Related Just Unveiled SLS Brickell’s Dramatically Diagonal Balcony Lights

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Photo by Marcos Viñas, courtesy Instagram @anapaulacg.

The Related Group’s SLS Brickell condominium tower in the heart of Brickell is fast approaching completion, with closings comin’ up soon. How soon? According to Carlos Rosso, Related’s Luxury Condo Division President, they’re planning on September 1st. In anticipation, the tower was set ablaze last night with a dramatic outdoor lighting scheme of dominated by diagonal rows of twinkling blue dots affixed to small promontories poking out of the building’s balconies, then wrapping around the building at the corners. The effect is really very cool, although last night was a test. How did the test turn out? Well, it looks pretty great,. but as you can see a few big chunks of balcony lights stayed in the dark. Looks like someone might have to do some more testing, Christmas light style.

Arquitectonica’s Iconic Babylon Apartments Wins Historic Designation With 6-0 Vote

Photo by Phillip Pessar.

Photo by Phillip Pessar.

This just in from today’s City of Miami Historic Preservation Board meeting! In a unanimous 6-0 vote, the board has voted in favor of historically designating the Babylon Apartments on Brickell Bay Drive, a seminal and very early work by architecture firm Arquitectonica which significantly influenced the firm’s later works as well as decades of modern and contemporary architecture in Miami. There is a 30-day appeals process, but the Babylon is closer than ever to being saved.  To recap what has happened up until now, I wrote a nice summary over at the Architect’s Newspaper. Also, check back here for more info on what’s next for the Babylon after today’s HBP meeting as it becomes available.