Urbana development

Latin Trade, Feb, 2004

FOUNDERS: Jeff Morr, Fabien Tremoulet and Jeremy Green partnered in 2002 to create Urbana Development--a real estate development company focused on cutting-edge, mixed-use, residential and retail/commercial projects in emerging urban areas.

ACHIEVEMENT: Morr, who founded successful property sates group Majestic Properties in 1905, joined with Tremoulet in 1997 to introduce the loft concept to South Beach. Tremoutet, a native of Paris, France, has more than a decade of experience in real estate development--intruding the management of new construction projects in Paris, Nice, Cannes and Deauville. Green joined Morr and Tremoulet to be the managing partner of Urbana, providing the progressive company with his background in corporate strategy for publicly traded group SportsLine.com, Inc.

FOCUS: Aria, a landmark futuristic property located in the heart of Miami's trendy Design District, is Urbana's first project and its residences are more than 50% sold out just a few months after opening sates. Set for construction within 2004, the 18story urban loft condominium and retail development will comprise 78 residences featuring exceptional design--including deep balconies 10- to 20-foot tall loft and floor-to-ceiling glass exposures. An Asian-inspired rooftop pool and spa area will offer residents of the avant-garde community spectacular bay and city views.

CHALLENGE: Having completed projects responsible for breathing new the into neighborhoods such as North Bay Village and Edgewater, Urbana principals hope to bring fresh property concepts to more South Florida residential hot spots waiting to be discovered.

FUTURA: Urbana is set to expand nationally and internationally by creating unique properties that offer both luxury and flexibility. "Anywhere within a two hour airplane ride from the US is worth considering," said Morr. "'The potential for success in Latin America will be huge as the region stabilizes."