Open House – Jade at Brickell Bay 3-Bedroom Condo – February 6, 2020
On Thursday, February 6, 2020, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, come join me and Natalia Betancur as we open to the public and fellow brokers unit 4305 at Jade at Brickell Bay, our exclusively listed three-bedroom condo.
Unit 4305 is an east-to-west, flow-through residence featuring three bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,130 interior square feet, two expansive and deep balconies, marble flooring throughout, a private elevator, laundry room, stainless steel kitchen appliances, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay from the 43rd floor. Asking $1,750,000, unit 4305 is the best priced three-bedroom residence in the entire building. The most recent three-bedroom unit (located 16 floors lower on the 27th floor), sold last month for $1,690,000.
Just Listed – A Gut-Renovated, Turnkey Furnished 2 Bedroom Apartment at Icon Brickell II – Asking $6,800 per Month
If you’re in the market for a turnkey furnished 2 bedroom apartment in Brickell and are looking for the very best, look no further. For the first time on the market, I introduce to you unit 4102 at Icon Brickell Tower 2 – a gut-renovated, turnkey furnished 2 bedroom corner unit featuring soaring, 16-foot high ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sweeping views of the city and water. In creating this stunning masterpiece, over $700,000 was spent in upgrades, renovations, and furnishings.
Unit 4102 also features a fully-equipped, modern kitchen with white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, and wine cooler; wood-like porcelain tiled flooring throughout the living areas and second bathroom; an exquisitely appointed master bath w/ His & Hers console vanities, subway-tiled walls, a freestanding bathtub, and glass-enclosed shower; linear slot diffusers throughout; dropped ceiling with recessed lighting in every room; motorized shades; and a 268-square-foot balcony with access from the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom.
Asking $6,800 per month, unit 4102 is the ideal home for a corporate exec or Miami power couple. For showings, email Lucas Lechuga at [email protected].
The world-class amenities at Icon Brickell include a 300-foot long swimming pool, 50-person hot tub, 28,000-square-foot full-service spa and fitness center, movie theater, game room, on-site restaurants, full-service concierge, and valet parking.
The Icon Brickell Pool Deck Has Officially Reopened
After two long years of construction, the Icon Brickell pool deck has officially reopened. The Icon Brickell master association “received permission from the City of Miami Building Department to open the pool and pool deck under a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily until the final building, roofing and electrical inspections are passed”.
Below is the letter sent yesterday from the Icon Brickell Master Association to owners and residents:
December 29, 2018 marks the first day that the pool deck has been open since closing on December 5, 2016 for repairs and renovations. Because the association did not make arrangements for an alternative pool during the time of construction, residents of Icon Brickell have been without a pool for a little over two years. The work was expected to be completed about 12 months later but unexpected delays prevented the association from hitting that mark.
Below are some Instagram photos and video showing people enjoying the Icon Brickell pool on this beautiful December day in Miami:
Video Tour of a Completed Unit at Brickell Flatiron
With less than two months from top-off and ten months from delivery, the developer of Brickell Flatiron has released an HD video tour of a completed unit at Brickell Flatiron. The video highlights the finishes that will be delivered to unit owners when closing begins in August. The units at Brickell Flatiron will be delivered furniture-ready with premium Italian porcelain tiled flooring throughout the residence and terrace. The video is of unit 1902 – a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom residence located on the southwest corner of the building. Brickell Flatiron is now 85 percent sold.
Yesterday afternoon, I visited the Brickell Flatiron sales office with some clients. We met with in-house sales rep Chris Suarez, who gave a wonderful presentation. Given Ugo Colombo’s solid reputation, we were of course very impressed with the finishes in the showroom. It is nice to see that the finished units will look just as spectacular!
Brickell Flatiron Closings to Begin August 2019; Top-off Slated for December 15, 2018
Ugo Colombo, known for developing some of Miami’s finest condo towers (such as Santa Maria, Bristol Tower, Grovenor House, and Epic) has a remarkable reputation for delivering his projects (a) on-time, and (b) with uncompromising quality and attention to detail (i.e. he doesn’t cut corners).
Colombo’s latest and greatest development, Brickell Flatiron, is currently under construction but completion is much closer than you may think. The renowned developer expects top-off to take place in about two months and delivery within the next twelve. In fact, the official top-off date for Brickell Flatiron is slated for December 15, 2018, with closings expected to take place in August 2019.
