Miami Police Department Creates East District, Adding 300 Officers to Brickell, Downtown & Edgewater

Miami is entering a new era of public safety. In late August 2025, Miami Police Chief Manny Morales announced the formation of a new East District, consolidating Brickell, Downtown, and Edgewater into one unified zone handling approximately 120,000 service calls annually.

To strengthen response capabilities and visibility, the department plans to hire 300 new officers over the next three years, assigning many to this new district. Chief Morales expects the East District to be fully operational by the end of 2025.

The Downtown Development Authority is supporting the effort with enhanced surveillance infrastructure, funding for overtime, and even a drone to bolster public safety efforts.

What This Means for Brickell, Downtown & Edgewater

1. Enhanced Safety & Visibility

• More boots on the ground: Expect greater street presence, with officers patrolling on foot, scooters, and bikes.
• Deterrence through presence: Police visibility encourages more people to get out and enjoy their neighborhoods.

2. Faster, Smarter Response

• With dedicated staffing and new technology, response to violent incidents — such as the recent stabbing at Icon Brickell Tower 3 or April’s shooting near Brickell City Centre — should improve.

3. Greater Community Investment

• The Downtown Development Authority’s involvement signals investment in long-term city safety infrastructure — not just policing, but tools like cameras and drones.

Potential Trade-offs & Concerns

1. Budget Pressure & Resource Allocation

• Approving funding for 300 new officers (~100 per year through 2028) will likely require creative budgeting — potentially from federal grants or reallocating city funds.
• Without community input, some residents may worry this investment sacrifices other pressing needs like affordable housing or parks.

2. Community Trust & Oversight

• Miami’s police department has a documented history of oversight challenges, including reform efforts stemming from a 2016 consent decree with the DOJ over excessive force.
• Expanding staffing without reinforcing accountability, transparency, and community policing might undermine trust.

3. Equity & Neighborhood Disparities

• Brickell is dense, affluent, and highly visible. By contrast, Edgewater, while growing fast and appealing with historic and luxury developments, has fewer resources and less political clout.
• Ensuring equitable distribution of officers and services — especially to under-resourced communities — will be key.

Final Thoughts

Miami’s launch of the East District marks a bold statement: the city is scaling its public safety infrastructure to match rapid urban growth. For residents and businesses in Brickell, Downtown, and Edgewater, this could mean fewer crime fears, safer streets, and enhanced neighborhood confidence.

But the success of this initiative won’t hinge on headcount alone. It will depend on equitable deployment, transparent oversight, and robust community engagement to reinforce trust — especially in neighborhoods like Edgewater that are rapidly evolving but historically underserved.

EB-5 Investment Opportunities Now Available at ORA by Casa Tua in Brickell

ORA by Casa Tua, the highly anticipated luxury condo development in the heart of Brickell, has announced a select number of EB-5 investment opportunities for qualified foreign investors. The program provides international buyers with a unique pathway to U.S. permanent residency while investing in one of Miami’s most talked-about new projects.

What Is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, created by the U.S. Congress in 1990, is designed to stimulate the American economy through foreign investment and job creation. By making a qualifying investment that generates at least 10 full-time jobs, foreign nationals—and their immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21)—can become eligible for a U.S. green card and eventual citizenship.

Benefits of the EB-5 visa include:

• Legal status in the United States
• A direct path to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship
• No need for visa sponsorship
• Freedom to live and work anywhere in the country
• Education and career opportunities for children

Investment Requirements for ORA by Casa Tua

To participate in the ORA by Casa Tua EB-5 project, investors must commit $1,050,000, with funds verified as coming from legal and lawful sources. In addition, there is a $70,000 administrative fee, legal fees ranging from $20,000 to $25,000, and a USCIS I-526 application fee of $12,160.

Key details:

• Minimum investment: $1,050,000
• Admin fee: $70,000
• Legal fees: $20,000 to $25,000
• Application fee: $12,160
• Target capital return: 0.25%

Investments are placed “at risk,” as required by the EB-5 program. Should an application be denied, the capital contribution is returned, though administrative and legal fees are non-refundable.

