VITA at Grove Isle Receives TCO; Closings Begin Next Week
VITA at Grove Isle—the highly anticipated private-island luxury development in Coconut Grove—has officially received its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), marking a major milestone for both buyers and the Miami development community. With TCO in hand, closings are now scheduled to begin next week, bringing the project’s seven-year journey from concept to completion into its final phase.
Developed by CMC Group and led by renowned Miami developer Ugo Colombo, VITA at Grove Isle is one of the rare newly completed waterfront luxury buildings on a private island. With only 65 total residences—each directly on the water—the building offers an exceptionally private, low-density living experience.
To give buyers and followers a true behind-the-scenes look, I recently filmed an exclusive walkthrough of the property with Chris Suarez of CMC Group, touring the amenities, members club, and an exquisitely finished residence. You can watch that full video tour below.
A Major Milestone: TCO Issued and Closings Underway
Securing the TCO signals that construction is substantially complete and the building has passed all required safety inspections. For buyers who have been following VITA’s progress over the past two years of construction, this milestone means:
Final walkthroughs are beginning
Closings start next week
Buyers can now begin planning move-ins
The property is officially transitioning from construction site to fully operational luxury building
Given Miami’s competitive pre-construction landscape—where many projects take 3–4+ years to deliver—VITA’s completion represents a rare opportunity for buyers seeking move-in-ready waterfront luxury in Coconut Grove.
A True Waterfront Lifestyle on a Private Island
Located on the 20-acre private enclave of Grove Isle, VITA is the fourth and final residential building on the island. Unlike most Coconut Grove developments—which sit across the street from parks or marinas—every residence at VITA is directly on the water.
Other highlights of VITA’s private-island setting include:
Unobstructed sunrise and sunset views thanks to the building’s sweeping half-moon curvature
Nearly one mile of waterfront walking paths around Grove Isle
Brand-new roads, landscaping, security gatehouse, and renovated tennis and pickleball facilities
The project fully restores and modernizes the island, reintroducing Grove Isle as one of Miami’s most peaceful and exclusive residential locations.
Luxury Residences with Exceptional Finishes
True to Ugo Colombo’s reputation for quality, VITA’s residences deliver an elevated standard rarely seen in today’s new developments. Highlights include:
11-foot flush ceilings throughout
Mudded-in linear AC diffusers
Frameless interior doors
Custom Molteni kitchens in light or dark finishes
Full Miele appliance packages and wine coolers
Book-matched marble primary bathrooms with dual vanities
Steam-equipped showers with electrochromic privacy glass
Private garages available for select residences with direct-entry private elevators
The smallest residences start at approx. 2,500 square feet—underscoring the project’s focus on spacious, home-like layouts.
Amenities and Members Club Offerings
VITA offers a robust yet intimate amenity program designed around island living, wellness, and privacy. Amenities include:
Two waterfront pools (one for residents, one for club members)
Members-only club room with lounge spaces, bar, and billiards
Full spa with sauna, steam rooms, massage rooms, and cold plunges
Technogym-equipped fitness center with water views
Yoga studio
Access to nine renovated tennis and pickleball courts
A new 60-seat restaurant, open to the public and operated by the owners of Daniel’s
These amenities complement the peaceful tone of the island, offering residents a resort-caliber lifestyle just minutes from city conveniences.
Remaining Availability
As of this week, only 10 residences remain, including:
One 3-bedroom residence (approx. 2,500 SF) at $6.5M
Several 4-bedroom residences (approx. 3,700–3,800 SF) priced from $8.5M to $10.3M
Two duplex penthouses (approx. 7,000 SF each) with private pools, priced at $22M
This limited supply makes VITA one of the most exclusive new luxury offerings in all of Coconut Grove.
Watch the Full First-Look Video Tour
Below is my exclusive walkthrough with Chris Suarez, offering the very first on-camera look inside VITA at Grove Isle. The video includes a full residence tour, the amenities, members club, and insights into what makes this development stand out.
Interested in a Private Showing?
For pricing, availability, or to schedule an in-person tour of VITA at Grove Isle, contact me directly:
Bay Harbor Towers to Celebrate Topping-Off Milestone Tomorrow, November 18th
Bay Harbor Islands, FL — Bay Harbor Towers, the boutique luxury waterfront condominium rising on the Indian Creek waterway, has officially reached a major construction milestone: topping-off. To celebrate the achievement, the development team will host an exclusive onsite event tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, complete with live music and a celebratory gathering for project partners, brokers, and invited guests.
Developed by PPG Development, designed by award-winning architect Kobi Karp, and featuring interiors by Interiors by Steven G., Bay Harbor Towers is an eight-story, ultra-luxury residential offering on Bay Harbor Islands with just 44 private flow-through residences. The project has been crafted to deliver a highly curated island-lifestyle experience, blending modern coastal architecture with boutique privacy at one of Miami’s most sought-after waterfront addresses. With construction progressing on schedule, the community is projected for completion and delivery in Q1 2027.
