Miami is Getting St. Regis Branded Twin Condominium Towers

St. Regis Residences in Miami
St. Regis Residences in Miami

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.

Smart Brickell Tower 3 Coming Soon

Smart Brickell Towers
Smart Brickell Towers

Smart Brickell is one of the newest condo-hotel projects located in the heart of West Brickell. This mixed-use development will comprise three towers total that features 170 condos and 150 hotel rooms spanning over the three towers.

The most unique thing about the Smart Brickell Tower, besides its futuristic design, the smart technology is so advanced that it will set the stage for all pre-construction towers going forward. Some of the smart features include Lifx Wi-Fi enabled LED smart bulbs, Samsung’s digital home appliances, concierge app, and Nest thermostats.

Tower 1 rises 26 stories featuring 50 condos with 1 to 2 bedroom floor plan options. Floor plans will range from 558 to 1117 square feet starting at $318,000. The first 7 floors will feature a boutique-style hotel managed by Habitat Hotels with floors 11-23 will be condos.

Units will be fully furnished and finished. Top-off was completed in May 2021. The exterior is still will be completed with stucco and prime paint has started on the south facade. Interior drywall and framing is 90% complete.

Tower 2 will feature 50 condos as well as 50 hotel rooms with one to two-bedroom floor plans. Units will also be fully furnished and finished and can be rented up to 50 times a year on a short-term basis like Airbnb. Completion for tower 2 is anticipated for 2022.

Construction on Tower 3 will begin soon and will feature 20 condos and 100+ hotel rooms. These units will also be fully finished and furnished.

On the ground level, the development will feature 12,000 square feet of commercial space with retail, a cafe, and a restaurant.

Building Features

  • 25 Story tower designed by the well-known architect, Hernando Carrillo
  • The building is Leed certified
  • One assigned parking space per unit in secured parking garage plus valet parking services
  • Electric car charging stations
  • 24 Hour concierge and security services
  • The café is on the ground level
  • Stunning amenity deck located on the 8th floor with landscaped recreational area and expansive terrace
  • Resort-style pools with lap area and sun deck
  • In-water lounge chairs near a waterfall
  • Spa and wellness center
  • Fully-equipped business center on the 9th floor
  • Chic and spacious event room on the 10th floor
  • Sky fitness center located on the 24th floor
  • Lounge bar located on the 25th floor
  • Wi-Fi throughout the lobby and amenity deck

Residence Features

  • Renowned design firm, Arquitectonica Interiors, designed the units that take full advantage of every square foot
  • Each unit is equipped with smart, Wi-Fi enabled features to compliment the look and feel of the future of living including Nest thermostat, Lifx Wi-Fi enabled LED smart bulbs and Amazon echo/Alexa home and personal assistant
  • City-view terraces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
  • Every residence has the ease to always be in control from the comfort of their smartphone with the Concierge App
  • The kitchen will be fully equipped with Bosch and Samsung appliances and contemporary cabinetry
  • The penthouse is located on the 23rd floor and has 12-foot ceilings
Pool Deck for Smart Brickell

Echo Brickell Penthouse with Indoor Pool Lists for $39.5 Million

Echo Brickell Penthouse Lists for $39.5 Million
Echo Brickell Penthouse Lists for $39.5 Million

There are many condos that have truly taken our breath away over the years but this one has left us absolutely stunned. From its 28 foot ceilings, all the way to its 360-degree water views to its indoor pool, we can’t stop drooling over this penthouse that just hit the market at Echo Brickell.

Located at 1451 Brickell Ave, Miami, this duplex penthouse has everything you need and more. Listed at a cool price of $39.5 million, the unit stretches 11,000 square feet over 2 floors, 56th and 57th.

The penthouse features 5 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms each with custom built-ins and magnificent views. The unit truly feels like a mansion with the bedrooms above and the main living areas below.

