From High-Rises to Harbors: The Dual Focus Driving Integra’s Continued Growth

In a city known for reinvention, Nelson Stabile has made a business of just that. As co-founder of Integra Investments, he and his partners launched their Miami-based real estate platform in 2009—at the depths of the Global Financial Crisis. Where others saw volatility, they saw opportunity.

"We started Integra as the market was entering the Great Financial Crisis," recalls Stabile. "There was very little demand for new development, but plenty of distressed assets with long-term potential."

That contrarian mindset laid the foundation for a company that now spans luxury condos, workforce housing, marinas, multifamily acquisitions, and even its own construction division. With more than $3 billion in development and investments to its name, Integra has evolved into one of Florida's most diversified real estate players.

From Crisis to Core Markets

Integra’s early acquisitions included vacant land, office buildings, and incomplete developments, such as a waterfront project in Boynton Beach they pivoted from condos to rentals. But as the market recovered around 2013–14, Integra began executing on its long-term development strategy. That shift culminated in Aventura Park Square—a dynamic, mixed-use community combining luxury condos, medical office, assisted living, hospitality, and retail.

"It became one of our marquee projects," says Stabile. "A true example of mixed-use placemaking in a prime location."

Brickell to Boca, and Beyond

Today, Integra is behind some of South Florida’s most anticipated luxury projects, including the St. Regis Residences Miami. The 50-story Brickell Avenue tower boasts 152 units, over 50,000 square feet of amenities, and a private marina—underscoring Integra’s unique dual expertise in both residential and marine infrastructure.

"Very few developers understand both the upland and water-side components," notes Stabile. "We see that as a strategic edge."

That edge is on full display in upcoming projects like Sereno in Fort Lauderdale and a planned four-tower waterfront development in West Palm Beach. As Stabile describes, Integra is betting big on Palm Beach County, driven by a surge in institutional investment, infrastructure improvements, and demographic shifts.

"The northward migration is real," he says. "We’re very bullish on West Palm and the surrounding area."

Marina Growth & Asset Class Diversification

In 2015, Integra acquired its first marina in Islamorada. That initial deal seeded what has since grown into a specialized vertical within the firm, now encompassing seven marinas statewide with nearly half a billion dollars in value. The group’s marina team now includes 70 employees.

"It became a strategic diversification for us," says Stabile, crediting partners Victor Baestas and Cory Yeffet with steering the platform’s growth. "There’s tremendous demand for boat slips—both wet and dry."

This diversification extends to other asset classes, too. Integra now actively acquires and repositions multifamily assets, most recently with Monaco Isles in West Palm Beach, a 317-unit property slated for renovation. It’s part of an opportunistic investment strategy that seeks value amid today’s higher-rate environment.

"Multifamily remains a very strong space, especially given housing affordability challenges," he adds.

Building From Within

To ensure execution control, Integra launched its own construction management arm, Integra Build, in 2019. While many developers outsource this function, Stabile says the decision was strategic.

"We felt it was critical to have that capability in-house, especially as construction costs were rising. It allows us to be more agile and cost-effective."

Though Integra Build oversees all verticals, specialty marine construction is handled through partnerships with local contractors. Still, Integra’s oversight helps ensure seamless integration between land and water assets.

Championing Live Local & Workforce Housing

While luxury may be the most visible side of Integra, the company also remains deeply committed to workforce housing. It was the first to get a Live Local project approved in Monroe County, and Stabile himself serves as president of the Builders Association of South Florida, actively shaping policy.

"We’re working closely with the state to refine the Live Local Act, particularly around lender certainty and property tax exemptions," he explains. "It’s critical to ensure these projects get financed and built."

He sees this as both a business imperative and a civic one.

"The 80–140% AMI range is where we see the most housing need, and we're trying to be part of the solution."

Advice for the Next Generation

Asked what advice he has for aspiring real estate professionals, Stabile is candid:

"There’s no one right way in. Just get started—then get into the details. Understand operations, construction, finance, and everything in between. Real estate isn’t as glamorous as it looks, but it’s a deeply rewarding business if you’re willing to do the work."

That ethos—of depth, discipline, and long-term vision—has been Integra’s hallmark since day one. And as Florida continues to grow, the firm’s holistic, adaptive model seems perfectly positioned to help shape what comes next.