Thea's Neighborhood Magic

On this episode of Thea’s Neighborhood Magic, Thea sits down with Avra Jain, co-founder of The Vagabond Group—known for turning forgotten Miami landmarks into vibrant destinations. From reviving the iconic Vagabond Motel on Biscayne Boulevard to transforming a six-acre mattress factory in Hialeah into Factory Town, Avra’s projects define Miami’s new wave of adaptive re-use and historic preservatio...

On this episode of Thea’s Neighborhood Magic, Thea hosts a conversation between two visionary city leaders: Alejandro Eder, the dynamic mayor of Cali, Colombia, and Manny Diaz, the transformative former mayor of Miami. They dive into what it takes to lead a city through reinvention—from revitalizing neglected urban cores to cultivating trust between local government and private enterprise.  Mayor ...

In this episode of Thea’s Neighborhood Magic, Thea sits down with Jared Robins, founder and principal of In House Commercial, a full-service commercial real estate company based in Miami Beach. Thea and Jared recall Collins Avenue, a once-thriving shopping district in Miami Beach that has struggled in recent years—as tenants have moved to other neighborhoods or shifted to online sales. Stretching...

In this episode of Thea's Neighborhood Magic, Thea talks with Charles Foschini, Senior Managing Director at Berkadia, America’s largest privately held real estate investment bank. Charles has placed twenty-five billion dollars in capital placement across 27 states. Charles shares his perspective from the financing side of neighborhood ignition. Thea and Charles discuss his significant experience p...

Thea visits the unstoppable force that is Bernice Steinbaum in her spectacular home gallery in Coconut Grove.  Bernice is a legendary art dealer who moved her eponymous gallery The Bernice Steinbaum Gallery from New York City to the gateway of Wynwood in the year 2000.  Bernice brought prestige and importance to the fledgling art district.  Building a two-story art gallery in what was then an over...

In this all-new episode of Thea's Neighborhood Magic, Thea talks with Sebastien Scemla of Omega Real Estate, developers of The Gardens Residences, a beautiful 358 unit rental building in North Miami. Sebastien shares his approach to being a conscientious developer, building community and creating a special living environment offered at an affordable price point. Thea and Sebastien discuss the nine...

Join Thea for another episode of Thea’s Neighborhood Magic, a behind the scenes look at what really goes into igniting a neighborhood. Thea is joined by Glendina Roseborough. Fifteen years ago, Glendina interviewed with Thea for a job to be Wynwood’s neighborhood ambassador cleaning the streets and welcoming visitors. Thea headed up the newly formed clean streets-job creation program created by th...

This episode is a tribute to Adrian Olivares, who played a pivotal role in producing the first five episodes of Thea's Neighborhood Magic before his untimely passing in July of this year. Adrian was more than a producer; he was a beloved son, a devoted father, and a cherished friend. In this special episode, Thea is joined by Alexis Grullon, Adrian's friend and fellow bandmate from their days in t...

In this episode, Thea talks with developers Marcus Jones and Akunna Olumba of the Legacy City Group about their transformative work in the Live Six neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. Akunna is an attorney and professor, Marcus is an expert in construction and sustainable building practices. Marcus and Akunna are developing a block on the main thoroughfare. As Thea says “The engine of Neighborhood...

In this episode, Thea talks with Ivette Naranjo, the dynamic entrepreneur who opened Cafeina, the first bar in Wynwood. Thea and Ivette look back on the early days as the first operators in Wynwood, Thea opened the first restaurant in 2008 and Ivette opened the first bar in 2009. They recall the quiet and desolation, “it was like operating on the moon.” In 2002, Ivette bought a warehouse for her f...

Thea is joined by "Miami’s best Mayor," Manny Diaz, who served as Mayor of Miami from 2001-2009. When Diaz took office, Miami was the poorest large city in America. It had a reputation as a drug capital with a corrupt police department, police shootings and riots. In this fascinating episode, Manny shares his personal perspective from his time in office. Thea and Manny discuss the growth of Miami...

Ever wonder how a place goes from not to hot? Join Thea for a behind-the-scenes look at what really goes into igniting a neighborhood. Thea knows - she's done it. She opened the first groundbreaking restaurants in Wynwood and Allapattah, founded and co-chaired the Wynwood Arts District Association, and generated powerful attention for overlooked parts of Miami. In this premier episode of the brand...