Former Linebacker for the Miami Dolphins Sells Miami Beach Home for $6.25 Million
Photo Credit: Julian Cohen
Orlandus Andre Branch III is a former outside linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, who played from 2016 until his retirement in 2019. Branch recently sold his mansion for $6.25 million after purchases in 2019 for $2.8 million. What an investment!
Located just a couple blocks from Biscayne Bay in the Nautilus neighborhood at 4535 Nautilus Court in Miami Beach. The modern mansion features 6,000 square feet of professionally designed living space.
The 6 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom new construction home features European oak and marble floors throughout and high-end kitchen appliances. The home is completely finished with a steam room, media area, and tall ceilings throughout.
Photo Credit: Julian Cohen
The exterior is perfect for entertaining with an expansive backyard with lush Florida landscaping featuring an outdoor kitchen, oversized terraces, pool, and jacuzzi. The mansion is perfectly located near South Beach, Bal Harbour, and the Design District.
According to Miami-Dade tax records, the home closed on September 3rd, to buyers Bryant M. Yunker Jr. and wife Nancy. Bryant is a retired Wall Street Broker. The Yunker’s also own Sway Lounge, located in Naples, Florida.
This property is the highest-priced sale for a non-waterfront home in the Nautilus neighborhood. This record-breaking sale is just one of the many that have occurred in Miami in 2021.
In July, a waterfront mansion sold as the highest-priced home sale ever in all of Miami-Dade. Bay Harbor Islands also had a record-breaking sale of $12.75 million on a recent waterfront home, making it the highest-priced sale in all of Bay Harbor. Our very own, Lucas Lechuga, also sold one of the highest-priced condo sales for the month of August 2021 at Setai South Beach for $12.3 million.
Bentley Residences Unveils New Renderings and More
Bentley…the name alone is enough to make you think of exclusivity, luxury, and performance. Mix that in with high-end luxury development and you have a world-class residential tower that offers more than a living space, but an experience.
Bentley Motors has partnered with Dezer Development to bring residents the very best of the iconic brand by incorporating everything that a 5-star hotel has to offer without the continuing cycle of guests.
Dezer and architect Sieger Saurez spent several months perfecting the exterior diamond-shaped design. Dezer adds, “When we developed plans for the Bentley, we immediately thought of the triangular windows… It’s going to be a diamond that they can see all the way from Cuba when the sun hits on it. It’s going to be amazing. ” He adds, “we’re going to have a hard time outdoing ourselves.” Just from the renderings, we couldn’t agree more!
On September 14th, Dezer met with the City Commission to consider expanding the original site plan as well as reviewing additional transfer of development requests. The expansion would increase the square footage of the building to 616,185 square feet rising 62 stories (instead of the original 60). Two hundred and sixteen condos would along with 821 parking spaces are anticipated.
The most unique concept of Bentley Residences will be the car elevators that lift your car to your condo (very similar to the Porsche Design Tower) or as Dezer refers to it “Dezervator.”
Bentley Development Information
Location: 18401 Collins Avenue
Developer: Dezer Development (Gil Dezer
Architect: Sieger Suarez Architects
Building Amenities:
State-of-the-art fitness center
2 pools with cabanas
Spa
2 Restaurants
Whiskey bar
Cigar lounge
Cinema
Landscaped gardens
Dezervator car elevator
Kid’s lounge
Residence Features:
Seamless indoor-outdoor living floorplans
In-unit multi-car garage with a car elevator directly to each residence
Private balcony, pool, sauna, and outdoor shower
Floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean and bay views
Florida Green Building Council (FLGC) certification
Construction on Bentley Residences will begin in 2023 with an unveiling in 2026. “These buildings are complicated; they take time,” says Charles M. Sieger, President of Sieger Suarez Architects. “It’s not like working on a single-unit family house. They’re very technical and, at the same time, very artistic. You need some experience doing these things. We worked with Bentley to pick up their esthetic, the way they do their stitching, and diamond-shaped signature visual items,” Sieger adds. With more photos and information being released, we can’t wait to see what else Bentley has in store!
Diddy Purchases Gloria Estefan’s Waterfront Mansion on Star Island
In July 2021, Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio sold their Star Island home to a mysterious buyer for $35 million. At the time, we knew the buyer was listed under an LLC managed by Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group and that Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, was a neighbor to the Estefan’s.
