Redefining Skylines: Santander Tower’s Vision for a New Brickell Avenue
Miami’s bustling Brickell Avenue is set to witness a transformative development with the introduction of the Santander Tower, a project that promises to redefine the urban landscape and pedestrian experience of this vibrant district. Plans for this ambitious project have been unveiled, marking a significant milestone in the city’s architectural evolution.
The Santander Tower is not just another addition to Miami’s skyline; it’s a bold statement of innovation and sustainability. Slated to rise 40 stories, or 765 feet above ground (778 feet above sea level), this architectural marvel is designed to blend seamlessly with the urban fabric of Brickell, enhancing the pedestrian realm and setting new standards for office buildings in the area.
The journey towards realizing the Santander Tower begins with the demolition of an existing 14-story office building currently occupying the site. A total demolition permit application has been filed and is under review, paving the way for the construction of this groundbreaking project.
At the heart of the Santander Tower’s design philosophy is a commitment to enhancing the pedestrian experience along Brickell Avenue. The project aims to activate the ground level with a mix of civic spaces, plazas, outdoor seating at various levels, and enhanced landscaping. This approach not only enriches the street-level atmosphere but also fosters a sense of community and engagement among residents and visitors alike.
The Santander Tower will host an array of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, all located on the lower floors facing Brickell Avenue. Additionally, a multi-level urban club atop the building podium will offer exclusive leisure and entertainment options, further contributing to the tower’s allure as a lifestyle destination.
With a total of 612,918 square feet of Class A office space and 107,953 square feet dedicated to food and beverage outlets, the Santander Tower is poised to become a hub of business and gastronomy. The inclusion of 1,496 parking spaces addresses the practical needs of tenants and visitors, while the building’s LEED platinum certification underscores a commitment to environmental sustainability.
The realization of the Santander Tower is a collaborative effort involving some of the most respected names in architecture and design. Handel Architects of New York leads the design team, with contributions from Bernardi + Peschard Arquitectos (interior design), Rios and LandDesign (landscape architects), DeSimone (structural engineer), Cosentini (MEP/FP engineer), and Langan (civil engineer). This collective expertise ensures that the Santander Tower will not only be a visually stunning addition to Miami’s skyline but also a testament to innovative design and sustainable construction practices.
As Miami’s Urban Development Review Board prepares for a hearing on the proposal on February 21, the anticipation for the Santander Tower continues to build. This project represents a significant investment in the future of Brickell, promising to enhance the urban experience for those who work, live, and play in this dynamic district.
Rooftop Skydeck Design Revealed for Lofty Brickell
Newgard Development Group has recently revealed designs for a rooftop sky deck on the 44th floor at Lofty Brickell.
The 10,000-square-foot space can host private events of all sizes, from intimate corporate get-togethers to wedding celebrations. The rooftop will have a catering kitchen, a private pool, modular couches, movable bars, and gorgeous vegetation. When events are not occurring, owners will have exclusive use of the area.
According to the newest press release, the project has reportedly been sold out more than 92% overall with a few penthouse units left, beginning at $2.2 million.
The 362-unit LOFTY, designed by Arquitectonica, has 40,000 square feet of thoughtfully chosen amenities, including a private marina, a members-only social club, resort pool deck, and fitness center, indoor/outdoor cigar lounge, co-working lounge, meeting rooms, along with 309 tower residences, including studio, one-, and two-bedroom units.
The 53-unit Penthouse Collection at LOFTY features roomy two-, three-, and three-bedroom plus den apartments that have been carefully selected and will be outfitted by renowned design firm Artefacto. Penthouses range from $1.95 million to $3.5+ million.
A 5-star alternative for the owner and traveler who might choose to stay and own differently but does not want to give up the services and amenities of a hotel, LOFTY is the next evolution of condo ownership, located just across from Brickell City Centre. Each home will be delivered finished and furnished, and short-term rentals are allowed under professional supervision.
The 44 levels of upscale interiors at LOFTY were designed by INC, the multi-disciplinary INC Studio. The landscape designer is Urban Robot Associates.
The 44-story luxury condominium located at 99 SW Seventh St, Miami is now under construction on the Miami River. The new partnership with YUPIX is expected to boost interest in LOFTY even further.
If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at LOFTY, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at lucas@miamicondoinvestments.com or by phone at (786)247-6332.
