Picture if you can the year 1979. Jimmy Carter was President. A gallon of gas cost 89 cents. McDonald’s served its first-ever Happy Meal, and Sony introduced its Walkman to the world. It was a big year, made all the more significant by the launch of a Miami Commercial Real Estate brokerage called Stephen H. Smith & Company. That company soon became ComReal, and in less than five years it was ranked the third-largest Commercial Real Estate company in South Florida.
In the forty years since its launch, ComReal has continued to grow into the well-respected, multi-franchised business it is today, with offices in Doral, Ft. Lauderdale, Coral Gables, and even Whitefish, Montana. Its groundbreaking vision, early adoption of technology, and long-lasting legacy have not only left an indelible mark on the Real Estate industry, but on the landscape of Miami itself.
In honor of ComReal’s 40th anniversary, we’re taking a look back at just how much has changed since 1979.
Then:
Super Bowl XIII was held at the Miami Orange Bowl Stadium, located west of downtown in Little Havana. The Steelers beat the Cowboys 35-31. The Orange Bowl was demolished in 2008.
Now:
The Miami Dolphins and other NFL teams play at the Hard Rock Stadium (formerly known as Joe Robbie Stadium), which opened in 1985. It’s located in Miami Gardens.
Then:
In June of 1979, a drug-related shooting spree took place at Dadeland Mall in Kendall. It was the height of Miami’s drug wars, and the massacre was considered a major turning point in the violence. It resulted in the beginning of what is now known as “The War on Drugs,” which dominated much of the national conversation in the early 80s.
Now:
Dadeland still stands as one of Miami’s premiere shopping malls. Now owned by the Simon Property Group, it is anchored by the largest Macy’s in Florida, as well as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and others.
Then:
The downtown Miami skyline was well underway, as seen by this aerial photograph from 1979.
Now:
Many of the same buildings still stand, like the iconic Southeast Financial Center, One Biscayne, the Intercontinental and the Miami Center. Of course a whole crop of others have popped up to join them.
Then:
Pictured here in 1979, Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre and Navy Captain Stuart Sorg unveil a sign at the Coconut Grove Marina.
Now:
The Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove remains Miami’s largest wet-slip marina and a bustling entry point for boaters. The Grove itself is undergoing a major development boom with the recent demolition/revitalization of CocoWalk Mall.
Then:
ComReal was always at the forefront of technology. Pictured here, ComReal founder Steve Smith in the original office.
Now:
The team has grown and the technology has improved, but that innovative ComReal spirit is very much the same. Pictured here, L to R: Steve Smith, Ron Winokur, Ron Redlich, Ed Redlich, Steve Digiacomo, Rick Castro, John Lonardo.
ComReal IS Commercial Real Estate. Contact us today for any of your real estate needs.