Miami Condos Investments

Icon Brickell Tour - Common Areas

November 5th, 2008 · 111 Comments

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to tour Icon Brickell.  I’ve decided to write two separate posts to encompass the thorough tour that I was given.  This first post will include pictures and my thoughts about the common areas found at Icon Brickell.  The second post, which should be published within the next couple of days, will focus on two model units that I was able to see.

The valet area is grand to say the least.  The large columns that greet you as you enter the property resemble the stone heads on Easter Island called Moai.  $10M was spent on these monstrous columns.

The windows of each lobby has a yellow film on them to distinguish the room from the rest of the building.  It felt a bit like a haunted house to me.  Above, you see the concierge desk with an over-sized armoire behind it.

The fireplace located in the lobby of Icon Brickell is surrounded by classical furniture and large, frameless Renaissance portraits.

Another shot of the lobby.

Another look at some of the artwork in the lobby of Icon Brickell.

The hallway leading to the mail room and elevators creates a sharp contrast from the lobby.

The mail room at Icon Brickell.

The Icon Brickell Cafe serves food and beverages to the pool area and makes deliveries to all of the residences.

The Icon Brickell pool deck has a Delano-style to it.

Over-sized chessboard located off the Icon Brickell pool deck.

Outdoor dining table with room for 50 people.

Outdoor gas fireplace and furniture located off the pool deck.

The theater room was locked but I was able to a shot of it through the doors.  We were told the room will be filled with beds instead of leather recliners.

The Icon Brickell club room.

Another shot of the Icon Brickell club room.  Although I did not get a chance to see them, I was told that there is a separate billiards room and poker room.

Above, you’ll find the thermal spa room which is reminiscent of an ancient Roman bath.

Spinning room at Icon Brickell.

The fitness center at Icon Brickell has free weights, machines, cardio equipment with personal TV screens and two boxing bags.

The locker room at Icon Brickell.

The men’s spa.  We were told that the men’s and women’s spas are identical.

The steam room.  There is also a separate sauna room.

A treatment/massage room in the Men’s spa at Icon Brickell.

Icon Brickell was different to say the least.  It is very over-the-top with an Alice in Wonderland type feel and a hint of South Beach flare to it.  The 2 acre pool deck was incredible with its lengthy dining room table, large fireplace, over-sized chessboard and Delano-style Infinity-Edge pools.  Most will also appreciate the extensive collection of artwork that fill the various rooms throughout Icon Brickell.  My favorite room was the thermal spa room with plunge pools and floor-to-ceiling bookcases on each end.  Although it may not appeal to some, it is still a sight to see in person.  The Icon Brickell Cafe is definitely an amenity that most will appreciate.  There will also be two signature restaurants located at Icon Brickell.  I did feel, however, that the fitness center was a bit small to accommodate 1700+ units.  Overall, the development may not conform to the tastes of some but I think everyone will agree that it is unlike any condo development that we have seen in Miami.

Icon Brickell has a total of 1,783 units in the three towers that comprise the development.  Closings are scheduled to begin next week.  Our tour guide notified us that 90 percent of the units had been presold.  It will be interesting to see how Icon Brickell fares with their closings in the months ahead.

Tags: Brickell Condos · Icon Brickell · Luxury Condo · Luxury Real Estate · Miami condos


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111 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Renter Tom /Nov 5, 2008 at 3:57 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Alice…..I found your Wonderland….

  • 2 Juan /Nov 5, 2008 at 4:02 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Very interesting…I definitely want to see this in person

  • 3 jcrimes /Nov 5, 2008 at 4:20 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    I am curious to see this, the same way I’m curious to see a massive car wreck.

    The problem is, who wants to live in this? It’s gimmicky and the theme is bound to get tired after a few years. The mnt fees in this building are going to be insane.

  • 4 Miami2009 /Nov 5, 2008 at 4:22 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Definitely worth a visit, but certainly over-the-top to say the least. Can’t wait to see how closings go in a project of this magnitude.

