Construction Begins on Rivage Bal Harbour: A New Pinnacle of Luxury Living
Excitement is building in South Florida as construction officially kicks off on Rivage Bal Harbour, an ultra-luxury condominium project set to redefine opulent living in one of the region’s most exclusive communities. This ambitious development is a collaborative effort between industry giants Related Group, Rockpoint, and Two Roads Development, with architectural mastery from the esteemed firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and exquisite interiors designed by Rottet Studio.
Nestled between the serene Intracoastal Waterway and 200 feet of pristine oceanfront, Rivage Bal Harbour will house 56 lavish residences, cleverly dubbed “sky villas.” Ranging from a generous 3,300 to nearly 13,000 square feet, these homes are thoughtfully designed to harmonize modern luxury with the natural beauty of South Florida. Each residence will feature the convenience of in-unit elevator access and private parking garages, ensuring a seamless living experience.
Residents will also enjoy expansive terraces that provide breathtaking views of the ocean and Biscayne Bay—the perfect backdrop for relaxation or entertaining guests.
The design of Rivage Bal Harbour boasts open-concept floor plans that epitomize spaciousness and light. Gourmet kitchens are equipped with top-of-the-line Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, while bathrooms and closets showcase high-end Italian finishes, providing an atmosphere of sophistication at every turn.
The development promises to cater to the desires of luxury buyers, capitalizing on Bal Harbour’s reputation for exclusivity and its prime location near the renowned Bal Harbour Shops.
Rivage Bal Harbour is set to offer an unparalleled suite of amenities, with over 25,000 square feet dedicated to wellness and recreation. Future residents can indulge in a state-of-the-art fitness pavilion, a hammam spa complete with hot and cold plunge pools, and private treatment rooms for ultimate relaxation. For those who enjoy sports, outdoor pickle and paddle ball courts will be available, while leisurely pursuits include private dining services and a chic cocktail lounge.
Families will appreciate the inclusion of a kids’ playroom and a high-tech VR game simulator, making Rivage a community where all ages can thrive. Residents can also expect the luxury of resort-style services, including a 24/7 residential butler and concierge.
Managed by Coastal Construction Group, Rivage is on track for completion in 2027. The development team is confident that this project will fill a significant gap in the supply-constrained Miami market, catering to the increasing demand for high-end properties.
Since its inception in 1929, Bal Harbour has attracted affluent residents and visitors, blending cultural richness with a sense of privacy and exclusivity. With Rivage Bal Harbour, this legacy is poised to flourish even further, offering a living experience that is as luxurious as it is unique.
Bal Harbour Shops’ Ambitious Expansion Plan: A Blend of Luxury and Workforce Housing
Bal Harbour Shops, a renowned shopping center in Florida, is set to undergo a transformative expansion that promises to reshape the community’s housing landscape. The owners of Bal Harbour Shops have filed an exciting proposal to build an expansion that includes 600 residential units, a move aimed at addressing the critical need for housing for various community members. This development has been made possible through Florida’s new Live Local Act, which allows developers to bypass certain local zoning regulations in exchange for a commitment to create workforce housing.
The visionary behind this project, Matthew Whitman Lazenby, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Whitman Family Development, sees the expansion as an opportunity to diversify the area’s housing market. Lazenby expressed, “By adding workforce and market-rate housing catering to service and hospitality workers, teachers, first responders, and other workers who are the backbone and lifeblood of our community and who are currently priced out of the market, Bal Harbour Shops will diversify the area’s housing market so that people who work in this Village can actually live here.”
The expansion will consist of two distinct types of residential units. First, 40% of the units will be dedicated to workforce housing, providing an attainable living option for essential members of the community. These units will offer comfortable and quality living spaces designed to cater to the needs of service industry workers, teachers, and first responders.
The remaining 60% of residential units will be luxurious, maintaining the premium design, finishes, and features that characterize Bal Harbour Shop’s luxury brand. This blend of workforce and luxury housing creates a unique living environment that promotes inclusivity and diversity while maintaining a high standard of living.
Apart from residential units, the expansion plan includes a 70-room upscale hotel, adding to the allure of Bal Harbour as a destination for visitors and tourists. Additionally, 45,700 square feet of retail space will be integrated, providing residents and visitors with more shopping options.