Empira Group Purchases Building Site for an 85 Unit Residential Project-CoralGrove Brickell
Empira Group, a Swiss company, has recently invested $9 million in a multifamily building site in Miami’s The Roads neighborhood as part of its introduction into South Florida’s real estate market.
According to a news release from the developer, Empira plans to erect the eight-story CoralGrove Brickell project on a half-acre plot of land adjacent to Coral Way, between 3025 and 3051 Southwest Third Avenue.
The property currently consists of a two-story and a one-story apartment structure, both of which are vacant and scheduled for demolition this year.
CoralGrove will contain 85 units, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom homes, and 900 square feet of ground-floor retail space.
According to Rafael Aregger, Empira’s head of investments in the U.S., the previously approved 79-unit proposal for the site is being modified by Empira to add more units and relocate a pool that was originally planned for a mezzanine level to the rooftop.
According to Aregger, Empira, which has its headquarters in the town of Zug, manages investments on behalf of German organizations like pension funds, insurance companies, and banks. Empira, led by CEO Marcus Bartenstein, manages $7 billion in assets.
The company entered the United States two years ago, but its primary area of interest is real estate in German-speaking regions of Europe. Together with its joint venture partner Zidan Management Group, it has since built up a 2,100-unit apartment portfolio in the Midwest. The company’s American headquarters are in Empira’s Miami location. Additionally, it maintains offices in Stockholm, Dubai, and London.
According to Empira, the business is considering future development in Sun Belt states including Arizona, Texas, and Florida.
Construction on CoralGrove Brickell is anticipated to begin in 2023 with a completion date in 2025.
$110k Loss for Singer Trey Songz After Selling his Miami Condo
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.
Miami is Getting St. Regis Branded Twin Condominium Towers
The Related Group and Integra Investments are teaming together to transform the beachfront site of an affordable senior living housing facility in Miami into a pair of luxurious St. Regis-branded condo buildings. The towers are expected to rise 48 and 47 stories tall on 3.16 acres on 1809 Brickell Avenue.
The same architect who designed 220 Central Park South and 30 Park Place in New York will be the designer for this twin tower 354 unit development, Rober A.M Stern Architects. The interiors will be designed by the Rockwell Group, a New York-based design firm that is also responsible for NEMA and Treehouse Hotel.
Since 2014, Miami-based Integra has owned the existing bayfront building, formerly known as the Stanley Axelrod Towers. Integra paid $14 million for the 17-story tower currently located at the pre-construction site called the George Humphreys Tower built-in 1966.
According to documents from the Department of Housing and Urban Development withdrew the building from its affordable housing agreement in summer 2021. This implies that one of the remaining affordable housing complexes in Miami’s Brickell Financial District, one of the most expensive districts, will be demolished shortly.
According to a principal at Integra, Nelson Stabile, “Given the insatiable demand for top-tier residential product, we feel the market is ready for a bespoke building of this caliber — a masterpiece with an elevated lifestyle experience that only the iconic St. Regis brand can deliver.”
Units are expected to range from 1,300 to 7,000 square feet with prices starting at $2 million. Throughout the twin towers will span 55,000 square feet of amenities that will include a St. Regis Tea Room, an indoor lap pool, and a residents-only restaurant.
While the building will not include a hotel and short-term rentals will not be authorized, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, located in New York, will provide services to future condo tenants.
Related and Integra expect a $2 billion sellout once the St. Regis Residences have been completed. The sales center is expected to launch in 2022 simultaneously with the sales. The ground breaking is expected to occur in 3rd quarter of 2022.
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.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at Brickell World Plaza Opens March 26th
The classic and nationally acclaimed Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is set to join a long list of first-class dining options located in the Brickell neighborhood later this month. Fleming’s at Brickell World Plaza will open its doors on March 26th, offering guests an award-winning wine program, local chef features, prime cuts of meats, chops, and poultry, and hand-crafted cocktails.
The impressive, two-story glass storefront is located at 600 Brickell Ave, Suite 150, less than a block from Brickell City Centre. The space features a 12-foot high all-glass wine room, vaulted ceilings, and an ambiance that is comfortable, yet sophisticated. The main dining room will offer booth seating and views of the kitchen. A beach-inspired quartz stone will welcome guests to the bar, and a convertible patio will serve as an outdoor dining area. Fleming’s has also commissioned three large paintings from Miami-based artist, Alex Mijares, as well a piece from Cuban-born Mari Carmen Fernandez that is 20 feet tall.
