The 210-unit oceanfront property has been called M Resort Residences; however, to reflect the new relationship, the name will change to Le Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Miami/Sunny Isles Beach. Pavarini Construction Co. began construction on the resort last summer and the developer plans a December opening, just a little behind the originally planned date of this fall. The project, located at 18683 Collins Ave., just north of Miami, has an expected sell-out value of $82 million.

Robert Riley, CEO of Le Meridien, says in a statement that the company is adding the property as part of its efforts to grow its brand in the Americas.Edgardo Defortuna, president of Fortune International, notes that the prestige of the hotel company will benefit the project. "Le Meridien's expertise in managing world-class beach resorts in places like Bora Bora, Rio de Janeiro and Cancun will bring a great deal to the partnership," he says.

The prestige should help the developer's goal of appealing to wealthy jet-setters from locations such as New York, South America and Europe. Prices will range from the $200,000s to more than $800,000 and the one- and two-bedroom units will range in size from 650 sf to 1,600 sf. The project's amenities will include a full-service, 6,300-sf boutique spa and fitness center, a BiCE Italian restaurant offering indoor and outdoor dining and a 30-seat Lobby Lounge, meeting space, an infinity-edge pool, a tropical pool bar and a poolside whirlpool, beach cabanas, hammocks and a full-service business center.