The new towers are set to rise to approximately 275 feet, similar in height to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort across the street. The design places a strong emphasis on pedestrian access and street-level activations, ensuring that the development seamlessly integrates with the surrounding community. New entry points to the development will enhance accessibility and encourage community engagement.
Currently, Bal Harbour Shops is eagerly awaiting the issuance of a building permit. Once this milestone is reached, the first phase of the project will commence with the construction of an attainable housing tower on the property’s southwest corner. Subsequently, the luxury housing and hotel will follow, further enhancing the community’s housing and hospitality offerings.
Related Group and Two Roads Propose New 24 Story Tower-The Residences of Bal Harbour
The Related Group and Two Roads Development are partnering to create a new condominium project in Bal Harbour, The Residences of Bal Harbour.
The developers paid $135.2 million for an existing 88-unit condo tower and land located at 10245 Collins Avenue.
The proposed tower is expected to rise 24 stories tall featuring 61 luxury residences and 160 parking spaces which will be located in the basement of the tower.
Residence Features:
Waterviews from each residence
Wraparound balconies of each residence
3 to 5 bedroom floor plan options
3,258 to 4,754 square feet
High-impact floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding glass doors
Tower Features:
Separate ground floor, state-of-the-art fitness center
Ground-floor restaurant
Rooftop pool
Rooftop bar
Groundfloor pool
Private beach access
CFE is listed as the architect for the project with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as the designer.
The Architectural Review Board is scheduled for October 6 to review an updated proposal for The Residences of Bal Harbour.
February Real Estate Stats Are in for Miami Dade County
In Miami-Dade County, condo sales and dollar volume increased in the first week of February. Volume for the week rose to $232 million which is up from $159.5 million from January 2022. Units sales increased from 210 to 259 units. The average condo price also rose from $759,000 to $896,000 in just one week.
The top sale for the first week of February was none other than a Palazzo Del Mare unit on Fisher Island. Sold at $21 million, which equals $2,874 per square foot. This property is considered the highest closing on Fisher Island this year.
The unit located at the Palazzo Del Mare unit 7153, features 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a terrace, a playroom, and a conference room spanning over 7,025 square feet. It also has a private 2-car garage on the parking level of the building and a private cabana near the pool.
Seller for the unit, Igor Olegovich Nesterenko, is a businessman in the meatpacking industry from Moscow. The buyer for this property is listed as Fana Fisher Palazzo 7153 LLC, which is managed by a trust in Bellevue, Washington.
For the second week in February, condo sales and volume fell slightly for Miami-Dade. Volume reached $148 million with sales totaling 206. The average condo price also fell to $719,000 from the $896,000 that was in the first week.
The top sale for this week included that of Oceana Bal Harbour. The unit located at 10201 Collins Avenue unit 2401 sold for $10.5 million equaling $2,630 per square foot. The sellers for this property include Tatiana Zorina and Kirill Stadnikov and the buyers are listed as Andrew and Jacqueline Africk.
This corner unit on the 24th floor of Oceana features gorgeous views of the ocean and the Miami skyline. The open-concept living areas flow effortlessly throughout with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The 3 bedrooms showcase marble bathrooms and European cabinetry. This unit also features a private elevator foyer, powder room, 3 parking spaces, and storage space.
Miami-Dade County real estate has been steadily increasing month over month. In December 2021, we saw an 18.6% increase in condo sales with a 100% increase for luxury condo properties. We are excited to see what’s in store for Miami real estate.
Ten Recent Multi-Million Dollar Condo Closings in Miami-Dade County (Past 6 Months)
The following are the 10 highest luxury condo sales that have closed in Miami-Dade County within the past six months:
Continuum South Tower – Penthouse 1 – 5 bedroom/7.5 bath (7,374 square feet) – This penthouse sold for $9,900,000, or $1,343 per square foot, on May 15, 2009. It was listed for $14,950,000.
Apogee South Beach – Unit 1104 – 4 bedroom/5 bath (4,154 square feet) – This condo sold for $6,000,000, or $1,444 per square foot, on May 4, 2009. It was listed for $6,800,000.
Apogee South Beach – Unit 1404 – 4 bedroom/3.5 bath (4,154 square feet) – This condo sold for $6,000,000, or $1,444 per square foot, on June 17, 2009. It was listed for $6,800,000.
