updated porte cochère, Bliss Spa, WET pool deck, Sushi Bar, a concept from Sushi Chef Shuji Hiyakawa, a protégé of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto; The Living Room indoor/outdoor lounge and terrace, 2 Stephen Starr restaurants including Steak 954, 40,000 SF of meeting and event spaces. The renovations are in the final homestretch and are expected to be completed in the fall. 

New Arquitectonica Designed Hotel Coming to Brickell's El Eden Motel Site

More change is expected in Brickell as the owners of the lot currently occupied by the aging El Eden Motel, located at 115 Southwest Eighth Street, 726 Southwest First Court and 110 Southwest Seventh Street; are working on approvals for a new project. Tony Cho of Metro 1 Development and Robert Finvarb of Robert Finvarb Companies purchased the property last year (2016) for $18.4 million and aim to develop a mixed-use millenial-driven hotel with a retail component via a joint venture partnership. The proposed design will be designed by Arquitectonica, will rise 24-stories, cover 250,000 SF, cost about $90 million, and feature 263 keys. The project is currently in the approval process. 

Triptych Hotel Approved in Midtown

Triptych Hotel has been approved under the Miami 21 Zoning Code after submitting revisions to their original plans and scaling back the project. New plans show the project to rise 20 stories featuring 252 hotel rooms, 300 parking spaces, 38,000 SF of retail and 41,000 SF of office space. The hotel will be operated as a Hilton Curio Hotel. The hotel will be among the first in Midtown and will join HYDE Midtown when completed as the main hospitality options between Midtown and Design District. Triptych Hotel is being developed by HES Group and JQ Group. 

Plans Unveiled for 40-Story Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Downtown Miami

Plans and a new rendering have been released of the 40-story proposed Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Downtown Miami. The Allan Shulman designed hotel tower is expected to rise 580 feet and will feature 270 hotel rooms along with a rooftop bar, office space and retail space. The design will feature a unique curtain wall system of colored glass. The 11,700 SF lot, which Mandala Holdings purchased for $8 million in 2016, is across adjacent to Genting's property for Resorts World Miami as well as the Metromover. The Courtyard by Marriott project is expected for completion in 2020. 

Mast Capital + Angelo, Gordon & Co. Purchase Conrad Miami for $72 Million

Mast Capital, a Miami-based investment and development firm, and Angelo, Gordon & Co. have purchased the Conrad Miami from Holborn LC for $72 million. They will operate the hotel as a joint venture and have agreed with HEI Hotels & Resorts to enter the first Conrad Hotels & Resorts franchise agreement within the United States. The flagship Conrad Miami is located with the iconic Brickell Arch Tower. The interest purchased includes 203 hotel keys, a rooftop amenity deck, and a condo-hotel rental program, which currently has 41 out of 116 residential units participating. The Brickell Arch Tower contains 267,000 SF of rentable Class A office, 203 hotel keys, and 116 luxury residential units.

“This property was extremely compelling because of its prominent location on Brickell Avenue and world class architectural design,” said Camilo Miguel Jr., CEO of Mast Capital. “It is exciting to have the opportunity to fully realize the potential of the property. We are confident that the Conrad brand’s concept of smart luxury will be favored by guests and residents for years to come.”
 
The transaction was facilitated by Christian Charre, Paul Weimer and Natalie Castillo of CBRE Hotels. Mast Capital was represented by Kimberly LeCompte (acquisition), Joel Maser (corporate), Iris Escarra (zoning), Nancy Lash (loan), Nelson Migdal (hospitality) Andrew Sharpe (acquisition) and Brian Dombrowski (zoning) from Greenberg Traurig’s Miami, Washington D.C. and Fort Lauderdale offices.  Lauren Giovannone and Michael Bradford from Paul Hastings’ Los Angeles office acted as co-counsel with Greenberg Traurig. The seller was represented by Suzanne Amaducci-Adams and Alexander Roitman (disposition) from Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP’s Miami office. 