Application Process

The EB-5 application process typically follows these steps:

1. Hire an immigration attorney to prepare and file the I-526 petition.
2. Submit the $1,050,000 investment via wire transfer to the project’s escrow account.
3. Await USCIS approval of the I-526 form.
4. Receive a conditional green card for the investor and qualifying family members.
5. File the I-829 petition within two years to remove conditions and secure permanent residency.
6. Upon completion of the investment term (typically five years), the capital is repaid.

About ORA by Casa Tua

Located at 1210 Brickell Avenue, ORA by Casa Tua is being developed by Fortune International Group and is expected to be completed in late 2028. The project will feature fully furnished studios to four-bedroom residences with flexible ownership options, elevated dining by the Casa Tua brand, a gourmet market, rooftop lounge, and a one-of-a-kind sky park at the center of the building.

With its blend of soulful dining, wellness, and design, ORA by Casa Tua promises to be a first-of-its-kind lifestyle destination in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.

Final Thoughts

For international investors seeking both a U.S. immigration pathway and a stake in Miami’s booming real estate market, ORA by Casa Tua’s EB-5 investment offering presents a rare opportunity. With its prime location, world-renowned branding, and strong development team, ORA is positioned to become one of Brickell’s most iconic residential projects.

Abitaro Launches Fractional Luxury Ownership in Brickell from Just $68K – A New Way to Own in Miami

Miami’s Brickell district is known for its luxury towers, world-class dining, and unmatched energy. But with rising prices, many buyers have found the dream of owning in Brickell out of reach — until now.

Habitat Group, the award-winning developer behind projects such as Smart Brickell I, Smart Brickell II, Smart Brickell III, Parkside Brickell, Millux Place Miami, and Season One Brickell, has introduced Abitaro — a modern fractional co-ownership model that lets you own a luxury, fully furnished condo in Brickell starting at just $68,000.

What Is Abitaro?

Abitaro is an innovative real estate ownership program designed for those who want the benefits of owning a second home without the high cost or hassle of sole ownership. Each residence is divided into eight shares (1/8 ownership), giving you:

• Guaranteed usage for several weeks per year
• Fully furnished luxury apartments in prime Brickell locations
• Complete property management and maintenance handled for you
• Guaranteed 9% annual return during periods you lease back your share
• Flexible payment options, including interest-free installment plans

When you’re not using your residence, Abitaro’s exclusive rental program can generate passive income for you.

Why Brickell?

Brickell is one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the U.S., ranked among the top global financial districts outside New York City. It’s home to:

• The largest concentration of international banks in the U.S.
• Over 1,400 multinational corporations
• A thriving hospitality and dining scene, from rooftop bars to Michelin-rated restaurants
• Luxury shopping at Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village
• Annual events like Art Basel, Miami Open, Ultra Music Festival, and Formula 1 Miami

For investors, Brickell’s high rental demand and year-round tourism make it a prime location for generating consistent returns.

Featured Properties in the Abitaro Portfolio

Currently, Abitaro’s fractional ownership opportunities are available in Smart Brickell I, with more locations planned. Smart Brickell offers:

• 23 floors and 100 luxury units
• Rooftop pool with Miami skyline views
• State-of-the-art fitness center and spa
• Fully furnished residences with short-term rental flexibility (nightly, weekly, monthly)

Available units include studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom floor plans, with share prices ranging from $68,000 to $122,000, depending on size and view.

How the Co-Ownership Model Works

1. Choose Your Property – Select from a curated collection of fully furnished residences.
2. Purchase Your Share – Each share represents 12.5% ownership (1/8) of the property.
3. Enjoy Flexible Usage – Use your property for several weeks per year, or opt for the leaseback program for passive income.

Example:

• Unit 305 (Studio, 442 sq ft) – Shares from $68,000
• Annual Net Income (Leaseback) – Projected returns from rental program, minus HOA, taxes, and maintenance.

Leaseback Program – Earn While You’re Away

Owners who participate in Abitaro’s leaseback program can earn a guaranteed 9% return annually on their share price when the property is not in use. You can choose:

• Full Leaseback – 45 days per year for income
• Hybrid Use – 30 days leaseback + 15 days personal use

Maintenance is a fixed $900/year per share, covering operational and administrative management.

