(Photo credit: World Red Eye)
Blockchain Center’s grand opening in June was well received by local and international community leaders including a ribbon cutting by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and an announcement by Nick Spanos informing the community that the space is open for free during the summer.
“Miami is entering its next phase in its technological advancement; the center is part of the redevelopment of Miami’s Central Business District and ensures Miami will have a front row seat in this global tech revolution” said Spanos, the blockchain pioneer whose first center was featured in the Netflix documentary Banking on Bitcoin. Launched in 2013 the Bitcoin Center NYC is the world’s first physical cryptocurrency exchange, located just 100 feet from the New York Stock Exchange.
Blockchain Center has chosen Miami to be the home of its new international headquarters. After an extensive search, Spanos chose Miami due to its perfect positioning as a bridge to the Americas and beyond, making Miami key to the future of blockchain technology.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez sees the opportunity.
”The blockchain is going to create a huge industry of efficiencies, particularly in the financial markets,”mayor Suarez said. “We are a banking hub and the blockchain, in addition to cryptocurrencies, is really allowing people to decentralize and democratize their transactions.”
The center, strategically located on historic Flagler Street, will offer classes, coworking facilities, office space, and networking events to promote education about cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies.
“With the recent investments in Miami’s Central Business District and the opening of the Brightline train station, Miami is well positioned to be the latest tech hub in the Americas,” said Eryka Gemma, blockchain center cofounder.
The deal was brokered by Mika Mattingly, one of Miami’s leading real estate brokers who has been involved in over 61 percent of commercial real estate transactions in Miami’s urban core during the past two years.
“Downtown Miami is in the midst of a tremendous renaissance, and the opening of Blockchain Center is a glowing example of this,” Mattingly said.
The event was sponsored by eToro, Grapefruit Trading, Programmer Diversity, and Crypto Mondays. Gracious support by Economic Development Outreach Partners also was appreciated, including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Beacon Council and the Miami Downtown Development Authority.
As notable guests ushered in this new technological era for the city of Miami they were treated to light bites by Maska Indian Restaurant, Cho Tu Indian Street food, Gourmet Frozen treats by Frost 321, libations by Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, Gem and Bolt Mezcal, Blurack Distributors, East Imperial Superior Beverages, and Big Cypress Distillery.