YOTEL Gets Final Approval for Downtown Site, Will Be Built Without Parking

The YOTEL has gotten its final approvals to come to Downtown Miami from Miami's Planning & Zoning Department. The hotel will be built without parking as the 10 story parking structure was not approved, an increasingly popular aspect of new construction buildings in the Downtown area as Miami continues to grow into a more pedestrian city. The YOTEL will be a 29 story tower, which is being designed by Stantec, will include both 188 apartment rentals and 225 micro-sized hotel units. The YOTEL is being developed as a joint venture between Agarat, a Kuwaiti real estate company, and Aria Development Group.

Award-Winning, Renowned Architecture Firm, Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates, Inc. (NBWW), Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates, Inc. (NBWW), an award-winning, renowned architecture firm that has played a key role in the design and restoration of many of Miami's most iconic and legendary properties, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. NBWW has long been a leader in South Florida hotel design ever since designing Grand Bay in the Grove, the first five start hotel in South Florida. Since the have been involved in over $5 billion of both new construction and renovation along with over 300 hotels including the Fontainebleau, The Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Eden Roc, Miami Beach EDITION and the DiLido. NBWW has served as the architect for the W Hotel in Miami Beach, the Diplomat Resort and Convention Center in Hollywood, the Hilton West Palm Beach Convention Center Hotel, the Auberge Beach Residences & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, and the 3-block Metropolitan Miami in Downtown Miami that includes the Marriott Marquis and Wells Fargo office building.

The Loews Miami Beach Hotel

Across the bay, NBWW has also been a major player in the evolution of Miami's skyline including designing award-winning JP Morgan office building at 1450 Brickell. They also designed building that are currently under-construction or coming soon such as Metropolis and Marriott Marquis Miami Worldcenter Hotel & Expo. In Coral Gables, NBWW's Mediterranean revival style they used for the Hyatt Regency Hotel, now serves as the guideline ordinances for most of the city's planning. 

Mets in Downtown Miami

“We are thrilled to celebrate such a momentous milestone, as our firm continues to evolve and transform. From our team to our clients, we value every person who has  contributed  to  the  success  of  NBWW.  Along  with  partners  Bruce  Brosch,  Jim  Wurst,  Don  Wolfe,  Igor Reyes and Patrick Busteed, the firm continues to build on its esteemed reputation within the industry,” said John Nichols, CEO and Founder of NBWW. “We’ve  had  the  unique  opportunity  to  serve  our  community  in  exciting  and impactful  ways  over  the  past five  decades  and  we  look  forward  to  forging  new  partnerships  and  collaborations  in  the  years  to  come. If the past 50 years are any indication of the next 50, we have very exciting opportunities and growth on the horizon.”

The Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, FL

New projects for NBWW include the 1,700-room Marriott Marquis Hotel and Convention Center in Downtown Miami which will be part of the future Miami Worldcenter development; the  500-room JW Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Tampa Bay; and a 230-room hotel for the National World War II Museum in the historic district of New Orleans. The firm also announced its partnership with HOPE South Florida, a non-profit organization that provides crisis and rapid re-housing  assistance  to  homeless  families,  veterans  and  individuals.  Through this  collaboration,  NBWW will design an all-inclusive family center in Fort Lauderdale, which will offer assessment for housing, case management, employment, health screening and child care. On the west coast of Florida, projects include the Opal Sands Resort and the Wyndham Grand in Clearwater Beach, the Westin Hotel/VUE Residences in Sarasota, and the Marriott Waterside Convention Hotel in Tampa. In 2016, NBWW officially expanded its services into the Latin American market as it announced astrategic alliance with Alberto Reifer & Arquitectos, a  boutique architecture firm based in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Dilido Hotel Miami Beach

“Throughout the years, we have had the privilege of working on projects across South Florida, the U.S. and Latin  America,  further  expanding  our  knowledge  and  experience. We  are  excited  to  see what the future will bring, as we continue our steady growth across these international markets,” finished Nichols. Enjoy the photo tour of some of NBWW's most iconic designs. 

Alhambra Tower in Coral Gables

The Miami Beach EDITION Hotel

Eden Roc/ Nobu Hotel Miami Beach

1450 Brickell