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Long-delayed North Miami development lands big Wells Fargo loan

An ambitious, long-in-the-works project to turn one of the largest remaining parcels of undeveloped land in South Florida into a planned community just took a step closer to fruition.

Wells Fargo & Company has made a $101 million HUD-insured loan to SM Multifamily LLC, the developer of two luxury, 17-story residential towers with a total of 400 units and attached parking garage.

The towers will be part of the first phase of SoLeMia Miami, the 183-acre master-planned community in North Miami being developed by Oleta Partners LLC, a joint venture between two well-capitalized and experienced developers, Turnberry Associates and LeFrak.

“It is a pleasure to be part of this important development through our work with long-time clients, LeFrak and Turnberry Associates,” said Alan Wiener, head of Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital, in a statement. “This initial residential project will jump start an important mixed-use development, which will generate sustained long-term economic development in Miami for many years to come.”

When completed, SoLeMia is expected to include more than 4,300 residential units, a hotel, a 10-acre lagoon, beaches, shops and restaurants. The entire project is expected to take 15 years and two development cycles to fully build out.

“These luxury residential rental towers are the first phase of an important project that will bring opportunity, vibrancy and economic growth to the area,” said Turnberry Associates co-chairman and CEO Jeff Soffer in a statement.

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