December, 2007
The Radar Home

Take, for example, nightclub kingpin Michael Capponi, who, at 35, is now
into another kind of house with Capponi Properties-a luxe-living one-stop
that handles everything from permits to coffee tables to doorknobs. The
transition is curious, but Capponi's a longtime design lobbyist who applies
the same principle to designing as he does promoting.-recognize the tastes
and fulfill the,. Capponi nets high-powered clients because he's trusted.

"Celebrities are my friends," he explains "Were in the same social world.
They come to town and they stay at my house, ride my boat and come to my
parties. "

After two decades in the nightlife, Capponi plays his 'guestlist' close to
his vest, but says his projects include Miami Beach mansions in excess of
$35 million. So how does he design for someone who has everything?

This month Capponi cut the ribbon on a home for Market
America founders J. R. and Loren Ashley Ringdinger. Capponi turned their
1930s North Bay Road Estate into a 6.7 million neo-classical manse dubbed
casa de Suenos ("House of Dreams"). The property entertains celebrities like
Jessica Simpson, Fergie, Jenifer Lopez and Mike Piazza, who married aboard
Ringdinger's $3.6 million yacht. Gilded Louis XIV-style furnishings, a
partial reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and Greek statues set in
French formal gardens perfectly reflect the couple's newfound status as
Miami Beach Royalty.

Those with enough in the bank to make Solomon blush are often more concerned
with maximizing value for money than the average Joe. Capponi's remodel of
2501 Bay Avenue on Sunset Island II fetched upwards at $4 million, which is
the highest recorded sale price for an existing non waterfront property in
Miami Beach history.