Amenities are in abundance in this ultra-luxury penthouse. The indoor sky pool is perfectly placed with floor-to-ceiling folding doors for the natural weather exposure. The signature staircase unfolds to a unique green foliage wall accenting the marble and glass throughout.

The custom kitchen opens to living space that is a designer’s dream. The grand suite features two dual baths, designer closets, and a midnight bar. All of the bathrooms are custom-crafted marble pieces.

This unit features 6 parking spaces, 4 elevators, an office, staff quarters, and a full wellness package with a sauna and fitness room.

Echo Brickell is a 180 unit residential tower that rises 57 stories located directly in the middle of Miami’s Financial District. Echo was designed by Carlos Ott and developed by PMG and JDS Development Group. The interiors were completed by Yoo Studio. The floor plans range from 1 to 4 bedroom options with penthouses also available. The unique thing about Echo is that it features 180 different floor plans.

Echo Brickell Amenities

  • Vanishing-edge pool and deck with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami, and Miami Beach
  • 2,800 square foot, state-of-the-art fitness center and spa overlooking pool, bay, and city
  • Resort-style poolside food and beverage service
  • Two hot tubs with sunbathing deck overlooking the Brickell skyline
  • Full-service concierge services

If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing one of the units at Echo Brickell or any information regarding Penthouse 01, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Take a Look Inside Miami’s First Member’s Only Japanese Restaurant

ZZ's Sushi Bar in Miami's Design District
ZZ's Sushi Bar in Miami's Design District

The same New York-based food group that brought one of your favorite Italian restaurants to Miami, Carbone, opened Miami’s first member’s only Japanese restaurant in late summer. Introducing ZZ’s Member’s Club, located in the Miami Design District at Paradise Plaza.

ZZ’s is the 2nd of 5 restaurants that have been introduced to Miami by the Major Food Group. ZZ’s was inspired by the group’s Greenwich Village restaurant, ZZ’s Clam Bar, which also happens to be the nickname of one of the co-owners Jeff Zalaznick.

The group actually designed the new restaurant to have the same look and feel like the new Japanese restaurant. The 2-story restaurant was designed by a San Fransico-based interior designer, Ken Fulk.

The first-floor overflows with bentwood banquettes, sculptural, handpainted finishes, and animal print rugs. Antique furniture and brass lighting adorn every surface. The patio is referred to as a ‘tiki bar on acid,’ with wicker furnishings and banana prints complementing the modern architecture.

Your nightlife begins on the second floor with a cigar lounge, backgammon, and private bar. Don’t forget to try the signature drink, Pistachio Cocktail featuring gin, honey, and lemon.

According to Zalaznick “With ZZ’s Sushi Bar, we want to build a home away from home for the people of this vibrant, diverse city. It’s a dream come true to be able to create these dynamic spaces in this remarkable neighborhood.”

The centerpiece on the main floor is a custom marble sushi bar where you will find chefs Masa Ito and Kevin Kim. They are famous for their amazing work at Michelin Starred New York’s Sushi Zo. The sushi bar offers you traditional omakase, the main floor dining is a more modern Japanese experience.

The menu features classic tuna and salmon options, along with creative salads as well as Wagyu beef. ZZ also offers the largest selection of Wagyu beef in the United States. Don’t forget to try one of their most famous signature items, the Caviar Temaki.

Although ZZ’s is advertised as a member’s only restaurant, there is an optional invite-only membership so as long as you’re able to get a reservation, then you can enjoy all of the luxuries as a member does!

For more information on ZZ’s Sushi Bar, click here.

Developer Announces Sales for New Brickell Tower – Lofty Brickell

New Construction Towers in Brickell
New Construction Towers in 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.

Lofty Brickell will be similar to other Downtown Miami towers including, E11EVEN, Legacy Miami Worldcenter, and Natiivo.

Lofty Brickell

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

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.

