Edgar Jones, the MRED+U programs’ second Advisory Board Chair, returned to campus to speak about his work with American Dream Miami and the Space Coast Town Center. Edgar’s career is distinguished and lengthy and, prior to founding his own firm in 2012, includes serving as Vice President and Regional Development Officer, Southeast Region, for The Rockerfeller Group and Vice President of Grubb and Ellis. Offering sage advice such as “Take a look on either side of you. These are your peers and are who you will be doing business with over the next several years”, Edgar engaged the students in an active discussion.
Two large projects have occupied his time for the past few years. American Dream Miami backed by Triple Five, a conglomerate based in Edmonton, Alberta, specializes in malls, entertainment complexes, and hotels. The proposed project has been exceedingly complex and challenging and will upon completion be the second largest shopping mall in America. The entertainment complex includes an amusement park, water park, ferris wheel, Legoland, ice rink and indoor ski slope with a proposed opening in 2023. Proponents offer job creation, billions to local economy and entertainment to residents as reasons to support the project. Opponents suggest damage to Everglades, traffic and retail oversaturation.
The Space Coast Town Center is a proposed mixed-use development on 170 acres in West Melbourne supporting the aerospace and defense industries. This neo-urban and walkable community will be at the heart of the region’s employers, attractions and traffic patterns. The residential community will offer upscale multifamily residences targeted toward young aerospace and defense professionals.
