Cushman & Wakefield Secures Florida’s Second Largest Multifamily Construction Loan Of 2025

Cushman & Wakefield represented a development partnership of Focus and Group Fox in securing $250 million in construction financing for Brickell Starlight, a luxury multifamily development in Miami.

Cushman & Wakefield’s Chris Lentz, Jeff Altenau, Chris Moyer, Susan Tjarksen, and Marc Royer represented Focus and Group Fox, both based in Chicago, in the transaction with Affinius Capital.

“With an unparalleled location in the heart of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhood, Brickell Starlite is uniquely positioned to redefine luxury apartment living in one of the nation’s strongest multifamily markets,” said Focus’ CEO and Founder Tim Anderson. “Brickell continues to solidify its reputation as a global epicenter for finance, culture and lifestyle, attracting affluent professionals and international residents seeking premium housing. Despite surging demand, new multifamily supply in Brickell, the most prominent submarket in Miami, remains extraordinarily limited, creating a significant opportunity for new development.” 

 

“We target superior opportunities in locations with highly sustainable value. Brickell Starlite is a dream come true in this regard, and we’re excited to participate alongside a host of top-tier team members with the utmost talent and professionalism,” said Brad Muth, CEO of Group Fox.

 

Added Chris Lentz, Cushman & Wakefield Executive Director, “With the seasoned expertise of Focus and Group Fox, Brickell Starlite benefits from a development and management team with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, high-performing assets across the U.S. The property addresses the need for new multi-housing supply in a submarket that has seen minimal construction activity in recent years. Brickell Starlite fills a critical gap in the market by delivering much-needed inventory to Miami’s most desirable submarket. Brickell Starlite is perfectly positioned to redefine multifamily luxury while addressing the growing needs of residents seeking premium urban living.”

Brickell Starlite is located at 125 SW 8^th St. and construction will commence before year end. The project’s strategic design and scale capitalize on the void of supply in the Brickell submarket, offering 517 Class-A+ units in a 39-story tower with market-leading amenities that cater to Brickell’s sophisticated demographic.

Brickell Starlite is conveniently located within a two-minute walk of premier lifestyle destinations, including Brickell City Centre, a world-class mixed-use development spanning 4.9 million square feet of luxury shopping, fine dining and entertainment featuring flagship stores, trendy boutiques and award-winning restaurants that make it a hub of sophistication and style. Similarly, the nearby Mary Brickell Village enhances the area’s appeal with its vibrant mix of grocers, shops, cafes and bars, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Together, these destinations provide Brickell Starlite with an exceptional blend of convenience, culture and lifestyle.

What’s more, Brickell Starlite’s strategic location on both 7th and 8th streets uniquely positions the development to provide residents with convenient access to the I-95 on and off ramps. The layout of one-way streets in the Brickell area allows Brickell Starlite to capitalize on this advantageous location,
offering residents seamless connectivity to major highways and reducing traffic congestion.

As for the region’s multifamily market, rental market demand is highly competitive, with Miami shining as the top destination for renters, according to a recent RentalCafe report. Miami led the market with an impressive Rental Competitiveness Index (RCI) of 91.2, driven by its booming economy, favorable tax policies and global appeal. Apartments in the city rented in just 33 days on average, with 18 renters competing for each unit—more than double the national average. While supply growth will continue, the city’s thriving economy, cultural diversity and appeal as a global hub ensure its enduring demand growth, according to RentCafe. In 2024, Miami had the highest lease renewal rates in the nation at 72.0%, surpassing the national average of 62.2%. This highlights Miami’s appeal to renters seeking both opportunities and lifestyle, solidifying its position as a standout market in a competitive landscape.