The last of the old Grove walks beneath the new Grove.

She pauses and looks up at the gleaming glass offices with a quiet mix of disbelief, nostalgia, and loss. Though she never left, she now feels like a stranger in the place she once called home.

There was a time when Coconut Grove felt less like a destination and more like a neighborhood. Neighbors knew one another by name. Local shopkeepers greeted familiar faces. Artists, fishermen, musicians, longtime families, and colorful characters gave the Village its unmistakable soul.

Today, that Village is becoming harder to recognize.

Luxury condominiums continue to rise. Boutique offices, upscale retailers, and high-end restaurants are reshaping the streetscape. Property values have soared, bringing new investment and new residents. Many celebrate this transformation as progress, and in many ways, it is. New businesses create jobs, historic buildings are restored, and the Grove continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Yet beneath the polished storefronts and gleaming glass facades lies a question many longtime residents quietly ask:

Progress for whom?

The people who helped build Coconut Grove’s identity are finding it increasingly difficult to remain here. Rising housing costs, higher property taxes, expensive commercial leases, and the everyday cost of living have made it harder for many longtime residents and independent businesses to stay. Many have already left. Others are wondering how much longer they can hold on.

The Grove’s greatest asset has never been its real estate. It has always been its people.

It was the artists who painted its culture. The boaters who filled the marinas. The families who gathered in Peacock Park. The small business owners who opened their doors before Coconut Grove became one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods. The musicians, café owners, gardeners, teachers, and familiar faces who made visitors feel like they had discovered something authentic.

The Village has also long been defined by its lush canopy. Majestic banyans, towering live oaks, and mature tropical trees have shaded its streets for generations, giving Coconut Grove a character unlike anywhere else in Miami. While many trees remain protected, longtime residents have expressed concern about the loss of portions of the Grove’s mature tree canopy as redevelopment continues. Each loss is deeply felt, not only because of their beauty, but because they are living landmarks that connect the Grove’s past to its future.

Today, luxury has become part of Coconut Grove’s identity. Elegant restaurants, sophisticated residences, designer boutiques, and Class A office spaces are bringing a new era of prosperity. Growth itself is not the enemy. Successful communities evolve, and investment can strengthen neighborhoods when it respects what already exists.

But growth should never come at the expense of the community, and natural beauty, that gave the Grove its character.

There is an irony many longtime residents point to: people are drawn to Coconut Grove for its authenticity, while those who helped shape that character often face increasing financial pressure to remain. As familiar storefronts disappear, longtime residents relocate, and pieces of the historic tree canopy are lost, the Village risks becoming beautiful in a different way, but less personal, less shaded by history, and less rooted in the identity that made it so special.

A neighborhood can gain new buildings overnight.

Its soul takes generations to create.

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing Coconut Grove is not deciding how tall the next building should be or which luxury brand arrives next. It is deciding whether there will still be room for the people, and the natural landscape, whose stories shaped this community long before it became one of South Florida’s most coveted addresses.

Because once those stories are gone, they rarely return.

The Grove will undoubtedly continue to evolve. New businesses will open, new families will arrive, and new chapters will be written. The hope is that the Village can embrace the future without forgetting the importance of its people, places, and trees that have long defined its identity.

After all, the Grove is not defined by its buildings. It is defined by the people, the history, and the canopy that make it feel like home.

After all, the Grove is not defined by its buildings. It is defined by its mature tree canopy and the people who call it home.

The post When the Village No Longer Feels Like Home appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

This year’s theme, “Voyage to Vizcaya: A Caravel Dream,” cast the evening in a maritime haze of nostalgia and fantasy. The concept paid homage to the seafaring stories woven into Vizcaya’s legacy—from founder James Deering’s 1916 journey to Miami aboard the yacht Nepenthe to the nautical motifs etched into the estate’s architecture. Everywhere guests turned, the night echoed with the imagery of shells, coral, and graceful caravels.

Co-chaired by Christina and David Martin together with Nancy McCormick and Ray Rasco, the event underscored the importance of supporting one of Miami’s most treasured landmarks. “Vizcaya has always been a place where Miami’s past, present, and future converge,” noted Joel Hoffman, Executive Director of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. “The Vizcaya Ball not only honors this history but also ensures we can continue to preserve and share the estate with generations to come.”

