Beyond The Murals: How CREW Miami Members Color Wynwood’s Future
If you have ever been to the Wynwood neighborhood located just north of Downtown Miami, Florida, you know all about the signature, vibrant culture, and energy specific to this creators’ cove. Former warehouses and industrial buildings are cloaked in a myriad of colors represented as graffiti murals and installations by notorious open-air artists. It is one of the go-to spots for shops, bars, and some of the most popular breweries in Miami.
Wynwood truly embodies the complexities of modern urban gentrification. A little over 15 years ago, the same creatively highlighted industrial buildings were shuttered, only to be transformed by developers and property managers with a mission to pull the area out of an economic exodus. Since then, Wynwood has experienced continued growth with an ‘all hands on deck’ mentality, and created an elevated, in-demand status that grabbed the attention of an international group paired with a renowned Michelin star rated chef—choosing Miami as their first point of entry.
That is where Mercy Lux and Wendy Ruiz-Cofiño come in. When Lux of Seacoast Construction was asked by her client if she knew of a company or contact that could handle the owner’s representation, she recommended Ruiz-Cofiño of Falke, a fellow CREW Miami member. The result? A swift owner's representation deal that closed in four months for a new restaurant concept.
Perhaps the win isn’t the fact that there will be a highly sought after reservation in the hip, art-filled neighborhood, but rather, that Lux and Ruiz-Cofiño are carrying on what developers and property managers did more than 15 years ago—using their CREW relationships for the continued mission and ongoing success of growing Wynwood.
“Mercy consistently goes above and beyond to facilitate introductions and to promote the talents of CREW members,” Ruiz-Cofiño said. “I have personally witnessed her genuine care for the community, as she consistently seeks out opportunities to support and uplift others.”
While the deal that Lux and Ruiz-Cofiño paired for is still mostly confidential, there is no doubt that there are waves happening within CREW Miami that contribute to anything the two members touch. Ruiz-Cofiño shared, “When we remain aware and attentive to the talents around us, we create a ripple effect of opportunity. So, through what I have learned by Mercy’s example, I am committed to continuing this practice of mindful connection, whether it's making a thoughtful introduction or including someone in a project where their skills would shine.”
CREW Miami members involved in this deal
Seacoast Construction
Falke
Chelsey Klasnich, American Drapery Systems
Chelsey Klasnich is the Vice President of Sales & Business Development at American Drapery Systems in Golden Valley, Minnesota, and holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and Broadcast Journalism from The University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) and a masters of business administration from St. Mary’s University- Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN). A passionate solutions provider with over 16 years of experience in business development, sales, and marketing, she leverages these skills with her educational experience to contribute to the CREW Communications and Editorial Committee and her position as co-chair of MNCREW’s Finance Committee.
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