From weekday lunch offerings, to VIP dining and private events, Fleming’s will suit nearly any occasion. “Prime Happy Hour”, weekdays from 5-7pm, will no doubt become a Brickell night-life institution; along with Fleming’s “Late Night Lounge”, open Sunday-Wednesday until 12am and Thursday-Saturday until 1am.
Chef Partner Carlos Sanz and Operating Partner Edward Everette will lead the new restaurant, adding to the 70 Fleming’s locations nationwide (and one in São Paulo, Brazil). We think the well-known and highly praised Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is the perfect addition to Miami’s downtown professional and banking district, and can’t wait to check it out ourselves!
Art Basel Special: Top Miami Trophy Properties Day 3
For today’s Art Basel Trophy Property of the Day, we’re going back to Brickell, to the classic yet chic Four Seasons Brickell with a celebrity-owned condo.
Back in 2013, Romain Zago, the owner of popular Miami Beach night club, Mynt, purchased this 2,139 square foot condo with his brand new wife, former Real Housewife of Miami, Joanna Krupa for $1.37 million. They made some changes to the design, lived out their happiness and re-listed the unit for $2.5 million after divorcing earlier this year. After no buyers surfaced, the price has steadily decreased until Monday, when it was reduced to $2 million.
The property is a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath corner apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Brickell Financial District, Biscayne Bay, Port of Miami and Miami Beach. It is located on the 42nd floor of the 70-story tower and includes such amenities as an onsite Equinox Fitness and spa, lounging pool with hammocks hanging between palm trees in the pool, and full Four Seasons’ Hotel amenities.
The Zago-Krupas are not the only celebrities to enjoy the Four Seasons. Rapper Gucci Mane recently wed at the property in a service and party that cost well over $1 million and was televised on BET, and the new owner of the Miami Marlins, Derek Jeter, recently toured options with his family. Mr. Jeter ultimately chose another building, which we will cover later in the week, but the Four Seasons Brickell is certainly a stand-out for celebrity real estate.
Rosetta Bakery From Miami Beach Plans Two Brickell Locations, One Downtown
Miami Beach’s Rosetta Bakery is gearing up for a HUGE 2018 with seven new locations opening up around the Miami area, according to the Miami New Times. Three of those locations are slated for the Greater Downtown Miami area.
The first Brickell location will be in the base of Brickell Heights’ East Tower, just around the corner from Equinox. The apartments at this location range from the high $300,000’s to $2.8 million for purchase, or $2,000 per month to $11,000 per month for rent and just came available this past summer.
Next, a location will open in the retail space at ECHO Brickell, which opened just last month. The apartments here range from the high $800,000’s for a one bedroom to $4.2 million for a duplex (two-story) three bedroom. They also have a custom-designed penthouse that asks $42 million!
After the two Brickell locations are open, a grab & go kiosk will open in the Miami Central Station in Downtown Miami. We don’t have a date for this just yet, but are very much looking forward to the Brightline link between Miami, Broward, Palm Beach, Orlando and beyond!
The idea behind Rosetta is to offer high-quality, fresh bakery items and coffees quickly and affordably. There aren’t any frozen bakery items, everything is made in small batches by Italian chefs that have been brought here from Italy to share their craft with Miamians. In addition to the sweet pastries and fruit tarts, there will also be savory sandwiches. If you would like a preview of the fare, visit their flagship store at 16th and Collins on Miami Beach.
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Brickell Is Finally Getting A Park For Children
Photo courtesy of Paola Andrea
Anyone who lives in Brickell and has a family will tell you that one of the things the neighborhood lacks is a proper park for little kids. Sure, Mary Brickell Park has a playscape and also the park across from Santa Maria in South Brickell, but both of those are designed for kids that are older. There are no swings, no slide and no fun for the little ones…until now.
Three years ago, Southside Park was one of many in Miami that were closed for remediation due to contaminated soil. It was a huge controversy at the time, but today things are looking up for the green spaces. Most have already reopened, and Southside Park officially reopened in June of 2016, only to close again this year for the addition of a much-needed playscape.
At long last moms, dads and nannies will be able to take the kids out to play without taking the MetroMover to Bayfront Park, schlepping across the Brickell Key Bridge in the blistering summer heat, or getting our cars out to go to Key Biscayne or Alice Wainwright park! Thank you, City of Miami!!
For those who are unfamiliar, Southside Park is located just west of the Metrorail tracks at 140 SW 11th Street, just west of Axis at Brickell. As you can see from the photos, it is still very much under construction but looks really fun for the little ones already!!