I, for one, am very excited and look forward to touring the development once it’s completed. Given Colombo’s impeccable reputation, I expect Brickell Flatiron to be one of Brickell’s top three condo developments.
Best Restaurants in Brickell (2018 Edition)
Whether you are a Miami visitor, a part-time resident, a long-time veteran, or a unicorn native of our food-loving city, there’s no doubt that you have at least once wrestled with the age-old question: Where should I eat? Boasting roughly 61 restaurants per 100,000 people (as reported in a 2017 study by finance website SmartAsset.com), Miami is a bona fide foodie haven. For the purpose of this post, we would like to help you answer that very important question by focusing on one of our all-time most favorite and food-filled neighborhoods of Miami: Brickell.
Brickell, the Financial District of Miami, has undergone a true renaissance in the last decade. Ask any local and they’ll tell you, it is absolutely incredible to see how much Brickell has changed over the past ten years. Its most recent years have unveiled a total transformation of the bustling financial district with the addition of several luxury condo developments (including 1010 Brickell, SLS Brickell, SLS Lux, Brickell Heights, Reach, and Rise) and a mammoth, $1.05 billion outdoor shopping center called Brickell City Centre. Across these years of growth, the Brickell food scene has gone from mediocre to downright magnificent. And while many eateries have come and gone, a select few have stood the test of time. Check out below our very own list of the top 10 Brickell restaurants (in no particular order) encompassing all types of cuisines, ages, and price points. From the latest and greatest to longtime classics, these are our neighborhood favorites…
La Petite Maison
1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131
Opened in 2017 under the same ownership of Zuma in Downtown Miami, La Petite Maison is an upscale French eatery with other locations in Dubai and London. This gem is located on the ground floor of Brickell House, and across the street from Jade Residences. Cozy banquettes and a sophisticated setting make the perfect atmosphere for the reliably outstanding meal and service you’ll enjoy here. Exquisitely fresh ingredients and uncomplicated cooking styles are the highlights of their classic French menu, including escargots, octopus carpaccio, and a whole roasted chicken with foie gras. From the impressive wine list and hors-d’oeuvres to the spectacular main dishes and “Les Desserts”, not a detail is overlooked. For elegant fine dining and fantastic food, La Petite Maison promises not to disappoint.
Quinto La Huella
788 Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL 33131
Quinta La Huella is the signature restaurant of the EAST, Miami, and an urban reinvention of the Uruguayan beachfront eatery, Parador La Huella. Offering beautiful decor, both indoor and outdoor dining options, and a trendy locale, this neighborhood favorite specializes in grilled meats but offers something for everyone. Adding to the warm and eclectic ambiance are a wood parrilla at the center of the kitchen, a wood fire oven, and a sushi counter. Even the most simple dishes on the menu here are carefully prepared with ultra flavorful and fresh ingredients. Make sure to try the Chili Parador on the specialty cocktail list and make a reservation for their lavish Sunday brunch paired with bottomless Rosé.
The River Seafood Oyster Bar
650 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
Established in 2003, this one’s an oldie but goodie. Touted for years as one of the best happy hour spots in Brickell, offering 1/2 off oysters, $3 beers, and $5 for glasses of house wine or single mixed drinks, it may oft be overlooked as one of the best options for reliably great food. Serving a combination of both local and exotic seafood in a relaxed setting, this neighborhood mainstay is unsurprisingly a great choice for any occasion, from business meetings to date night. There was quite a bit of concern and many circulating rumors when the construction of Brickell City Centre came too close for comfort, but we know we’re not alone when we say we’re thrilled that River Seafood Oyster Bar remains, and is now in walking distance of our favorite shopping.
Komodo
801 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
No best restaurants list would be complete without a super-sexy and swank Asian-fusion restaurant, bar, and lounge, and Komodo sets a higher standard for all 3. Moonlighting on the nightlife hit list, this 300-seat neighborhood favorite serves an almost club-like atmosphere, with indoor/outdoor dining across 3 stories. Known for its outdoor floating “birds nest” seating, the signature menu items include the Peking Duck, Tuna & Toro Roll, and the Lobster Dynamite. While the food is outstanding, the presentation and “scene” are always on point. A must-do for special occasions, or any classy evening out in Brickell.