Guests made their entrance along a shimmering blue carpet, leading straight into the Main House transformed with sea-inspired décor that struck a perfect balance between Old World glamour and coastal whimsy. The Courtyard soon filled with the energy of the cocktail reception, featuring live performances by LID Music Entertainment and New Century Dance. Attendees mingled among maritime vignettes and previewed a curated auction benefiting Vizcaya’s mission.

As twilight settled over Biscayne Bay, the celebration moved to the East Terrace for a waterfront dinner crafted by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design. With the Stone Barge silhouetted just offshore, diners enjoyed a scene that felt both cinematic and quintessentially Miami. Later, the Valerie Tyson Trio ignited the dance floor, carrying the festivities late into the night as the bay breeze drifted through the terrace.

The 2025 Ball Committee brought together a vibrant group of community leaders and supporters, including Beatriz Bolton, Suzy Buckley Woodward, Elizabeth Costa de Rusch, Swanee DiMare, Natalie Estrella, Roxana Garciga, Sonia Gibson, John Grisham, Camila Guiribitey, Marile Lopez, Linda Lynn Levy, Christina Martin, Sheila Martinez, Nancy McCormick, Bronwyn Miller, Ken O’Keefe, Cammy Richards, Yvonne Rosemeir, Lydia Touzet, and Josie Wang.

This year’s premier sponsors—Citadel & Citadel Securities, Ken O’Keefe and Jason Stephens, Kenneth C. Griffin, and Lynn Atkinson and David Drucker—played an essential role in making the event possible. Republic National Distributing Company supported the evening as Beverage Sponsor.

The funds raised will directly fuel Vizcaya’s restoration initiatives as well as its growing array of community programming, ensuring the historic estate remains a vibrant cultural hub for Miami.

Ray Rasco, Nancy McCormick, Christina Martin & David Martin

Christina Martin

David Martin & Jon Kessler

Joel Hoffman, Daniella Levine Cava & Ken O’Keefe

The post 68th Annual Vizcaya Ball Raises $1.4M appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens today announced a landmark $20 million gift from philanthropist and Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, marking a defining moment in Vizcaya’s next chapter of restoration and renewal. This extraordinary commitment will support the ongoing revitalization of Vizcaya’s historic campus and jump-start the organization’s major fundraising campaign.

This remarkable gift will result in the creation of a new Center for Learning and Discovery at the Vizcaya Village. Located in the picturesque courtyard and four historic buildings that originally housed Vizcaya’s barns and stables, the Center will feature educational programming for students, families, and visitors—including hands-on artmaking and urban-agriculture experiences—galvanizing Vizcaya’s role as a cultural and community hub.

In addition to $20 million in capital support, Vizcaya and Griffin will pursue the process to relocate and open to the public Villa Serena—the 1913 home built for former U.S. Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan—along with a $5 million endowment to preserve the structure in perpetuity. The building would move to the southern portion of Vizcaya Village, in close proximity to its original site, where it would be open to the public for the first time in 111 years and help place Villa Serena in the context of local and national history. The updated master plan and the potential relocation of Villa Serena are subject to public review and approval by Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami, and other local regulatory entities.

“This is a transformative moment for Vizcaya,” said Joel Hoffman, Executive Director and CEO of Vizcaya. “Ken Griffin’s extraordinary $20 million gift will accelerate our vision for Vizcaya Village as a center for education, history, and community engagement. The potential to bring Villa Serena into that story makes this moment even more meaningful. Built just years apart by neighbors who shaped early twentieth-century America, Villa Serena and Vizcaya together provide new opportunities for public access, preservation, and civic engagement.”

“Vizcaya’s vision for a vibrant Village will connect Miami to its remarkable past and inspire what’s possible for its future,” said Ken Griffin. “Its expansion will bring history to life in new ways, sparking curiosity, creativity, and connection across our community. I’m proud to support an institution that reflects Miami’s spirit—its history, ambition, and enduring drive to create something extraordinary.”

Together, these commitments will catalyze Vizcaya’s forthcoming fundraising campaign, advancing the institution’s comprehensive master plan and funding major restoration projects, while supporting plans that could establish Villa Serena as a new public amenity within Vizcaya Village—where history, education, and community come together. As South Florida’s best-known and most-visited historic house museum—with nearly 400,000 visitors annually—Vizcaya is well positioned to preserve and interpret Villa Serena for future generations.