  • 5 JL /Nov 5, 2008 at 4:26 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Epic failure. Really epic. Seriously, these aren’t real pictures, just a photoshopped joke right? This might work as a 50 unit boutique hotel. 1,700 units?

    The concierge desk looks like it needs a pumpkin lantern

  • 6 JL /Nov 5, 2008 at 4:31 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Icon Brickell really screwed up here. You won’t even be able to find buyers in the $200-$300 per sq ft. range because they will overwhelmingly have very traditional tastes. This project has no floor in the price.

  • 7 Inside Bob /Nov 5, 2008 at 5:00 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    A tasteless hulk.

  • 8 Muir /Nov 5, 2008 at 5:11 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    THX LUCAS!
    That was great!
    We should all give thanks to Lucas more often, he shows us some great stuff here.
    -
    Wow, this is so over the top that I may like it!
    The gaudiness of it is awesome!
    -
    Now, what are those HOA fees?!!!
    Anyone know?

  • 9 Lucas Lechuga /Nov 5, 2008 at 5:13 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    50 cents per square foot.

  • 10 Cris /Nov 5, 2008 at 5:42 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    what a joke. i’ve been to easter island and it’s an insult to call those columns moais.

  • 11 jcrimes /Nov 5, 2008 at 6:19 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Lucas
    is the .50 what was originally quoted during preconstruction? regardless, that HOA is bound to go up fast.

  • 12 Muir /Nov 5, 2008 at 6:54 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    If 50 cents holds that isn’t bad. Just depends on % closings, I guess.
    -
    I don’t know guys, criticism seems harsh.
    Yea, definitely seems gaudy, but it’s so over the top that it’s kinda decadent, in the nicest possible way that is, like Berlin in the 1920s.
    It’s like on purpose over the top.
    -
    The Boteros at Four Seasons are more tasteful, but some wouldn’t like those either.

  • 13 Renter Tom /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:00 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    This could be a great place for rehab or a psych ward.. LOL Actually would be neat as a hotel to stay at but as a place to live…..very odd. It will definitely get comments.

  • 14 Renter Tom /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:06 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Which room does Siegfried and Roy perform in? I’d be afraid someone from the Blue Man Group would chase me down that white hallway with an axe….redrum, redrum, redrum. Does HAL get your mail for you?

  • 15 carbonblackcab /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:14 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    I think a CSI miami episode was shot in the pool area. Or there is another place in miami that has a simialr looking pool deck area. I distinctly remember the table with 3 chairs in the middle of the pool. The episode that I am talking about is when there is a solar eclipse and someone gets strangled during the “darkness”. lol

    Besides the pool area, the common area is gaudy. I doubt anyone with mainstream taste would find it appealing.

  • 16 Muir /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:21 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Well that WAS funny Tom.
    -
    I was thinking more along the lines of having semi-naked girls dressed as Alice moving the chess pieces around while having a lunch where no utensils are allowed on that 50 person table. But to each his own fantasy.
    -
    Did anyone expect anything else from Jorge’s legacy?
    -
    This is the ultimate “let them eat cake” as the world enters a depression.
    -

  • 17 Icon watcher /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:21 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    jcrimes #3 and JL #4. I completely agree with you.

  • 18 Icon watcher /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:22 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    I mean JL #5

  • 19 Icon watcher /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:24 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    RT #14, absolutely hilarious.

  • 20 Muir /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:24 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    I am posting a link tomorrow to this site in a couple of places I visit.
    -
    I keep smiling every time I look at the pictures.
    I’ve got to share this.

  • 21 Lucas Lechuga /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:34 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    jcrimes,

    The maintenance fee of 50 cents was quoted to me yesterday. I agree that the maintenance fee will eventually go up but I don’t agree that it will go up fast. The upkeep of the building will be very expensive but there are 1,783 units to split the bill. It’s not like there’s 500 or 600 units but rather 1,783 units!!! The developer is responsible for paying the maintenance fee on any unclosed units until the building is handed over to the condo association. That likely won’t happen for at least another year.

