Ilona Antonova
Broker, Royal Empire Realty, LLC.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Retail repositioning & adaptive reuse specialist focused on transforming shopping malls into experiential, mixed-use and data center assets
Phone (305) 308-5870
Retail repositioning & adaptive reuse specialist focused on transforming shopping malls into experiential, mixed-use and data center assets
Specialties
Investment Sales Broker, Landlord Rep, Landlord Rep (Flex), Landlord Rep (Full Service), Landlord Rep (Industrial), Landlord Rep (Land), Landlord Rep (Office), Landlord Rep (Flex), Landlord Rep (Retail), Tenant Rep, Tenant Rep (Flex), Tenant Rep (Full Service), Tenant Rep (Industrial), Tenant Rep (Office), Tenant Rep (Flex), Tenant Rep (Retail)
Property Types
Industrial, Retail, Sports & Entertainment, Multifamily, Health Care
Markets
South Florida
Languages
English, Russian, Ukrainian
Bio
What does Ilona Antonova specialize in?
Ilona Antonova is a real estate advisor specializing in retail repositioning, adaptive reuse, and the transformation of underperforming shopping malls into experiential, mixed-use, and data center assets across the United States.
What experience does she bring to complex real estate projects?
With a background in international development, acquisitions, and large-scale project implementation, Ilona has led initiatives involving mergers between state and public entities, facility development, and strategic asset repositioning.
As the founder of Royal Empire Realty, she applies this experience to identifying high-potential real estate opportunities, structuring deals, and guiding investors through value-add and redevelopment strategies.
How does Ilona create value for investors and operators?
Ilona focuses on:
Mall repositioning and redevelopment strategies
Adaptive reuse of retail into data centers, experiential, and mixed-use assets
Investment acquisition and disposition
Strategic leasing and tenant curation
Her approach is centered on unlocking hidden value in large-format retail properties by aligning them with modern demand drivers such as experiential retail, last-mile infrastructure, and edge computing.
What markets does she serve?
While rooted in South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach), Ilona works with clients on opportunities nationwide, particularly in markets where retail assets are being repositioned or redeveloped.
What makes her approach different?
Ilona combines:
Analytical investment strategy
Creative repositioning vision
Hands-on execution mindset
She works closely with investors, developers, and operators, acting not just as a broker, but as a strategic partner in repositioning and long-term asset performance.
What is her professional philosophy?
Her work is built on dedication, communication, and trust, with a strong focus on understanding each client’s investment goals, risk profile, and growth strategy.
Background & Personal
Before real estate, Ilona served as an international advocate for children in need, leading humanitarian initiatives and advising charitable organizations. She continues to support global causes through consulting and advisory work.
Education
