Casa Tua Announced in Brickell by Fortune International Group

Fortune International Group to Develop Casa Tua Tower
Fortune International Group to Develop Casa Tua Tower

In Miami’s Brickell district, Fortune International Group is developing Casa Tua, an opulent residential skyscraper that will allow short-term rentals.

According to Fortune CEO Edgardo Defortuna, Ora by Casa Tua, a 70-story development with roughly 460 residential units, is proposed for the 1210 Brickell Avenue site. Early in the next year, Fortune will start accepting reservations.

The skyscraper will be the company’s first residential development. According to insiders, Miky and Leti Grendene’s hospitality business has been in discussions with developers for a long time. The Food Hall on Saks Fifth Avenue in Brickell City Centre and the Casa Tua main location are both in Miami Beach. Additionally, a Casa Tua Cucina restaurant will open in Miami’s Wynwood’s planned Nomad Wynwood Residences development.

Two new restaurant concepts, a 24-hour market, entertainment lounge, fitness, and wellness center, a three-story sky garden, and a rooftop club with a pool, jacuzzi, cabanas, and a bar will all be included in the mixed-use Brickell tower. The hotel management and marketing will be handled by Casa Tua.

According to Defortuna, the condos will have sizes ranging from 600 square feet for studios to 2,400 square feet for four bedrooms, with prices between $800,000 and $2.5 million. Defortuna predicts that a sizeable fraction of owners will profit from the option for buyers to rent out the apartments on a short-term basis. The lowest two-thirds of the skyscraper will feature between eight and ten units per floor, while the upper third of the tower will have fewer, larger units with an average of six units on each level.

The building is geared toward a younger clientele and offers a wine-tasting bar, a 24-hour grocery and bakery, a restaurant near the pool, and an equipped lobby.

Depending on sales milestones, he said, construction may start in late 2023 or early 2024.

According to property records, the property is owned by Patagonian Investment Internacional LLC, which is run by Argentine investors Federico Carabetta and Vicente Luis Carabetta. Next year, Fortune will close the location and destroy the parking garage to make way for Ora by Casa Tua. The garage is close to the office building at 1200 Brickell Avenue, which still houses the Dirty French Steakhouse owned by Major Food Group.

Casa Tua has outlets outside of Miami in Aspen and Paris and will establish a restaurant and lounge in New York City in Surrey, a Reuben Brothers venture, the following year.

Cherit Group Announces 4 Tower New Development -The River District

The River District Announced in Brickell
The River District Announced in Brickell

The New York-based developer Chetrit Group has announced a groundbreaking new district that will transform over six acres of the Miami River’s waterfront into a premier destination for art, entertainment, music, and culture as Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood transforms into one of the country’s most desirable urban cores.

The River District, a Brickell megaproject, is being planned with a total of four skyscrapers containing residential units, offices, and rentals with the first residential tower already under construction.

The River District will have 4 million square feet of new construction overall and will be located directly south of the Miami River.

The River District Amenities:

  • Yacht harbor (60 ft vessel accommodations)
  • 1,600 homes
  • Class A office space
  • 2,000 covered parking spaces
  • Nightclubs
  • Restaurants

Partnering with David Grutman of Groot Hospitality to offer dining and entertainment options. Additionally being planned are a riverwalk and marina. Architecture by Kobi Karp will be a part of the new development.

According to David Grutman, “The River District is going to be a highlight in Miami city’s ongoing transformation. Paired with Chetrit Group’s overall vision, I’m incredibly excited to bring Groot Hospitality to this game-changing development. We plan to feature versions of our existing concepts as well as all new ideas, across residential, restaurant, and entertainment spaces.”

Chetrit Group hired the highly regarded architecture and design firm Rockwell Group of New York for the interiors. For award-winning projects worldwide, including restaurants, hotels, airport terminals, and hospitals as well as festivals, museum displays, and Broadway sets, Rockwell Group is renowned for developing distinctive narratives. Each of The River District’s four skyscrapers stands out for its distinctive interpretation of the Brazilian tropical modernist motif.

The luxury condominium’s groundbreaking, which is anticipated to happen in early 2023 and is expected to be finished in 2026, will mark the start of the following phase.