It has now been revealed that Diddy is actually the buyer of Gloria Estefan’s waterfront mansion on the exclusive Star Island. Diddy can now add this waterfront mansion located at 1 Star Drive to his portfolio.
The 8,000 square foot mansion sits on 1.3 acres and features a total of 6 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms spread out through the main and guest houses. The rich hardwood and marble floors flow effortlessly through the open floor plan leading to the gorgeous outdoor oasis.
The Estefans originally purchased the home for $1.84 million in 1993. Since 2015, the property has been on and off the market with an original list price of $40 million. The last list price of this property was $27.9 million in 2020.
Diddy purchased the home next door in 2003 for $14.5 million. This property features 19,545 square feet with 9 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a private boat dock. Diddy’s home was formerly owned by Tommy Mottola.
Is hasn’t been released yet what Diddy plans on doing with both of the properties or if he plans on combining the two but we can’t wait to see what he has in store!
Other notables that have owned or currently own on Star Island Include Alex Rodriguez, Don Johnson, Rosie O’Donnell, Xuxa, Shaquille O’Neal, Lea Black, and Phillip Frost.
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty
Developer Announces Sales for New Brickell Tower – Lofty Brickell
A new residential tower, Lofty Brickell, will be launching sales soon! The tower will rise 34 stories high, overlooking the river, and will feature 320 fully furnished and finished units.
These units will be ‘turnkey’ and are fully licensed for daily, weekly, and monthly short-term rentals. Owners can utilize platforms like AirBnb, VRBO, as well as manage on their own.
The units will feature 800 to 1,200 square-foot floor plans with studio to 2 bedrooms options. Prices will start in the low $500,000 with increases based on floor plans and upgrades.
Developer, Harvey Hernandez recently closed on the lot for $50+ million. Hernandez is responsible for Centro and Brickell House.
With the announcement of this new tower comes some controversy. The current development site holds KLA Schools of Brickell and sources have reported an ‘early eviction’ although their lease expires December 2021.
Building Features
35-story landmark building designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm, Arquitectonica
Prime Brickell location in steps from Brickell City Center
Short-term rentals permitted as-of-right
Spectacular panoramic Miami River, Brickell and Miami skyline views
2 Story lobby with floor to ceiling windows 24-hour welcome desk with concierge 24-hour valet parking 24-hour secure access Advanced technology smart-building with high-speed fiber-optic wireless internet access through out common areas
Exclusive LOFTY app
Cutting-edge green building technology
6 high-speed passenger elevators with access control
On-site hospitality management Curated River-front restaurant with outdoor dining terrace
Building Amenities
Exotic resort pool with pool-side cabanas
Bar and grill on pool deck 24/7
Co-working lounge Private meeting rooms
Event room with exclusive terrace
Fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center with HD TVs and wireless audio Private Peloton studios Yoga lounge and terrace
LOFTY Rooftop Experience
Residence Features
Urban luxury residences with modern open layouts from 485SF—930SF Studio, one and two bedroom units
All residences are delivered fully finished and furnished specially curated by INC
Panoramic Miami River, and Miami skyline views
Private balconies for every residence
Corner units offer wrap-around balconies
High ceilings ranging from 9’ to 11’
Owner closets in every residence
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and sound attenuating impact-resistant laminated glass throughout
Advanced technology Smart Building wiring for HD TV,
Multiple telephone /data lines and ultra-high-speed internet access
Individually controlled energy-efficient central air conditioning and heating system
Kitchen
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pulls
Top of the line appliance package including stainless steel refrigerator, oven, cook-top,microwave, dishwasher and sink disposal
Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
Contemporary stainless steel under-mounted sink•High-arc gourmet faucet with integral sprayer
Master Bathroom
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pulls
Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
The project located in the heart of Brickell will include a private marina on the river with an expansive dock for boating.
Sales for a select few have started with anticipation public sales date soon. Construction completion date is expected in 2024.
Microsoft Officially Announces Move to 50,000 Square Foot Space in Brickell
As more tech companies and their execs flock to Miami, another quintessential name is making a surprising move to Brickell.
Microsoft Corporation has recently signed a lease for a 50,000 square foot space in the Brickell Financial District. The property located at 830 Brickell is centrally located in Downtown Miami near the 500,000 square feet of open-air luxury shopping and close proximity to iconic residential towers.
