Dan Kaplan on PMG’s Bold Blueprint for South Florida

Since its founding in 1991, Property Markets Group (PMG) has been a catalyst in reshaping the South Florida real estate landscape. With a portfolio of transformative residential and commercial projects and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of design and lifestyle integration, PMG has emerged as one of the region’s most respected and forward-thinking development firms. From its early work in Miami to its growing presence across the state, PMG has consistently responded to market demand with innovation, architectural precision, and a deep understanding of how people want to live.

Now, with Sage Intracoastal Residences Fort Lauderdale, PMG turns its focus north of Miami to introduce a new benchmark for boutique waterfront living.

Boutique Tranquility on the Intracoastal

Sage Intracoastal is a 28-story, 44-residence luxury tower that sits along 200 feet of prime Intracoastal Waterway frontage. Nestled just south of the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, the project offers a rare and protected view corridor—an intentional decision, says Dan Kaplan, Managing Partner at PMG.

“Site selection was a strategic process,” Kaplan explains. “We prioritized rare, protected waterfront views and prime accessibility in Fort Lauderdale’s growing luxury market.”

With only two units per floor and a comprehensive focus on wellness—including the Sage Wellness Spa—Sage is more than a residence; it’s a lifestyle retreat. “We’ve ensured privacy, wellness, and overall residential comfort,” Kaplan adds, noting that the project is designed for discerning buyers who value both serenity and accessibility.

Fort Lauderdale’s Rise in the Luxury Ranks

Once a seasonal destination, Fort Lauderdale has emerged as a year-round luxury market, drawing attention from domestic and international buyers alike. The city’s infrastructure improvements, burgeoning restaurant scene, and cultural institutions have elevated its profile—and PMG is betting on that trajectory.

“Fort Lauderdale has come into its own,” says Kaplan. “The demand for refined, waterfront living is real—and growing. Sage Intracoastal speaks directly to that demand with its boutique scale, prime location, and unparalleled views.”

Strategic Financing in a Changing Market

While the development landscape has been turbulent due to rising interest rates and tightened lending conditions, PMG has continued to secure financing for its marquee projects. The group attributes this success to its long-term relationships with key financial partners.

“We have relied on the network of close financial contacts that we’ve built over the course of our company history,” Kaplan says. “We spend time with each of our contacts reviewing financing opportunities and helping them understand every aspect of our projects.”

This year alone, PMG has secured a $413M construction loan for One Twenty Brickell Residences, $215M for 38 West Eleventh, and $208M for One Park Sarasota—an impressive feat in today’s financial climate.

“My advice to others,” Kaplan offers, “is to nurture relationships with key lenders, understand their concerns, and be prepared to address them proactively.”

Downtown Miami’s Vertical Evolution

In the heart of Downtown Miami, PMG is behind one of the city’s most iconic towers: Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami. Now 19 floors high and climbing at a steady pace, the project symbolizes a broader transformation of the area.

“Since launching the Waldorf Astoria, we've witnessed the remarkable evolution of Downtown Miami,” Kaplan shares. “There’s been strategic expansion in retail and culinary offerings that’s really elevating the urban experience.”

PMG’s continued investment along the Biscayne Boulevard corridor is designed to accelerate that growth. “Downtown Miami is emerging as a comprehensive cultural and economic hub,” he adds. “It presents exceptional opportunities for business, entertainment, and urban living.”

Branded Living with Staying Power

Miami’s luxury residential market is in the midst of a branding boom. Hospitality names such as Waldorf Astoria, Baccarat, and Ritz-Carlton are increasingly attached to high-rise residences. For PMG, brand partnerships are strategic—not superficial.

“The influx of luxury brands in Miami shows how much interest there is in this market,” Kaplan says. “But when we decide to partner with a brand, it’s because that brand brings something fresh and new to the table. Developers can’t create demand—we can only respond to it and pivot to what the market wants.”

E11EVEN® Club Hotel & Residences: A Bold Bet That Paid Off

Few projects embody PMG’s willingness to think differently like E11EVEN® Club Hotel & Residences. Built around the spirit of Miami nightlife and resort-style entertainment, the concept was met with overwhelming interest from a wide range of buyers.

“Our demographic ranges from celebrities to athletes, businesspeople to rising professionals, as well as includes second-home buyers and investors,” Kaplan notes. “This sub-neighborhood is built to cater to a crowd that wants to be connected to the community but also actively participates in the Miami lifestyle.”

One Twenty Brickell: The Work-Life Hybrid

In Miami’s Financial District, PMG continues to innovate. One Twenty Brickell Residences offers deeded office suites—a unique amenity tailored to the demands of hybrid professionals and business owners.

“We’ve received a lot of interest in this approach,” Kaplan shares. “It solves the need for Class-A office space while providing luxury housing. You get the privacy of a dedicated office without sacrificing square footage in your home.”

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

As PMG looks to the future, Kaplan sees opportunity in branded luxury and short-term rental models. “Buyers are increasingly looking for properties that double as investment vehicles and secondary homes,” he says. The company also made headlines recently for partnering with Shift4 to enable cryptocurrency transactions for pre-construction purchases.

Advice for the Next Generation

For young professionals entering commercial real estate, Kaplan emphasizes curiosity and connection. “Always look for new opportunities to innovate—or create them for yourself,” he advises. “It’s too easy to approach each project the same way. Instead, embrace the challenge of building something that responds to the community's evolving needs.”

And just as importantly: “Your most valuable asset is your network. Invest in it. Nurture it. Real estate is a relationship business at its core.”