Fairchild Botanical Gardens Unveils New Exhibit on Lincoln Road

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INSIDE SOUTH FLORIDA — MARCH 10, 2021 — BY MIRIAM TAPIA
Renowned for its world-class collection of tropical plants, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has teamed up with the Lincoln Road BID to unveil its newest exhibition.

The Fairchild Gardens on Lincoln Road celebrates plant life along Lincoln Road’s eight-block pedestrian promenade.

The collaboration between Miami Beach and Fairchild has been blossoming for the past several years but now Lincoln Road is being reimagined as a botanic garden.

“This is a very new way of looking at these existing landscapes transforming and showcasing the unique aura of those areas,” says Jason Downing, Orchid Biologist, Fairchild Tropical Garden.

Some of the plants you can expect at the installation are Orchids.

“We have installed a lot of Orchids in addition to highlighting a number of other plants, trees and palms of course. But Orchids are symbols of the tropics in many cases. We’re one of the few places in the continental U.S. where orchids grow on trees, they naturally occur here. So the program is a conservation-based program where we work with students and the general public to help reintroduce these lost orchids back into our landscapes,” states Downing.

Visitors can scan the 120 QR-coded signs that are on the plants that way guests can be virtually guided with pictures and videos and know more information about each plant curated by Fairchild’s scientists.

Ultimately, the Lincoln Road BID wants locals and tourist to appreciate our local landscape with this installation.

“The hope is that people can come and see these great plants and do something on their own residences to help our landscapes as well. Because every time we do these trees produce more oxygen and we take a shot at global warming and rising seas and we do things that are good for our environment at the same time we enjoy it,” said Stephen Bittel, Chairman of Terranova Corporation.

The Fairchild Gardens on Lincoln Road is now open and begins on Lincoln Road’s 700 block.

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Stephen-Bittel-Potential

Terranova Corp.’s Stephen Bittel Reflects on the Importance of Recognizing Potential

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COMPANY LEADERS — AUGUST 24, 2020 Founded in 1980, multifaceted real estate development and management firm Terranova Corporation has enjoyed steady growth in Florida’s commercial real estate sector. From its inception, the company focused on growing an impressive portfolio, providing unparalleled customer service for managed assets, and maximizing the growth potential for businesses. As the company prepares to celebrate its 40th birthday, Founder Stephen Bittel reflects on Terranova’s growth and his commitment to evolving the commercial real estate sector. Throughout this successful venture, Bittel has guided his team forward by recognizing the potential of various types of assets, listening to consumer demand, and watching trends emerge. Now, Bittel looks to the current national climate to determine Terranova’s next steps and commercial real estate’s future.

As a leader, Stephen Bittel has been committed to taking chances, and recognizing the potential in building strong long-term relationships with tenants. Under his leadership, the potential of these relationships has been recognized via multi-unit deals, impressive long-term professional endeavors, and a loyal following from some of the biggest names in retail and commerce. Bittel has personally overseen all facets of operations since the inception of Terranova, using his expertly honed eye for potential to leverage continued growth, development, and success. Growing his team to nurture the talent and potential of co-workers, Bittel has worked to inspire, mentor, and grow his team from the ground up. Now, he looks to the future of Terranova, and his ongoing quest for recognizing the potential in human talent, commitment to excellence, and the forging of long-term relationships.

Terranova’s Beginning

During his second year at the University Of Miami Law School, Stephen Bittel entered the realm of commercial real estate management. Asked to operate a commercial space for a local partnership, Bittel swiftly recognized that he could maximize revenue, streamline operations, and effectively manage the property. He founded Terranova Corporation and set forth to invest in a commercial property of his own. In 1980, Florida’s commercial real estate sector was heavily monopolized by unanchored strip malls. 

He initially invested in two commercial shopping centers on Sunset Drive and garnered three more properties in collaboration with other investors. In charge of operations, management, and growth of these commercial properties, Bittel grew his reputation quickly. He was committed to exceeding expectations, enhancing management-tenant relationships, and securing additional tenant relationships through multi-unit deals. By exceeding tenant expectations from the beginning, Bittel recognized the potential prospects of future business ventures.

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Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road is betting on outdoor dining and culture. Locals are key.

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MIAMI HERALD — JUNE 19, 2020 — BY JANE WOOLDRIDGE When Timothy Schmand took over as executive director of the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District almost 2 1/2 years ago, the closest Miami had come to a pandemic was on a movie screen.

Lincoln Road, it seemed then, had more pressing problems. Commercial rents were soaring, forcing small businesses from Miami Beach’s signature pedestrian promenade, and the freewheeling ambiance of the Road seemed to be giving way to corporate slickness.

Last year, rates began to cool. As 2020 began, new local-market tenants were lining up, including Miami’s first Amazon four-star location – a concept where the store’s inventory includes only top selling items rated four-stars and above on amazon.com. Lincoln Road was also set to welcome its first hotels onto the promenade, and was set to close the installation of 13 monumental Botero sculptures erected in November 2019. And the BID was looking to finalize pre-construction process associated with a $67 million revitalization project designed by James Corner, the landscape architect responsible for New York’s High Line.

Then came COVID-19. Lincoln Road – and the rest of the country – went dark.

The BID pivoted to a recovery plan designed to support businesses while balancing public health concerns. In the “new normal,” attracting residents through experiential retail and unique, open-air activations will be even more critical to the Road’s strategic success

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