Microsoft’s official headquarters is located in Redmond, Washington and this new location will move its Latin America Team and make the Brickell location their regional hub.
In a press conference to announce their new location, Microsoft’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Operations; Mariana Castro, announced that this team will be supporting other Microsoft businesses.
Castro also stated that they look forward to the opportunity to be a part of a rapidly expanding city and they look forward to growing with Miami.
The commercial building at 830 Brickell rises 55 stories and offers 640,000 square feet of commercial rental space. The building was designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill and developed by Oko Group and Cain International.
The building is currently under construction and the anticipated completion date is scheduled for 2022. This building is Brickell’s first new office building to be built in over 10 years.
Other tenants in the building include a private equity firm, managed by Thomas Bravo, who leased a 36,000+ square foot space in January 2021.
Microsoft will join giants like Live Nation, Spotify, Boston Private, and Uber in Miami in this new wave of businesses moving to South Florida. With this massive transition for Microsoft, we can only expect this announcement will push other companies into taking a closer look at Miami as home.
Miami Heat’s Very Own Jimmy Butler Sold his Pinecrest Mansion for $7.1 Million
Photo Credit: Douglas Elliman
Jimmy Butler, Small Forward for the Miami Heat just sold his Pinecrest Mansion for $7.1 million. Butler who just purchased this home just 2 years ago really took advantage of the Miami market because he originally purchased the estate for $4.6 million in 2018. The home was built in 2013.
Photo Credit: Douglas Elliman
Records show that the managing partner, Reshma Sohoni, for London-based venture capital firm called Seedcamp purchased the home. Sohoni co-founded Seedcamp in 2007 with the idea to assist in investments for European tech start-ups.
The home located at 8975 Southwest 63rd Court in the Stritter Estates subdivision of Pinecrest features 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and a 3 car garage. The custom Mediterain home with 8,958 square feet of living space showcases a grand foyer that opens to the living and dining rooms with double height ceilings.
The large game room is perfect for entertaining with a custom wet-bar and dedicant kitchen. The custom cabinetry, wine gallery, and butler’s pantry makes this home truly unique. The master offers a private terrace and spa bath. The backyard is the ultimate in luxury with covered terraces, playground, spa, and resort style pool.
Photo Credit: Douglas Elliman
For the next four years, Butler will still be a Miami resident with his recently signed 4 year contract extension with the Heat for an additional $184 million.
Butler isn’t the first Heat player to sell its Miami mansion. Dwayne Wade and wife Gabrielle Union sold their Miami mansion for $22 million after 2 years on the market.
If you’re having trouble deciding on plans this weekend, we’ve made it easy for you! Here are the tops things to do this Labor Day 2021 weekend.
STAYCATION
Enjoy a nice long staycation this weekend at these unique Miami Hotels.
Goodtime Hotel-This 7-story hotel is located at 601 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach and features 266 rooms spanning a full block with 100,000 square feet of indoor space. Enjoy the art deco pool deck all day before your reservations at their signature restaurant Strawberry Moon.
Fontainebleau-This luxury hotel is located in Miami Beach and it is considered the #1 Hotel in Miami Beach according to Travel + Leisure magazine. With current specials, Fontainebleau has package options available for all. It also has a number of lounges, bars, nightlife, and restaurants.
Photo Credit: www.fontainebleau.com
RESTAURANTS
Make your Labor Day weekend reservations now at these new Miami restaurants.
Winker’s Diner-This day to night Miami Beach restaurant features an Art Deco-inspired style with classic leather booths, a 3D layered wall dedicated to the perfect Instagram photo, and a peninsula liquor bar. Enjoy breakfast all-day to deli sandwiches as well as traditional dishes including crispy chicken sandwich, lobster salads, Prime Rib, and their famous Cinnamon Roll French toast.
SFC Sushi Fly Chicken– This Toyko inspired restaurant, bar, and lounge brings the underground nightlife and diverse Asian cuisines. Specialty sushi rolls and fried chicken plates but let’s not forget the bespoke beverages including yuzu margaritas, lychee martinis, and Japanese whiskey cocktails.
Toothfairy bakery– Not quite a restaurant but if you have a sweet tooth, this retro-modern bakery is the place to be. Enjoy Cake Pop Candy Bars, Snickerdoodle cookies, or cotton-candy cones! This bakery is located in Miami Beach and it does offer reservations.
