Edgewater Tower Proposed by Aimco is Denied Approval

AIMCO-Edgewater New Construction
AIMCO-Edgewater New Construction

After a city of Miami board refused to recommend approval of Aimco’s plans for a luxury rental tower in Edgewater, the developer is determined to revaluate the development plans and come up with a solution to get these plans moving forward.

After identifying a number of “serious concerns” with the design, members of the Miami Urban Development Review Board voted on Wednesday to reject plans for the proposed mixed-use development across from Aimco’s Hamilton on the Bay tower. Despite the board’s rejection, Aimco can still seek approval for the project.

The board was initially split on whether or not to recommend acceptance of the proposals with conditions, with three members voting in favor and three voting against. As a result, the developer can either withdraw its application and start the process all over again, or the board can vote to decline the recommendation, allowing the developer to submit amended plans to the planning director for final approval.

Aimco’s attorney, Tony Recio, a partner at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, said the developer is examining the board’s ideas and looks forward to “addressing their criticisms with the planning director” as the project moves further. Recio submitted the concept to the board of directors on Wednesday.

Though they praised the project’s overall design, board members expressed concerns about circulation on the ground level, including how residents and restaurant customers would access parking, apartments, and the restaurant, as well as loading and trash collection, landscaping, and an oversized mail room.

At 555, 560, 600, 610, 620, 630, and 640 Northeast 34th Street, Aimco, a publicly traded multifamily real estate investment company located in Denver, has proposed a 60-story, 241-unit tower. On more than an acre of land, the construction would include a new parking structure and 4,700 square feet of commercial space for a restaurant on the bottom level facing the water.

Aimco has made a significant investment in Edgewater. It paid over $90 million for the Hamilton on the Bay rental complex, which is currently undergoing substantial renovations, nearly two years ago. A nearby vacant lot and a modest rental building were included in the purchase.

Following the cancellation of its tenants’ leases at the Hamilton last year, Aimco purchased premises across the street, where the new project would be built.

New Development Revealed- Surf Row Residences

Surf Row Residences Ground View
Surf Row Residences Ground View

Surf Row Residences, a new ultra-luxury residential property located at 8800 Collins Avenue in Surfside, is being developed by Lineaire Group, Miami-based real estate development, and investment firm.

Featuring a collection of eight private beach homes designed by award-winning firm Rene Gonzalez Architects (RGA), the development offers refined interiors, the utmost privacy, and unparalleled indoor-outdoor living adjacent to the beach. Only a few residences have been released and sales are currently by invitation only.

Through the careful use of skylights, layered glass, and double-height ceilings, each villa emphasizes the indoor-outdoor link. Three- to five-bedroom residences with 3,500-5,600 square feet of internal space are available. Each residence will feature almost 2,000 square feet of private outdoor living space, including a rooftop with a plunge pool, a summer kitchen, and a large gazebo. Each property will also include a private garage and a front yard that is enclosed. Prices start at around $5 million for a single-family home.

“Surf Row Residences provides buyers with an incredible opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind, exclusive villa, that lives like a single-family home given the sprawling layouts and private outdoor space,” said Alejandro Bonet, Partner at Linéaire Group. “Today’s buyers are seeking a blend of suburban space without sacrificing location, and we believe this development offers an exciting sense of both community and privacy that meets those demands.”

The 0.65-acre development property is located between Collins Avenue and Harding Avenue on 88th Street’s northern frontage. The property was purchased from the previous owner for $7.3 million by an associate of Lineaire Group in August 2021.

The plot of land is listed as 8809 Harding Avenue in property records, but the change to a Collins Avenue address is thought much more acceptable for marketing purposes.

Residence Features

  • European kitchen with custom-designed wood cabinetry, imported marble countertops, and professional-grade appliances 
  • Large format coral stone flooring with natural wood inlay designs 
  • Floating staircases made with cantilevered solid wood slabs & glass panel railings 
  • Spa-inspired master bathroom furnished with a luxurious rain shower, oversized freestanding tub, and finished with imported fluted marble walls 
  • Skylights flood the interior with natural light via a central light shaft spanning all levels
  • Rooftop with summer kitchen and plunge pool 
  • Two-car indoor garages, plus one open-air parking space 
  • Latest smart home automation by Savant 
  • Top-of-the-line security system with exterior surveillance cameras
  • Private elevator 
  • Service/laundry room Upgrades
  • Kosher kitchen
  • Elevator lift for additional parking 
  • Interior surveillance package

The project is expected to begin construction in the spring of 2023 and with a completion date in 2024.