Luke’s Lobster
701 S Miami Ave #353, Miami, FL 33131
Feel free to dress down for our next neighborhood favorite. Located on the 3rd floor of Brickell City Centre, Luke’s Lobster is a modern-day version of a New England seafood shack, offering delicious Maine-style lobster rolls served in wax paper-lined plastic baskets and with buttery, toasted buns. While the lobster roll itself is enough to keep us coming back, they also serve crab and shrimp versions, along with soups, salads, and a truly tasty cole slaw. The chain’s first location opened in the East Village of New York City in 2009, and now can be found in major cities across the country. Being that coastal Maine is near and dear to our own hearts, we have to admit that this casual dining treasure brings us right back to our favorite memories from up North. The only thing that could make this place any better would be if they served our favorite Maine whoopie pies from Cape Whoopies for dessert. We dream about a someday collaboration between this beloved lobster roll company and the best gourmet whoopie pies to satisfy our New England cravings all in one place…but in the meantime, we’ll take a lobster roll, please!
Fi’lia
1300 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
Along with good food and a warm, inviting atmosphere, this Brickell restaurant serves up an unbeatable location, perfectly situated at the base of the SLS Brickell Hotel and Residences on the happening South Miami Ave. James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz delivers his take on Italian, with handmade pastas, pizzas, and small to large plates. The wood grill and hearth add to the bright, friendly interiors, in which diners enjoy honest Italian food with the promise of only the freshest ingredients. Fi’lia is an excellent choice for unpretentious group dining, happy hours, and brunch!
Nusr-Et
999 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
For an extravagant night on the town, this meat-centric hotspot delivers over-the-top presentation and outstanding service with some of the most impressive cuts of beef around. Nusr-Et is named for its Turkish-Kurdish chef and restauranteur, Nusret Gökçe, who became an internet sensation for his unique methods of preparing meats by “suavely” cutting and sprinkling salt, resulting in endless videos, memes, and the world famous nickname, Salt Bae. When the upscale Brickell location first opened, reservations were fully booked for months in advance, and the viral chef was commonly seen serving guests in his celebrated fashion. While his time is now shared amongst other restaurant locations, Nusr-Et remains a neighborhood favorite for a memorable evening with dinner (and a show!).
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
600 Brickell Ave, Ste 150, Miami, FL 33131
We were beyond excited when we heard the news that Fleming’s was coming to Brickell. Not only is it a perfect fit for a high-end business/financial district such as Brickell, but we just simply love their food. The classic and nationally acclaimed steakhouse opened its doors on March 26th, 2018, offering guests an award-winning wine program, hand-crafted cocktails, seasonal specials crafted by local chefs, along with prime cuts of meats, chops, poultry, and more. Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, artwork from local artists, a 12-foot high glass wine room, and vaulted ceilings, Fleming’s at Brickell World Plaza delivers elegance, sophistication, and comfort, all in one. Open for lunch, dinner, happy hour, and late-nights from Thursday to Sunday, it’s an ideal choice for any occasion. While it’s new to the list, we’re already fairly certain that Fleming’s Brickell will remain a neighborhood favorite for years to come.
Tacology
701 S Miami Ave, 4th Floor, Miami, FL 33131
Our love for Tacology is as much about the tacos as it is about the vibes. Located on the 4th floor of Brickell City Centre, its bright, fun, and colorful setting are perfect for a group dinner, happy hour, or for a lunch break and cocktail while shopping. The concept features “mercado-style dining”, where you can choose from various stations of authentic and artistic Mexican food, including tacos with homemade corn tortillas, ceviches, and salads. All your ordering is done via iPad, so servers bring your dishes just as soon as they’re ready. There’s also a huge TV screen in the dining room which made Tacology a hit around World Cup time. Our advice: order the crabmeat tostada and the oversized spicy margarita…delicious!
Perricone’s Marketplace and Cafe
15 SE 10th Street, Miami, FL 33131
Going two decades strong, we can’t imagine a Brickell favorites list that wouldn’t include this iconic neighborhood mainstay. Offering some of Miami’s best Italian cuisine in a rustic and casual setting, a true Italian marketplace with a deli and desserts, and reliably great delivery service, Perricone’s really does seem to have it all. They also have a delicious Sunday brunch and a beautiful setting for parties, showers, and other special events. Make sure you get on their email list for reminders about $10 Fiocchi Fridays and $10 Cashew Encrusted Salmon Salads, or dine in person on Pasta Thursdays for $10 and $12 dishes. Bravo to proprietor Steven Perricone for serving Brickell’s best across decades of surrounding changes. No matter how many restaurants come and go, we just can’t quit you, Perricone’s…and we’d never ever want to.
