Almost 50 years ago, this beautiful city that we now call Aventura was nothing more than 785 acres of submerged, undeveloped swamp and marshland facing the Intracoastal Waterway. From a sketch on a cocktail napkin, Don Soffer, Turnberry Associates, began building Aventura. He partnered with George Berlin (aka Gentleman George) who became the spokesman for the company. George was a beloved and respected businessman whose word was his bond. Turnberry Associates has built a portfolio of projects including Aventura Mall and has to its credit the development of more than $10 billion in commercial and residential property including approximately 20 million square feet of retail space, more than 7,000 apartments and condominium units, 15 million square feet of class “A” office space and in excess of 3,000 hotel and resort rooms during the course of its history. They looked at every project to make cities prosperous and strong, and in doing so, the company has earned a reputation for excellence, creativity, and civic responsibility.
Turnberry Associates was the first of many developers who saw the potential of what this area offered for both for residential and commercial opportunities. Williams Island, originally built by the family of William, Jules, Stephanie and Eddie Trump, and now owned by the Property Owners Association, is another elegant residential community with a deep-water harbor. Other developers followed suit, including Coscan from Canada that built The Point of Aventura as Jorge Perez and his Related Group team built Hidden Bay and has since built and managed more than 100,000 condominium residences throughout South Florida.
In 1989, a group of developers joined forces to create a destination marketing organization, the Aventura Marketing Council (AMC). The AMC partnered with the major residential organization, the Joint Council of Aventura, to create a self-taxing district to handle everything from beautification, zoning, security, transportation and special events. In 1996, the City of Aventura incorporated and the AMC happily turned over all the responsibilities to their new City Manager, Eric Soroka and the first Mayor, Judge Arthur Snyder, and the new City of Aventura Commission. The AMC then expanded their scope of work to become the Aventura Marketing Council/Chamber of Commerce as businesses from throughout South Florida eagerly joined to partake of the high-level networking and business contacts available to members.
During this 25th anniversary year of the City of Aventura, there have been amazing positive changes for residents, businesses, shoppers and travelers alike. Today, Aventura has a population of over 37,000 year-round residents living within its 3.2 square mile boundaries. The City operates two charter schools: the new Don Soffer Aventura High School opened one year ago to join the award-winning ACES, Aventura City of Excellence School K – 8 in order to accommodate the many younger families living in the city. Next door to ACES is the Aventura Recreation Center with not only a full basketball court, but programs for all ages. In addition to the Don Soffer Aventura Fitness Trail that encircles the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, there are five parks to serve the residents. The Aventura Police Department is recognized nationally for their leadership and visionary community policies that keep and maintain a safe environment.
Aventura Mall continues to add to their mix of over 300 luxury stores, over 40 dining options and to their museum-worthy Arts Aventura Mall collection. LEVEL THREE rooftop venue which adjoins Aventura Mall has become a sought-after event space with 25,000 sq. ft. of customizable space with a vibrant elegance as well as ample parking. Other shopping centers, including Town Center Aventura (also owned and operated by Turnberry Associates) and the Promenade Shops offer a variety of dining and shopping options. New office buildings continue to rise up; Aventura Hospital and Medical Center recently opened their new East Wing, ensuring that all rooms are private; Mount Sinai Medical Center has an Emergency Room in Aventura in their office building filled with medical professionals; Memorial Regional Healthcare System has three hospitals nearby, including the world-famous Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; and North Shore Medical Center, just 15 minutes south of Aventura, provides the only Level III NICU in northern Miami-Dade County. Vi at Aventura is a luxury senior living community complete with a Master Chef. The beautiful waterfront Aventura Arts & Cultural Center opened in 2010, and with 330 seats, has featured a rich variety of entertainment options, including theater, dance, comedy and musical performances. Aventura has an exceptionally strong financial industry, with almost 20 different banks spanning the alphabet, from Amerant Bank, Iberia/First Horizon, Ocean Bank, Northern Trust and Popular Bank to Professional Bank, all offering a variety of services. On Aventura’s northern border is Gulfstream Park, a world-class thoroughbred horse racing course that also offers casinos, dining and shopping.
Aventura Mayor and her City Commission, City Manager and the directors of each City department, work constantly to keep the City known as the “City of Excellence”. Happy 25th anniversary, Aventura!