Los Angeles-based h.wood Group is collaborating with Rivani to open a 2,000-square-foot Tokyo-inspired speakeasy on the third floor of The Rivani building in South Beach next summer, according to a news release from Rivani. The name of the new venue has not yet been announced.
Robert Rivani is leading a $40 million renovation of the seven-story mixed-use property at 1691 Michigan Avenue in Miami Beach. The building, marketed as “Class X,” aims to position itself as a high-end destination upon completion. In an earlier interview with The Real Deal, Rivani said that Japan is his “favorite place in the world.”
In August, PLBY Group—the parent company of Playboy magazine—announced plans to relocate its headquarters to The Rivani building. Monarch Athletic Club has also leased 8,000 square feet at the property and is expected to open next year.
Elsewhere in South Florida retail leasing activity, Hill House Home will be opening an apparel, home goods and accessories store at The Royal Poinciana Plaza’s Hibel House in Palm Beach. According to a news release from The Royal Poinciana Plaza, this follows recent openings by Swedish candy retailer ScandyCandy and British childrenswear boutique La Coqueta at the same location. WS Development holds the leasehold for the plaza, which was originally developed in the 1950s and includes retail space along with gardens and courtyards.
A Milanese trattoria called Le Specialità has opened its first U.S. restaurant in Miami’s Design District. Spicy Hospitality Group, led by Andre Sakhai, announced that their new 3,100-square-foot restaurant is located at 40 Northeast 41st Street. Spicy Hospitality previously opened The Joyce on Española Way in Miami Beach.
Lily’s Handmade Ice Cream recently opened a new shop occupying 700 square feet at Village Square at Golf shopping center in Boynton Beach. This follows another Lily’s Handmade location launched this summer at Biscayne Commons shopping plaza in North Miami Beach.
Records indicate that DRA Advisors acquired Village Square at Golf last year for $31.1 million.
“The speakeasy will be Tokyo-inspired,” according to the release.
Rivani stated: “Japan is my favorite place in the world.”
