01/07/09

• Home

• The Magazine

• Archives

• Webcasts

• Advertising

• Job Board

• New York

• Subscribe

Something big brewing in the Design District

Miami is buzzing lately with word that something big is starting to happen in the Design District.

And there are some facts to support the hype.

That's why David Goldberg is exiting his corner office at boutique real estate firm Newmark Knight Frank. He says he'll take his time to disengage as managing director, pointing out that he's got a hand in deals well into 2009.

But his energies and focus are shifting toward Michael Comras' midtown project dubbed "The Station." It's a homecoming of sorts for Goldberg, who lists developer Comras as among his major influences in the real estate business.

The vision is huge: To extend and enliven the Design District several blocks down NE 2nd Avenue.

The ingredients are coming together. Ocean Drive magazine has signed on to locate a photo and multimedia studio in the space. Jeff Morr, founder and CEO of Majestic Properties and owner of Moooi Miami, has bought a unit. Restaurateurs and trendsetters seem to be coming on board.

Goldberg, the high-energy organizer of events like the upcoming Broker Boxing night, sees a blank canvas on which he can paint fun, vibrant colors. He envisions a plethora of arts and entertainment that will make the expanded Design District a destination, in tune with the spirit of South Beach.

And the similarity of the cast of players is no accident.

Others also see opportunity waiting in the Design District. But they're looking to make things happen sooner rather than later.

That's why a number of established design players have banded together to launch Luminaire X as a catalyst for the neighborhood. Through the end of April, they've set up a "neighborhood within a neighborhood" in 7,000 square feet of space at 41st Street and NE 2nd Avenue.

The idea is to lure consumers to something different, a place of unpredictability where there's entertainment mixed with merchandise that's not available elsewhere.

Monique Brendel of Luminaire is heading up the marketing effort for what she describes as a "guerrilla space" where anything can happen.

"The Design District needs a place to come together and interact," she says. She envisions a drop-in spot where the public can simultaneously find a wi-fi hot spot, hear new music, learn about espresso machines, view cutting edge fashion and design and get exposed to a great book or a great idea. There will be film screenings, book signings, discussion groups and special performance events.

The furniture and design house is just one of several recognizable names engaged in the experiment, including Bang & Olufsen, Lavazza and Books & Books.

One of the intriguing features is Steven Giles' effort to define the 50 CDs that must be in everyone's collection. Whether you agree with his selections or not, the owner of BASE, the trendy South Beach clothier, is fostering discussion. And that's part of what Luminaire X is all about.

Hours of operation: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus evening programs every other Saturday.