Current media coverage and upcoming developments hand-picked from the industry.

Mindy McIlroy, President of TerraNova Corp.

Inside the Mind of Miami’s Retail Visionary

Commercial Property Executive, by Corina Stef – March 24th, 2023
 

Terranova President Mindy McIlroy on pushing boundaries in the retail industry.

  As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, Commercial Property Executive is bringing out the story of another inspirational female leader in commercial real estate.

Mindy McIlroy is a visionary in the restaurant and retail sector, currently serving as the president of Terranova Corp. in South Florida. With her keen eye for spotting trends and a deep passion for creating unique experiences for customers, she has made a significant impact on Miami’s retail and dining scene. She is the mastermind behind the successful leasing of a variety of tenants on two of the metro’s most iconic roads, Lincoln Road in Miami Beach and Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.

McIlroy’s ability to visualize, research and develop innovative new concepts has set her apart as a true leader in the retail industry. One of her most notable achievements is The Lincoln Eatery, a unique food hall venue designed by global architecture firm Arquitectonica. The space exemplifies McIlroy’s ingenuity by bringing together a variety of fast-casual, artisan and grab-and-go concepts in a single location, catering to foodies, locals, travelers and anyone looking to have a good time in Miami Beach.

With her impressive track record and broad expertise, she continues to push the boundaries of retail and dining, positioning Terranova as a leading force in Miami’s bustling retail and restaurant markets. In the interview below, she reveals all about her journey so far.

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Not So Lonely At The Top: Why Miami Real Estate Is ‘Very Much Ahead’ On Elevating Women Leaders

BISNOW  – March 8, 2023

Women don’t rise to leadership roles by accident or coincidence — just like their lack of opportunities in most industries and cities isn’t an accident. Beth Azor and Trish Blasi, the founder of Borghese Investments, both came up at Terranova Group, where many of Miami’s female leaders have worked over the years.

Azor, the founder of Azor Advisory Services, credited Terranova Group founder Stephen Bittel as a mentor who made sure she had every opportunity to succeed.

“Why he was so amazing was anything you wanted to do, he said I’ll help you,” Azor said. “He’s the one who helped me go to a bank and co-signed a loan to help me invest in my first commercial real estate property. I wouldn’t have been in investment today without that. There was no glass ceiling for him. He ran a meritocracy.”

Blasi was Terranova’s president before leaving to found her own firm. Its president today, Mindy McIlroy, got her start at the company as an executive assistant in 1997.

“I had no plans to be involved in the real estate business, but the company president approached me and asked if I would consider transferring to a sales role in the leasing department. It seemed like a good idea at the time and has proven to be the best decision I have ever made,” she wrote in an email. “Every day I give thanks for saying ‘Yes’ to the opportunity.”

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Breathing New Life Into Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile While Staying True to its Roots

In News Weekly, by Josh Wienmen  – December 23, 2022

It can sometimes be a bittersweet thing to witness the ebbs and flows of a city. The longer you are connected to a place the more it becomes a part of who you are, and even when it is experiencing new growth it can be difficult to say goodbye to aspects of it that get left behind in the process. Change is an inevitable fact of life, and yet it isn’t easy to face. All one can do when observing changes to an area is hope that the original spirit is kept alive through them.

That has been the goal of Stephen Bittel’s Terranova Corporation and the others who own properties on Coral Gables’ historic Miracle Mile. The coastal city itself has traditionally placed a high priority on historic preservation, and as the central artery for its downtown area Miracle Mile plays an essential role in the city’s culture and heritage. Owning a number of buildings on the stretch, Terranova has not taken its responsibilities to the original character and charm of Miracle Mile lightly, working to bring in businesses that simultaneously stimulate growth for the city while also remaining true to its history.

Case in point, the recently celebrated reopening of John Martin’s at 253 Miracle Mile, a property owned by Terranova. Originally one of South Florida’s longest-running restaurants, the Irish-themed pub was forced to shutter in April of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and was never able to open its doors again even after restrictions had been lifted. Emi Guerra and Alex Mantecon are the new leaders of Breakwater Hospitality Group, under their leadership, the bar has been given some rejuvenating updates while maintaining the original spirit of the pub.

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