$850 Million Miami condo-hotel could rise 82 storie
Sonesta International Hotels Corp. is set to partner with Mint Developers to build The James Hotel & Residences Miami, a 82-story luxury development in the city's downtown. The project is expected to cost $850 million and is slated for completion by January 2028.
The tower, designed with an intricate bracelet-style façade, will feature 336 fully furnished residences, with about 200 units offered through a hotel leaseback program. The development aims to provide residents and guests with unparalleled luxury and modern sophistication.
Amenities will include a spa, private cabanas with plunge pools, snow and rain rooms, and a variety of dining options, including a luxury rooftop bar. A fourstory private club will also be part of the development, with members gaining access to The James Hotel in Miami Beach.
“The James Hotel & Residences Miami represents an exciting opportunity in our efforts to expand Sonesta’s presence in [the] top 25 metropolitan areas in the U.S.” Sonesta Chief Development Officer Brian Quinn said. “This unique project embodies the modern sophistication and dynamic energy that will define The James brand.”
Daniel Berman, president and CEO of AD1 Group and leader of Mint Developers, confirmed that the initial round of funding is secured.
Residential sales are expected to begin in the second quarter of this year, with groundbreaking projected for the first quarter of 2026.
Sonesta is also providing key money to support the project, and Sonesta Travel Pass members will have exclusive access to the sales offer.
The developers declined to disclose the address for the highly anticipated project.
ODP Business Solutions wins major Contract
ODP Business Solutions, a division of The ODP Corp. (Nasdaq: ODP), was selected for a potential $500 million, multiyear furniture contract with Region 4 Education Service Center.
The deal, announced Feb. 4, allows ODP to supply furniture and related services to educational and government institutions nationwide.
“We understand that the right learning and working environment can boost productivity and inspire students, educators and administrators,” ODP Business Solutions President David Centrella said. “Our Workspace Interiors team is dedicated to delivering innovative and flexible solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern spaces.”
The contract, facilitated through Omnia Partners, allows K-12 schools, higher Sonesta, Mint Developers plan James Hotel Miami tower - South Florida Business Journal 4/8/25, 8:33 AM https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2025/02/23/sonesta-mint-developers-plan-miami-james-hotel.html Page 3 of 4 education institutions and local government agencies to access flexible furniture solutions, installation and related services while ensuring procurement compliance.
Jorgannie Carter, chief of finance and business services at Region 4 ESC, noted: “Our contract with ODP Business Solutions will allow us to optimize our resources and continue providing schools and professionals with high-quality, affordable products.”
This contract adds to ODP Business Solutions’ growing portfolio of public sector contracts. The company also announced a $1.5 billion deal with an unnamed strategic reseller in November.
Tri-Rail hits ridership milestone
Tri-Rail surpassed 4 million annual riders in 2024 for the first time since 2019, reporting 4.4 million trips.
The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority highlighted the milestone, stating it reflects a steady recovery from pandemic-era declines and ongoing service improvements across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Weekday ridership averaged 15,000 passengers, with weekends reaching 8,000. A single-day record of 10,129 trips was set Feb. 24.
Service expansions, such as a new connection to MiamiCentral Station and express services, contributed to the increase. Additionally, Tri-Rail’s on-time performance reached 93.6% in December, a notable improvement.
Tri-Rail’s success follows Brightline’s growth, which saw a 35% ridership boost in 2024.
Marci Woodward, Palm Beach County commissioner and SFRTA board chair, said the authority aims to further enhance mobility and the rider experience while expanding service to meet demand.