Former JCI building gets its flagship tenant

Following a major restoration and renovation, the former Jaycee, Inc. headquarters in Coral Gables now has its flagship tenant. Home Financing Center, the largest independently owned and operated mortgage lender in South Florida, has moved into the third floor of 400 University Drive, the former JCI building.

“The building is beautiful and we are very happy to have moved in”, says Mari Perez-Arche, vice president of operations for Home Financing. Home Financing is leasing 7,200 of the available 25,000 square feet.

The five story building, designed in the sixties by famed MiMo architect Morris Lapidus, recently underwent a complete renovation. The interior was gutted and new electrical and mechanical equipment installed, along with impact resistant windows and two new elevators.

The eight original bathrooms were also renovated to be handicap accessible, with two additional bathrooms added to the lobby. The centerpiece of the building is the spectacular lobby, designed by Jeff Howard’s design group.

Inspired by the original Lapidus style, it incorporates modern materials for maximum effect. Rich, wood paneled columns, with light-emitting diode lights placed underneath and above, send a circular reflection onto the ceiling and polished marble floors.

A giant wave mosaic, featuring various shades of blue glass tile, rises on one side of the elevators, and continues down the other side, creating a feeling of movement and whimsy. The marine imagery continues into the bathrooms, which are decorated with frosted glass tiles in various hues of blue and dramatic blue marble sinks.

The outside of 400 University has also been spruced up, with new parking lots and native landscaping design. Parking spaces increased from sixty-eight to ninety three, and are framed by an abundance of greenery. Bougainvillea, sliver buttonwood, jasmine, coco plum and ficus are some of the plants used to create a colorful and inviting surrounding area.

The attention to detail that Miami Beach architect Lapidus is known for, as well as his genius for creating dynamic interior spaces, has been faithfully honored in this renovation. Owners Mort and Zeke Guilford will host a grand opening of 400 University in the Spring, to introduce the public to this MiMo gem in the midst of Coral Gables.