Construction Permits Filed for NEMA Miami

2900 Biscayne Blvd, Miami NEMA Miami
2900 Biscayne Blvd, Miami NEMA Miami

In the wake of Miami’s construction boom, it is of no surprise that another tower will be underway soon. Plans for NEMA Miami were originally announced in February 2020 with plans to break ground earlier this year. The permits for this tower were finally filed this week with an anticipated groundbreaking mid to late August 2021.

Located at 2900 Biscayne Boulevard, NEMA Miami will rise 39 stories high at 428 feet high with plans of 588 apartments. There will be an additional 56,000+ square feet of retail space with a potential organic grocery store occupying a portion of the space. Located at the edge of Wynwood and Edgewater, NEMA will be centrally located close to the Design District as well as Brickell.

NEMA Miami will be Designed by Arquitectonia and the Rockwell Group, and developers include Crescent Heights. Crescent Heights have been responsible for all of NEMA towers.

The design appears to be a more modern style with a glass exterior reflecting the Miami sky. According to their website, “no two NEMA’s are alike,” and that their designs represent the culture of the neighborhood that they are located.

NEMA Miami Renderings

Tower amenities for NEMA include club benefits when traveling, guest suites, NEMA events, a full-service fitness center, a sky deck pool, and much more!

Residence Amenities:

  • Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows
  • 9-foot-high ceilings
  • 6-inch-wide plank floors
  • Acoustic solid wood core doors
  • Lutron Caseta lighting and ecobee3 thermostats
  • 30-foot-long recessed balconies*
  • Extra den or office space*
  • Blackout and sheer thermal shades*
  • Custom-designed David Rockwell kitchen pendant
  • Kitchen island*
  • Chicago-sourced custom cabinetry featuring soft closures and dimmable lighting
  • Caesarstone countertops and seamless backsplashes
  • Blomberg stainless steel gas range and paneled dishwasher
  • Baths with polished chrome Hansgrohe fixtures and Duravit sinks
  • Dual vanity bathrooms*
  • Full-size washer & dryer in every apartment
  • Walk-in closets*
  • Customizable Elfa closet organization
  • Keyless entry via NEMA fob card or mobile app *Select residences.

The estimated construction costs for this project is $165 million.

New Restaurant Alert: Bobby Van’s Steakhouse Coming to Brickell

Bobby Van's Steakhouse
Bobby Van's Steakhouse

According to our sources, Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is coming to Brickell. It has secured the restaurant space located at the base of SLS Lux that was formerly occupied by Katsuya Brickell. The location will place Bobby Van’s Steakhouse Miami within a block of Brickell City Centre (a 565,000-square-foot, upscale shopping center) and South Miami Avenue (Brickell’s strip of restaurants and bars).

Established in 1969, Bobby Van’s Steakhouse has over 50 years in the restaurant business. Known for serving dry-aged, USDA prime-quality beef and fresh seafood, Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is a true steakhouse with richly handcrafted wood walls, a well-stocked bar, and an extensive wine list.

Once it opens its doors in Brickell, Miami will become the third U.S. city covered by Bobby Van’s Steakhouse. Currently, it covers two other U.S. cities, New York City (with seven locations) and Washington D.C. (with two locations).

First Treehouse Hotel will Open in Miami’s Brickell District in 2025

Rendering of Treehouse Hotel in Brickell. Photo Credit: BizJournals/SouthFlorida

The Treehouse Brickell Hotel will be the first United States location as part of the SH Hotels & Resorts expansion. This 191-room, 62-floor, mixed-use hotel will be located at 1 Southside Park in the Brickell neighborhood.

According to the South Florida Business Journal, SH Hotels & Resorts is a subsidiary of Miami Beach-based Starwood Capital Group, led by Chairman and CEO Barry Sternlicht. SH Hotels & Resorts also operated the 1 Hotels brand, including 1 Hotel South Beach. There is currently one other Treehouse Hotel, located in London.

In a statement from SFBJ, Sternlicht said, “Brickell is the perfect place for a Treehouse. Like its London counterpart, Treehouse Brickell will be as much a destination for travelers as a local hangout, and will introduce a new kind of thoughtful, fun and imaginative hospitality experience to the area.”