Vizcaya’s Next Chapter

Building on substantial Miami-Dade County investments and nearly two years of master planning with renowned preservation and landscape architects Beyer Blinder Belle, Nelson Byrd Woltz, and Heritage Landscapes, Vizcaya is advancing a phased plan to:

• Restore and enhance historic buildings and landscapes within the Village,
• Expand educational and community programs for residents and visitors, and
• Reimagine Vizcaya Village as a vibrant cultural destination for Miami.

At the heart of this vision is “The Field,” a new edible garden conceived as a symbolic and programmatic focal point for the southern portion of the Village—evoking Vizcaya’s agricultural roots and inviting broader community engagement.

“Vizcaya is entering its second century with renewed purpose and ambition,” said Ken O’Keefe, Chair of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Trust Board of Trustees. “This commitment brings together public investment and private philanthropy to safeguard Miami’s history and accelerate the Village’s evolution as a vibrant public space for our entire community.”

Villa Serena: A Historic Gift for Miami’s Future

The opportunity to transform Villa Serena into an accessible public asset, following its long history as a private residence seen by few, is inspired by and aligned with the trajectory of Vizcaya, which was itself transformed from a private home to a community resource more than 70 years ago.

If the relocation of Villa Serena to Vizcaya Village is approved, it would be fully funded by Griffin and overseen by nationally recognized preservation architects, engineers, conservators, and contractors. The proposed relocation would move the 1913 home just blocks from its current site and integrate it at a prominent entry point to Vizcaya Village, where it would be highly visible and accessible to the public. The project would enable Vizcaya to expand its educational and cultural programming and create new public gathering spaces for social and civic exchange in the spirit of the Bryan family’s historic use of their home.

The proposed relocation would also bring together the legacies of James Deering (1859-1925) and William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925)—prominent contemporaries whose ideas, ambitions, and worldviews helped define our nation and our city. Utilizing the relocated Villa Serena, Vizcaya would provide a rigorous framework for interpreting Bryan’s multifaceted legacy—his visionary civic ideals alongside his deeply complicated views on issues such as imperialism and war, science and religion, and race relations—inviting thoughtful examination of how these tensions shaped his era and continue to resonate today.

As with all significant changes to the campus, the proposed relocation would be subject to review and approval by Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami (including its Historic and Environmental Preservation Board), and other regulatory entities. If approved, Villa Serena would become a public asset—owned by Miami-Dade County and managed by Vizcaya—ensuring its long-term preservation and public benefit.

In addition to donating the home, Griffin would also provide a separate $5 million endowment to ensure Villa Serena’s long-term care, programming, and public access—without reliance on taxpayer funding.

Together, Griffin’s $20 million gift, proposed $5 million endowment, and donation of Villa Serena—along with Vizcaya’s renewed master plan—represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve Miami’s history and create a world-class cultural campus that will serve the community for decades to come.

About Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Miami, originally built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter estate of James Deering. Open as a public museum since 1953, this European-inspired estate welcomes 400,000 visitors annually and includes a Main House filled with decorative arts, 10 acres of formal gardens, native forests, and mangrove shores.   

On the west side of the campus, the historic Vizcaya Village, which offers a Sunday farmers market and new Village Café, is being restored to support new community programs, including urban agriculture. 

Located at 3251 South Miami Avenue (with the Village across the street at 3250 South Miami Avenue), Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.vizcaya.org. 

Renderings by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners + NBW, with MAQE

The post Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Announces Landmark $20 Million Gift from Ken Griffin and Extraordinary Opportunity to Provide Public Access to Historic Villa Serena in Vizcaya Village appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

Coconut Grove’s vibrant art scene comes alive once again as the beloved Art Walk returns on Sunday, May 18, inviting art lovers and the community to explore creativity at every corner. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fuller Street will be filled with artistic energy, offering a full day of live music, art exhibitions, sidewalk sales, and special promotions at local galleries and businesses.

With 20+ local artists showcasing their work, this monthly celebration is more than an art stroll—it’s an immersive cultural experience. Featured artists include renowned talents such as Peter Studl (pictured above), Trina Collins, Barbara Tejada, and Margaret McCue, whose pieces promise to inspire and spark conversation.

The event weaves together the essence of Coconut Grove’s eclectic spirit, blending fine art with community connection. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the artists, enjoy curated exhibitions, and discover unique treasures among the vibrant sidewalk sales and gallery events.

Whether you’re an art collector, a casual enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day out, the Art Walk in the Grove is a perfect way to support local creatives and soak in the cultural richness of one of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods.

Mark your calendar for May 18, and don’t miss this colorful celebration of local artistry in the heart of Coconut Grove!  

