When Steven Michael talks about real estate, he doesn’t just speak in square footage and floor plans. He speaks in values like integrity, engagement, and sustainability. As CEO of Banyan Group, Michael has become a respected real estate developer. He has also been recognized for transforming historic neighborhoods and redefining modern urban living
Steve Michael, founder and CEO of Banyan Group and Banyan Family Office, is a visionary leader in community-focused real estate development across Delray Beach and beyond. His career spans four decades, marked by a deep commitment to adaptive reuse, creative placemaking, and the transformation of overlooked properties into vibrant community assets.
Michael’s leadership catalyzed the renaissance of Delray Beach, through transformative projects like the Midtown Delray, City Center, Set7 and Andre Design District. His imprint also includes innovative developments along the West Atlantic Avenue corridor, areas historically known as the SET communities.
Rooted in a mission to empower and uplift, Michael’s approach brings prosperity and energy back to the West Atlantic corridor by attracting local retailers, food entrepreneurs, and young innovators. At the heart of these efforts is the Andre Design District, a reimagined industrial corridor on Dr. Andres Way.
Modeled after Miami’s Wynwood, this district is now a thriving hub for creative businesses, minority and family owned restaurants. It also includes wellness spaces reflecting Michael’s belief that local enterprise and cultural expression are vital to urban revitalization.
Michael is also at the forefront of adaptive reuse. His projects include converting underutilized and distressed properties into over 1,400 workforce studios. This project meets the critical housing needs of essential workers, while energizing neglected urban corridors. Michael’s leadership ensures that these projects will not only deliver strong returns for investors but also drive lasting social value these communities.
Across Florida and beyond, his company has developed over five million square feet of residential, hospitality, and mixed-use spaces. All are designed to strengthen communities and empower those who live and work in them.
Recently, Michael was invited to speak at Apex Invest in Switzerland, where he shared insight on responsible real estate investing. He also spoke about the importance of affordable housing in shaping stronger, more resilient communities. “Real estate has the power to transform lives. When you build thoughtfully, you’re not just creating spaces you’re creating opportunity.”
That principle drives every project under the Banyan Group umbrella. The company has pioneered public and private partnerships that merge profitability with purpose. This philosophy has turned underutilized properties into vibrant hubs for commerce, living and culture.
A pivotal partnership emerged when NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis joined forces with Michael (and Banyan Group) to launch the Banyan Lewis Opportunity Fund.
Together, they are reshaping Delray Beach’s Northwest and Southwest neighborhoods, blending real estate innovation with social responsibility.
Lewis brings a national platform and deep philanthropic roots, while Michael provides the infrastructure, development expertise, and real estate know how to deliver results. This collaboration impacts not just real estate, but people across all lifestyle spectrums. It includes workforce housing, small business development, and youth programs that help create self-sustaining, inclusive communities.
“Ray’s passion for mentorship and empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Michael. “We’re not just revitalizing properties, we’re restoring pride, opportunity and a sense of belonging.”
At the heart of Banyan’s Delray Beach project is City Center, a mixed-use landmark planned for the West Atlantic corridor. Positioned between Swinton Avenue and I-95, the development will feature open-air retail, restaurants, entertainment, and office spaces. The goal is to design a project that will reflect the same vibrancy that makes up Miami’s famous Lincoln Road.
City Center will help the progression of the west Atlantic portion of Downtown Delray to become even more of a premier destination. The good news is that it will address the parking and congestion that seems to foster frustration in downtown Delray.
Equally ambitious is his vision of Tennis Village at the historic Delray Beach Tennis Center. This includes a Complete Renewal of the Tennis Stadium. The existing stadium would be transformed into a cutting-edge, multi-use venue. This new facility is designed to host not only world-class tennis tournaments but also concerts, events, and public gatherings.
The vision, in partnership with Match Point USA, will preserve the site’s legacy. It will also transform it into a world-class sports facilities, hotels, restaurants, offices and public gathering spaces. “It’s a modern model for sustainable urban revitalization that honors history, while creating new economic vitality,” said Michael.
Tennis Village would include outdoor courtyards, green spaces, water features, and innovative architectural elements. This will ensure that the Tennis Village will not only revitalize the stadium but also serve as an inviting hub for social activity and urban living.
Michael’s impact is growing across Florida and the country, not just in Delray Beach. The Amadi 52 Living projects in Kissimmee, Florida (near Orlando) consists of 1,500 units that include furnished studios and resort-style amenities. The project provides affordable, high-quality living for working families.
Similarly, The Irlo Apartments and upcoming Seralago Suites are older properties that will be converted into a new vibrant multifamily-vacation rental community. It will also include a retail mixed-use complex. This type of development addresses the need for workforce housing in high-demand areas such as this one.
Michael is also the mastermind of The Andre Design District a 65,000-square-foot repurposed warehouse complex along the Congress Avenue corridor. This eclectic space has been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use enclave that blends art, retail and office spaces. Inspired by Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, The Andre Design District has its own creative flair with local talent and sought after services.
Before founding Banyan Group, Michael built a successful career in finance as a trader and investment fund manager at the Chicago Board of Trade and London. That experience shaped his disciplined approach to investment, blending sharp financial acumen with an eye for long-term social impact.
Michael’s vision extends beyond development into philanthropy and community engagement. The annual Grand Slam Gala, hosted during the ATP Delray Beach Open, combines networking, entertainment, and purpose. Guests enjoy VIP courtside seating, a champagne brunch and dinner at Trump International Golf Club.
The event also benefits homeless veterans. Michael is also a supporter of Victoria’s Voice Foundation, that supports education and addiction prevention programs nationwide.
His dedication is a vision of urban revitalization that prioritizes people, place, and prosperity in equal measure. By leveraging adaptive reuse, supporting minority and family-owned businesses and developing affordable living solutions goals are being accomplished. And, partnering with civic-minded leaders like Ray Lewis, Michael’s impact on the Delray Beach SET communities (and other South Florida locations) is profound and ongoing.
With each project he brings new life to neglected areas, proving thoughtful development that is anchored in inclusion, creativity, and vision that can generate lasting prosperity for all.
“Real estate is about legacy,” said Michael. “Every project you build should inspire pride for generations to come.”