  • 22 la la /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:42 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Speaking of Botero, his work along with Zaha Hadid and some artist Decevero or something (never heard of him) will be on display at Fairchild Tropical Garden this winter…

    The Delano is the original location where Starck put lawn furniture in the pool, it’s sexy I gotta say…I think that’s where that CSI episode was filmed. Didn’t the guy get impaled on an ice sculpture in that episode??? I think I saw it…

    Philippe Starck is at least unique, I’d say this now qualifies as the hippest place on Brickell, and quite possibly all of downtown, but keep in mind, I don’t get out much:p…

  • 23 gables /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:46 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    it certainly is overwhelming. i like the thermal spa area, but not a very big fan of the overall decorating scheme. guess i am too simple for their tastes. epic seems to be a comparable building on the horizon, any ideas whether it will be more traditional in decor? these shots have really turned me off to considering a unit in icon. kind of bummed about that, thought it would have potential for a buy…

  • 24 la la /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:49 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Knowing Revuelta and his previous designs, Epic will be NOTHING like Icon. You will get solid quality of construction and restrained elegance in his buildings though…

  • 25 lara /Nov 5, 2008 at 7:50 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Pictures do not reflect the real scene. One has to see it in person whether to appreciate the artful work or tasteless grandioso. When I visit Miami I’ll make my business to go there. I can foresee the type of people who would like to own a space in the building just to visit. they are going to be people to whom money is not a consideration. They can afford it easily. What makes me think is the # of units. It will be very curious to know how the project will develop.

  • 26 george /Nov 5, 2008 at 9:24 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Does anyone remember a strange film from cc 1960 “last year at marienbad” some sort of mittle europe spa/asylum where cameras panned down long long corridors and the voiceover in french kept repeating the words”sinistre et lugoub-” sp- these pictures of icon called that to mind -an unworldly place..

    Re #24+Epic
    lala you called it right as I attended 2 ” events” at Epic in late 07 early 08
    at the dt sales center and the display model was very classy : only negative to me thought the kitchen-what IS a kitchen in this eat out society ? was out of proportion-too large relative to total sq footage the unit offered..prefer the footage in LR DR not the kitchen

    and while the well dressed “salesladies of the evening” tried and tried they did NOT succeed in getting me to buy at the stated $ p which I think was well into the mid 100s per sq ft for a decent view..
    A kimpton hotel on the site is a plus..

  • 27 Lynn /Nov 5, 2008 at 9:47 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    The columns are horrible…..the Lobby very interesting and over the top….pleasant to look at but I would not want to see it every day as I would tire of it. Icompletely agree with you Kevin….the outdoor space is great. The oversized fieplace and the long table are the best. The chess set is nothing new…it has been done many times.

    Thank you Kevin for the preview……greatly appreciated.

  • 28 JL /Nov 5, 2008 at 10:44 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Lara, you hit the nail on the head… “I can foresee the type of people who would like to own a space in the building just to visit. they are going to be people to whom money is not a consideration. They can afford it easily. What makes me think is the # of units.”

    The problem is, there might be 50 of these people with that taste in this world right now. Not 1700. This was built for the multiple home owner who might use it as an option #3 or #4 that they would spend 3 weeks in a year… New Years and some weekends. There were quite a lot of these paper moguls a couple years back… but they are pretty much gone now. If anything is going to make it, it has to be more meat and potatoes.

  • 29 JL /Nov 5, 2008 at 10:53 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    “Outdoor dining table with room for 50 people.”

    Impractical, try walking around that to sit across from your guest. For 50 people and 1700 units. Where are they hiding the other 15+ tables.

    “Outdoor gas fireplace and furniture located off the pool deck.”

    Great for the 30 people that can get around it to enjoy it.

    The only thing that is appropriately sized are the swimming pools. It’s obvious by the relatively small scale of the amenities and the eccentric design that the goal was to have 1700+ owners that spent occasional weekends in their units over the course of a year. That market is poof!

