Last week, the summer associates along with Jessica, Craig, Marty, and Alan traveled to Miami’s Design District. On the ride over, Marty explained Bilzin Sumberg’s role in the project. In representing the Miami Design District Associates, LLC, Bilzin Sumberg helped secure loans to finance the acquisition and construction of 40 buildings in the area. When we arrived at the Design District, our group was greeted by Dacra’s Chief Operating Officer Steven Gretenstein. He explained the development of the Design District including how the company secured luxury brands to open new stores and reached out to many reknown artists who participated in redesigning the area’s buildings and garages.

With Steven as our guide, we walked through the Design District and the paper layouts of the area came to life. Steven frequently stopped to explain the designs of certain buildings, location preferences of the fashion luxury brands, and progress of construction phases. One highlight was when Steven walked us into the Louis Vuitton store to show us the store’s three-story design and arrangement of the merchandise. Other nearby stores had rooftop gardens and building features designed by foreign artists. Overall, the tour was amazing (not to mention the final stop at MC Kitchen). It was incredible to watch as Bilzin Sumberg’s attorney’s could point to a specific block or building and recall the loan that was secured for it or their legal involvement in the project. As a Miami native, it was nice to finally learn the history behind buildings I drive by everyday!

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