Surf Row Residences Rooftop View

$110k Loss for Singer Trey Songz After Selling his Miami Condo

Brickell Heights Towers
Brickell Heights Towers

In 2017, singer and songwriter, Trey Songz purchased a condo in Miami’s Brickell Heights East for $1.09 million. In January 2022, Songz listed the unit for $1.2 million and ended up selling the unit in March for $980k to an undisclosed buyer.

The property itself features 2 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms, with over 1,356 square feet. With 12-foot ceilings, floor to ceiling heigh impact glass windows, and a modern kitchen that opens to the living room.

These specific units showcase elegant entry foyers, wrap-around terraces, and custom bathrooms with designer porcelain tile. The bathroom rooms also feature porcelain tile and custom vanities.

Amenities for Brickell Heights East

  • Equinox Fitness Club & Spa with high-performance fitness programs
  • 3,500 square foot SoulCycle studio
  • 24-hour concierge
  • 24-hour valet parking
  • Rooftop pool
  • 9th-floor pool terrace with swimming and lap pools
  • Screening room
  • Two beautifully designed entertainment rooms available for private events
  • Kids’ playroom
  • WiFi access in all amenity areas

Songz previously purchased a unit in the same building in 2010 for $473k and sold it for $710k right before purchasing the second unit.

Trey Songz, whose real name is Tremaine Aldon Neverson, is an American songwriter, singer, record producer, and actor. Songz released his first album in 2005 with Atlantic Records, I Gotta Make It. One of Songz’s highest charting songs to date is Bottoms Up which featured Nicki Minaj. Songz has released a total of 8 albums.

Kushner’s Edgewater Collective Project to Include 130 Rent-Restricted Apartments

Edgewater Collective apartments
Edgewater Collective apartments at 2000 Biscayne Boulevard

With rent prices up over 50 percent from a year ago, Miami is the poster child of a national affordability crisis. Miami is one of few major metropolitan cities in the nation that does not have rent price restrictions. In fact, the entire state of Florida prohibits local governments from imposing rent-control measures.

Kushner’s three-tower Edgewater Collective project will provide some much-needed relief in exchange for a tax increment rebate from the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Of the total 1,299 total units comprising Edgewater Collective, 130, or roughly ten percent of the development will be rent-restricted “through 2030, or 2047 if the life of the CRA is extended through such date, at rents serving households earning not less than 60% AMI and not more than 100% of AMI”. AMI stands for Average Median Income. Below is a breakdown of the 130 rent-restricted units:

Unit TypeNumber of Units60% AMI80% AMI100% AMI
Studio2551010
1 Bedroom62122525
2 Bedroom3881515
3 Bedroom5122
Total130265252
Edgewater Collective by Kushner

Edgewater Collective will be located at 1900 and 2000 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood and will include 18,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

New Interior Renderings Revealed for Casa Bella Residences Miami

Casa Bella Penthouse Duplex Balcony
Casa Bella Residences Lobby

Casa Bella Residences Miami is one of the newest pre-construction developments that will soon join the Miami skyline. At first, we only were able to see a small glimpse into the design of the project due to just a few exterior renderings being released.

Now, the developer has revealed interior shots of the project and they are a must-see. The newest interior renderings include the lobby, an upper lounge area, a restaurant, a gym, penthouse interiors, and much more.

Casa Bella Residences Rooftop Pool Deck

Casa Bella will feature 3 towers and 2 will rise 57 stories while 1 will rise 50. The first tower will feature 300 luxury units although 1,430 residential units have been approved for the site. The towers will have 1,629 parking spaces and will be connected by a podium.

Casa Bella Penthouse Duplex Balcony

Tower 1 at Casa Bella will feature 1 to 5-bedroom floor plans with only 6 units per floor. Interiors will be designed by Pierro Lissoni with landscape architecture by Enzo Ena. The double-height lobby will also be designed by Lissoni and will feature a mixture of sophistication and modern designs with a permanent collection of museum-quality art located throughout. 