Where: 3035 Fuller Street
Pictured with his pet: Peter Studl, renowned Austrian/American abstract painter and sculptor at Artistic Luxury.

The post Sunday Art Walk in the Grove appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

Coconut Grove enthusiasts and artists came together to bring theater back to the Grove, launching with electrifying energy as the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival opened its inaugural season with the deeply moving production of Liberty City Vignettes — written by Lolita Stewart-White and directed by Hattie Mae Williams. Rehearsals for the production were graciously hosted by Elizabeth Boone, Artistic and Executive Director of Miami Light Project, whose support helped bring this important story to life.

The opening night performance drew a packed and emotionally charged audience, setting the tone for a festival rooted in culture, community, and truth. Told through a series of poetic vignettes, the play follows 14-year-old Liberty City Red and her neighborhood as they confront the threat of being removed from the Pork N Beans Public Housing Projects — a visceral exploration of redlining, displacement, and redevelopment in Miami’s historic Liberty Square.

The performance, rich in rhythm and poetic storytelling, resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom were visibly moved by the raw emotion and cultural authenticity on stage. The cast received a standing ovation, and the night was punctuated with post-show conversations about community resilience and the power of place and unity.

“This play is a rallying cry,” said festival organizers. “It reminds us that storytelling is a vital act of resistance, and Coconut Grove is once again a home for voices that matter.”

Liberty City Vignettes marks a triumphant beginning for the festival, honoring Miami’s Black history and spotlighting local talent through a production that is as timely as it is timeless.

The festival continues throughout the weekend with more performances and events. For full schedule and tickets, visit https://www.cgtfest.com/.

Festival Director William Hector welcoming guests

Jessica de Vreeze and Geraldine Guardia

Sherill Martin handing out the program

Ariel Cipolla discussing the plays with volunteers at the Women’s Club of Coconut Grove

From left to right: David Hepburn, Arsimmer McCoy, Evelaure Denis, Nikki Floyd, Deana Butler-Rahming, Randy Coleman, Brette-Raia Curah, Hattie Mae Willams, Irvans Augustin, Lolita Stewart-White

From left to right: Hattie Mae Williams, Elizabeth Boone, Lolita Stewart-White

Download All Photo Gallery

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Iconic 1960s-inspired evening raises vital funds for historic preservation at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens hosted its 67th Annual Vizcaya Ball, a black-tie event celebrating the late 1960s-inspired theme, “Vizcaya Royale.” This year’s event welcomed more than 360 prominent Miami philanthropists and society leaders to the National Historic Landmark, raising critical funds to preserve the estate and share its cultural resources with our community.

“The Vizcaya Ball is a treasured tradition that celebrates Miami’s cultural heritage while ensuring Vizcaya remains a beacon of history and inspiration for future generations,” said Joel Hoffman, Executive Director of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

The evening began with a pink-carpet welcome at Vizcaya’s Main House, where guests arrived in vintage-inspired evening gowns and tailored tuxedos, channeling the refined glamour of the late 1960s. A lively cocktail reception filled the historic Courtyard, as live classical music set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Guests mingled while browsing an exquisite collection of auction items, all in support of Vizcaya’s preservation mission.

The celebration continued with a waterfront dinner prepared by Thierry Catering and Event Design, offering views of Vizcaya’s iconic Stone Barge and the glittering Biscayne Bay. Entertainment by the Valerie Tyson Band and a captivating dance performance by the New Century Dance Company elevated the energy as guests took to the dance floor under a canopy of stars.

This year’s Vizcaya Ball was co-chaired by esteemed patrons Nancy McCormick and Ray Rasco, along with Alexa and Adam Wolman, supported by a prestigious Ball Committee: Tatiana Arteaga Teo, Suzy Buckley Woodward, Eilah Campbell-Beavers, Elizabeth Costa de Rusch, Swanee DiMare, Sandra Fiorenza, Roxana Garciga, Sonia Gibson, John Grisham, Camila Guiribitey, Cathy Jones, Marile Lopez, Linda Lynn Levy, Christy Martin, Sheila Martinez, Nancy McCormick, Ken O’Keefe, Cammy Richards, Yvonne Rosemeier and Josie Wang.

Premier Sponsor included Citadel & Citadel Securities and Griffin Catalyst. Presenting Sponsors included Lynn Atkinson and David Drucker, Guiribitey Family Foundation, Nancy McCormick and Ray Rasco, Ken O’Keefe and Jason Stephens. Republic National Distributing Company was the Beverage Sponsor with Logistic Events as the Decor Sponsor.