Apogee South Beach – Unit 1201 – 4 bedroom/3.5 bath (4,154 square feet) – This condo sold for $5,450,000, or $1,312 per square foot, on July 23, 2009. It was listed for $5,750,000.
One Bal Harbour – Unit 2008 – 4 bedroom/4.5 bath (5,266 square feet) – This condo sold for $5,200,000, or $987 per square foot, on September 29, 2009. It was listed for $6,299,000.
Acqualina – Penthouse 4506 – 5 bedroom/6 bath (6,419 square feet) – This penthouse sold for $4,999,000, or $779 per square foot, on August 2, 2009. It was listed for $7,900,000.
Apogee South Beach – Unit 1101 – 4 bedroom/3.5 bath (4,154 square feet) – This condo sold for $4,800,000, or $1,156 per square foot, on July 30, 2009. It was listed for $4,999,990.
Ocean Tower I – Unit 401 – 4 bedroom/5.5 bath (5,403 square feet) – This condo sold for $4,600,000, or $851 per square foot, on June 9, 2009. It was listed for $5,490,000.
Apogee South Beach – Unit 1902 – 3 bedroom/3.5 bath (3,103 square feet) – This condo sold for $4,300,000, or $1,387 per square foot, on September 30, 2009. It was listed for $4,975,000.
Oceanside at Fisher Island – Unit 7161 – 3 bedroom/4.5 bath (3,959 square feet) – This condo sold for $3,950,000, or $998 per square foot, on June 1, 2009. It was listed for $4,500,000.
New & Improved South Florida MLS Property Search for Condos
Many of you have already noticed that a much improved Miami condos search has now taken the place of the old property search. New search parameters have been added to allow your search experience to be more powerful and effective. For example, you can now search by year built, number of parking spaces and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), as well as many other parameters. Additionally, you can now draw a shape onto the map to restrict the search to condos located within that shape. For example, in the picture above, I drew a shape around Brickell Key to restrict the search to only condos located in Brickell Key. Enjoy!
Breathtaking Views From a Condo at One Bal Harbour
It was a perfectly gorgeous afternoon in South Florida today. I thought I’d share with everyone a few pictures that I shot from a condo on the 12th floor at One Bal Harbour this afternoon.
If you’re a boat lover then you’ll have plenty of opportunities to gaze at beautiful boats zipping by through the Bal Harbour inlet.
The Regent Bal Harbour Hotel & Residences Celebrates its Grand Opening
Yesterday afternoon, the Regent Bal Harbour Hotel & Residences (currently the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour) held its grand opening celebration. The Regent Bal Harbour is a 5-star hotel with world-class amenities, a 5-star restaurant and gorgeous water views from every hotel room. It will likely be a favorite amongst affluent South Florida vacationers. Prices range from $750 to $8,500 per night.
Take a look at the CBS4 video of the Regent Bal Harbour inaugeration yesterday.
Rumor Mill on the Streets of Manhattan
I arrived at La Guardia Airport in New York City on Tuesday afternoon. The good news was that the weather was fantastic. It was in the high 60s, which was unprecedented in New York City for the month of January. The weather was just what I needed after arriving in Chicago last week on the coldest day of the Winter season (I think it was something like 15 degrees below zero with wind chill). Brrrrr!!! In fact, the first thing I did when arriving in Chicago was to go to Target and buy some long underwear. It was that freakin’ cold! I used to live in downtown Chicago for 4 years so I should know cold, but that day was damn cold! Maybe living in Miami for so long has made my blood thin out a bit or something.
My arrival in New York City, however, soon turned sour after learning that my luggage was lost by American Airlines. Regardless, I checked into my hotel and tried to make the best of my trip. My luggage did finally arrive at 3am that night (the next morning).
Last week, I wrote a post mentioning that I would be in New York City from January 8-11 for the Real Estate Connect NYC 2008 Conference. I was contacted by one hedge fund analyst and two investment groups that wanted to meet me while I stayed in New York City. They each had an interest in the Miami condo market.
Today, I attended the first day of the Real Estate Connect Conference and listened to a few industry leaders speak about the market. I also picked up some great information in conversations with people in the hallways as well as the hedge fund analyst that I met with later in the evening.
