Featured Media and Press Releases

The Simkins Family Foundation, spearheaded by Michael Simkins, CEO and President of Lion Development Group, is proud to contribute to United Way of Miami’s Thanksgiving Drive. This initiative plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity by providing Thanksgiving meals to vulnerable families across Miami-Dade County.

Michael Simkins has long championed Miami as a place where innovation, prosperity, and inclusivity converge. His leadership at Lion Development Group reflects this vision, with transformative real estate projects that bring vibrancy and opportunity to the community. Through the Simkins Family Foundation, this commitment extends beyond urban development, reaching into the heart of the community to support those most in need.

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue for many families in Miami, and the United Way of Miami’s Thanksgiving Drive is a beacon of hope during the holiday season. With generous support from donors like the Simkins Family Foundation, the drive ensures that thousands of families can gather around a table and celebrate with a meal that might otherwise be out of reach.

Michael Simkins’ philanthropy embodies a belief in creating opportunities that lift everyone in our community. "Miami is more than a city; it's home," said Simkins. "By partnering with impactful organizations like United Way, we are ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of our community can share in the prosperity we envision for all of Miami."

Through the Simkins Family Foundation, Michael Simkins continues to support initiatives that build a resilient and flourishing Miami. From enhancing food security to fostering educational opportunities and cultural vibrancy, the Foundation’s work underscores a dedication to long-term growth and community well-being.

As Miami grows into a global hub of innovation and culture, it is imperative to ensure that its growth includes and uplifts everyone. This Thanksgiving, the Simkins Family Foundation encourages others to join in the effort to make Miami a thriving and inclusive home for all.

Together, we can build a stronger Miami—one meal, one family, one community at a time.

On November 8, 2024, YPO Members gathered at the prestigious E11EVEN Miami Residences & Hotel Sales Gallery in Downtown Miami for an exclusive fireside chat featuring Michael Simkins, CEO & President of Lion Development Group, and his wife, Nikki Simkins, Founder and CEO of 11 Vodka. This unique event was moderated by Wendy Kolstein, Nikki's sister, and brought together members of the Young Presidents' Organization to engage with two of Miami's visionary entrepreneurs and leaders behind the rapidly growing E11EVEN brand.

The event provided an intimate setting where Michael and Nikki shared insights into their professional journeys, revealing the perseverance, creativity, and ambition that have fueled their business achievements. Attendees gained a firsthand perspective on the development of the E11EVEN brand, as well as the visionary expansionist mindset that both Michael and Nikki apply in their respective industries.

Michael Simkins, known for his work with Lion Development Group, began the conversation by detailing his background in real estate development and innovation. He shared how his commitment to transformative projects, such as the E11EVEN Miami Residences, has helped redefine luxury urban living in Miami. Michael underscored his dedication to creating vibrant communities that embody the dynamism and energy of the city, offering unique lifestyle experiences that draw inspiration from Miami's rich cultural landscape.

Adding to the conversation, Nikki Simkins discussed her own entrepreneurial path as the founder of 11 Vodka. She described her journey in the spirits industry, noting the challenges and triumphs that come with launching a high-quality product in an ever-competitive market. Nikki emphasized the importance of authenticity, creativity, and a keen understanding of consumer needs—qualities that have propelled 11 Vodka’s growth and established it as a brand synonymous with sophistication and Miami’s vibrant nightlife.

Together, Michael and Nikki highlighted the strategic synergy between Lion Development and 11 Vodka, sharing how their collaborations have strengthened their brands and expanded their reach. They also touched on the significance of the E11EVEN brand as a lifestyle and hospitality powerhouse, with the E11EVEN Miami Residences symbolizing the height of luxury and immersive living. Their discussion illuminated the driving force behind their entrepreneurial pursuits: an unrelenting commitment to growth, innovation, and expansion.

Moderated with finesse by Wendy Kolstein, the panel flowed seamlessly as YPO Members engaged in a thought-provoking Q&A session. The event concluded with an informal networking reception, allowing members to connect, share insights, and continue the conversation on what it takes to create a lasting impact in business and beyond.

As Michael and Nikki Simkins continue to set a standard of excellence and creativity, their journey serves as a testament to the power of an expansionist mindset, resilience, and the courage to build without limits. The fireside chat left attendees inspired and energized, taking away valuable lessons in leadership, strategic growth, and the possibilities that come with vision and tenacity.

Gourmet excellence and luxury living fuse at the recently launched Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences, the first residential real estate venture by Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Located in the Miami Design District, the 48-story, 329-unit tower promises an immersive lifestyle experience for residents, blending culinary artistry with world-class amenities. The project, co-developed by Terra and Lion Development Group, was designed by the renowned Arquitectonica, with BoF 500 design studio Yabu Pushelberg curating the interiors.

Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is set to debut his first residential venture with the Miami Tropic Residences in the heart of the city’s Design District. Seamlessly blending culinary artistry with luxury living, this exclusive new retreat embodies Miami’s tropical elegance and vibrant cultural essence.

Lion Development Group, in partnership with Terra Group and renowned Chef Jean-Georges, launch Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences in Miami’s bustling Design District

The Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences represent the first-ever residential building for Michelin-Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, merging his culinary artistry with luxurious living.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the renowned chef known for redefining fine dining, is embarking on an exciting new venture—this time, it’s not another acclaimed restaurant. The celebrated culinary master is partnering with the real estate developer Terra to create his first residential building: the Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences. Located near Miami’s trendy Design District, this 48-story tower will house 329 condos, 27,500 square feet of ground-floor retail, and, as expected, an innovative culinary focus.

"We're excited to partner with David Martin and Terra on another joint venture and look forward to aligning our shared vision with Jean-Georges, Yabu Pushelberg and Arquitectonica in bringing this building to life," said Michael Simkins, CEO of Lion Development Group

320-unit, 48-story tower planned for site near Design District, Shops at Midtown Miami

Co-developers Terra, led by David Martin, and Lion Development Group, led by Michael Simkins, have launched of sales for Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences. Located at 3501 NE 1st Avenue, at the nexus of Miami Design District and Midtown Miami, the building signifies Jean-Georges’ first foray into residential real estate

The famed chef is expanding his reach to a condo tower that emphasizes entertaining.

Developing the new tower alongside Jean-Georges Management are South Florida's Terra and Lion Development Group. Plans for the 329-unit tower include one, two, three and four-bedroom units, and penthouses.

Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his innovative approach to the culinary arts to Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences, a 48-story tower in Miami’s Design District. The project, selling condos now, is designed by Arquitectonica, with interiors by Yabu Pushelberg. It blends urban sophistication, tropical living, and, of course, the chef’s signature fine dining.

One West Twelve Residences (ONE W12) is a 372-residence tower offering a lively lifestyle. ONE W12  will evoke iconic Miami glamour through a curated selection of engaging amenities, including a rooftop  pool & garden and a dining & lounge concept by acclaimed Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Paired with  captivating views of both Miami’s iconic skyline and centralized proximity to Miami's most dynamic neighborhoods, ONE W12 will provide residents a bespoke, all-encompassing living experience. 

“As a Miami native as well as a property and business owner in Overtown for over 12 years, we are thrilled to work with existing stakeholders in the community on One West Twelve Residences,” Lion Development CEO Michael Simkins said in a press release. “Working once more with esteemed partners like PMG and LNDMRK, we are committed to celebrating the history of this amazing neighborhood and creating a living experience that embodies the perfect blend of iconic Miami charm and modern living.” 

PMG, Michael Simkins’ Lion Development Group and Alex Karakhanian’s Lndmrk Development launched sales of a planned short-term rental friendly condo tower in Miami’s Overtown. 

PMG, Lion Development Group, and LNDMRK Development have revealed One West Twelve Residences (ONE W12) in the heart of Historic Overtown, featuring 372 bespoke residences with captivating views of both Miami’s iconic skyline and vibrant sunset vistas. The property has sold over 50% of its residences in just one month and will offer a dynamic lifestyle with centralized proximity to Downtown Miami’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. ONE W12 will evoke iconic Miami glamour through a curated selection of engaging amenities and entertainment-oriented experiences for residents and the surrounding community. PMG Residential is exclusively leading sales with residences priced from $300,000.

The building will have over 650 units that can be listed for rent on Airbnb.

National developer PMG, Michael Simkins’ Miami-based Lion Development Group, and Marc Roberts Companies have launched sales for West Eleventh Residences, their third luxury short-term rental tower in Downtown Miami’s hot Park West neighborhood now dubbed District 11. Located at 18 NW 11th Street, West Eleventh Residences will offer short-term rental flexibility and a first-time opportunity for owners to enjoy fully centralized management with the ability to host guests 365 days a year on Airbnb. Situated in Miami’s District 11, one of the city’s most notable entertainment destinations, the tower will rise 44 stories and offer 659 fully furnished, turn-key residences complete with vibrant amenities and a distinctive 30,000 square foot, tri-level experiential entertainment and food hall on the ground floor.

E11EVEN Residences Beyond, part of the ultra-luxury, dual-tower E11EVEN Hotel & Residences Miami development located in Downtown Miami’s District 11 neighborhood, has completed its foundation pour and is moving ahead with vertical construction.

The foundation pour for E11EVEN Residences Beyond, conducted by John Moriarty & Associates, began Friday, August 23 at 8 p.m. and lasted approximately 24 hours. With 760 concrete trucks pouring 6,800 cubic yards of concrete, this foundation pour marks an exciting next step for both the project, developed by E11EVEN Partners and PMG and the continued growth of Downtown Miami’s District 11 neighborhood.