Proceeds from the Vizcaya Ball will directly fund the ongoing preservation of the Vizcaya estate and the innovative community programs hosted within in.

ABOUT VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark that preserves its cultural and environmental resources to engage people in connecting with the past, understanding the present and shaping the future. Built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter home of farming manufacturer James Deering, Vizcaya is one of the most intact remaining examples from this era in the United States, when the nation’s most successful entrepreneur-built estates were inspired by the stately homes of Europe. Vizcaya features a Main House filled with a decorative art collection, 10 acres of formal gardens, a rockland hammock (native forest), and mangrove shore. The estate also includes the historic Vizcaya Village, which is being restored to tell Vizcaya’s full story and provide additional spaces for programs and community outreach, including urban farming initiatives. Vizcaya has been a community hub since it opened to the public in 1953; it welcomes 300,000 visitors annually.

Located on Biscayne Bay at 3251 South Miami Avenue, Vizcaya is open Wednesday through Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.vizcaya.org, connect via social media, or call 305-250-9133.

Photos courtesy World Red Eye

John Grisham, Michele Toth, William Caldwell, Lisa Cotton, David Cotton & Fredy Santirzo

Jonathan McClure, Michale Narciso, Jason Stevens, & Jonathan Garcia

John Grishman, Taylor Ware, Harry Tapias, & Julia Kurzawa

Estefania Diaz-Balart & Marcelle Acosta-Rubio

Dariel & Carolina Fernandez, Pedro & Tatiana Guiribitey, Congressman Maria Elvira Salazar, & Rey Anthony

Daniel & Estefania Diaz-Balart, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Laurie Jennings, & Josh Salman 008

Christine & Peter Winn

Carol Lacovelli, Christy Martin, & Suzy Buckley Woodward

Brandon & Catherine Cross, Howard Stone, Marc Hoen, Miriam Stone, & Margarita Hoen

Andrew & Karina Lozan, Estefania & Daniel Diaz-Balart

Andres Gil & Diego Sandoval 036-Edit

Allen & Mary Carter, & Robert & Roberta Green 074

Adrian Novello, Jeffrey Mikim, Commissioner Damian Pardo, Terry Castellano, Robert & Roberta Green, Don Slesnick, Debbie Turner, Mary & Allen Carter, Micheal & Monica Granovsky

Laura Fagan & Shawn Fagan

Lynn Atkinson & Joel Hoffman

Eilah Beavers, Suzy Buckley Woodward, Alexa Wolman, Carol Iacovelli & Christy Martin

Lynn Atkinson & Ken O’Keefe

Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard & Joel Hoffman

Daniella Levine Cava & Ken O’Keefe

Patricia Guiribitey, Camila Guiribitey & Tatiana Arteaga-Teo

Patricia Guiribitey & Camila Guiribitey

Adam Wolman, Alexa Wolman, Nancy McCormick & Ray Rasco

Adam Wolman, Alexa Wolman, Nancy McCormick & Ray Rasco

Alexa Wolman & Nancy McCormick

Camila Guiribitey & Jarad Gibson Gonzalez

Yvonne Rosemeir & Alexa Wolman

Nancy McCormick & Yvonne Rosemeir

Nancy McCormick & Alexa Wolman

Taylor Ware & Nancy McCormick

Tatiana Arteaga-Teo, Marile Lopez & Jenni Coba

Marile Lopez & Jorge Luis Lopez

Diego Gabaldon, Michael Wang, Betty Ashinne & Josie Wang

Jon Batchelor, David Martin, Adrian Novello, Commissioner Damian Pardo & Rudy Touzet

Nancy McCormick & Elizabeth Costa de Rusch

Nancy Batchelor & Suzy Buckley Woodward

Jon Batchelor, Suzy Buckley Woodward, Nancy Batchelor & Ben Beavers

Swanee DiMare & Sonia Gibson

Eilah Beavers & Lydia Touzet

Tatiana Arteaga-Teo & Jarad Gibson Gonzalez

John Grisham, Michele Toth, William Caldwell, Lisa Cotton, David Cotton & Fredy Santirzo

