(Crystal Proenza is associate editor of Real Estate Florida.)

AVENTURA, FL-As part of the expansion of its new brand of hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has broken ground on aloft Aventura, owned and developed by Cabi Aventura Hotel LLP and Aventura Development. The 215-room hotel at 2777 NE 185th St. is expected to open in November 2009 and is one of six aloft brands planned throughout Florida.

"Bringing aloft hotels to Aventura fits with the growing community's active and chic lifestyle," Misha Mladenovic, VP of development for Cabi Developers, said in a release. "Aloft Aventura Hotel will provide a getaway from the area's fast-paced environment, while staying true to the glamour and essence of South Florida."

The hotel will be located just 2.5 miles from Aventura Mall, a 2.4 million-sf upscale retail center, and between Fort Lauderdale and Miami airports. The architect for the project is Revuelta, Vega and Leon Co.