Founded by Craig Robins in 1987, Dacra is a real estate development company that has a unique vision for cultivating strong and vibrant communities through a distinctive combination of commerce and culture. Use of art and design to enrich the built environment has been a core tenet of Dacra’s development strategy and its projects are known worldwide for their site specific art and design elements.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the company played an integral role in the revitalization of South Beach. The company partnered with other local developers on the historical preservation of art deco sites, such as the The Marlin Hotel, Cavalier Hotel, Leslie Hotel, Espanola Way, The Webster and Lincoln Road, that serve as the bedrock of this community. The comprehensive urban renewal effort in South Beach included the development of robust commercial hubs, the creation of public spaces and the cultivation of a strong pedestrian culture on streets like Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road.

Setting a new standard for urban living, Dacra also spearheaded the development of a new 8.5 acre residential community on the southern tip of Allison Island in Miami. The community — called AQUA — includes 46 homes, mid-rise condominiums and features the work of 10 architectural firms. It serves an international model for innovative urban design.

Dacra has been the driving force behind the continued development of the Miami Design District for more than two decades. Today, the neighborhood is an international destination for art, design, fashion and culture.

To learn more about the Miami Design District visit www.miamidesigndistrict.net.

To learn more about Design Miami/, the international fair inspired by the district, visit www.designmiami.com.

Dacra Office
Photo by Andrea Cora