Major Healthcare and Retail Leasing Activity Transforms South Florida Commercial Landscape
Healthcare Giant Secures Significant Coral Gables Office Space
In a strategic expansion move that signals continued growth in South Florida's healthcare sector, Nicklaus Children's Hospital has finalized a substantial lease agreement at the prestigious Columbus Center in Coral Gables. The renowned pediatric healthcare institution, led by CEO Matthew A. Love, has secured 67,700 square feet of office space at 1 Alhambra Plaza, according to Cushman & Wakefield's first quarter office report for Miami-Dade County.
This significant lease comes at a pivotal time for Columbus Center, which consists of a 14-story building and an eight-story building. The complex recently emerged from financial challenges after Tourmaline Capital Partners, a Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania-based firm led by Brandon Huffman, acquired the property out of foreclosure for $76 million in March 2025. The substantial healthcare tenant could help stabilize the property's financial outlook while providing Nicklaus Children's Hospital with a centrally located administrative hub.
Wellness Manufacturing Boosts Palm Beach County Industrial Market
The Palm Beach County industrial real estate sector received a significant boost as GummyWorks, a vitamin gummies manufacturer, unveiled its new 100,000-square-foot production facility. Located at 386 North Haverhill Road in an unincorporated area of Palm Beach County, the facility is part of the Airport Logistics Park industrial complex.
According to the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, this substantial industrial lease represents a growing trend of manufacturing companies seeking strategic locations in South Florida with access to distribution channels. Property records indicate Palm Beach County owns the industrial complex, with McCraney Property Company serving as a tenant.
The addition of GummyWorks to the region aligns with Palm Beach County's efforts to diversify its economic base beyond traditional sectors. The manufacturing facility is expected to create new employment opportunities while strengthening the county's position in the health and wellness product manufacturing space.
Lifestyle Retailers Enhance North Miami Beach Mixed-Use Development
The Aura mixed-use project under construction in North Miami Beach has secured two significant retail tenants, further positioning the development as a lifestyle destination. Macken Companies and Trinsic Residential Group announced that Florentin Bakery has leased 2,800 square feet and Mimi Yoga has committed to 2,700 square feet at the development, located at 16955-17071 West Dixie Highway.
Barrett Wolf of Wolf Co. represented the landlords in both transactions and also represented Florentin Bakery. Luchy Hermoso of Coldwell Banker handled representation for Mimi Yoga in the leasing negotiations.
The eight-story Aura development, a collaboration between Hollywood-based family firm Macken and Dallas-based Trinsic, will feature 373 apartments alongside 17,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and an additional 9,000 square feet of exterior retail space. These recent leasing activities have brought the retail component to 60 percent occupancy before completion, demonstrating strong market demand for well-positioned retail space in mixed-use environments.
With construction expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025, these lifestyle-oriented retailers will contribute to creating a vibrant community atmosphere within the development, catering to residents' daily needs and wellness interests.
Corporate Relocations Continue to Favor Miami-Dade County
In a move that reinforces South Florida's growing appeal to corporate relocations, travel insurance firm Trawick International has established its new headquarters in Miami-Dade County's Kendall neighborhood. The company, led by Daryl Trawick, has leased 3,200 square feet at Dadeland Centre, located at 9155 South Dadeland Boulevard in an unincorporated area of the county.
Previously based in Fairhope, Alabama, Trawick International's relocation highlights the ongoing trend of companies choosing South Florida as their operational base. The 17-story Dadeland Centre office tower, developed by the Kendall-based family-owned Green Companies and completed in 2001, continues to attract quality tenants due to its strategic location and amenities.
Creative Industry Expands Footprint in Hollywood
The creative and digital media landscape in South Florida received a significant boost as New You Media launched an expansive production facility in Hollywood. New You Studio, spanning 9,500 square feet at 2880 Southwest 42nd Street, offers comprehensive multimedia production capabilities, including podcast recording, kitchen demonstrations, livestreaming, and both small and large LED wall productions.
Founded by Ken Meares, New You Media's investment in this versatile facility featuring a cyclorama wall and green room demonstrates growing confidence in South Florida's creative industry. The building housing this innovative studio is owned by Great Neck, New York-based entity CJ Partners Hollywood, according to property records.
This development comes as South Florida continues to attract media production companies seeking alternatives to traditional media hubs, with favorable business conditions and lifestyle benefits for creative professionals contributing to the trend.
Insights: South Florida Commercial Real Estate Trends
What factors are driving healthcare institutions to expand their commercial footprints in South Florida?
Healthcare organizations like Nicklaus Children's Hospital are expanding their administrative and clinical space to accommodate population growth and increased demand for specialized services. South Florida's favorable business climate, growing year-round population, and status as a healthcare destination for international patients all contribute to this trend. Additionally, modern healthcare delivery models often require more office space for administrative functions separate from clinical facilities.
How are mixed-use developments changing retail leasing strategies in the region?
Mixed-use projects like Aura in North Miami Beach are prioritizing experiential retail tenants such as bakeries and fitness studios that create community engagement and serve residents' daily needs. Developers recognize that successful mixed-use environments require complementary businesses that enhance residential appeal while creating natural foot traffic throughout the day. This approach has led to stronger pre-leasing performance, as evidenced by Aura's 60% retail occupancy before construction completion.
Why is Palm Beach County seeing increased interest from manufacturing companies?
Palm Beach County offers manufacturing companies like GummyWorks access to efficient distribution networks, a skilled workforce, and relatively lower costs compared to other parts of South Florida. The county's strategic location provides manufacturers with logistics advantages while economic development incentives make large-scale industrial leases more attractive. Additionally, health and wellness product manufacturing aligns with the county's demographic profile of health-conscious consumers.
What makes South Florida attractive for corporate relocations from other states?
Companies like Trawick International are drawn to South Florida for multiple reasons, including favorable tax policies, quality office space at competitive rates, access to international markets, and lifestyle benefits that help attract and retain talent. The region's international airports, cultural diversity, and growing technology ecosystem create an attractive environment for businesses looking to establish new headquarters locations with global connectivity.