Why Co-Ownership Is Growing

According to recent studies:

• 26.7% of U.S. home purchases now involve co-buyers
• 14% of buyers in 2024 purchased with friends (up from 4% in 2022)
• The top reasons: financial benefits (78%), property access (41%), and social factors (37%)

Abitaro taps into this trend, offering affordable access to Miami’s luxury market without sacrificing lifestyle or investment potential.

The Bottom Line

With Abitaro, owning in Brickell no longer requires millions in cash or the burdens of full-time property management. For as little as $68,000, buyers can secure luxury living, flexible usage, and guaranteed income potential — all backed by Habitat Group’s 20+ years of experience. If you’re interested in security a unit at Smart Brickell I for fractional ownership, contact us at [email protected].

Swire Properties Sells Prime Brickell Development Site to Kerzner International for $45M

Swire Properties has completed another major land sale in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, continuing its shift in focus toward its flagship holdings on Brickell Key. On August 5, 2025, the Hong Kong–based developer sold a 1-acre development site located at 9 Southeast 6th Street for $45 million to Kerzner International, the Dubai-based hospitality group led by CEO Philippe Zuber. The transaction equates to approximately $1,043 per square foot.

The property sits in a prime location just steps from Brickell City Centre and was previously approved for 350 residential units and 180 hotel rooms. Its strategic positioning in the heart of Miami’s financial district makes it one of the most sought-after parcels in the area.

Kerzner International — best known for its global luxury resort brands including Atlantis and One&Only — has not yet disclosed its development plans for the site. Given Kerzner’s history of delivering high-end hospitality projects, the parcel could be the future home of a flagship luxury hotel, branded residences, or a mixed-use tower.

The deal marks the latest in a string of non-core asset divestments for Swire Properties as it refocuses development and investment efforts on Brickell Key. Swire has been a major force in shaping the Brickell skyline, most notably through the multi-phase Brickell City Centre project.

With Miami continuing to attract both domestic and international investment, this sale underscores the strong demand for prime development land in Brickell — and signals that the neighborhood’s transformation is far from over.

Selva Nightclub to Debut in Brickell Above Amazónico Miami

Brickell is about to get a lot louder after dark.

This Fall, the vibrant financial district will welcome its first true nightclub — Selva, a high-energy nightlife concept described as “the dark side of the jungle.” The nightclub will be located above Amazónico Miami, a rainforest-inspired restaurant opening in September 2025 at 800 Brickell Avenue.

Selva is owned and operated by the team behind Amazónico, an internationally renowned restaurant brand with locations in Madrid, London, Dubai, and now Miami. Known for lush interiors, exotic flavors, and elevated dining, Amazónico brings the Amazon rainforest to life — and Selva promises to take that same jungle energy into the night.

While details remain limited, Selva’s official website teases a mysterious, immersive atmosphere that blends music, glamour, and tropical edge — perfectly aligned with Brickell’s evolving identity as a luxury lifestyle destination.

This marks a major shift for Brickell, which, until now, has been largely without a dedicated nightclub scene. With Selva’s arrival, Brickell residents and visitors may no longer need to travel to Wynwood or South Beach for an upscale nightlife experience.

Amazónico and Selva will both be located at 800 Brickell Avenue, in the heart of Miami’s urban core. As the lines between fine dining and nightlife continue to blur, this dynamic duo is poised to become a game-changer for the area.

Stay tuned for updates as more details — and opening night announcements — are revealed.

Mexican-Inspired Steakhouse Toca Madera Coming Soon to Brickell

Amid Brickell’s already sizzling fine dining scene, a bold new player is preparing to make its debut: Toca Madera, a high-end, Mexican-inspired steakhouse from hospitality powerhouse Noble 33. The restaurant is rising from the ground up in a newly constructed three-story building directly south of the iconic Brickell Flatiron tower, as confirmed by signage on the construction fence.

Known for its sultry design, theatrical flair, and bold, elevated take on Mexican cuisine, Toca Madera has become a go-to destination in cities like West Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Scottsdale. The Brickell location will mark the brand’s first Miami location—but not Noble 33’s first foray into the Magic City. The hospitality group already operates two highly popular restaurants in Wynwood: Sparrow Italia, known for its coastal Italian flavors, and Casa Madera, an immersive, high-energy dining experience. Both have quickly gained traction among locals and visitors alike.