  • 30 AJ /Nov 6, 2008 at 12:08 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    1. Ghastly
    2. Ghostly
    3. Ghoulish
    4. Freaky
    5. Terrifying
    6. Nightmarish
    7. Horror Movie
    8. Psych Ward
    9. Ring I
    10. Whore House
    11. Vegas Boudoir
    12. Headache
    13. Over the top
    14. Cheap
    15. Cheesy
    16. Impractical
    17. Confusing
    18. Claustrophobic
    19. Overwhelming
    20. Philippe Starck = Marcel Wanders = Lunatic

  • 31 Kevin /Nov 6, 2008 at 12:41 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Having a degree in architecture as I look at some of the common areas they seemed to be a mix of various styles that in my opinion just doesn’t really work well. Awkward common areas and somewhat out of proportion furniture and rooms all over. It’s like the designer was still in the process mode of design and not yet finished what was started but yet it still got turned in, incomplete into a real life project of what we see today. I kind of like it.

    But keep in mind that this is what was asked to be produced.

    It’s almost like an adult fantasy playland condo. Alice in Wonderland like some of you have said is maybe best to describe what I’ve seen in these photos.

    Can’t wait to see the inside of the units.

  • 32 Muir /Nov 6, 2008 at 12:50 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    AJ
    re: post #30
    -

    Yes, but now tell us what you really think.
    -
    -
    -
    Muir.

  • 33 Muir /Nov 6, 2008 at 12:57 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    31 posts and everybody’s in agreement.

    I find this strange.

  • 34 Renter Tom /Nov 6, 2008 at 1:12 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Kevin said: “and somewhat out of proportion furniture”

    - Ya think? Now what makes you say that? Would it be the 10 ft. high paintings on the floor, the 12 high fireplace mantel, the giant front desk, or the huge armoire? Yep that must be it. LOL

    - What would really be funny is if you have a friend that has drank too much and is asleep, place him in one of the rooms and watch him freak out when he wakes up!

  • 35 doc T /Nov 6, 2008 at 7:01 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Unfortunately for Mr. Perez this will prove to be his folly. This was planned in a different economic cycle and obviously will not hold up in today’s economy. The shear enormity of the project dooms it to fail.Three years ago it was very easy to attract investors who never had any intention of moving here but preferred to make a quick killing on a Jorge project,take the money and run. Today however Iam afraid these 90% who allegedly bought into the building have no intention of coming to the party.
    The HOA feees alone will run much higher than the original projection due to the enormous upkeep of all these useless amenities geared solely to impress the investor.
    I predict this will be an enormous failure and only affirms how ridiculous the RE market has become in S. Fla.

  • 36 Angel /Nov 6, 2008 at 9:02 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Way too over the top. I prefer simple elegance over this gaudy attempt at making Icon stand out from all the other product offerings on the market. One thing is for sure, it will defnitely stir debate and be a catalyst for manay a conversation.

    As the saying goes, “there is no such thing as bad publicity”. ( Except in the worst real-estate market downturn in hostory.)

  • 37 AZ88 /Nov 6, 2008 at 9:35 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    -Seems like the overwhelming majority of comments so far are negative
    -Could a project of this size bankrupt the Related Group?
    -Lucas, how does this project compare in quality/finishes to other buildings in Miami? (Where would it go in your condo rankings list?)
    -Although gaudy common areas, the pool area/restuarants will probably become the hippest places in town to hang out

  • 38 jcrimes /Nov 6, 2008 at 9:50 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    AZ88
    to answer one of your queries…this won’t bankrupt related. although i’m sure they’d like to have the $10m for those columns back. jesus, how the hell does easter island mesh with an 18th century theme and a south beach white wall chic theme? whoever engineered this concept must have adult ADD. tony montana would be jealous if he saw this place.

  • 39 Clark /Nov 6, 2008 at 9:56 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    A modern day replica of The Mutiny in Coconut Grove circa 1978. And nobody no matter the line has a great water view.

  • 40 Burt /Nov 6, 2008 at 10:19 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    @Muir:
    Are you typing posts out with a teletype?
    Whats with all of the “-” line dividers?

