Attorney Helps St. Regis Plans To Move Forward
Miami, Florida, February 28, 2006 Carter N. McDowell, Partner in Bilzin Sumberg's Land Use & Government Relations Group, represented The Related Group of Florida and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (joint venture) in the recent approval of rezoning and development plans to build the $1.3 billion St. Regis Resort & Residences, Bal Harbour located across from the Bal Harbour Shops. The unanimous vote by the Bal Harbour Village Council is the final zoning approval necessary to allow the demolition of the current Sheraton Bal Harbour hotel to make way for the new 5-star resort hotel and condominium project.
From land use and zoning approvals and presentations to negotiations with neighboring properties, land use partner Mr. McDowell helped this project move forward over the course of almost a year. His involvement included negotiating a major Development Agreement with the Village as part of the zoning change from Ocean Front to Planned Development district.
"The land use and zoning approval process is the critical governmental component to this extraordinary project development, especially in a Village like Bal Harbour where the public involvement is such an important component to the proceeding stated Mr. McDowell. Its my job to help developers navigate through the zoning and community involvement process so their projects can be completed."
Located at 9701 Collins Avenue, the ultra luxury St. Regis Resort & Residences will include 240 hotel-condo units and 271 private residences, a 25,000 sq. ft. spa, restaurants, meeting spaces, decorative fountains and pool features as well as signature St. Regis butler service. The project is slated for completion in 2009.
Mr. McDowell has also handled several prominent Miami Beach projects including: The Fontainebleau, The Seville, The Savoy and The Arlington, The Bentley Bay, The Bentley Beach, Bel Aire on the Beach and Bel Aire on the Bay, The Ritz Carlton South Beach, The Waverly, The Grand Flamingo, The Surfcomber, 1111 Lincoln Road, and Miami Beach Marina, among others.
Mr. McDowell handles matters involving land use, growth management, environmental and administrative law. Mr. McDowell has represented numerous clients through regulatory approval procedures for regional malls, hotels, industrial complexes, professional buildings, marinas, including Developments of Regional Impact. He regularly advises clients on environmental and permitting issues relating to business and real estate transactions, and in obtaining and negotiating government contracts. He has defended owners and developers against enforcement actions filed under federal, state and local environmental law.
About Bilzin Sumberg
Bilzin Sumberg is a commercial law firm based in Florida. The Firm’s core practices include Business Finance & Restructuring, Corporate, Environmental, International, Land Development & Government Relations, Litigation, Real Estate, and Tax. For more information, please visit bilzin.com.