Marcia Hayes & Dan Prigmore

Eilah Beavers & Ben Beavers

Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard & Morten Aagaard

Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard & Morten Aagaard

Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard & Joel Hoffman

Ken O’Keefe & Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

Ken O’Keefe & Julia Quinn

Tom & Susan Abraham 010

Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard & Laurie Jennings

Roxana Garciga-Hayden, Sean Hayden, & Dr. Nadia Valdes

Miriam & Horward Stone 050

Lynn Atkinson & Chris Hunt 055

Loni Drody & Susan Kahn 029

Linda Levy & Niah Goldberg 025

The post Vizcaya Ball 2024 appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

The grand opening of the newly restored Vizcaya Village Café on Sunday, November 10, was a memorable celebration, with a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. The ceremony, which took place during the bustling Vizcaya Village Farmers Market, marked a new chapter for the beloved Coconut Grove, offering a fresh experience for visitors to the iconic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., was attended by locals and tourists alike, all eager to explore the revitalized café and enjoy its beautiful new setting. The café’s modern, yet charming design blends seamlessly with the historic architecture and lush gardens of the estate, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon.

As part of the festivities, guests were invited to sample food and drinks, many of which were sourced from local vendors at the adjacent farmers market. The popular market, which offers a range of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique products, was bustling with activity, making it the perfect complement to the café’s reopening.

The newly renovated café is expected to become a favorite spot for visitors to unwind and enjoy refreshments after exploring the estate’s stunning gardens and historic spaces. With its scenic location and inviting atmosphere, it offers a welcoming place for both locals and tourists to experience the beauty and history of Vizcaya in a whole new way.

We look forward to seeing more of you at Vizcaya in the coming weeks, whether you’re coming for the café, the farmers market, or the iconic museum and gardens!

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Vizcaya Village Café Grand Opening appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

I am Michael Comras, Principal of The Comras Company of Florida. We have been developing and leasing in Miami for approximately 30 years. We represent landlords and tenants throughout the Tri-County area while seeking developments for our own account. Today we are in the heart of Coconut Grove,  in front of our latest  re-development, “The Canopy Offices in Coconut Grove.” The Canopy Offices are a part of  a 33,000 square foot building, which I developed approximately 25  years ago.

Is the building completed and ready to welcome new tenants?

We are completing the redevelopment which includes an updated façade, storefronts, landscape, lighting and building systems, contemporizing it for today’s vibrant Coconut Grove. The Canopy Offices are currently being built into boutique office suites, ranging in size from approximately 2,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet with 14-foot ceilings heights. Contemporary finishes include glass partitions, designer flooring, and lighting all to create an exciting work environment. Construction also includes new restrooms, elevators and air conditioning. We are pre-building all of the suites, to allow tenants the ease of moving in without delay. The office spaces will be completed in August of 2024 and we’re excited to bring in some new to market tenants. 

The office suites are located on the second floor while the third floor, penthouse office suite, provides for a semi private elevator access with a private rooftop deck, offering the ability to add your own private putting green. 

What types of businesses or tenants is The Canopy Offices in The Grove targeting, and what makes it an attractive opportunity?

We’ve recently signed leases with Acore Capital, a leading commercial real estate finance  company, which will  occupy  approximately 4,000 square feet and Trinity Investments, a private real estate investment firm, which will occupy approximately 3,000 square feet. We are actively seeking  financial services companies, hedge funds, and family offices, to provide the ideal co-tenancy. The ground floor has been re-merchandised to include Carrot Express, a wildly popular fast-casual restaurant, FedEx and One Medical, a primary care facility. 

What are the benefits of leasing space at The Canopy Offices and how does it differentiate itself from other commercial spaces in the area?

The benefit of leasing space at The Canopy is that it puts you in the heart of Coconut Grove, directly across from the newly renovated Cocowalk and Mayfair. It offers easy access to all restaurants, boutiques and hotels in the area and a contemporary environment, providing a great sense of place. Coconut Grove has evolved over the years to be an amazing  neighborhood  for locals and tourists to hang out. Coconut Grove is adjacent to Brickell, it’s a low scale, it’s authentic, and it’s amongst the oldest villages in Miami-Dade County. In fact,  it has recently been voted “one of the 30 coolest neighborhoods in the world” by TimeOut Magazine. People from all over love to come and experience the Grove lifestyle. It has really become the ultimate  “live work and play” environment.

Do you find the location convenient to support today’s busy lifestyles?