SLS Lux Rooftop Pool Deck is Officially Open
After months of delay, I’m happy to announce that the SLS Lux rooftop deck is FINALLY open. Located on the 57th floor and in the heart of Brickell, the rooftop deck offers sweeping, 180-degree views from east to west. It features a rooftop pool, hot tub, and BBQ area, and will be open from sunrise to sunset.
However, before you race over to SLS Lux with your towel and swimwear in hand, keep in mind that the rooftop deck is a residents-only area of the building. Along with the 45th-floor Sky Lounge, only residents of SLS Lux may use these amenities; hotel guests are not permitted on these amenity levels.
The video below showcases the rooftop pool deck at SLS Lux by drone but was shot months ago, before the tiling was completed and pool deck furniture delivered.
Echo Brickell Penthouse Re-listed for $42M
After being taken off the market for three months, the Echo Brickell penthouse is back…once again listed for a cool $42 million. The sprawling, two-story penthouse encompasses the entire 56th and 57th floors of Echo Brickell. It was custom-designed by world-famous architect Carlos Ott and features over 9,000 interior square feet, 4 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, a den, service suite, and an indoor lap pool and spa overlooking Biscayne Bay.
The $42M asking price equates to $4,456 per square foot. A sales price anywhere close to that amount would completely shatter the current record sales price per square foot of $1,536 for Mainland Miami (In 2007, Pharrell Williams purchased the 9,080 square foot penthouse at Bristol Tower for $13.95M; Pharrell Williams later sold the Bristol Tower penthouse for $9.25M). Of course, records were made to be broken and Echo Brickell has the makings to get the job done. Earlier this month, a non-penthouse residence at Echo Brickell sold completely finished and designer furnished for $2.31M ($1,282 per square foot).
Below is a video of the Carlos Ott penthouse at Echo Brickell:
Miami Commissioners Vote to Regulate Shared Bikes (and Whatever Happened to the Scooters?)
It was just over one year ago in June of 2017 that Lime (the California startup formerly known as LimeBike) rolled out its dockless bike-sharing services in Key Biscayne as the company’s first U.S. city launch.It wasn’t long before the program expanded to cities all over the country and further across Miami, including suburban neighborhoods as far as Kendall and Miami Lakes.Competitors like Ofo and Spin surfaced soon after as the concept gained popularity. The idea was simple – download an app, find a nearby bike using location services, input your payment info, and pay as you go.Whereas Citibikes requires riders to return their bicycle to a docking station upon finishing their ride, Lime and Oto allow riders to leave them anywhere.
The convenience offered by the dockless programs is a huge hit with riders, but with that convenience also comes the dangers of abandoned bikes all over the city.Stray bicycles have been seen blocking access to public ways, along busy sidewalks, in the front yards of private homes, and in some rare cases, dumped in the ocean or hanging from trees.With Miami traffic being amongst the worse in the country, the demand for the program is clear, but lawmakers in many cities have struggled to regulate it.The difficulty lies in protecting public safety without stripping away the programs’ key feature.
Last Tuesday, July 10th, Miami city commissioners voted in favor of 3 different resolutions aimed at regulating the bike-sharing programs.The resolutions include $100 fines for unattended bikes left in county rights of way, with removal by the Department of Transportation and Public Works.The county was also asked to prepare studies that will help determine the needs of future regulation, and whether or not to create designated parking areas for the dockless bikes.
As for the dockless electric scooters, which appeared to have taken over Brickell almost overnight and then were suddenly gone only weeks later – the two providers (Bird and Lime) temporarily pulled out after receiving cease and desist letters from the city, citing violations of Florida statute.A spokesperson for Lime shared that over 10,000 residents and visitors of Miami made nearly 30,000 scooter trips between April and June.Lime general manager for Miami, Jed Fluxman, said in a statement, “With such strong ridership, we are committed to serving the community for the long-term and will temporarily pause operations in order to work with the City of Miami on fair, sensible regulations that cement Lime’s place in the Miami community for years to come.”While the timing is uncertain, it appears this won’t be the last of seeing Brickell bankers and professionals donning suit and ties aboard electric scooters, nor is there any end to dockless bike programs in sight.