Unit Features

  • 306 luxury condos including an exquisite penthouse collection of 24 penthouses
  • Residences offer 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom layouts with 10’ ceilings
  • Penthouses offer 2, 3 + Den, and 5-bedroom layouts with 11-12-foot ceilings
  • Units range in size from 711 to 5,890 square feet
  • All residences feature 2 private elevators and a foyer, which is unique in Miami
  • Biometric access-controlled elevators
  • Floor-to-ceiling impact-resistant windows
  • Modern European-style kitchens and bathrooms designed by Piero Lissoni featuring Italian cabinetry by ItalKraft
  • Premium black glass appliance packages with integrated 36” Sub-Zero refrigerators/freezers, integrated paneled dishwasher, built-in Wolf convection oven, and speed oven, and oversized stainless-steel radius sink with faucet drawer
  • Master bathrooms, designed by Piero Lissoni, boast frameless glass-enclosed showers, oversized tubs, imported porcelain flooring/wet walls, backlit vanity mirrors, and separate water closets
  • Two penthouses feature private rooftop terraces complete with private summer kitchens and spa tubs
  • Select units offer powder rooms
  • Spacious private terraces with spectacular water and city views
  • Casa Bella offers an extraordinary opportunity to have your residence curated by B&B Italia, Italy’s leading furniture brand

Tower Amenities

  • 2 full floors of private amenities
  • State-of-the-art wellness and fitness center offering on-demand services
  • Yoga room
  • Spinning room
  • Salon with manicure/pedicure stations
  • Adult entertainment lounge
  • Game room
  • Kid’s playroom with smartboard and educational games
  • Residents’ party room
  • Wine room
  • Movie theater
  • Museum-quality curated art collection
  • High-tech business center with conference room
  • Co-workspace
  • Pet spa
  • Expansive pool deck situated on the 11th floor overlooking Biscayne Bay
  • 78’ lap pool
  • Outdoor spa
  • Poolside bar and café
  • Poolside cabanas and lounge areas
  • Towel service
  • Sun-care kiosk
  • Open-air lawn perfect for yoga
  • Lush gardens were designed by acclaimed landscape architect Enzo Enea
  • Pickleball court
  • BBQ with outdoor dining area
  • Ground-level restaurant open to the public
  • 56th-floor Sky Terrace boasts rooftop pool and observatory (650 feet) with a high-tech telescope
  • 24-hour valet parking
  • 24-hour security
  • 24-hour maintenance staff
  • Multilingual team on site
  • On-demand concierge services are available including housekeeping, grocery shopping, “while you’re away” butler services, dry cleaning, childcare, pet care, courier services, translation service, and more
  • Residents enjoy a 1-year complimentary membership at the Grand Bay Beach Club in Key Biscayne
Casa Bella Residences Penthouse Duplex Living Room

The location of this tower places residences near the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Miami International University of Art and Design. The Omni Station Bus Loop is also 1 block away.

In May, Casa Bella sold 60% of its inventory in just 5 months. Currently, international buyers are representing around 50% of new construction developments while earlier in the year, they were only representing 20%.

Construction for the development is estimated for winter 2022 with an anticipated completion date of 2025. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Casa Bella, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at lucas@miamicondoinvestments.com or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Casa Bella Residences 11th Floor Yoga Lawn

Lofty Brickell Begins Demolition with Tower Construction Beginning 4th Quarter of 2022

Lofty Brickell from the Miami River
Lofty Brickell from the Miami River

Lofty Brickell launched sales in 2021 and officially reached 50% sold in February 2022. Now, site demolition is now underway with the tower construction scheduled for the end of 2022.

Approval for the demolition was received on April 28th. This demolition would be for the entire building site where 20,000 square feet of space would be demolished. The estimated cost of the demolition is $105,400.

TBRC Group is listed as the demolition contractor and there is not a current construction permit pending or filed.

Similar to its sister tower, NATIIVO (which sold out less in less than a year) Lofty will feature 380 units of fully finished and furnished interiors that will be available for rent nightly, daily, and/or monthly. Residents will have the option of self-managing their units (VRBO or Airbnb) or using Lofty’s onsite management. 