Coconut Grove is surrounded by schools. There are over 6,000 students who visit Coconut Grove daily, kindergarten through 12th grade, of which 3,200 are private schools. It really speaks to the convenience and demographics that surround the area. It’s really perfect for somebody who wants a convenient lifestyle. A day in the life becomes: dropping ones kids off at school, getting their lifestyle needs met at one of a number of the specialty fitness facilities in the area, going for breakfast, meeting their partner for brunch, going to their office, taking their kids to Cocowalk for a music lesson at the School of Rock, getting their haircut at The Spot, eating some pizza at Mister01, grabbing an ice cream at the Salt & Straw and shopping the  boutiques. 

What amenities and facilities The Canopy Offices offer to tenants?

The best amenities of the building include its prime location and contemporary design with large windows on the second and third levels, providing great views over the magnificent canopy of trees. This led us to come up with the name “The Canopy Offices.” As you sit in your office, you’ll be able to see the beautiful green outside your window and capture the energy of what Coconut Grove is all about. The lobby will be finished with a hospitality feel and include a seating area with a concierge. Another attractive feature about The Canopy Offices, while they are at the center of everything, the offices will be very private and exclusive. This will ensure a carefully curated mix of tenants.  

How is The Canopy Offices designed to foster a collaborative and vibrant business community among its tenants?

By creating a very secure, upscale environment in the heart of the Grove, we can provide a platform for companies looking to distinguish themselves. We are seeing tenants embrace the project and want to be part of something unique.

How does The Canopy Offices address sustainability and environmental considerations, if at all, in its design and operations?

As we design, we  focus on adding  sustainable materials and systems to the property. We’ve taken a building that  was  designed 25 years ago and brought it up to a state of the art facility, very fitting of the Grove. 

The scale of the building is two and a half stories and it fits well within the village context. We are really excited about the way the project has been received,  the interest from tenants, other landlords, residents and the Village of Coconut Grove.

Michael Comras shares insights with our Editor at Carrot Express, one of the tenants of the building.

A view of the building from across the street.

Pre-construction view of the 2nd floor of The Canopy Offices

Stunning view from the 2nd floor of the greenery and beauty of the Grove’s main Grand Avenue.

The post Michael Comras Exclusive Interview appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

In the heart of Coconut Grove, Miami, a transformation is underway. What was once a bustling 24 Hour Fitness center, owned, in part, by none other than the legendary Shaquille O’Neal, has now evolved into a dynamic commercial space known as The Canopy Offices of the Grove. Michael Comras, a prominent figure in the local real estate scene, sheds light on this exciting redevelopment project in a recent transcript.

The Canopy Offices, a brainchild of Comras and his team at The Comras Company marks a significant shift in the landscape of Coconut Grove. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Comras highlights the journey from conception to completion of this 33,000 square foot marvel. Originally developed 25 years ago, the building has undergone extensive renovations, including façade updates and modern storefronts, to align with contemporary aesthetics and the green vibe of Coconut Grove.

But what sets The Canopy Offices apart is not just its structural transformation—it’s the vision behind it. Comras emphasizes the focus on creating a vibrant community hub, catering to both commercial and recreational needs. The building now offers move-in ready office spaces ranging from 2,000 to 12,000 square feet, with completion slated for August 2024.

Recent signings with Acore Capital,  a leading commercial real estate finance  company  and  Trinity Investments, a private real estate investment firm, provide an idea of the caliber of tenants The Canopy Offices aims to attract. From hedge funds to private family offices, the space promises a diverse mix of businesses, complemented by ground-floor amenities which include  Carrot Express, FedEx, One Medical, and adjacent to the building, is soon to open Pura Vida.

However, the allure of The Canopy Offices extends beyond its commercial offerings. Nestled in Coconut Grove, a locale renowned for its authentic charm and rich history, the building enjoys proximity to boutique retail outlets and dining establishments. Its strategic location, directly across from the newly renovated CocoWalk, adds to its appeal, providing easy access to the vibrant pulse of the neighborhood.

As Comras elaborates, “Coconut Grove isn’t just a place—it’s an experience”. From its natural landscape surroundings to its thriving community, it’s no wonder it’s been dubbed “one of the 30 coolest neighborhoods in the world” by TimeOut magazine. With an influx of residents from around the country and the globe, Coconut Grove has emerged as an epicenter of live, work, and play lifestyles.

Moreover, The Canopy’s proximity to schools underscores its appeal to families, with over 6,000 students traversing the area daily. This demographic diversity reflects the broader ethos of Coconut Grove—a place where work seamlessly blends with leisure, and where every need is catered to within arm’s reach.