New Development Announced in Brickell-Westpine

New Development in Brickell Westpine
New Development in Brickell Westpine

Westpine, a 43-story residential tower, has just had its plans submitted in Brickell. Westpine will have a 474-foot high peak and will feature 328 residential units, 1,155 square feet of retail, and 357 spaces for parking.

A multifamily building with 24 units that was built in 1964 is currently on the 0.7-acre site.

Westpine Brickell LLC is listed as the developer and Behar Font Partners as the architect. Westpine Brickell LLC, an affiliate of Westpine partners originally purchased the site for $11.53 million.

Instead of being referred to the City of Miami for review under city zoning regulations, the project was submitted to the Miami-Dade County Planners for review under their Rapid Transit Zoning Metromover Subzone.

On December 9, a pre-application meeting with county planners was sought.

Brickell, also known as the Financial District of Miami, is home to a large number of international banks such as HSBC, Espirito Santo Bank, and Banco Santander.

These Brickell Miami banks are predominantly located along Brickell Avenue – the main thoroughfare running through Brickell Miami and extending north to south from the Brickell Avenue Bridge to the Rickenbacker Causeway.

Brickell Miami is considered to be one of South Florida’s most prestigious neighborhoods and is a perennial favorite place to live among affluent, young professionals. 

Developer for Lofty Brickell File Construction Permit

Lofty Brickell from the Miami River
Lofty Brickell from the Miami River

Miami’s Building Department is currently processing a construction permit to allow work to start on the 43-story Lofty Brickell tower.

Since the entire tower designs don’t yet appear to have been submitted, they aren’t currently being examined. However, it appears that on October 27th, the projected $420,000 in permit fees were paid in full.

A total of 362 residential units are being developed, per the permit application.

Designed by internationally acclaimed, Arquitectonica, interiors will be designed by a New York-based interior design company INC New York. Developer Harvey Hernandez is also responsible for Brickell House and Centro towers. Hernandez purchased the Lofty lot for $50 million.

The contractor is named as Americaribe-Moriarty JV. According to a late October FAA approval, Lofty will soar to a height of 574 feet.

Lofty will feature a number of wonderful amenities including a butler service, rooftop pool, car service, and a 5-star restaurant that hasn’t been disclosed. This tower will also include a private marina with available docks for boating.

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
  • A 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 pull
  • 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
  • Custom-finished floors and walls in wet areas
  • Frameless glass shower enclosures Spacious, extra-depth soaking tubs
  • Premium European-style fixtures and accessories

Beyond the initial Lofty tower, there are plans for additional expansion. In September, utilities for 782 residential apartments, 11,364 square feet of restaurant space, and 13,928 square feet of commercial space were secured.

If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Lofty Brickell, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.

New Renderings Released and Plans Updated for 888 Brickell Tower

New Rendering for 888 Brickell
New Rendering for 888 Brickell

For the new construction tower 888 Brickell, located in the heart of Brickell, JDS Development Group has submitted updated blueprints to the Miami-Dade County review committee.

The tower will still be built to a supertall height of precisely 1,049 feet or 82 stories, which is the highest height allowed in Brickell.

888 Brickell will still feature 259 luxury units but some of the changes include 52,144 square feet of fitness areas, 38,727 square feet of restaurant space, and over 250 parking spaces.

ODP is listed as the official architect, with Studio Sofield still named as the building’s designer.

JDS Development originally partnered with Major Food Group on the project but Major is no longer involved in the partnership. According to the announcement about the updated plans, JDS plans to reveal a potential new partner in the coming months.

New renderings have also been released and prices are expected to range from $1.6 to $11 million.

888 Brickell in Downtown Miami

Cipriani Residences Miami Construction Update

Cipriani Residences Miami
Cipriani Residences Miami

Cipriani Residences Miami continues to make construction progress with its 3 tower project in the heart of Brickell.

In July 2022, the developers, Mast Capital received approval from the FAA for the height allowance for the towers. On September 9, the contractor Moss Construction applied for a foundation work permit.

