Category Archives: News

Miami Beach Convention Center Gets Cost-Effective Plan

CPExecutive recently wrote an article on a new cost effective master plan for the Miami Beach Convention Center. Portman-CMC mentioned the city staff and officials for their cooperation in regards to financing, management and land leases.

The CEO of Portman Holdings, Ambrish Baisiwala, stated “No new taxes and less bonding in order to finance the convention center improvements and expansion, as well as associated parking and infrastructure improvements.”

Portman-CMC’s main approach to the Miami Beach Convention Center is to focus on lower heights for buildings, offer easy connectivity to the areas surround the center, provide an exceptional urban environment, and to make sure that there is an economic benefit.

You can read more about the Portman-CMC Reveals Cost-Effective Master Plan on CPExecutive.

The Great Secret of Aspen

A recent article from Ocean Drive highlighted Aspen as a guide for a getaway. In the article, they spoke of Ugo Colombo’s relationship with Aspen. Ugo Colombo and his wife Sara Colombo often traveled there as avid skiers, and eventually purchased a house there. Ugo Colombo realized that the warmer months were equally as enjoyable as winter if not more so. “It’s a very healthy lifestyle. The restaurants and shops are of high quality, and it doesn’t have a highway running through the middle of it, like Vail. It’s a cozy mountain town and is more difficult to access, which makes it exclusive.”

Read the full article about Ugo Colombo and his view on Aspen at Ocean Drive.

Sara and Ugo Colombo Featured on Haute 100 List of Haute Living

Sara and Ugo Colombo were recently announced as part of Haute Living’s List of Haute 100 for 2013. The Haute 100 list is a list of the most influential individuals in Miami as compiled by the editors of Haute Living. The Colombo’s were recognized for their strong sense of luxury style and contributions to the community of Miami. According to the article, “Colombo is recognized all over the world for his Midas’ touch, bringing exceptional luxury properties and residential buildings to the city of Miami. His stunning wife Sara’s 2,200 square-foot interior design shop, NEST, specializes in high-style products for the home presented with a coveted European flair that is reflective of her innate sense of style.”

For the full feature on Sara and Ugo Colombo, and the rest of the Haute 100 List, check out Haute Living.

Ugo Colombo and Portman CMC Modify Convention Center Proposal

Ugo Colombo and the other members of the Portman CMC team have recently modified their original proposal for the Miami Convention Center to incorporate feedback from the Miami Beach community. “The residents made it clear that the Jackie Gleason Theater is an important landmark they want to keep. We listened, we heard, and we’ve found a way to adjust the master plan in order to keep the theater in place while still achieving our other objectives,” said Jack Portman, of Portman Holdings.

The team is planning to restore the Jackie Gleason Theatre and integrate it with their plans to turn the Convention Center into a superior urban environment. They aim to provide residents with public outdoor spaces while maximizing its economic benefit to the Miami Beach Community.

For the Full article on Ugo Colombo and Portman CMC, check out BizJournals.

Sara Colombo Discusses Nest Casa

Sara Colombo, wife of Ugo Colombo, was recently interviewed by the Miami Herald for her eye for interior design, which can be seen in the items she hand-selects for her store, Nest Casa.  Sara Colombo credits her past modeling career and the experience of international traveling for her unique style. “I’m not an interior designer, it’s not what I’m trained to do,” Sara Colombo said. “What I like to do is hunt for objects and things you can’t find anywhere else.” Sara Colombo handpicks Nest’s unique collection from Italy, France, Belgium and other faraway places.” She goes on to give some quick tips for creating a beautiful home including embracing color, using art for blank wall space, and the importance of living things, such as plants, in the household.

For more on Sara Colombo and her style tastes, check out the Miami Herald.

Developers Revisit Plans for Miami Beach Convention Center

A third public meeting was held recently were Portman CMC showed off their newly revised plans based on input from the community during past meetings.

“Portman CMC, led by developer Jack Portman, is also working with Cirque du Soliel, and has indicated plans to bring the art-inspired circus act to South Beach. Renderings provided to Local 10 include a raised hotel with green space below.”

The Miami Beach commission is expected to make a selection this Summer.

Read the full article about the Revamped Miami Beach Convention Center Plans

Miami Convention Center Plans for a Public Square

The Real Deal recently reported on Portman CMC’s plan to include a public courtyard into the Miami Beach Convention Center revamp. Portman CMC has created plans to redevelop 52 acres in Miami which includes Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, city hall, and a hotel.

“Each firm will present a master plan on June 5 at the City Commission meeting, after which the commission will choose a developer, according to the City of Miami’s website.”

Read the full article on The Real Deal

Botanical Garden Expansion

TheRealDeal.com recently posted an article about the overhaul of the botanical garden in the Miami Beach Convention Center. Two firms, South Beach ACE and Portman CMC, agree that the expansion of the botanical garden is vital. Thereporter Christopher Cameron mentions, “Yesterday, the developers presented their proposals for the renovation to the city commission and both plans emphasized the garden as a ‘unique amenity’ that will draw visitors.”

Find out more about the Botanical Garden Expansion on the TheRealDeal.com

Battle for the Miami Beach Convention Center

Two bidders are competing for the multi-million dollar Miami Beach Convention Center project. They have presented their plans to the public recently during a hearing. The presentations offered more information on what they plan to do but neither offered much on how traffic will be impacted. An article on Globest.com stated, “The Portman CMC team has hired David Plummer & Associates, a Coral Gables company, to analyze traffic issues in connection with its plan.”

Find out more about the Two Competitors’ Plans on the Globest website.

Architects Go Head To Head

Curbed recently posted an article on how two architects are battling it out with updated plans for the Miami Beach Convention Center. The first architect, Bjarke Ingels, plans for a more colorful and energetic design. Whereas his competition, Rem Koolhaas, has a more futuristic and eclectic look. You’ll be able to take a look at some of the images they provided.

You can read more about the Updated Convention Center Plans on the Miami section of Curbed.