At the Turnberry Isle Yacht and Racquet Club condominium complex, residents expect exceptional, responsive service from developer Jeffrey Soffer. But in a recently filed lawsuit, the Turnberry Isle Condominium Association accuses Soffer affiliate YCM Acquisitions LLC of being derelict in its duty to maintain the North Tower’s lobby and the parking garage’s ground floor.
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Jeffrey Soffer and Turnberry Isle Yacht and Racquet Club |
Brett Mufson, president of Fontainebleau Development, Soffer’s main company, said the association’s allegations are completely incorrect and frivolous. “We always had a reputation for operating first class properties,” Mufson said. “And we will continue to respond accordingly.”
The lawsuit alleges
that the lobby has multiple active water leaks “literally
dripping down the walls” that are damaging a wall that
separates the North Tower from an abutting property known as
the Monaco building. The association also claims that the
Monaco building is in a derelict condition and is infested
with rodents.
“YCM has also failed to satisfy its express obligation to
refurbish (i.e., renovate and redecorate) the lobby with
furniture and accessories pursuant to the declaration and
the lobby agreement, and its obligation to operate the
sundry shop for the benefit of the North Tower residents,”
the complaint states. “The condition of the [North Tower
lobby and garage ground floor] and the Monaco building are
unsuitable for a first-class, luxury residential community.”
The association claims the lack of repairs potentially poses
serious health and safety hazards to the North Tower
residents, prevents the residents’ full use and enjoyment of
their properties, and severely lowers the North Tower
property and rental values. In addition to taking control of
the lobby and ground floor, the association is also seeking
to compel YCM to repair and renovate the common areas and
pay damages caused by the Soffer affiliate’s alleged breach
of its obligations.
The lawsuit comes four months after the British private
equity and investment firm Reuben Brothers acquired a 25
percent stake in Soffer’s JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort
& Spa and is partnering with his company, Fontainebleau
Development on other investments. That resort went through a
$300 million renovation, adding 325 new rooms in a 16-story
tower, bringing its total to 685 rooms and suites. Other
upgrades include added event space, a refurbished 36-hole
golf course; and the construction of Tidal Cove Waterpark.