This new hotel will be part of the 1 Southside development at 105-1133 S.W. Second Avenue, in Miami totaling 2.5 million square feet and rise 62 stories. This development will also include 1,175 apartments, 190,000 square feet of office space, and 11,000 square feet of restaurants.

  • Developer: JDS Development Group
  • Architects: SHoP Architects and ODP Architecture and Design
  • Landscaping Designer: James Corner Field Operations
  • Interior Designer: New York-based Rockwell Group

Michael Stern, founder and CEO of JDS Development Group states that “Barry continually raises the bar for exceptional experiences in hospitality, and our location at 1 Southside Park will provide the perfect environment to welcome Treehouse to Brickell … and celebrate the hotel’s first U.S. location.” Construction has begun and is expected to be completed by 2025.

The History of Brickell Miami

A 1920's Point View of Millionaire Row
1920’s Point View of ‘Millionaire’s Row’

Over a hundred years ago, Brickell was a neighborhood of luxurious mansions and home to some of the wealthiest families, dubbing the name “Millionaire’s Row.” Located just south of downtown Miami, Brickell is lined with incredible towers, unique restaurants, marinas, and beaches; today Brickell is often referred as ‘Miami’s Manhattan’ as well as the ‘Financial District.’

Brickell’s Earliest Inhabitants

Evidence of Brickell’s earliest inhabitants include the Tequesta Indians, who are believed to have lived in South Florida for more that 2,500 years. The Miami Circle archeological site that is located at the Miami River to Biscayne Bay is the earliest evidence of the Tequesta settlement. According to the archeological site, a Tequesta hut once stood across the river from a burial mound. During construction of a hotel, the mound was destroyed but the circle still remains.

Photo of Will and Mary Brickell.
Will and Mary Brickell

The Brickell Family

Brickell was named after Will and Mary Brickell. They were one of the earliest families recorded to have established a home and a trading post in the Brickell neighborhood in 1871. They purchased large pieces of land and the trading post was located at what is now Fifth Street and Brickell Avenue. The family’s extensive real estate included all of the current Brickell and just south of Coconut Grove. When construction of the railroad reached Miami in 1896, the Brickell’s negotiated the extension of the railroad into Miami, creating a prime location for trade and development.

The Skyscraper Era

During the Great Depression, some homeowners in Brickell began to subdivide their homes, which took on the appearance of ‘rooming houses’ and, after World War II, additional changes of retail and institutional buildings appeared on Brickell Avenue. By the 1980s, the old Millionaire’s Row became the era of towers and skyscrapers and became a banking center headquarters. Atlantis on Brickell is a Miami landmark and was one of the very first towers built on Brickell. It is known for its glass façade and 5-story palm court cut out of the building.

Brickell Miami skyscrapers

Modern Day Brickell

Brickell has been on a developmental rise since the 1980’s. Present day Brickell is made up of massive residential towers, apartment buildings, offices, and hotels. Brickell is also home to international banks; HSBC, Espirito Santo Bank, and Banco Santander. Towers are getting larger and developments are moving further west towards I-95 to accommodate the growth.

At the heart of Brickell, two large, mixed-use developments ; Mary Brickell Village and Brickell City Centre are located. Mary Brickell Village includes 200,000 square feet of bars, shops, and restaurants. Toscana Divino, Blue Martini, Shake Shack, North Italia, and P.F. Chang’s are some of the notable tenants. Brickell City Centre, opened in November of 2016 spans over 9 acres and cost over $1 Billion. It includes 500,000 square feet of open-air retail featuring luxury brands such as Chopard and Valentino, a 5-star hotel called East Hotel, and 780 luxury condo residences in the Brickell City Centre Towers called Rise and Reach. Brickell City Centre also includes a high-end movie theater and an Italian food hall called Casa Tua Cucina.

It will be exciting to see what the next 20 years have in store for the Brickell neighborhood!

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