Rising 44 stories, Lofty will feature studio, 1, and 2 bedroom floor plans with 485 to 930 square feet options. Pricing starts at $493k for a studio. There will also be available penthouses but the information hasn’t been released as of now.

Designed by internationally acclaimed, Arquitectonica, interiors will be designed by a New York-based interior design company INC New York. Developer Harvey Hernandez is also responsible for Brickell House and Centro towers. Hernandez purchased Lofty lot for $50 million

Lofty will feature a number of wonderful amenities including a butler service, rooftop pool, car service, and a 5-star restaurant that hasn’t been disclosed. This tower will also include a private marina with available docks for boating.

Building Features

  • The 40-story landmark building designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm, Arquitectonica
  • Prime Brickell location is 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 throughout 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
  • A 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
  • Custom-finished floors and walls in wet areas
  • Frameless glass shower enclosures Spacious, extra-depth soaking tubs
  • Premium European-style fixtures and accessories

Construction completion date is anticipated for 2024. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Lofty Brickell, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at lucas@miamicondoinvestments.com or by phone at 786-247-6332.

Miami Officials Plan to Move Office Headquarters to Miami Freedom Park

Miami Freedom Park Village
Miami Freedom Park Village

Inter Miami CF’s new stadium may gain some new neighbors, including the City of Miami’s headquarters. Officials in Miami are looking at a contract to build the municipal administration offices at Miami Freedom Park, a large mixed-use redevelopment of a golf course near Miami International Airport. The MLS team’s stadium would be the site’s main attraction, but there would also be commercial development.

The plan to construct a new municipal administration headquarters has been in the works for more than five years.

City voters approved a referendum to lease the present municipal administrative headquarters in 2018. The current lease includes a 3.15-acre property along the Miami River at 444 S.W. Second Ave., to Lancelot Miami River LLC, a unit of Miami-based Adler Group. The developer intends to build a mixed-use development there.

The agreement also required Lancelot Miami River to construct a new municipal administrative facility of about 230,000 square feet with at least 610 parking spots. The city would fund the building with a special obligation bond, but Lancelot Miami River would be in charge of construction.

The city originally planned to build its administrative center on the 1.6-acre Lancelot Miami River property at 230 S.W. Third St. However, the agreement has not yet been formalized.

The City Commission then approved the lease and development agreement for Miami Freedom Park in April. A 25,000-seat soccer stadium, 1 million square feet of retail and commercial space, and 750 hotel rooms would be included in the project. The proprietors of Inter Miami would completely fund this project, and the location would require extensive environmental remediation.

This new building would take up around 1/4 of the commercial area at Miami Freedom Park.

The current designs for the municipal administrative building, according to David S. Adler, head of Adler Group, are for Miami Freedom Park. This would free up its 1.6-acre Miami River property to expand its mixed-use development.

In April, David Beckham won approval for a land lease for a Major League Soccer stadium in that same location.

New Japanese Steakhouse Coming to Brickell by Bad Bunny and David Grutman

Gekko Brickell Restaurant
Gekko Brickell Restaurant

Bad Bunny is partnering with David Grutman and his hospitality group, Groot Hospitality, to open a new Japanese steakhouse known as Gekko. Coming this July to Miami’s Brickell, Gekko will be located under the SLS Lux tower at 801 S. Miami Avenue where Katsuya is currently located.

Its menu will feature prime cuts and various Wagyu beef dishes with dashes of Korean BBQ spices. Guests may also expect sophisticated table-side culinary displays, such as flame-seared steak courses, as well as traditional Japanese fare including a full sushi menu and a six-seat omakase bar.

Gekko’s design will be created by The Rockwell Group, and will have “luxurious-yet-contemporary” graphic wall coverings, jewel tones, light and natural wood accents, and seating for 185 guests. On the very colorful and Instagrammable South Miami Avenue area, the location is located on the northwestern ground floor portion of the SLS Lux Brickell tower.

Gekko will join Grutman and Groot Hospitality’s ever-expanding Miami restaurant portfolio, which already includes Papi Steak, Komodo, and Key Club, as well as Swan and Strawberry Moon, his two restaurants with Pharrell Williams.

