The Nora District has secured its inaugural tenants, marking a significant milestone in the redevelopment of warehouses along Railroad Avenue as part of Nora’s initial phase. Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, originating from Boston, will introduce its first restaurant outside of its hometown in a 6,600-square-foot indoor and outdoor space at 840 North Railroad Avenue. Additionally, H&H Bagels from New York claimed 880 square feet at 890 North Railroad Avenue, while Van Leeuwen Ice Cream secured 880 square feet at 870 North Railroad Avenue.
In addition to these culinary ventures, fitness enthusiasts will have their options with securing 2,600 square feet at 915 North Railroad Avenue, and boxing gym Rumble leasing 2,900 square feet at 905 North Railroad Avenue. Francis Scire, who oversees leasing for Nora, represented the developers in these agreements.
The tenants are anticipated to commence operations after developers NDT Development and Place Projects, in collaboration with Wheelock Street Capital, finalize the first phase next year. NDT, headed by Ned Grace, and Place Projects, led by Joe Furst, are driving this transformative project.
The sprawling 40-acre Nora, spanning from Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard to Quadrille Boulevard, and from Dixie Highway to the FEC Railway tracks, will also feature mid-rise and high-rise structures on undeveloped lots in the northern and southern areas of the district. This includes a 201-key hotel, a venture with hoteliers Richard Born and Sean MacPherson. The charming single-family homes and townhouses at the heart of Nora will be preserved.
In other developments, Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road is set to welcome a new addition with the arrival of candy store It’Sugar. This Fort Lauderdale-based brand has inked a five-year lease for 2,800 square feet at 801 Lincoln Road, with plans to open its doors in November.
Altar by Gustavo Cadile, a wedding dress shop, has made its debut at Aventura Mall, leasing 1,400 square feet at 19501 Biscayne Boulevard. Cadile, an Argentine designer, infuses his dresses with influences from his homeland and Italy. The mall is co-owned by Turnberry Associates, led by Jackie Soffer, and Simon Property Group, led by David Simon.
Savvy Sliders, a Farmington Hills, Michigan-based eatery, has chosen Tamarac for its first Florida restaurant, securing 2,300 square feet at 2400 West Commercial Boulevard. This venture is led by Happy Asker, who launched his inaugural restaurant in 2018.
Sunbelt Rentals, a provider of construction and property maintenance equipment, has secured office and industrial space in Pompano Beach, leasing a 3,300-square-foot office and a 7,200-square-foot warehouse at 2063 Blount Road.
Bagels & Co. is set to open two restaurants in Broward County, with locations at 21 Southwest Seventh Street in Fort Lauderdale and 1015 Northeast 26th Street in Wilton Manors, each occupying 2,100 square feet. These eateries are part of Bagels & Co.’s plan to unveil 20 outposts in Florida and Pennsylvania this year and next.
The Shops at Merrick Park in Coral Gables have welcomed Camilla, a brand crafted by Australian designer Camilla Franks, with its opening scheduled for early next month. This follows the recent addition of Tory Burch on the first level of the three-story mall. Additionally, clothing store Splendid has also made its debut at Shops at Merrick Park, with furniture and décor store Arhaus set to open soon. The mall is owned by Brookfield Properties, the North American real estate division of Canadian investment firm Brookfield, under the leadership of Brian Kingston.