The Canopy Offices aren’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about fostering a sense of community. 

Comras envisions a space where tenants can move right in and thrive without the hassle of ongoing construction disruptions. With high ceilings, new restrooms, and state-of-the-art facilities, The Canopy in the Grove aims to provide a conducive environment for productivity and collaboration.

But perhaps what truly sets The Canopy Offices in the Grove apart is its commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. By repurposing an existing structure and aligning with the village’s architectural context, the project exemplifies responsible development—a nod to Coconut Grove’s ethos of preserving its natural beauty.

In essence, The Canopy Offices represents more than just a building—it’s a testament to the evolution of Coconut Grove. From its original occupancy as a 24-Hour Fitness center to its current incarnation as a thriving commercial hub, it symbolizes progress, innovation, and community spirit. And as tenants prepare to move in and businesses set up shop, one thing is clear: The Canopy Offices in the Grove is poised to redefine Coconut Grove Village  for years to come.

The post Former 24 Hour Fitness Building Transforms into The Canopy Offices, a Commercial Hub in the heart of Coconut Grove appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

We are thrilled to announce a significant tribute to one of America’s most influential figures in environmental conservation and women’s advocacy, Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Hulu is renewing its commitment to help to balance the gender disparities in public art with Made by Her: Monuments.

In partnership with visual artist Saya Woolfalk, city officials and estate representatives, Hulu commissions a public monument representing the contributions of the historic female figure, a journalist and conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas. In partnership with the Coconut Grove community, Hulu has chosen the lovely Coconut Grove’s Peacock Park to honor her role in our history and to help balance the ratio of male to female statues in the United States.

Copyright Rendering: Hulu

Marjory Stoneman Douglas, born on April 7, 1890, was not only an American journalist and author but also a steadfast champion of the Everglades, advocating fiercely against efforts to drain and develop this natural wonder. Her seminal work, “The Everglades: River of Grass” (1947), reshaped public perception of the Everglades, presenting it as a precious river ecosystem rather than a mere swamp. Often likened to Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking “Silent Spring” (1962), Douglas’ work sparked a conservation movement that continues to resonate today.

In 1947, Marjory Stoneman Douglas ignited a pivotal era of change with the publication of her influential book, “The Everglades: River of Grass.” This groundbreaking text redefined Florida’s environmental history, portraying the Everglades as a vital source of freshwater crucial for both inhabitants and wildlife. That same year, Douglas stood witness to the dedication of Everglades National Park by President Harry Truman on December 6th.

Throughout the following decades, Douglas wore many hats—as an activist, writer, and advocate. Collaborating with figures like Coconut Grove landscape architect Ernest Coe and congresswoman Ruth Bryan Owen, she played a pivotal role in the preservation of Florida’s natural wonders.

In the 1950s and 60s, Douglas’s literary output flourished, with notable works such as “Road to the Sun” (1951), “Freedom River” (1952), and “Florida the Long Frontier” (1953). Her commitment to environmental causes earned her prestigious awards, including the Thomas Barbour Medal for Conservation and the Medal of Freedom from President Clinton in 1993.

Even in her later years, Douglas remained an unwavering advocate, rallying support for various environmental initiatives and legislation. Her organization, “The Friends of the Everglades,” fought tirelessly to protect the region’s water resources and delicate ecosystems.

On May 14, 1998, at the age of 108, Marjory Stoneman Douglas passed away peacefully at her home in Coconut Grove, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and passion for Florida and its natural wonders.

Copyright Rendering: Hulu

In her memory, let us continue to cherish and safeguard the precious landscapes she fought so tirelessly to preserve. Marjory Stoneman Douglas, a beacon of conservation and advocacy, will forever be remembered as a true friend of Florida and her Everglades.

This monument, nestled within the serene oak hammock of Miami’s Peacock Park, stands as a testament to Douglas’ enduring legacy. Just moments away from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas House, visitors will find themselves surrounded by the tranquility of nature—a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to its preservation.

As we gather to honor Marjory Stoneman Douglas and her contributions to our environment and society, let us also reflect on the importance of preserving our natural treasures for generations to come. May this monument serve as a reminder of her indomitable spirit and inspire future generations to protect and cherish our planet.

The University of Miami Department of Special Collections holds the Marjory Stoneman Douglas archives and have curated an exhibition honoring her work and legacies. Special Collections also houses “Stoneman Adjacent” collections reflecting environmental issues and causes in South Florida. 

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