Edgardo Defortuna, President of Fortune International – Miami
It all started about 30 years ago, when my sister asked me to go with her to Miami for the summer to take three months of English classes. I fell in love with the city, its multiculturalism and its tropical climate. I thought about returning to Argentina, but besides the lifestyle, professionalism and general safety, running a business was much easier here in the United States. I started a real estate management and brokerage company, which, with hard work and determination, has grown into one of the largest real estate marketing and development companies in South Florida. Knowing that the company I founded has played a major role in transforming Miami’s urban landscape fills me with honor and satisfaction. The Fortune International agency has nearly 1,000 associates in 15 offices in Florida and has also expanded into Latin America. The development department has been involved in high-end projects and is currently developing Jade Signature and the Ritz-Carlton Residences at Sunny Isles Beach, as well as the Auberge Beach Residences & Spa in Fort Lauderdale.
Miami’s real estate market is now one of the strongest and most internationally influential residential markets in the world. In addition, Miami offers excellent value for money when compared to other major cities around the world.
The influx of internationally renowned architects and designers has transformed the entire city into a dynamic landscape of distinctive styles and global influence. In general, Miami’s composition is not defined by a single style, but by a large number of styles that reflect the city’s social connections.
With the great recession in mid-2007, almost every housing market in the United States faced challenges. However, our industry’s recovery and rebound has been strongly tied to buyers (both U.S. and foreign) still wanting to own a home or apartment in a market known for its considerable qualities and infrastructure (proximity to the ocean, year-round warm weather, cultural events, etc.) as well as its acceptable prices and lack of income tax in Florida.
We have experienced a cultural renaissance in South Florida…which has been accompanied by a massive influx of international sponsors, designers, architects and more. Since its inception over 15 years ago, Art Basel in Miami Beach has had an impact in terms of influence, bringing with it a myriad of new contemporary art fairs, galleries and museums…such as the Adrienne Arsht Center, the Perez Museum of Art Miami and now the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. We have also seen the emergence of specific infrastructure, sporting events and associated venues that have helped shape this
location, such as the presence of the HEAT and the Miami Marlins and the creation of their new stadiums. Like a central axis with its spokes, every time a movement occurs in the center, the changes ripple outward. The presence of these venues dedicated to art and entertainment enthusiasts has led to new residential real estate offerings, new restaurants, shops, etc.
Fortune International Development is synonymous with luxury residential condominiums in South Florida, representing the latest in design, construction and sales. As a fully integrated real estate company, we achieve seamless coordination of every phase of development – from concept to completion. Our knowledge of the market and the interests of buyers allows us to create and implement successful and valued projects. The approach we take to our development projects is centred on what our clients really want – we are always very clear about the lifestyle we will deliver.
All of Fortune’s projects hold a special place in my heart. I don’t think we have built our masterpiece yet because we are always striving for excellence. I must say that Jade Signature is our most luxurious and “closest to perfection” project so far. In this one, the interior and exterior merge harmoniously in a symbiosis of white, natural light and oceanic shades. We chose the Pritzker Prize-winning architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron for the design and Pierre-Yves Rochon, responsible for the interior design of some of the world’s leading hotels, such as the Four Seasons in Paris and the Savoy in London, for the interiors. The project has received an incredible response and will be habitable before the end of the year.
Yes, absolutely. Of what we imagine and create as developers, a very large portion of it becomes not only tangible… but will endure for the enjoyment of generations to come. We can literally witness the transformation of the cityscape from our dreams and ideas and the enhancement of the makeup of a city – especially one as beautiful as Miami. Collaborating with the phenomenal team around me, including our industry partners, and working within this market, I feel immense passion and pride. South Florida is now recognized as one of the most unique and dynamic regions in the world. To be at the heart of its growth – at a time rich with such architectural innovation and inventiveness – is tremendously inspiring.
For more information, please contact CI Exclusive Properties.