A luxury home builder has revealed the inside story behind the creation of Jennifer Lopez’s sprawling 10,000-square-foot Miami mansion, describing the project as ahead of its time in both design and vision.
HELLO! spoke with Manny Angelo Varas, CEO and founder of MV Group USA, the firm behind some of Miami’s most exclusive ultra-high-end residences, about working with the global superstar. He praised Lopez, 56, as easygoing and collaborative, noting that her ideas for the property were far more forward-thinking than most clients at the time.
Varas explained that Lopez focused heavily on open, flowing spaces and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living. While that concept was still emerging during the build, it has since become a defining feature of modern luxury architecture.
Looking back more than a decade later, he said the same design principles she championed are now industry standards, especially as wellness-oriented living has become a major trend in high-end homes.
He added that today’s wealthy homeowners prioritize health-focused amenities such as saunas, cold plunges, steam rooms, and fitness-centered spaces, marking a shift away from traditional features like cigar lounges and wine cellars.
Lopez, long known for her influence in fashion, music, and lifestyle, was described as a true trendsetter whose Miami home reflected ideas that only later became mainstream.
The mansion, originally purchased with her then-husband Ben Affleck, has also been part of the couple’s post-divorce property changes, with the Beverly Hills estate they shared going on and off the market following their separation.
Despite the real estate headlines, the Miami property remains a standout example of Lopez’s long-standing ability to anticipate cultural and design trends before they fully emerge.
