Zion Mass, CEO, MASS

In an interview with Invest:, Zion Mass, CEO of MASS, discussed Miami’s rapid growth, the role of adaptive reuse in shaping neighborhoods, and the importance of purposeful development. “Really focus on partnering up or working with clients who are driven to build buildings that are culturally sensitive and sustainable and with a purpose,” Mass said.

How would you describe Miami’s real estate and development market as we move through 2026?

Miami is in the spotlight right now, not just in the United States but around the world. There is a tremendous amount of development happening, and what stands out to me is how quickly the city has evolved.

When you look at Miami’s history, from the early visionaries who helped shape the city to today’s developers, the scale of development has changed dramatically. Miami used to be a relatively small town, and it is evolving into a global destination. The size, value, and scope of projects today are unlike anything we have seen before. It is an exciting time to be in this industry and to play an active role in the repositioning, preservation, and construction of the iconic buildings and places that shape our communities and define our past, present, and future.

What trends or shifts are impacting how MASS operates and serves clients?

One of the biggest things I am seeing is continued demand in the commercial office market. Our firm is extremely busy. A lot of companies relocating to Miami are looking for high-quality office environments. Existing commercial spaces are being renovated and repositioned to meet that demand. From transforming former warehouses in emerging neighborhoods into modern office space to upgrading Class A buildings to remain competitive, there is no shortage of opportunities for companies with our experience and depth of expertise.

Which project types are creating the strongest opportunities in South Florida today?

Our focus is primarily on commercial projects. We have done a significant amount of work in Wynwood, particularly adaptive reuse projects that transform existing buildings into new uses.

Wynwood was historically a warehouse district, and zoning changes created opportunities for developers to rethink what the neighborhood could become. Over time, the area has evolved from an industrial district into a mixed-use community with residential, retail, and commercial activity. It is a good example of how smart development can completely reshape a neighborhood. There are also significant opportunities in the office sector.

From older buildings being repositioned into modern, amenity-rich workplaces to new office towers rising across South Florida, the market continues to evolve. We recently helped complete construction of 830 Brickell, serving as the owner’s representative. It was the first new Class A office tower delivered in Miami’s Brickell district in nearly two decades. As companies continue to relocate to South Florida, several Class A office developments are currently being planned throughout the region.

Why has adaptive reuse become such an important part of development?

Adaptive reuse creates value because it preserves context and character.

Early in my career, I worked on projects such as Soho Beach House and The Surf Club, where historic preservation played a major role. Those buildings are memorable because they retain elements of their history while serving new purposes.

The same principle applies in neighborhoods like Wynwood. The original warehouses may not be architecturally remarkable, but they help tell the story of the neighborhood. Preserving some of that character contributes to what makes a place unique. If every existing building were replaced, many neighborhoods would lose the qualities that made them interesting in the first place.

How are developers approaching projects differently amid higher financing, construction, and insurance costs?

Today, developers are looking for ways to reduce risk and maximize efficiency from day one. That’s a reason we are often brought into projects early to help owners identify cost savings, streamline permitting, evaluate existing structures, and develop realistic construction budgets. Our role is not simply to build a project. It is to help developers make informed decisions that protect capital and keep projects moving forward despite market challenges.

The projects succeeding today are the ones where the development, design, and construction teams are collaborating early. In this environment, experience, creativity, and planning are just as important as access to capital.

What should developers understand when building in evolving communities such as Wynwood, Overtown, and Little River?

Developers need to understand that successful projects in neighborhoods like Wynwood, Overtown, and Little River are about more than new construction. They require a deep appreciation for the community’s history, architecture, and cultural identity. The most successful projects preserve the character that makes these neighborhoods unique while thoughtfully adapting buildings and spaces to meet today’s needs.

We are fortunate to work alongside property owners who are committed to achieving that balance, repositioning historic and underutilized buildings while respecting the communities they serve. That process often requires collaboration among owners, architects, contractors, community stakeholders, and public agencies, particularly when historic preservation incentives or CRA funding opportunities are involved. Experience navigating those relationships and the complexities of adaptive reuse can be critical to creating projects that deliver long-term value for both property owners and the surrounding community.

How are you approaching recruitment and retention in a competitive construction market?

Recruiting and retaining talent starts with having a strong sense of purpose. At MASS Construction, development intersects with culture and community. Many of our projects involve restoring historic buildings, revitalizing neighborhoods, and helping bring transformative ideas to life. That type of work inspires people and reminds them that construction is about much more than concrete and steel.

Our team enjoys seeing the direct impact of their work on the communities around them. When people feel connected to a project’s mission and can take pride in preserving a piece of Miami’s history or shaping its future, they tend to love what they do and stay engaged.

How important are community partnerships to your work?

Community partnerships have become one of the most meaningful aspects of my career.

When I first started, I was focused on construction and project delivery. Over time, I realized there was a broader purpose behind the work. Through involvement with organizations – such as Miami’s OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) –  focused on neighborhood redevelopment, I found opportunities to contribute to communities in a more meaningful way.

I am passionate about construction, but working on projects that help improve neighborhoods and create positive outcomes for residents gave me a deeper sense of purpose.

Where does Miami need support to ensure sustainable long-term growth?

Responsible development is critical. Developers and local governments should continue working together through public-private partnerships and other collaborative efforts. Growth should be guided by genuine needs and long-term planning.

Whenever development decisions are made, it is important to consider whether projects are being built responsibly and whether they are contributing positively to the community.

What are MASS’ top priorities over the next two to three years?

I want to focus on partnering with clients who are driven to build buildings that are culturally sensitive and sustainable and with a purpose.

We want to work on projects that contribute something meaningful to the neighborhoods where they are located. The benefit of owning a business is having the ability to choose where to focus your efforts.

Looking back, many of the projects I have been drawn to involve communities that are evolving and improving. Those are the opportunities that bring me the most satisfaction.

How does MASS help clients navigate complex development projects?

What has made us successful is our experience and our commitment to educating clients throughout the process.

We often become involved before construction begins, helping clients evaluate opportunities, understand risks, and make informed decisions. That can include advisory roles during planning and entitlement phases.

This is particularly important in adaptive reuse and historic preservation projects, where unforeseen issues can dramatically affect costs and timelines. We believe it is better to have difficult conversations early than to discover major challenges midway through construction.

Sometimes that level of transparency costs us opportunities, but we would rather help clients fully understand what they are undertaking than see them encounter avoidable problems later in the process.