A second permit was filed on September 12th for the other 2 towers for foundation work. The county also issued a dewatering approval that is needed for the foundation work as well. Dewatering would include the removal of groundwater as well as from surface area.

Cipriani Residences Miami will feature 3 luxury towers spanning over 2.8 acres, located at 1420 South Miami Avenue in Miami’s renowned Brickell area, which will represent the famous brand’s elegant design and exceptional service. 

The largest Cipriani tower will rise 80-stories and will feature 397 one to four-bedroom units with views of Biscayne Bay, Brickell skyline, and Simpson Park. The 2 smaller towers haven’t been revealed yet but will rise 59 stories and 50 stories tall.

Mast Capital paid $103 million, marking this transaction as one of the largest in Miami-Dade in 2021.

Cipriani is currently working with Mast Capital and Arquitectonica to bring this luxury building to life. Not only will the tower feature luxury amenities, but each residence will offer custom finishes and gorgeous designs.

Residence Features

• Generous living areas with ceiling heights of 10 feet
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and windows with magnificent panoramic views
• Terrace access from the living room and primary bedroom of every residence
• Gracious walk-in wardrobes in every primary bedroom
• An exquisite selection of flooring options included
• Direct elevator entry for select residences
• Eat-in, open kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry inspired by Cipriani’s renowned style
• Top-of-the-line appliances from Wolf Sub-Zero, including
cooktop, integrated refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, and dishwasher
• Primary bathrooms with grand, stand-alone bathtubs and glass-enclosed showers; vanities with premium Italian cabinetry, imported stone tops, back-lit mirrors; separate room with water closet
• Spacious laundry rooms with full-size washing machine and dryer, with a utility sink in most residences
• Individually controlled, high-efficiency central air conditioning and heating systems, with linear diffusers in main areas to ensure seamless integration
• Innovative smart technology infrastructure that enables home automation
• Intelligent interface system for essential building services such as concierge, valet, and security

Cipriani has disclosed that the residential tower would have sophisticated, resort-style amenities for its inhabitants, as well as traditional design features popular at Cipriani restaurants worldwide.

Tower Amenities

• Exclusive private entrance with lush landscaping and elegant porte-cochère
• Dramatic lobby leading to two banks of high-speed, touchless elevators
• Signature private dining experiences by Cipriani
• In-home dining and 24-hour catering services by Cipriani, exclusive to residents
• Private dining rooms available for reservation, catered by Cipriani
• Elevated resort deck with two swimming pools, a blissful outdoor spa, poolside cabanas, and a beautifully landscaped sun terrace
• Poolside food and beverage services catered by Cipriani
• Holistic spa with sauna and treatment rooms
• Luxurious residents’ lounge for special events and intimate gatherings
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Golf simulator
• Pickleball court
• Private salon available to be reserved for personal beauty services
• Screening room with cutting-edge audiovisual equipment
• Serene and spacious residents’ library
• Engaging children’s playroom
• Elevated four-level wellness center and lounge overlooking the Brickell skyline
• Pet-friendly community with dog park
• High-speed internet access across all public areas
• Electric vehicle charging stations available
• Air-conditioned storage rooms

If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Cipriani Residences Miami, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Empira Group Purchases Building Site for an 85 Unit Residential Project-CoralGrove Brickell

CoralGrove New Construction in Brickell
CoralGrove New Construction in 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.

Bad Bunny and David Grutman Unveil Gekkō at Grand Opening in Brickell

David Grutman and Bad Bunny Open Gekko

Thanks to Bad Bunny, David Grutman, and Groot Hospitality, the bustling Brickell district of Miami has new eating alternatives. The world’s most streamed music artist and the restauranteur have officially debuted Gekkō, their new joint venture.

Although the official opening is tonight for the most talked about restaurant in Miami, the exclusive unveiling was last night which included many notables and so much delectable food!

Attendance included David Grutman and Bad Bunny themselves, with special guest Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Timbaland, Lil Wayne, Future, Lele Pons, Jake Paul, and Candice Swanepoel. The turntables were taken over by Zack Bia, who played music for the partygoers to dance to.

