Hospitality entrepreneur James Brennan and Six Senses Ibiza co-developer John Jacobson have acquired a bayfront development site in Miami’s Morningside neighborhood, with plans to build a luxury condominium project called The Mornings. The Real Deal has learned that the pair paid $16.5 million for the 0.8-acre property at 700 and 750 Northeast 61st Street, which currently contains two apartment buildings.
Brennan, who relocated from San Diego to Miami during the pandemic and now lives in Morningside, described his connection to the area: “I fell in absolute love with Morningside as a neighbor,” he said.
The planned five-story building will feature 17 units and four additional 500-square-foot nanny or grandmother flats available for purchase by buyers. The project is expected to cost about $150 million to develop. Units will average $2,500 per square foot and range from approximately 4,200 to 7,700 square feet. Brennan stated that all buyers will be interviewed personally by him.
According to Brennan, the new development will “basically double” the number of waterfront homes in Morningside. The location is within walking distance of both Cushman School and Morningside Park.
Brandon Haw Architecture has been selected as the architect for the project, with interiors designed by Thomas Schoos’ firm. Sales are anticipated to launch next year by summer.
The seller of the site was UES Partners, led by Robert Vecsler, who is also CEO of New York-based Hyperion Development Group. Records show that these properties last sold for $2.7 million in 2012.
Brennan’s background includes co-founding Suja Juice and Kopari Beauty; he also serves as a senior adviser at Paine Schwartz Partners, a private equity firm focused on sustainable food investments. Jacobson previously co-developed Six Senses Ibiza alongside Jonathan Leitersdorf and is currently involved with Prosper Group on projects in Brickell and North Bay Village.
