Jacob Breakstone, Partner & Development Services Manager, South Florida, BTI Partners
Jacob Breakstone, partner and development services manager at BTI Partners, spoke with Invest: about the big projects the company is working on, and how it is positioned in the real estate market in South Florida. He also discussed the importance of building to the needs of the community and adapting to trends to meet the needs of consumers.
What have been some of the main highlights and key milestones for BTI Partners in the last 12 months?
We successfully completed our 1000+ unit condo-hotel project in Orlando, are nearing completion of our 362-unit luxury multifamily project in Hollywood, and have continued to acquire large tracts of land throughout the state.
How has the redevelopment and repositioning of older buildings evolved as an opportunity for cityscapes?
The redevelopment and repositioning of older buildings has evolved into a highly rewarding strategy. Our redevelopment of the Hollywood Bread Building exemplifies how integrating historical significance into a modern development can provide value to both the community and investors.
To pay homage to the Hollywood Bread Building’s history, we restored the building’s iconic sign for use in the project’s lobby and are displaying countless original Hollywood Bread Company advertisements from the 1950s throughout the project, giving residents the ability to learn about the building’s storied history. In addition, we are currently in the process of fabricating an 8-foot-tall, 12-foot-long sculpture of a vintage toaster that we plan to place in front of the project on the sidewalk to ensure the building’s history is not just remembered, but celebrated.
Given the rapid urban growth in South Florida, what part does BTI Partners play in planning efforts for infrastructure and environmental concerns?
We recognize that addressing infrastructure and environmental concerns is not just responsible development – it’s smart business. By working closely with local municipalities, we diligently address key concerns like traffic, water management, and the environmental impact of our developments. While we do pursue various green certifications on many of our projects, we strongly believe that the most sustainable practice is building what best suits the long-term needs of the surrounding communities in which we do business.
How has demand for specific types of products evolved, given the changes in the population in South Florida?
There’s a noticeable move away from traditional unit layouts towards more thoughtful, efficient designs that prioritize functionality and flow. People want spaces that make sense the moment they step in, with every area serving a purpose.
What are the primary challenges facing the real estate industry in Greater Fort Lauderdale and South Florida, and how does BTI Partners navigate them?
The lack of developable land in South Florida has continued to present itself as a challenge. As time goes on, we anticipate further focusing on redeveloping and repositioning existing assets in the market.