Toca Madera Brickell is being developed as a ground-up, three-story flagship restaurant—an increasingly rare move in a dense urban district where most eateries adapt existing spaces. The site itself carries historical significance: it was previously home to the sales gallery for Brickell Flatiron, the 64-story luxury condo tower developed by Ugo Colombo’s CMC Group. The gallery once served as a stylish pre-sales hub for what would become one of Brickell’s most architecturally distinctive towers. With the sales center gone and the lot cleared, the space has now been reimagined as one of the neighborhood’s most anticipated new dining destinations.

While details about the restaurant’s interior design and rooftop potential are still under wraps, Toca Madera is expected to follow the brand’s signature format—complete with dramatic lighting, immersive décor, handcrafted cocktails, and vibrant, upscale energy that often transitions seamlessly into nightlife. Given the building’s scale and positioning within the Brickell core, this new location is likely to become a hotspot for upscale dinners, evening celebrations, and weekend indulgence.

No official opening date has been announced, but construction appears to be progressing rapidly. As Noble 33 expands its Miami footprint, the arrival of Toca Madera promises to raise the bar for Brickell’s evolving dining landscape.

Demolition Underway at Future Site of 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana

A major milestone has been reached for 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana, one of Miami’s most anticipated ultra-luxury condo developments. Demolition has officially begun at 888 Brickell Avenue, where the existing building—now fully wrapped and prepped for teardown—will soon make way for what is set to become the tallest residential tower in Brickell. The start of demolition signals real momentum for this high-profile project, which has already generated significant buzz for its fashion-forward branding, sky-high amenities, and record-setting pricing.

888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana is being developed by JDS Development Group, the New York–based firm behind other prominent South Florida ventures like Monad Terrace in Miami Beach. The tower will rise 1,049 feet and span 90 stories, establishing itself as a defining feature of the Brickell skyline. In a rare collaboration between high fashion and real estate, the project will be the first residential tower in the world fully branded and designed by Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. The interiors, furnishings, and aesthetic direction of the residences and common spaces are being curated by the fashion label, infusing the building with signature opulence and craftsmanship.

Architecture for 888 Brickell is being led by Miami-based Sieger Suarez Architects, working alongside Studio Sofield, known for its ultra-luxury designs including Manhattan’s 111 West 57th Street. The tower will offer 259 branded residences, along with a members-only club, full-service spa, gourmet restaurants, and an expansive pool deck with cabanas and ocean views. Units range from one to four bedrooms, with prices starting at $2.2 million and the 3-story, crown-jewel penthouse asking $88 million.

With demolition now underway, 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana is one step closer to transforming this iconic stretch of Brickell Avenue. As vertical construction approaches, the tower promises to raise the bar for luxury living in Miami and establish a new benchmark for branded residential real estate.

5 Supertall Skyscrapers Set to Reshape Miami’s Skyline by 2030

Miami’s skyline is reaching new heights—literally. Over the next several years, the Magic City is expected to welcome five supertall skyscrapers, each rising more than 1,000 feet into the sky. From luxury-branded residences and iconic hotels to corporate headquarters and ambitious mixed-use towers, these projects signal Miami’s emergence as a world-class vertical city.

Below, we spotlight five supertall skyscrapers set to transform the city’s skyline by 2030:

1. Miami Riverbridge (Tower 3)

Height: 1,044 feet
Stories: 87
Location: 400 SE 2nd Ave, Downtown Miami
Estimated Completion: 2030

Part of the ambitious redevelopment of the James L. Knight Center and Hyatt Regency site, Miami Riverbridge Tower 3 will be the tallest of three towers in the mixed-use project. Designed by Arquitectonica and developed by Gencom and Hyatt, the project includes a new convention center, hotel, and over 1,500 residential units. Once complete, Tower 3 will rise to 1,044 feet, nearly hitting the FAA’s maximum height limit for downtown Miami.

2. One Bayfront Plaza

Height: 1,049 feet
Stories: 93
Location: 100 S Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami
Estimated Completion: 2030

Originally approved over a decade ago, One Bayfront Plaza is Miami’s longest-standing supertall proposal. The tower will combine Class A office space, a luxury hotel, and residential units within a single, mixed-use structure. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), the tower is strategically located across from Bayfront Park and promises to be a game-changer for downtown.

