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Galbut Family Closes $213M Construction Loan for Miami Tower, Kicks Off Unit Closings

An affiliate of the Galbut Family Office has successfully paid off a $213.4 million construction loan for the Gale Hotel & Residences, a prominent mixed-use development in downtown Miami. The project, located at 601 Northeast First Avenue, stands 51 stories tall and features 688 units.

The financing for the tower was provided by Bank OZK in September 2021. The developer, Sixth Street Partners, began recording unit closings in late May, according to property records. A spokesperson for the developer confirmed that the construction loan has now been fully paid off. Property records indicate that Bank OZK has issued nearly 200 partial releases of the mortgage, likely corresponding to the individual unit sales that have been recorded.

Originally launched as an Airbnb-branded Natiivo tower in collaboration with Harvey Hernandez, the project underwent a significant transformation. The building now includes 688 residential units, divided between 240 units under the Gale brand and 448 under Natiivo. The development offers a mix of condo-hotel units and condos available for short-term rentals, providing flexibility for owners and investors alike.

To date, the developer has completed closings on 438 of the 688 units, signaling strong demand for the property. The involvement of the Galbut Family Office, which includes Russell Galbut’s daughter, Marisa Galbut, and his nephew, Keith Menin, underscores the family’s continued influence and commitment to Miami’s real estate market.

This successful payoff marks a significant milestone for the Gale Hotel & Residences project, further solidifying the Galbut family’s reputation as key players in the city’s ongoing growth and development.