Author: Joseph Yu (MRE' 24)
Editor: Etta Madete (MRE' 24), Pinyang Paul Chen (MRE' 24)
Jordan Bargas, Senior Vice President of Development at Related Companies, a leading privately-owned real estate firm in the United States, visited the Harvard University Graduate School of Design to deliver the first Real Estate Club Fireside Chat on his One Brickell City Centre project. He was joined by Danielle Mora, Talent Acquisition Associate.
Formed over 45 years ago, Related is a fully integrated, highly diversified industry leader with experience in virtually every aspect of development, acquisitions, management, finance, marketing, and sales. Headquartered in New York City with over 4,000 employees, Related also has offices and major developments around the world. Most recently, Related has been expanding into new markets like Texas and specifically Miami through one of its new flagship projects, One Brickell City Centre, a 1.5M SF, 68-story Class AA Office development that will become the tallest tower in Miami once complete.
One Brickell City Centre Rendering by RELATED
During the presentation, Jordan shared Related’s approaches to place-making by creating large-scale, live-work-play environments similar to Hudson Yards. He then shared project details, including the origin story of One Brickell City Centre and how it was formed through relationships with Swire Properties and Architects, Arquitectonica & Adamson Associates.
In the beginning, Jordan approached underwriting the project by considering mixed-use. However, after a few iterations, it became 100% office to maximize its potential floorplates and amenities for large corporate tenants. The project’s floorplates will range from 32,000-50,000 SF with 15-17’ floor-to-floor heights providing maximum scenic views overlooking Brickell Bay and South Beach. This includes tremendous outdoor terraces on every floor, porte-cochere vehicular drop-offs, and rooftop helipads. Overall, the project clearly raises the bar in premium office space in Miami.
In addition, Jordan discussed Related’s strong outlook on Miami, which is experiencing a shift in resident population from seasonal visitors and tourists to more permanent residents coming in for work. Florida also offers favorable tax incentives and the availability of talent in the labor pool, which has drawn in multinational companies. Throughout the entire discussion, Jordan answered many of the Club members’ questions, including the future of the Office. While the office sector is facing headwinds, Jordan was confident that Class AA Office would thrive and succeed because companies see the value of high-quality offices attracting and retaining key talent. It also helps with the return-to-office process.
Jordan Bargas Presenting Miami as a Transit-centric International Hub
HREC-GSD Members at the Fireside Chat
The Fireside Chat series aims to invite distinguished real estate professionals to the GSD to speak about their unique projects and perspectives in detail. I was happy to invite my colleague, Jordan, to share his strong Office perspective with the Harvard GSD. One Brickell City Centre is certainly a premium project that will lead the Miami Office market. I believe that Jordan’s Fireside Chat has inspired our class to recognize all the potential opportunities that are available in Miami and high-quality Office developments.
Joseph Yu (MRE' 24, EVP of HREC-GSD) with Jordan Bargas and Danielle Mora
The HREC-GSD Team with Jordan Bargas and Danielle Mora