 
 
 
 
 
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The Japanese-inspired steakhouse offers the best Wagyu beef in the world along with creative and enhanced sushi options, opulent takes on classic chophouse dishes, brand-new handcrafted drinks, and much more.

In addition to being the name of a dedicated lounge, Gekkō—which translates from Japanese to English as “moonlight”—brings a creative, small nightlife venue to the center of the city’s social scene.

According to Bad Bunny, “Sitting down with friends to enjoy a good meal is one of the moments I value the most. I am thrilled that now I will have a hand in creating this experience for others.”

Gekkō’s menu combines the convivial and well-liked food of a steakhouse with the accuracy and modernism of Japanese cooking. Before moving on to starters, seafood, and steak, this starts with shared dishes, featuring traditional Japanese milk bread and a Kumamoto oyster with “Lava and Ice.”

Lobster dumplings and a creatively updated version of a wedge salad with yuzu buttermilk ranch dressing are two appetizer standouts. Highlights for raw dishes, sushi, and sashimi include Hokkaido Scallops and the novel 24k Otoro, a creation exclusive to Groot Hospitality.

The menu is anchored by a number of exquisite steaks, such as a Tomahawk cut, an olive-fed filet mignon from Kagawa, Japan, and a snow beef strip from Hokkaido, Japan. There are specialty dishes like Wagyu Skirt Steak and a Bone-In Ribeye. A variety of main meals are available, including Daring plant-based chicken, Creamy and Spicy Lobster, and more in typical Groot Hospitality fashion.

Up to 185 diners can be accommodated at Gekkō throughout a lavishly designed, flawlessly integrated indoor-outdoor flow. Rockwell Group, an architecture and design firm with offices in New York City, created the interior.

Gekkō’s charisma and nocturnal ambiance are enhanced by stylistic elements, such as a unique gold and red dip-dyed rope installation, graphic wall coverings, and velvet drapes. At the same time, the air is charged by lighted cuts and bars. Gekkō is located in Miami, Florida, 33131 at 8 SE 8th Street.

Ken Griffin’s Citadel Continues to Purchase Land and Properties in Miami

Citadel Miami
Citadel Miami

With a record-breaking purchase on the South Florida waterfront months ago, Ken Griffin has officially moved the Citadel’s headquarters from Chicago to Miami at the 830 Brickell new construction tower.

Along with the move and the purchase of a private residence, Griffin and his company were responsible for the $363 million acquisition of a 2.5-acre (1-hectare) unoccupied land at 1201 Brickell Bay Drive. Since the transaction closed in April, the buyer was hidden behind a limited liability company with a mailing address in Chicago.

The company announced last week that it intends to collaborate with developer Sterling Bay to design and construct an office tower on Brickell Bay, which is located in the city’s economic district and spans less than a mile.

Another LLC purchased a 28-story office building at 1221 Brickell Avenue earlier this month for $286.5 million across the street from the 1201 Brickell Bay site, according to public papers. Randall Davis, who also acted in this capacity for the 1201 LLC, is the authorized signatory for the 1221 Brickell LLC. Emma Bass and Angela Cusumano, the witnesses in a 1221 Brickell filing, also work at Sterling Bay.

The relocation of Citadel by Griffin represents one of the largest financial company expansions in Florida. Developers in Miami applauded the decision and said it would encourage more businesses to look for space in the city. Among the companies that have grown in the state recently are Dan Sundheim’s D1 Capital Partners and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Griffin, 53, just relocated to Miami with his family and has a personal wealth of $29.1 billion. He has recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the governmental leadership in Illinois and Chicago’s crime rate, although he has long been investing in real estate in Florida, where he was born and raised.

Over the past ten years, the millionaire has amassed property in Palm Beach that has cost at least $350 million. During the Covid-19 epidemic, some of Griffin’s traders fled their offices in Chicago and New York and took over the Four Seasons Palm Beach.

Griffin recently purchased a number of properties in the Miami area, including homes on the prestigious Star Island in the middle of 2020 and a $45 million mansion in the Coral Gables district in April. An individual with knowledge of the situation claims that he has had Citadel personnel assess the commercial real estate in the city for at least two years.