Articles and News

Miami, FL--Yair Levy, a New York developer barred from selling condos and co-ops in New York, had embarked on a journey to revitalize a downtown Miami office and retail building into a jewelry hub, investing $50 million in renovations. The project, named Time Century Jewelry Center, aimed to transform the Metro Mall at 1 Northeast 1st Street into a leading competitor of the Seybold Building, a long-established gemstone retail center.

[Image Einnews Presswire]

In a news release from October 2022, Yair Levy expressed his enthusiasm for Miami's potential as a hub for new and exciting jewelry designers and watch companies. He predicted that the growth of luxury residences nearby would drive a substantial influx of consumers to the Time Century Jewelry Center, potentially turning it into a prominent destination for tourists and locals.

Per a report in a real estate news network, The Real Deal, Howard Steinlauf, owner of Freddy's Certified Diamonds & Fine Jewelry and a tenant of Seybold for 50 years, was enticed by Levy's vision. Steinlauf relocated to the Time Century Jewelry Center, lured by promises of a prime location and a state-of-the-art facility.

However, three years into the renovation, the site remains an abandoned construction site. Steinlauf and other tenants have filed lawsuits against Levy and his partners, accusing them of breach of contract, fraud, and unjust enrichment, and seeking $1.2 million in damages. Steinlauf regretted, stating in the report, "Yair Levy misled us the entire time."

Levy's troubles in Miami mirror his challenges in New York, where he was found guilty of misappropriating funds from a condominium project. Despite his efforts to clear his name and restart his career in South Florida, Levy's project is marred by financial difficulties and legal battles.

Initially promising, the Time Century Jewelry Center is now plagued with construction liens, unpaid work claims, and a looming foreclosure. A partial judgment for foreclosure was recently passed against the project, casting doubt on its completion.

Levy's son-in-law and co-managing director, Dan Deutsch, acknowledged the funding shortfall. “It is so frustrating to us," he said in the report. "We thought we hit a grand slam and worked hard to get this building ready.” Despite nearing completion, the project is stalled, awaiting further investment.

Learn more in the entire report on The Real Deal.