First Look at the Newly Opened myBrickell

Closings have officially begun at myBrickell.  I was able to tour the building earlier today with a client who closed this afternoon on a 2 bedroom unit.  For those who aren’t aware, myBrickell is the first newly built condo development in Brickell to begin closings since the condo boom and bust of yesteryear.  In a way, it represents the strength and resilience of the Miami condo market over the past five years.  MyBrickell, located at 31 SE 6 Street, is directly across the street from Brickell on the River South and immediately west of 500 Brickell.

Included in this blog post are a number of pictures I took this afternoon while touring the property.  Unfortunately, it was raining outside, so I wasn’t able to snap a good picture of the rooftop pool.  I am sure I will have more opportunities in the weeks ahead.

Please contact me if you have an interest in renting a 1 or 2 bedroom condo at myBrickell.  Within the next week, I will have a listing for each.

Change is on the Horizon for Guests and Residents of Marquis Residences

A few weeks ago, it was reported that Africa-Israel USA, the developer of Marquis, had sold the lower 15 floors of the luxury high-rise to CGI Merchant Group (CGI), a Miami-based investment and asset management firm, for $37.5M.  The sale included the Casa Moderna Hotel and Spa, Amuse Restaurant and Lounge, 5,700 square foot retail space, parking garage, and the 14 townhomes that are situated around the pool.

Above, you will find the official notice from the Marquis Condominium Association advising building residents of CGI’s acquisition.  It states:

The Miami Marquis Condominium Association and KW Property Management is proud to announce the sale of the hotel portion of the Marquis Residences. 

CGI Merchant Group, a Miami-based investment and asset management firm, has acquired the lower 15 floors of the Marquis tower including the first floor “gallery” space, parking garage, spa and 14 townhomes.

CGI is planning to transform and re-brand the hotel, joining in partnership with an internationally renowned, 5 star hotelier, soon to be announced.

Plans call for extensive renovation and upgrades to include converting the townhomes into full-floor hotel suites as well as major improvements to the pool deck and gym amenities.  Hotel renovations will include additional luxurious suites and a vibrant new restaurant and event space.

An elegant entrance to the front of the property accommodating the hotel and “gallery” space directly off Biscayne Blvd. will also be included as part of the upgrade.

The Marquis Condominium Board has worked diligently alongside CGI to support the sale while strengthening the relationship by negotiating to have a Condo Board Member represent condo owners at the master level.  This opportunity provides direct feedback from the membership while promoting transparency for all parties involved.

The Marquis Condominium Association welcomes the long overdue improvements and amenity upgrades and looks forward to a long-term partnership with the CGI Merchant Group.

More information will be announced within the next couple of weeks.  CGI is planning a “Meet and Greet” to detail the improvements and answer questions from the residents.

Regards,

Marquis Condominium Association

My guess is that one of the first questions asked by residents during CGI’s upcoming “Meet and Greet” will pertain to valet parking.  Currently, valet parking is free for resident guests.  Will the transition to new ownership mean an end to this long-time practice?  Also, how long will it take for improvements to be completed?  Sounds like the pool and gym may be closed for a long period of time.

I hate to ruin surprises, but “rumor” has it that the hotel will be operated by “Me by Meliá”, which is a luxury hotel brand of Meliá Hotels International with its roots in Spain.  I have also heard that The Darby, a popular restaurant and lounge from New York City, will open its first Miami location at Marquis.

On a side note, I was told earlier today that moving forward only owners will be permitted to have a pet at Marquis Residences.  Sorry renters, but you are out of luck…once again!

Best Deal in Brickell! Fully Furnished 1 Bedroom Penthouse on the 44th Floor – $310,000

Update: Price has been reduced to $310,000.  Includes furniture.

Earlier today, I got another new listing signed.  This time a beautifully furnished 1 bedroom penthouse with 12-foot ceilings and ceramic tiled floors throughout.  The 783 square foot condo is located on the 44th floor of Latitude on the River and offers amazing views of Biscayne Bay and the Brickell skyline to the south.  The unit comes with one assigned parking space located on the 6th floor of the parking garage. That is extremely rare since almost all 1 bedroom units in the building come with one valet-only space.  The kitchen comes equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and white Italian cabinetry.  The unit includes a large walk-in closet in the bedroom along with a second spacious closet in the hallway.  It is important to note that this unit completely clears the Latitude One office building situated just in front of Latitude on the River.  Most of the south facing units do not.

Latitude on the River is located at 185 SW 7 St, just two short blocks away from the upcoming mixed-use development called Brickell City Centre.  The nine acre development will include an array of luxury shops and restaurants as well as a number of entertainment options.  Phase one completion of the one billion dollar development is scheduled for next year.

The maintenance fee for this condo is $554.39 per month.  Based on recent rental comparables, this furnished unit should easily rent for $2,000 per month on an annual basis.  Renting the unit on a short-term basis would also be an option since Latitude on the River allows rentals with a 3 month minimum.  Latitude is also a pet friendly building permitting up to 2 dogs with a maximum weight limit of 70 pounds.

Additional pictures of the penthouse, along with the floor plan and pictures of the building amenities, can be found in the slideshow below.  Please contact me if you or someone you know has an interest in scheduling an appointment to view this beautiful condo in person.  I am also available to answer any questions you may have.  I can be reached via email at [email protected] or on my cell at 786-247-6332.

New Renderings Released for Nine at Mary Brickell Village

Two new renderings for Nine at Mary Brickell Village were released earlier today: one of the kitchen (shown above) and one of the bathroom (shown below).  One key difference between Nine at Mary Brickell Village and most other preconstruction condo developments in Miami is that each unit at Nine at Mary Brickell Village will be delivered move-in ready.  Units will come with imported porcelain tile flooring in a wood grain finish, as shown in the rendering above, and solar window shades.  The kitchens will feature white lacquer European-cabinetry and quartz countertops with full-height backsplashes.  Also found in the kitchens will be high-performance, ENERGY STAR stainless steel appliances such as a 25 cubic foot side-by-side refrigerator and drop-in oven with glass cook-top. It is important to note, however, that not all units at Nine at Mary Brickell Village will include an island kitchen as shown in the rendering above.

The bathrooms at Nine at Mary Brickell Village will feature quartz countertops with under-mount sinks, chrome-finish hardware, over-sized deep-soaking tubs and/or semi-frameless glass-enclosed showers with soothing rainfall showerheads.

Completion is estimated for Summer 2014.