Chetrit revives $1 billion Miami River megaproject with Groot’s touch

New York real estate developer Chetrit Group is reviving a long-planned $1 billion real estate project in Brickell, teaming up with Miami nightclub impresario David Grutman.

Why it matters: The 4 million-square-foot project — which was first approved in 2015 and has a design inspired by the beachfront walkways of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro — will bring housing, retail and a marina to the area, effectively creating its own district.

Details: The River District development is planned on six acres of waterfront south of the Miami River, between I-95, SW Second Avenue and Jose Marti Park.

• The project is centered around four skyscrapers: an office tower, a luxury condominium tower and two rental apartment towers. Combined, they will bring 1,600 residential units to the area.

What they’re saying: Groot Hospitality founder David Grutman — who’s developed Miami hotspots including the Goodtime Hotel, nightclubs LIV and Story and numerous restaurants — said in a statement that the Brickell project will include some of his company’s “existing concepts.”

• They’ll also try some new ideas “across residential, restaurant and entertainment spaces,” Grutman said.

“We really think Miami is a market that’s here to stay,” developer Michael Chetrit, whose family company has been involved in major real estate projects around the world, told Bloomberg.

Of note: Chetrit Group is moving to redevelop the Hollywood Beach Resort.

Look ahead: Construction is underway on the first rental tower and retail buildings.

• The condo is slated to break ground in early 2023 and be completed in 2026.