ZIG Investment Wins Green Light for 25‑Key Boutique Hotel Beside Miami Landmark Villa Paula

Key Points

• ZIG Investment Group, led by Mike Zikri, secured approval for Casa Paula, a 25-key luxury boutique hotel next to historic Villa Paula in Little Haiti.

• Designed by Royal Byckovas Architects, the project aims to blend modern hospitality with historic preservation, honoring Villa Paula’s Cuban neo-classical roots.

• The new development will serve as a cultural hub, combining lodging with art exhibitions, curated events, and heritage programming.

Miami’s historic Villa Paula is getting a next-door neighbor — and a modern facelift. The City of Miami has approved Casa Paula, a 25-key boutique hotel proposed by ZIG Investment Group, led by developer Mike Zikri, who also owns Villa Paula.

More than just another hospitality play, this project intends to bridge historic charm with contemporary design — while repositioning the property as a cultural and event destination. 

The Developer’s Vision

• Mike Zikri, through ZIG Investment Group, owns the existing Villa Paula and is spearheading the adjacent development.

• His goal: create a global cultural destination that honors the property's history while introducing a modern luxury offering.

• Zikri called the approval a “thrilling new chapter” for Villa Paula.

Project Details

• Name: Casa Paula

• Size: 25 hotel keys

• Design: Royal Byckovas Architects

• Architectural Style: Contemporary addition designed to complement Villa Paula’s 1920s Neo-Classical Cuban aesthetic

• Functionality: Boutique lodging + cultural programming, including art exhibitions and events

Historic Anchor: Villa Paula

• Built in 1926, Villa Paula was originally a Cuban consulate, featuring design and materials imported from Cuba.

• Known for its distinctive columns and neoclassical design, it's one of Miami's most iconic historic structures.

• In recent years, Villa Paula has hosted art shows and cultural events, laying the foundation for its evolution into a full-fledged cultural venue.

Market Context: Little Haiti + Boutique Growth

• Little Haiti is a gentrifying neighborhood attracting boutique developers but also facing pushback from long-time residents.

• Casa Paula's hybrid focus on hospitality + cultural experience taps into the growing trend of “story-driven” stays, where travelers seek authenticity.

• Boutique hotels under 50 keys are trending in urban infill areas, especially when anchored by local culture or historic value.

Investor Insight

• Pros:

  • Differentiated product in Miami’s saturated hotel market

  • Brandable asset with built-in narrative and historic draw

  • Potential for premium ADRs due to cultural cachet

• Challenges:

  • Scale (25 rooms) limits revenue unless offset by high occupancy + event revenue

  • Historic preservation and zoning compliance require tight operational execution

  • Neighborhood gentrification dynamics may attract scrutiny or regulatory headwinds

Leveraging History

Casa Paula is a prime example of a boutique project that leverages history to create hospitality value. With the weight of a historic landmark and a visionary owner behind it, the property could become a blueprint for culture-forward hotel development in Miami’s up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Below, we’ll walk through what’s planned, the heritage considerations, and what this means for investors tracking boutique hotel trends in evolving neighborhoods.