Shaping Miami’s Skyline: Getting Started to Building over 13 High Rise Towers | Harvey Hernandez

Original Publish Date 15 may 2024

Harvey Hernandez is Chairman & CEO of Miami-based Newgard Development Group and founder of Natiivo Hospitality. With 25 years of active involvement, he has distinguished himself as a forward-thinking, innovative, and fearless developer, who has been a pivotal figure in shaping city skylines.

Originally from Venezuela, Hernandez’s real estate journey began in the 1990s as a hands-on investor in Miami. Inspired by the city's transformative potential, he transitioned to large-scale real estate developments, particularly focusing on high-end, high-rise residential projects. Hernandez has been a pioneer in pushing design boundaries and integrating luxury finishes, innovative amenities, branding, and cutting-edge technology into his projects.

Hernandez has successfully delivered 13 trendsetting residential projects, totaling over 2,600 units spanning over 10 million square feet, in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Austin, and Nashville. He also completed hotel and office/condominium redevelopments.

Always ahead of evolving market trends, he most recently pioneered residential developments designed, built, and licensed for short-term rentals. He created two brands from scratch—LOFTY and Natiivo—that are incorporated into each project that utilizes this “flexible ownership” model.

Hernandez’s approach and dedication to excellence have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, he was named a Power Player in Real Estate by the South Florida Business Journal, and in 2023, he received an Apogee Award for CEO Leadership by South Florida Business & Wealth. Newgard’s Gale Residences & Hotel project earned an Honoree recognition in the 2018 Structures Awards given annually by the South Florida Business Journal.

Hernandez is also considered a thought leader in real estate development and is often invited to sit on panels or talk with the media to share his insights on market trends. He has spoken at events sponsored by The Real Deal, Commercial Observer, Bisnow, and IMN. He has been quoted in publications including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Miami Herald, South Florida Business Journal, and many others.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Trailer
0:39 - Harvey’s background
8:24 - First real estate investments & scaling
14:21 - First development project
17:04 - Taking on bigger projects/risks
18:31 - Development of Solaris in Brickell
22:04 - Miami: bubble or keep growing?
24:19 - Adding hospitality component
34:24 - Natiivo Miami & Lofty Brickell
37:28 - First deal outside of Florida
40:34 - Other markets excited about
45:19 - Advice for entrepreneurs & college graduates
50:05 - Structure of management agreement
52:00 - Future of Miami & market outlook