Infinity’s David Berg Recognized by Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce as a Better Beach Citizen and Next Gen Leader at 7th Annual Better Beach Awards
New York, NY and Miami Beach, FL – May 16, 2019 – Infinity Real Estate (“Infinity”) today was recognized with two awards at the 7th Annual Better Beach Real Estate Awards event. Infinity’s transformative, historic redevelopment of its 1200 Ocean Drive property earned it the Historic Preservation Platinum Award. In addition, David Berg, Partner of Infinity, earned the Better Beach Citizen Award for his ongoing efforts to improve and revitalize the Miami Beach community. The annual event, which was presented and organized by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce (“the Chamber”) and was sponsored by City National Bank and BCI Financial, honored influential leaders and projects that have had a profound impact on Miami’s local real estate over the past year. Award categories included historic preservation, innovative architecture, design, restoration, and environmental initiatives, among others.
The Historic Preservation Award recognizes a real estate company that revives a historical Miami Beach building site to current, adaptive re-use, while ensuring the building still maintains its cultural and historic identity. The building must meet approval from the Historic Preservation Board and obtain a Certificate of Operation for its new adaptive use.
This project marks Infinity Real Estate’s 30th historic redevelopment project across five cities, and its 5th in the Miami area.
“Infinity truly understands the importance of maintaining and preserving Miami Beach’s architectural history. What they’ve done with a landmark like 1200 Ocean Drive is going to become a model for preservation and sustainability efforts for years to come,” said Mirielle Enlow, the Real Estate Council Chair for the Chamber. “Also, I can’t think of someone more deserving of the Better Beach Citizen Award than David. His work with the Espanola Way Association, in particular, is just amazing. He’s managed to bring the entire community together.”
Infinity Real Estate’s Managing Partner, Steve Kassin commented, “We would like to express our gratitude to the Chamber for this honor. This is an extremely prestigious award, and we are humbled by their decision to name us the winner. It is our hope that the restoration of 1200 Ocean Drive showcases Infinity’s commitment to historic preservation, sustainability, and best-in-class adaptive redevelopment.”
Infinity acquired 1200 Ocean Drive in 2016 and began restoring the Miami Modern icon to its former grandeur. Originally designed by legendary architect Gilbert Fein, the three-story, post-war apartment building was erected in 1958, and it quickly became a landmark due to its signature balconies and eyebrows, as well as its vertical “1200” signboard. With the gracious support of the Historic Preservation Board, Infinity was able to pursue its vision and ultimately infuse over $6 million into restoring this classic property. Improvements included renovating the building’s façade, the famous “1200” signboard, all balconies and windows, and the interiors of all the units. The property was also made more energy efficient and less vulnerable to sea level rise through elevation changes to the ground floor. The revitalized property is a case study of architecturally responsible and economically viable historic development.
“We cannot thank the Chamber enough for this honor,” David Berg, who was also the recipient of the Better Beach Citizen Award, said. “We would also like to thank our partners, collaborators and friends on Ocean Drive and in the Miami Beach community who helped us achieve this recognition. We feel that it is our responsibility not only to contribute to Miami’s cultural reputation as a number one international gateway destination and place to live, work, and play, but also to serve as a model for what sustainable historic redevelopment can achieve.”
On being named the winner of the Better Beach Citizen Award, Berg said, “It is a tremendous honor. Just being nominated was an achievement in itself, and I am grateful to have been honored with the win. I look forward to continuing to serve Miami Beach as best I can, and to helping improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.”
The Better Beach Citizen Award is presented to individuals and corporations who strive to improve the quality of life within the Miami Beach community through civic engagement and volunteer work. Berg was nominated and selected for the award because of his historic redevelopment work with Infinity, as well as his involvement with Ocean Drive Association, South Beach Business Improvement District, and Espanola Way Association.