  • 41 Stephan /Nov 6, 2008 at 10:42 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    “L’année dernière à Marienbad” —great call!

    However, for “the Marienbad effect” to work, guests must be dapper to match the surroundings. Alas, the people moving in and wearing sweatpants to the lobby are unlikely to meet that standard, thereby ruining the whole atmosphere.

  • 42 Hugo P /Nov 6, 2008 at 10:44 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    I remember a post here a long time ago that was critizing the architecture of all the recent buildings in Miami saying that they are too boring, square and white. The post cited all the great buidlings that created the Brickell area in the 70’s and 80’s and that we had lost that edge in the newer buildings.

    Well, no one can say that about this building. It definitely sets a tone. I bet those buildings in the 70’s received the same negative feedback at that time, but aren’t we all glad that they exist today? I mean, do we really want another square white building?

    All great cities need architectural variety here and this building definitely accomplishes that.

    The only problem is that RE projects should make money! Related is not a non-profit organization. Perez spoke about his legacy in Miami with all he has done. I have to agree wit him, but a great legacy doesn’t really go hand in hand with losing TONS of money!

    Now… that being said, economically, I agree with everyone that this project will be a major bust for several reasons:

    1) 1,700+ units coming online in this market is a major challenge. Period. You can almost bet that no more than 20% of the presales will close (if that) and that means the developer will have 1,400 units to sell which at today’s selling pace, won’t happen for a LONG time. My guess is that the bank will take over at some point which will hurt the HOA a lot.

    2) Although I think the architecture is a definite plus, it is not the best fit for 1,700 units. This would be better fitted for a condo hotel or maybe a high end building with 400-500 units at most!

    3) Common areas, although big and great, are not even close to being the right size for 1,700 units. I bet that if you did a size calculation and divided it by the number of units you would get half the average size of the newer buildings in the area. For example, the gym is TINY. Can you imagine that gym at 6PM on a weekday?

    My only positive thing to say about this deal economically is that the “different and over the top” aspect might be a plus:

    If you wanted to invest in a building in Miami (at the right price, of course), would you want to own in a “regular” building where your competition is every other building in the area? Or would you want to live in a different building that creates its own mini market?

  • 43 Un-Related /Nov 6, 2008 at 11:07 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Hugo P said: “1) 1,700+ units coming online in this market is a major challenge. Period. You can almost bet that no more than 20% of the presales will close (if that) and that means the developer will have 1,400 units to sell which at today’s selling pace, won’t happen for a LONG time. My guess is that the bank will take over at some point which will hurt the HOA a lot.”

    ICON is the “Titanic” of Brickell condo construction. One little “fun fact”: I understand Lehman has a $75,000,000 to $100,000,000 slice of the construction loan on ICON. I am no bankruptcy expert but……………???

  • 44 jcrimes /Nov 6, 2008 at 11:16 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    un-related
    if i was a deep pocketed vulture fund (with some developer experience) and that loan was available for sale, i’d pick it up in a hearbeat. i presume it’s a mezz loan or perhaps, a first loss position in the senior piece (lehman was always chasing yield). chances are the recourse provisions are tight and allow you take over the equity in the project upon an EOD. not to mention, the senior slice would be outright terrified to do anything to upset this project.

