FOUNDER OF DEZER DEVELOPMENT

T he name of Michael Dezer is synonymous with the spirit of community and achievement. Born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel, Michael Dezer immigrated to the United States in 1962.

In 1970, Michael founded Dezer Properties, a now prominent New York City commercial real estate company. The first developer to identify Chelsea as an up-and-coming district in New York City, Michael had the opportunity to develop a portfolio of the area’s choicest properties. Michael became instrumental in the positioning of the “New Chelsea Image,” taking it from a failing fur and manufacturing district to a hub of fashion, creative resources, multinational company headquarters and offices, and desirable loft style living spaces.

Michael’s vision enabled Dezer Properties to be the first developer in New York City to convert factory buildings into luxury office cooperatives, and position the Chelsea area as one of the most sought-after in the city. Today the Dezer Properties New York portfolio is the largest of its kind in Chelsea, with holdings that include 20 commercial buildings, in addition to completing eight commercial co-ops and one luxury residential loft condominium, and encompassing more than 1.3 million square feet of space.

In 1985, Michael began to purchase oceanfront property in south Florida and is now one of the largest oceanfront property owners in Sunny Isles Beach, owning just over 27 oceanfront acres and representing one of the largest holdings of beachfront property owned and developable in the state. Today he owns the Travelodge Monaco Beach Resort and the Days Hotel Thunderbird Beach Resort, in addition to several other local condominium and resort properties. Michael also retains the development rights to additional properties in Sunny Isles Beach that represent over 30 oceanfront acres.

As Dezer Development continues to expand its portfolio, Michael has taken on a new venture, opening his Dezer Collection Museum and Pavilion. An avid car enthusiast and collector for nearly 50 years, Michael today owns over 1,000 of the most unusual vehicles held in any private collection in the world, including American classics from all eras, rare European classics, Hollywood “Star” cars and microcars, along with classic motorcycles and more. In addition to the extraordinary collection of vehicles on display, the museum features one of the largest collections of James Bond props and vehicles in the world.

Over the years, Michael has been a long time staunch supporter of various American and Israeli charities.

PRESIDENT OF DEZER DEVELOPMENT

A n accomplished businessman and humanitarian, Gil Dezer is a visionary real estate developer and one of the largest oceanfront property owners in South Florida. Dezer and his father, Michael Dezer, have made Dezer Development one of the most innovative and successful developers of iconic luxury and ultra-luxury residences in the world. Through the introduction of powerful brand partnerships with some of the world’s leading luxury brands, Dezer has restructured the face and value of the South Florida residential real estate industry. One thing that sets Gil apart from other developers is that his care for buyers goes far beyond just the sale of property. Gil remains active with the condominium associations and engages with unit owners in every project he develops.

Dezer’s first branded luxury condominiums were the very successful Trump Grande Ocean Resort and Residences and Trump Towers in Sunny Isles Beach. Despite the downturn of South Florida’s residential real estate market at the time, Dezer managed two remarkable achievements. Between 2009 and 2010, Dezer secured sufficient sales to pay-off Trump Royale’s $210 million construction loan and the $265 million pay-off of Trump Tower II and Trump Tower III’s mortgage, a combined $475 million.

Following the success of Dezer’s six Trump branded buildings, Dezer announced a master licensing agreement with Germany-based Porsche Design Group to bring the iconic brand to South Florida’s first automobile branded residences. The 60-story ultra-luxury Porsche Design Tower with its one of a kind, revolutionary automobile elevator lift system – the Dezervator – allows owners to park their vehicles in ‘sky garages’ directly next to their luxurious homes. The success of the Porsche Design Tower began when Dezer Development received a $214 million construction loan from Wells Fargo in September 2013, at the time marking the largest loan for a single construction project in the Southeast in the post-recession era.

Leveraging his track record of success with marquee lifestyle brands, Gil entered into an exclusive partnership with The Related Group and Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio to launch the world-renowned fashion and furnishings designer, Giorgio Armani’s, first residential tower in the U.S. real estate market: Residences by Armani/Casa. Designed by globally acclaimed Argentine-born architect, César Pelli, the 56-story oceanfront tower features 308 luxurious residences and incomparable amenities spanning two floors, all exquisitely designed by Armani/Casa with rich textiles and custom furnishings.

Dezer Development then expanded into Miami’s booming Arts & Design district through another joint venture with The Related Group to launch Hyde Midtown Suites and Residences. Designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by award-winning designer, David Rockwell, the 31-story tower includes 60 hotel rooms, 410 residential condominiums, and an array of contemporary lifestyle offerings. Dezer is once again partnering with The Related Group to develop the Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach, an Intracoastal-to-ocean property in Hillsboro Beach. The developers again engaged Arquitectonica to design this elegant community on the last undeveloped beach front property in South Florida.

Dezer currently has several other projects underway including the redevelopment of the Intracoastal Mall into Uptown Harbor, a monumental mixed-use project. The 30-acre property will feature luxury condominiums spread out among five towers including condos, retail spaces, offices, town homes, a boutique hotel and more. Uptown Harbor will include a striking waterfront promenade offering an active harbor for recreational boats and waterfront dining and shopping.

The current crown jewel of Dezer’s projects is the Bentley Residences Miami. Designed in conjunction with Bentley Motors, the 62-story building, with its diamond-quilted glass façade, was already awarded the South Florida Business Journal’s 2024 Structures Award. Currently under construction in Sunny Isles Beach, the Bentley Residences will incorporate Dezervator car lifts delivering unit owners’ autos to three and four sky garages inside every unit. This luxury condominium will include amenities with five-star hospitality and service.

Dezer earned degrees in International Finance and Marketing from the University of Miami. He additionally holds a real estate license and is the past President and Chairman Emeritus of the Developers & Builders Alliance (DBA), one of the world’s largest development and construction organizations. Active in the community, Dezer is a staunch supporter of local organizations and holds several positions which include: one of the Founders of the Mount Sinai Medical Center Foundation; a Young President of the Miami Heart Institute; member of the Florida Friends of Israeli Defense Forces (FFIDF); member of Project Cradle in Miami; host committee member of satellite art fair, Art Miami; member of WIZO Florida and the One Family Fund Organization.