The country’s top developers, brokers, architects and other industry professionals showed up in force for The Real Deal‘s annual South Florida showcase and forum, which brought together more than 4,000 real estate enthusiasts and served as a platform to highlight some of the region’s hottest projects.
Hiten Samtani, The Real Deal‘s managing web editor, sat down with some of these key players — including Richard LeFrak, Don Peebles, Alicia Cervera, Edgardo Defortuna and Daniel de la Vega — to gauge what’s next for the region’s current condo boom, why growing construction costs are worrying developers and how Miami architecture is influencing design worldwide. Here are some highlights from the conversations.
Richard LeFrak
New York City real estate titan Richard LeFrak describes how foreign buyers are shaping Miami real estate, and why global capital piqued his interest in the South Florida market.
Don Peebles
After years of development in New York City, Don Peebles explains why he’s shifting his focus to South Florida real estate.
Alicia Cervera
Alicia Cervera, managing partner of Cervera Real Estate, shares insight into some her firm’s upcoming projects, including a 370-unit tower in the Brickell area.
Edgardo Defortuna
Fortune International Group CEO Edgardo Defortuna talks about his latest project in Sunny Isles, how the downturn has affected sales in South Florida’s real estate market and “selling the dream.”
Daniel de la Vega
One Sotheby’s International president Daniel de la Vega dishes on Brickell City Centre and the Zaha Hadid-designed 1000 Museum tower.
Click here for more videos from The Real Deal‘s South Florida forum and showcase. — Kerry Barger