  • 45 Renter Tom /Nov 6, 2008 at 11:34 am  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Well, it will probably be renamed as ICAN’T during this real estate bust. Clearly this thing was conceived during the boom to be over the top to attract as much attention and excitement as possible to lure in the emotional investment buyer and build a sense of urgency…don’t miss out on this one of kind building (as if other buildings could buy a few large pictures and oversized furniture too). Overwhelm them with the lobby and common areas that make it incredible….BUT maximize profits by having 1700 units sitting on top of all this. Someone beat me to the punch that the common areas are probably pretty small for the number of units….it may look deceivingly big compared to smaller buildings, but on a per unit calc probably inadequate….even that huge desk will be too small….fee fi fo fum. The urgency in this market simply does not exist and that was the marketing ploy for the emotional investment buyer during the boom. I can see it now, buy now we only have 1,699 units left!!! Somehow they will have to artificially release inventory on the market in small chunks. Anyone that has done real estate development will tell you….it must be done in phases to limit choice and to create the sense of urgency to sign the contract now instead of waiting. That is why I had said for years I would never do a large multiunit building (say of more than 12) since the problem is you have to build the entire building for all the units at once in order to sell just one and the resulting carrying costs could kill you if things slowed… That is where the pre-con sales come in as key. The decor is probably out of place in this market as frugality makes a comeback but the real risk, possibly fatal, is the sheer number of units that must be sold. Will be interesting to watch and sure am glad I am not stuck with one of this white elephant……by the way, maybe the do have actual elephants hidden somewhere? Try 1700 of them.

  • 46 Mike M /Nov 6, 2008 at 12:24 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Wow, what an ostentatious piece of trash. They could film the sequel to Beettle Juice at this place and they wouldn’t even need a set designer.

  • 47 Renter Tom /Nov 6, 2008 at 12:45 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    This could very well become the poster child of the real estate bust for Miami. In any investment bubble, after it has popped, people look back at some of the wild things money was spent on and say “what were they thinking” yet at the time, during the mania, it seemed to make perfect sense and was probably encouraged in a self-reinforcing feedback loop. Will ICAN’T become the pets.com of the condo market?

  • 48 Wild Bill /Nov 6, 2008 at 12:59 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    This building will most likely turn into a huge rental building. The developer can rent the space for television and movies and recoup massive amounts of money. Once it’s turned over to the condo board in three years they will have to spend a minimum of $300,000 redesigning it.

  • 49 fairkim /Nov 6, 2008 at 1:10 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    ” If you wanted to invest in a building in Miami (at the right price, of course), would you want to own in a “regular” building where your competition is every other building in the area? Or would you want to live in a different building that creates its own mini market?”

    Honestly, if I was going to invest in a building (i.e., put capital at work with the expectation of revenue/gain on that capital from rent or future sale), fungibility is much more desirable than unique-ness. I would rather compete with thousands of other units for the corresponding larger swath of potential consumer than to engage in a the hit-or-miss philosophy of landing a smaller pool of candidates who happen to have the eclectic tastes that such a design-scheme would appeal to. In other words, I’d expect an easier time reselling a black BMW rather than a pumpkin-orange Maybach… and by the way: 1700 units? Ain’t nothing unique about that…

  • 50 Probably too Cynical /Nov 6, 2008 at 1:10 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    are you sure those photos aren’t from Liberace’s yard sale?

  • 51 Renter Tom /Nov 6, 2008 at 1:14 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Probably too Cynical - I bet there are giant price tags on the back….. LOL Where is the giant piano?

  • 52 jcrimes /Nov 6, 2008 at 1:15 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Lucas
    When is the premiere party?

  • 53 Probably too Cynical /Nov 6, 2008 at 1:15 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    also like to add just how refreshing it is contributors are no longer bashing each other and their choice of presidential candidates and we can all get back to the business of commenting on this waking nightmare that is Miami condo real estate.

  • 54 Angel /Nov 6, 2008 at 1:28 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    The next category 3 storm that roars across South Florida is going to scatter Liberace’s oversized patio furniture all over downtown Miami.

  • 55 jcrimes /Nov 6, 2008 at 1:33 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    PTC
    You suck more than Icon !!!

    Sorry, I didn’t want you to think that a sense of civility was taking over here.

    RT
    There’s no doubt it will be the poster child of the boom. As someone pointed out, in a few years, the unit holders will take over and completely redo the design of this place, or at a minimum, pawn off all the cheesy artwork and furniture. seriously, having a shot of catherine de’medici (sic?) in my mailroom/steamroom/locker room/lobby is so 17th century (or is it 16th…who cares).