Photo Credit: Groot Hospitality
CRUISE, DANCE, & MORE
Booze Cruise– Join the party for a Hip Hop Club Booze Cruise on September 4, 2021. The 3 hour Miami Party cruise will kick off on Biscayne Bay with drink and food specials. Unlimited drink specials and a DJ will get you ready for the ultimate dance competition. There are 4 cruise times available.
SHOTS Miami– SHOTS first opened in 2012 because of the need for a different nightlife scene. The 7,000 square feet venue features unique drinks prepared by trained experts. This is an excellent late-night place to visit after dinner or your booze cruise!
WWE Monday Night Raw-Get up close and personal ringside on Monday,m September 6th at Monday Night Raw hosted by FTX Arena. Show begins at 7:30pm.
Photo Credit: discotech
Former Mansion of American Gangster Al Capone is Facing Demolition
photo credit: 93palm.com
Al Capone was born in 1899 in Brooklyn, New York to Italian immigrant parents. He was one of eight children while his mother was a seamstress and his father was a barber. He had a regular childhood and nothing notable could predict his claim to American fame.
Capone later became the most infamous gangster in American history. In the ’20s, Capone began his Chicago operations of bootlegging, gambling, and organized crime which became a multi-million dollar business. At the time of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre on February 14, 1929, he retreated to his Miami waterfront mansion to hide out from authorities.
photo credit: 93palm.com
After being released from prison after a six-and-a-half-year stint, Al Capone spent his last years living in Miami on Palm Island at 93 Palm Avenue. The waterfront mansion was originally built in 1922 and Capone and his wife purchased the home in 1928 for $40,000, just 3 years before he was sentenced to prison. The title shows that the home was purchased under Capone’s wife’s name.
The home has had many owners, as well as, extensive remodels over the years. The 0.6-acre lot features a colonial-style home with four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The more unique and original features of the home are still there including a black and gold Art Deco powder room, 1920’s ceilings lights as well as the fireplace located in the living room. The home also showcases french doors, hardwood floors, and double-hung windows.
photo credit: 93palm.com
The outside features 100 feet of Biscayne Bay water frontage with a 30×60 foot pool next to a 2-story cabana that is water-facing. At the front of the property sits a guesthouse with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
The home is currently owned by business partners including developer Todd Glaser who purchased the home this summer for $10.75 million. The plan is to demolish the home and build a modern-style spec home with 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, spa, jacuzzi, and sauna.
photo credit: Nelson Gonzalez
Glaser and business partner Nelson Gonzalez have condemned the house stating that it sits 3 feet under sea level, has water damage as well as sitting water under the home.
The home is currently on the docket for the Miami Historic Preservation Committee’s historic designation for the September agenda. According to Glaser, he stated that this will not stop their plans for building the new mansion and beginning demolition of Capone’s former home.
The property with the spec home is currently listed for sale at $16.95 million. The modern mansion will be designed by Kodi Karp.
photo credit: Nelson Gonzalez
Miami-Dade County Looking to Add a New City for the First Time in 16 Years
Credit:Miami-Dade County
It has been 16 years since Miami-Dade added a new city but that could change for Biscayne Gardens. Following a public decision, county commissioners are deciding today to utilize 5 square miles that border 4 northeast cities.
The next step in the approval process is for local voters to vote in the special election on November 2, 2021. If voters decide on the new city, Miami-Dade will have a new 35th ‘parish.’ The last was Cutler Bay which was founded in January 2005.
The 5 square miles is located near North of Northwest 167th Street, East of Northeast 18th Avenue, South of Northwest 128th Street, and West of Northwest 17th Avenue. The current neighborhood is called Biscayne Gardens and the area would keep that name. About 3% of the land is undeveloped with a quarter of the area is dedicated to traffic, communication, and utility.
There is still much room for growth. Included in the plans to form the city are 3 apartment complexes with 861 units, mega-church, and additional apartment complexes.
Biscayne Gardens would also include 3 parks which would include a community center with costs of $1 million with 20,000 square feet.
The Biscayne Gardens Municipal Advisory Committee was formed in September 2003 to look at whether the area could turn into a city. The committee later broke apart in In April 2012.
The area of Biscayne Gardens now has 35,000 residents with over 50% being registered to vote. If the city is formed, the special election would cost $94,000. This price the county would pay up front then the city would reimburse once established.
Although a strong opposition on the vote, we will know more after today’s meeting.
