A developer is stacking parcels in the Grove
El-Ad stacks a second Coconut Grove parcel, a Ritz-Carlton tower sues its owners, and Fuller Street's tables are back.
A developer is assembling a second Grove site, and a condo board is heading to court. Also: Fuller Street seating, Miami Slice and a November jewelry show.
El-Ad National paid $62 million for a Coconut Grove office building, assembling its second development site in the neighborhood. Its first Grove purchase was Chateau Grove, a 25-unit, 20,500-square-foot building at 3265 Virginia Street. El-Ad paid $45.5 million for that site in May. The property sits just north of CocoWalk. The two-story building was being operated as apartment rentals before the sale. A 677-square-foot two-bedroom was listed at $3,500 a month. Parcel assembly often comes before a redevelopment proposal. The next concrete step is a filing that shows what El-Ad wants to build and how the site would meet the street.
Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences sues over repairs
The condominium association at Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences has sued current owner Gencom Group and former owner Hersha Hospitality Trust of the 21-story building on SW 27th Avenue. The complaint says critical repair and maintenance problems went unaddressed for years. It cites concrete falling from balconies, damaged post-tension cables, water intrusion and a 2025 city violation. Part of the pool deck and a stairway below the building have been closed. The 129-unit tower was built in 2001, and the association estimates repairs at $30 million to $40 million. It wants a judge to force the work and assign responsibility for added costs. A lawsuit is not a verdict, but it puts the building’s condition into the public record. Gencom Group and Hersha Hospitality Trust are named in the suit.
The tables are back on Fuller Street
Tables, planters and “Reserved” signs have returned outside Ziggurat x Chèvre at 3065 Fuller St. The seating operated for months without a permit; the city approved one Aug. 14 after an $8,680 payment was made. Miami rules say seating placed in the public right of way must remain open to the general public, not only restaurant customers. Fuller is a pedestrian street headed for a $5 million redesign with neighboring Kirk Munroe Park. Outdoor seating is expected to remain part of the project. The practical question is whether the street stays a free public gathering place as restaurants occupy more of it.
Miami Slice adds indoor seating on McFarlane
Miami Slice at 2996 McFarlane Road has a dining room with booths, tables and high-tops, while takeout orders must still be placed in person. The Infatuation’s Aug. 17 review says the inside wait moves quickly even when the line wraps around McFarlane Road. The Grove location keeps the brand’s crunchy New York-style slices and adds beef carpaccio, caprese salad and charred cabbage roasted in a wood-fired oven. The restaurant does not take reservations.
Miami halts a five-acre park across from loanDepot
Miami has halted a five-acre park planned across from loanDepot Park in Little Havana. District 3 Commissioner Rolando Escalona says he stopped the project to compare one large park with several smaller parks. His predecessor, Joe Carollo, says the city had already assembled the land and set aside $18.5 million, including $16 million for construction. Plans called for playgrounds, baseball and soccer fields, pickleball courts, a community building, fitness equipment and walking paths. The proposed park never received a formal name. The land remains fenced, and city records showed no active building permit.
The Grove jewelry show returns in November
The Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show is scheduled for Nov. 13 through 15 at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Miami. The three-day event gives Grove residents a firm weekend to hold months ahead. Daily hours and ticket details should be confirmed with the organizer before making plans.