3. Citadel HQ Tower

Height: ~1,049 feet
Stories: 62
Location: 1201 Brickell Bay Dr, Brickell
Estimated Completion: 2030

Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, founder of Citadel, announced plans to move his company’s headquarters from Chicago to Miami—and with it, construct a Foster + Partners–designed tower that will anchor Miami’s growing financial core. The tower is expected to exceed 1,000 feet in height, featuring Citadel’s HQ offices along with supporting retail and public space. The move marks a defining moment in Miami’s evolution into a global financial hub.

4. 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana

Height: 1,049 feet
Stories: 90
Location: 888 Brickell Avenue, Brickell
Estimated Completion: 2028

Developed by JDS Development Group, 888 Brickell will become one of Miami’s most iconic branded skyscrapers. Designed in partnership with Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, the building will include 259 luxury residences and a five-star hotel. The design features a bold, stacked architectural form and interiors curated with opulent D&G flair. With FAA approval already in place for a 1,049-foot height, 888 Brickell is on track to be among the city’s tallest and most distinctive towers.

5. Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami

Height: 1,049 feet
Stories: 100
Location: 300 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami
Estimated Completion: 2027

Currently under construction, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami will be the first 100-story building in Florida. Designed by Sieger Suarez Architects in collaboration with Carlos Ott, the tower features a stacked glass-cube design that’s already become an icon in renderings. Upon completion, it will house 360 private residences and a 205-key Waldorf Astoria hotel, redefining luxury living in Miami.

Final Thoughts

As Miami continues to attract global investors, finance executives, and lifestyle-driven buyers, these five supertall towers exemplify the city’s meteoric rise—both figuratively and literally. With multiple towers already under construction or FAA-approved at 1,049 feet, Miami is solidifying its place among the world’s great vertical skylines.

Whether you’re an investor, architecture enthusiast, or future resident, these upcoming supertalls are worth watching.

Interested in buying a condo in one of Miami’s future landmark towers?
Contact us today or explore our database of preconstruction buildings on MiamiCondoInvestments.com

Zara Founder Amancio Ortega in Contract to Buy Sabadell Financial Center in Brickell for $275M

Billionaire Amancio Ortega, the founder of global fashion empire Zara, is under contract to purchase the Sabadell Financial Center in Miami’s Brickell district for approximately $275 million. The 30-story office tower, located at 1111 Brickell Avenue, spans over 524,000 square feet and sits on a 1.8-acre parcel next to the JW Marriott. Built in 2000, the building is home to a branch of Banco Sabadell and is being sold by private equity giant KKR in partnership with Parkway. If finalized, this would mark the largest office sale in South Florida so far in 2025.

Ortega built his fortune through Inditex, the Spanish multinational retail conglomerate he founded in 1975. Inditex owns Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, Bershka, and several other prominent fashion brands. Ortega still owns about 59% of Inditex, a stake that generated approximately €3.1 billion in dividends for him this year. Rather than diversify into unrelated industries, Ortega has funneled much of his earnings into real estate through his investment arm, Pontegadea. The firm targets prime properties in major urban markets across the globe, with a focus on long-term value and stable income.

In recent years, South Florida has become a major focus for Pontegadea. Ortega’s local portfolio includes the Southeast Financial Center in Downtown Miami, acquired for $500 million in 2016; the Epic Hotel & Residences; a 16-story office building at 2701 South Le Jeune Road in Coral Gables; and a large retail block on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. More recently, Ortega bought a 312,000-square-foot cold storage facility in Hialeah for $113 million in 2023, and last month closed on the 44-story Veneto Las Olas apartment tower in Fort Lauderdale for $165 million.

The pending acquisition of the Sabadell Financial Center comes at a time when many investors remain wary of the office sector due to rising vacancy rates and hybrid work trends. Yet Ortega’s purchase signals confidence in the long-term strength of Miami’s commercial real estate market, particularly in prime neighborhoods like Brickell. As one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, Ortega continues to expand his global property empire with a strategic eye toward trophy assets that generate consistent returns.

With this acquisition, Pontegadea further cements its position as a dominant player in South Florida real estate. Ortega’s approach—leveraging fashion industry profits to build a global real estate powerhouse—has proven remarkably successful. And Miami, with its growing financial sector and international appeal, remains a key piece of that strategy.