Okay…enough with the boring stuff. Let’s get to the goods! The following is the rumor mill that was revealed to me throughout the day. This is just what I’ve heard. I am in no way saying that the rumors are true (although these rumors came from accredited sources).
WCI will declare bankruptcy within the next two weeks. Shares of WCI, the developer of One Bal Harbour, dropped 52.98% today on worries that WCI will declare bankruptcy. Standard & Poor affirmed WCI’s junk rating status and provided a negative outlook for the company. (Can you say “Pink Sheet”?) WCI was provided an extension until January 16, 2008. That’s a very short extension. My source disclosed to me tonight that the bank is probably finally realizing that it is in their best interest to pursue bankruptcy proceedings rather than delay the inevitable. The mathematics makes sense for the bank to do so. Most banks loaned about 65 percent of the total construction costs. As of right now, according to public records, WCI has closed 50.3 percent of the condo units at One Bal Harbour. If I were the bank holding onto the construction loan for One Bal Harbour, I would foreclose on this development immediately. The lender could at least offset their other losses with the gains they may realize with the sale of the defaulted units at One Bal Harbour. They know that it’s a strong development…I know that it’s a strong development. Until the investment funds step in, however, there’s still a lot of risk.
Marina Blue closings have been pushed back 2 months and possibly even longer. I heard this rumor when I was in Miami on Monday but I didn’t accept it until tonight. I’ve heard that Marina Blue has no clue when closings will begin. Somebody please tell me that I’m wrong! I’ve heard this one from multiple sources though.
Opera Tower is delaying closings another month. I’ve heard this one from multiple sources as well. What the hell is going on with this development? It keeps delaying its closings. Weren’t closings supposed to realistically begin around September? I was recently misquoted about Opera Tower in the papers. I was quoted as saying something along the lines that Opera Tower will have a 50 percent default rate. I actually said that Opera Tower will have at least a 50 percent default rate. Just my opinion though. Also, just my opinion is that this development is doomed. There’s a large lawsuit against the developer of Opera Tower. You may think I’m crazy but I think in six months my 50 percent default rate for Opera Tower will be considered an overzealous prediction.
Here’s the big one. Countrywide Financial Corporation is going to declare bankruptcy within the next three weeks. Countrywide has lost about 44 percent of its value within the past 5 days. Rumors around Wall Street are that this turkey is just about roasted and ready to be eaten. We should see this one fall soon…and it’ll make a huge thud on the Street when it does.
This one isn’t so much a rumor. Quantum on the Bay began closings and the development isn’t even close to being completed. (From what I’ve heard) TCO was granted in order to avoid a lawsuit pertaining to how long the development took to be completed. My guess (and only my guess) is that some money (maybe a lot) was transferred between the developer and city to get the TCO done to avoid lawsuits against the developer.
One Bal Harbour Condo Closings Appear to be Troubled
Last week, a client called me to let me know that he would be flying into Miami and would specifically like to take a look at One Bal Harbour. He wanted to schedule a showing for Monday afternoon. I contacted a WCI agent today to find out if we could get in to see some units on Monday. I was told that WCI has decided to take a holiday leave until Wednesday. Unfortunately, my client will be flying back to Canada on Monday evening.
After hearing this, I was thinking to myself “Wow! WCI must have closed a lot of condos these past couple of weeks in order to take a vacation”. I was curious to find out what their latest closing rate was since closings began on condos for this Bal Harbour development. I got back to my office and checked it out. The following graph reveals that 33.51% of units have closed at One Bal Harbour. December 8, 2007 I revealed that only 23.24% of units had closed since November 16, 2007, the first day that closings began.
Does this look problematic to anyone else? If I were a developer in this position I would be holding 24/7 open houses and not taking a holiday leave. Oh well…my client will return in a few months when those who do close are really struggling and condos will be much more aggressively priced. We’ll see if WCI can remain afloat until then. It looks like prices at One Bal Harbour will only go down over the next six months.
The most humorous quote to me was a Realtor saying in an article published on August 17, 2007 that she was “very confident that every single unit will close”. I hope she meant eventually every condo will close. If she meant that every contract holder will close then I think she was being way overly optimistic.
The closing rate cited above was obtained from public records. There can be a 2-3 week lag in getting a closing recorded although most closings are records within the first 7 days.
