Steve Michael and the Banyan Group are making waves with two transformative real estate initiatives that reflect their passion for revitalizing communities and supporting affordable housing.
Steve is pioneering a transformation of Delray Beach’s vibrant downtown area. After initially developing the historical Sun-dy Village, he has a renewed commitment to the West Atlantic Avenue District.
He’s breaking ground on City Center, a prime retail and office space at Swinton and Atlantic. He also has another mixed-use project underway at 6th and Atlantic Avenue.
Steve’s vision is to extend the thriving Downtown Delray area from Swinton Avenue to I-95. That will create a bustling hub for business, culture and community.
“I see Delray Beach expanding from its existing parameters to a much larger space beyond Swinton Avenue. This will include a fluid movement all the way to the I95. There is a demand for more downtown Delray space and the land is available.”
With several other projects lined up along the West Atlantic Corri-dor, Steve’s dedication to Downtown Delray has never been stronger.
Another exciting project in Delray Beach is the Andre Design District (on Dr. Andres Way) along the Congress Avenue corridor. Inspired by Wynwood Arts District in Miami, the Andre Design District has been transformed from an industrial area into a dynamic artist colony with a business district with an entrepreneurial spirit.
“Our goal was to give small businesses a place to thrive within the larger metropolis of downtown Delray Beach. The Andre De-sign District brings something unique to the forefront of Delray Beach with passion and compassion,” adds Steve.
Great ideas are grown in this Design District and then germinated into the cultural and business mix of the greater whole. The area has a Soho vibe that is both welcoming and needed in the area.
There are 36 large colorful photorealistic murals on the walls of this spacious four and half acre property. With cultural themes and eclectic personas, they infuse the area with energy and character.
The commerce and creativity is also bringing locals and tourists to the area. But what also distinguishes them from those nearby are the wonderful family-owned and operated restaurants with homemade food and a passion for their culinary craft.
The Santana Restaurant specializes in locally sourced Latin in-spired beef, chicken dishes, homemade red bean hummus, Hearts of Palm Seviche and lots more. This beautifully curated and crafted restaurant also does private catering and can be rented out for parties or events – info@santanasdelray.com
Baba’s Restaurant is also new and specializes in authentic homemade Ukrainian food such as Perogies, Borscht, a variety of vegan and meat Blintzes, Soups, Stews and more. You can also pick up their wonderful homemade frozen food and enjoy it at home. They have vegetarian and gluten-free dishes as well and they deliver – babapierogies.com
One of the newest businesses to join the Andre Design District is Within Yoga. This hot yoga studio was created with passion and infrared natural heat panels. It’s a serene space that lends itself to healing and renewal. Hot Yoga has been known to have wonderful healing properties. Go to www.withinyoga.live for information about classes.
Another newcomer to this Design District is NeuPath Mind Wellness. This holistic wellness Center provides ketamine therapy, functional medicine and psychiatric mental health services.
They use a Holistic approach to healing each person individually. This patient-centered approach focuses on addressing the root cause of health problems, rather than just the symptoms. This harmoniously blends the latest scientific research with ancient healing traditions.
Every therapy is thoughtfully chosen and meticulously tailored to promote lasting health and wellness. “We provide holistic wellness classes and education to help empower our clients. This helps optimize their health, expand their understanding of wellness and helps them achieve their personal health goals. We do this in a supportive community environment,” said Jeff Michaud, President and Co-Founder of NeuPath Mind Wellness. Call 561-847-3662 – neupathmind.com
The Andre Design District also supports a diverse mix of tenants—local entrepreneurs, minority-owned businesses, veterans, and young innovators—who bring their own unique sense and sensibility to the community.
This focus on diversity, empowerment, and local pride has made the Andre Design District a new hip, yet relevant destination with a vibrant business subculture.
Steve also has a passion for affordable and workforce housing. His latest project led him to create innovative projects in Kissimmee, Florida.
Responding to the growing demand for affordable housing, he recently completed a transformation of a 410-room hotel into 410 studio apartments.
This adaptive reuse approach not only meets the urgent housing needs in the area, but also revitalizes properties that need renovation and repair.
Steve is also working on 1,000 additional affordable housing units. His commitment to creating affordable housing is backed by new state legislation and zoning ordinances. Currently he is working with the incoming legislative session that supports the conversion of underutilized hotels into much-needed homes.
“We are working toward reshaping Florida communities with vision, creativity and purpose. The need is there and we are filling it with affordable housing that will make people’s dreams come true.”
From the cultural upliftment of Delray Beach to the essential housing initiatives in Kissimmee, the Banyan Group is paving the way for a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible space for businesses and residents across the state.
If you are interested in renting a space at Andrea Design District call them at 561-250-0070 info@designdelray.com.
