Matthew Whitman Lazenby - President & CEO, Whitman Family Development

The Built World Podcast

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Matthew over some gin & tonics to delve into the captivating history of Bal Harbour Shops, a legacy deeply rooted in Miami's real estate development scene since his great grandfather's arrival in 1912. Matthew's personal journey from his humble beginnings power washing and sweeping floors at Bal Harbour Shops at just 13 years old to ascending to the role of CEO of Whitman Family Properties is nothing short of inspiring.
After completing his education at Trinity Palmer High School in Miami and obtaining an English degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Matthew ventured into teaching before making his mark in the competitive world of commercial real estate brokerage in Manhattan. His experiences, from canvassing for new business to working with luxury retail brands, laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Our conversation spans Matthew's time at The Taubman Company in Detroit to his pivotal role in Whitman Family Properties' partnership ventures, including the Brickell City Centre collaboration with Swire Properties and Simon Properties. We also explore innovative projects like the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up, utilizing shipping containers in various locations.
A highlight of our discussion is Matthew's groundbreaking initiative to introduce workforce housing to Bal Harbour Shops, as part of the mall's current expansion plans, challenging conventional perceptions by melding luxury and inclusivity.
Join us as Matthew shares intimate insights into his personal journey, illuminating the evolution of the family business and his vision for its enduring legacy.
Connect with us

Looking to dive deeper into the Miami commercial real estate scene? Well, you've stumbled upon our favorite topic of conversation. So, whether you're a curious beachcomber or a seasoned investor, drop us a line at [e-mail] or dial us up at 305.507.7098. Or if you're feeling social, you can stalk us on LinkedIn and connect with us there. Let's make some waves in the 305 real estate world together!
Ben Hoffman's bio & LinkedIn ( linkedin.com/in/ben-hoffman-818a0949/ )
Felipe Azenha's bio & LinkedIn ( linkedin.com/in/felipeazenha/ )
We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.