From Property to Place: David Lombardi on the Business of Building Wynwood

Wynwood didn’t become a global destination by accident—it was built through vision, coordination, and long-term commitment. In this episode of Fried On Business, I sit down with David Lombardi, Chairman of the Wynwood Business Improvement District and founder of Lombardi Properties, to unpack how one of Miami’s most recognizable neighborhoods was intentionally shaped.

David shares the behind-the-scenes reality of building Wynwood: the early risks, the role of private investment, and the importance of public-private collaboration. We discuss how the Business Improvement District model helps maintain safety, cleanliness, infrastructure, and brand identity—while allowing creativity and culture to thrive. David explains why governance matters just as much as design and why successful districts require constant stewardship.

We also explore the evolution of Wynwood from an industrial area into a mixed-use hub for art, dining, offices, and experiential retail. David breaks down the balance between growth and authenticity, how zoning and land use decisions influence outcomes, and what developers must consider when working in culturally sensitive neighborhoods.

Listeners will gain insight into how Lombardi Properties approaches development with a long-term lens—focusing not just on buildings, but on creating places where businesses, residents, and visitors coexist. David also shares lessons for investors and city leaders on managing rapid success without losing the character that made a neighborhood special in the first place.

Whether you’re a developer, investor, urban planner, or simply fascinated by Wynwood’s rise, this episode offers a practical look at how thoughtful leadership and structure can turn vision into reality.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

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Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009.

Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender.

He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care.

Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US.

Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness.

He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies.

Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award.

Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com