  • 56 Renter Tom /Nov 6, 2008 at 1:39 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Probably too Cynical - I agree, I’m glad that no one is posting about how the forward looking stock markets are having an historic post election crash instead of a bounce. I wouldn’t want anyone to point out the massive losses in wealth….since the election over $4 Trillion in lost U.S. stock market losses, Russian market was halted, Asia tumbles, and Europe tanked. We won’t mention blaming the election of a socialist democrat to the White House on the economic outlook over the next few years is looking bleaker as investors are voting with their real dollars. But I will point out, not to be partisan, that continued loss of stock market wealth will only cause less demand for expensive second vacation homes and primary residences. As I have posted, increasing taxes now is the final straw to kill the real estate market especially in the big bubble markets. Cash will be continue to be king for those few buyers that are able and willing to buy. LOL

    Maybe these are pictures from a crime scene gone bad…..they already removed the one painting from the frame and had to take off before taking the rest that they set down earlier…… I do like the pool and pool deck though.

  • 57 Renter Tom /Nov 6, 2008 at 2:15 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Well, after further in depth review, and if anyone really cares or not about my opinion, I have decided that unless a new condo, on the beach, with direct ocean views in a desirable location in a stable building comes up at $250/s.f. or below (short sale maybe), there is no reason to consider buying between now and next hurricane season. The prognosis over the next 9 months and probably through all of 2009 is negative and renting will continue to be the smart choice for 90% of the people out there. The macro trends are set and even under the most optimistic scenarios under the new fed govt things will only get substantially worse. Wake me up if they go to $200/s.f. or the Dow hits 5,000 since it is time for the beach.

  • 58 Hugo P /Nov 6, 2008 at 2:17 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Anyone know if someone who boutht at Infinity is entitled to getting 5% back? I have a friend in that situation and he is ready to walk

    If so, what is the process? Any recommended attorneys?

    Thanks

  • 59 JL /Nov 6, 2008 at 2:29 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Fairkim said it the best “I’d expect an easier time reselling a black BMW rather than a pumpkin-orange Maybach”

    —-

    Expensive and ecelctic can only work in a mania. Icon Brickell is doomed. On a related note, hopefully Starck (and Hirst) will no longer have idiots leveraged on credit to sell their wares to… these gusy have gotten absurd

  • 60 Muir /Nov 6, 2008 at 2:44 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    RT beat me to it.
    Though I beat him to the beach, just took an 8 mile walk on the sand.
    The real issue is not the aesthetics of the building, or even the glut of condos, it is the economy.
    The chances of a worldwide recession are high (if not imminent)
    Add 2 wars, a trillion+ dollar deficit, unknown losses yet to be realized on CDSs MBSs massive loses worldwide on derivatives and entire countries bankrupt.
    If you consider all this, the real question becomes does it really matter that much what size the lobby?
    -
    The little thingy “-” above, was just for Burt.

  • 61 sauguecero /Nov 6, 2008 at 3:02 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    do they take plan ocho ?

  • 62 Richard /Nov 6, 2008 at 3:30 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Looks like 1929 is here again–maket in disaster while the Icon makes ready in oppulant style suitable for the Vanderbilts and Duponts–anyone for croquet.

  • 63 Probably too Cynical /Nov 6, 2008 at 3:37 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    I wonder what staff will get the unenviable job of wiping off the long, outdoor table and 100 chairs after each rainshower / dusty wind? don’t need a roof overhead, I suppose, so long as we have a spat of continual perfect weather.

    the table in the pool should be easier to clean. just turn it upside down in the water and dunk it.

    those tall wooden folding whatevers should add nicely to the liability insurance. they don’t look like they’ll blow over at all. (or is that just stacked firewood for the fireplace?)

    from now on I’m calling the place “What the F**k were they thinking-Brickell.”

  • 64 Renter Tom /Nov 6, 2008 at 3:54 pm  Vote: Add rating  Subtract rating  

    Lastly, looks like the developer could always rent out during the Halloween season…spooky. LOL

  • 65 Muir /Nov 6, 2008 at 3:56 pm  Vote: Add rating