The Japanese word “Gekko” means “moonlight,” which is appropriate for a city known for its nightlife. It’s also a double entendre reference to Michael Douglas’ famous Wall Street character Gordon Gekko. “On the day we were deciding on a name, Bunny was smitten with ‘Gekko. That night, I watched a Carl Icahn documentary,” Grutman says. “It all came together, and we had it.”

Newest Wynwood Hotspot Features 2 Restaurants and a Nightclub

Burdo Wynwood Miami
Burdo Wynwood Miami

“Bad friends, Good Drinks & Expensive Taste,” that’s the Moto for Wynwood newest spot Burdo. Opened just north of Cerveceria La Tropical on North Miami Avenue, Burdo has a 2,700-square-foot dining room and a 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace that, like so many other new Miami hot places, morphs from restaurant to late-night party location after dark.

The concept was developed by SinMente Group, a Colombian hospitality company that established a comparable venue in Medellin in 2014. Burdo was brought to Miami by SinMente in collaboration with Buenavista Investment Group. Burdo’s main menu features American fare such as bowls, pizzas, and burgers, as well as sushi rolls.

Green apple and cheese pizza ($20) with blue cheese, mozzarella, bocconcini, green apples in maple syrup, almonds, basil, and spinach; truffle grilled cauliflower ($20); and “Black Wings” ($28) with sesame seeds, chives, and black barbeque sauce are among the highlights.

However, that isn’t the only food available on the premises. Criminal Taqueria at Burdo is located on Burdo’s patio. Tacos aren’t illegal, so don’t be alarmed. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, esquites, and elote bowls are served at the taqueria, which has a few chairs but is mostly meant for grab-and-go purchases. It has its own separate kitchen and serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, esquites, and elote bowls.

The design of Burdo is just as exquisite as the menu! Mixing a modern yet reclaimed design makes for an inviting atmosphere. A white marble surfaced bar adorns the bar and tabletops with outdoor inspired wood chairs. Mixing with green vegetation, wood paneled walls, and black steel touches creates a unique look that will be an excellent side to your food.

Prices range from $4 to $13 per pound. At the taqueria, you can order a margarita or Michelada, or try Burdo’s more extensive cocktail menu, which includes mezcal-based drinks like La Parca and El Chingon, as well as specialty gin cocktails. Bottle service is provided after dark, when the high-tech sound and lighting systems come on.

Burdo is located at 2509 North Miami Avenue in Wynwood and they are opened from Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm to 3am. Don’t forget happy hour is from 5pm to 8pm.

YotelPad Has Officially Opened to Guests

YotelPad Rendering
YotelPad Miami in Downtown Miami

As of yesterday, YotelPad has officially opened to guests for the first time since construction has been completed. Sales for the tower began in late 2020 and the development sold out within 15 months after breaking ground.

Developed in a joint venture between Aria Development Group and AQARAT, YotelPad Miami is located at 227 NE Second Street in downtown Miami. The tower include 231 residential units while the hotel features 222 hotel rooms.

Condo units that range from 417 SF studios to 708 SF two-bedrooms. These units are located on floors 15 through 30. There are also 222 hotel units branded by the Yotel Britsh chain that occupy the lower levels of the tower. 

Although the units have sold out even without a parking garage, prices for the condo units ranged from $450,000 to $500,000 and the developers have confirmed that more than half of the buyers were from China, Mexico, and Columbia.

The units will also feature high-end appliances including an Electrolux washer and dryer, Grohe and Toto bath fixtures, Smart thermostats, Smart Lock System, and custom furniture packages.

Tower Amenities:

  • Elevated deck with pool, hot tub, and bar
  • Full-service restaurant and bar with outdoor paseo
  • Organic matcha bar
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Private meeting rooms with co-working space
  • Valet parking
  • TransitScreen displays all your mobility options,
    in real-time
  • Private residential lobby with destination dispatch elevators
  • 24-hour security and concierge
  • Secure storage unit for each residence
  • Enclosed bicycle storage
  • Skytop Lounge featuring a game area and chef’s kitchen
  • Digital package concierge

Stantec is the architect behind Yotelpad. Each unit offers carefully cultivated floorplans with integrated living and dining areas.  The fully-finished interiors feature contemporary flooring with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with a European kitchen and baths showcase custom cabinetry with stone finishes as well as Smeg Designer Italian appliances.