As a limited-edition collection, Bay Harbor Towers features spacious two- to four-bedroom + den floor plans, select penthouses and bayhouse residences with private pools, fully finished interiors, floor-to-ceiling glass, expansive terraces, and chef-caliber kitchens with Sub-Zero® and Wolf® appliance packages. The development also delivers a world-class amenity collection, including a rooftop infinity-edge pool, sunset jacuzzi, cabanas, wellness lounge, indoor saltwater lap pool, sauna and steam rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center with Paragon® equipment, and a private marina with 13 slips.
The topping-off ceremony marks one of the most symbolic milestones in real-estate development — signaling the completion of the building’s structural framework and the transition into finishing, detailing, and interior work. For future residents and market observers, it serves as a strong indicator that Bay Harbor Towers remains on track, well-capitalized, and steadily advancing toward its vision of delivering an elevated level of waterfront condo living.
For more information on pricing, floor plans, availability, or private presentations, contact me directly or visit my full building profile page to explore details, finishes, amenities, and renderings.
Surf Row Residences Officially Breaks Ground in Surfside
Construction is officially underway at Surf Row Residences, a boutique condominium development in Surfside created by LD&D in partnership with ONE Capital and JV partner IGEQ. Marked by an intimate groundbreaking ceremony at 8800 Collins Avenue, the milestone welcomed Surfside city officials, project partners, and community members. The event underscored the development’s contribution to the town’s ongoing revitalization and its commitment to thoughtful, design-driven coastal living.
Strong Buyer Demand and Architectural Distinction
Surf Row Residences has generated remarkable pre-construction momentum, drawing interest from buyers throughout South Florida, the U.S., and international markets. According to ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, the project’s exclusive sales and marketing partner, demand has been exceptionally strong among those seeking privacy, walkability, and proximity to both the ocean and Bal Harbour Shops. With just 24 bespoke homes, the project presents a rare opportunity to own a residence with a distinct architectural identity in one of South Florida’s most coveted beachside communities.
Sculptural Design Inspired by Surfside’s Coastal Character
Designed by Alfonso Jurado Architecture and Boris Pena Architects, with The Rinaldi Group serving as general contractor, Surf Row Residences introduces an architectural language inspired by Miami’s cultural heritage and natural shoreline. The 75,000-square-foot development emphasizes organic forms, layered glass facades, and lush landscaping, evoking the movement of waves, bird wings, and wind-swept sand. Residences feature fluid layouts extending to private terraces and skylit interiors, with one- to three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 894 to 2,195 square feet and starting from $1.4 million. Select homes also offer private rooftop terraces, plunge pools, and summer kitchens.
Resort-Style Amenities in an Intimate Setting
Uncommon for a community of this size, Surf Row Residences offers more than 6,400 square feet of amenities. These include a rooftop pool deck with sweeping ocean views, a Zen spa featuring a cold plunge and sauna, a fitness studio, co-working lounge, and beach butler service. Through a collaboration with RH, all shared spaces will be furnished with the luxury brand’s curated collections, while optional RH-designed turnkey residences are available for buyers seeking a seamless move-in experience.
Situated in the Heart of Surfside’s Revitalization
Located just north of Miami Beach, Surf Row Residences stands at the center of Surfside’s ongoing evolution, surrounded by celebrated destinations such as The Surf Club and emerging investments in public spaces. Its design and scale align with the town’s broader vision of fostering long-term community vitality while preserving Surfside’s distinctive coastal charm. Completion of Surf Row Residences is anticipated in 2027.
Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove Breaks Ground in Miami
Developers Ugo Colombo’s CMC Group and Nadim Ashi’s Fort Partners have recently broken ground on Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove, marking a major milestone for Miami’s luxury condo landscape. The project represents Florida’s first-ever standalone Four Seasons-branded residential tower, offering a purely residential experience without an attached hotel — a rarity in the global Four Seasons portfolio.
Located on a prime 1.16-acre waterfront parcel at 2699 S. Bayshore Drive, the 20-story development is already over 50% pre-sold, with prices starting just under $6 million. Early buyers include a significant number of local residents downsizing from single-family homes or upgrading from other condominiums in search of elevated Four Seasons service.
A Landmark Moment for Coconut Grove
With the groundbreaking taking place in early November, Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove is set to become one of the most prestigious addresses in Miami. Coconut Grove’s lush waterfront setting, walkable village center, and refined lifestyle continue to attract buyers from across South Florida and beyond.
For the Four Seasons brand, this project signals growing demand for hotel-level services delivered in a private residential-only environment — a model that appeals to affluent buyers seeking exclusivity, security, and high-touch service without the constant activity of a hospitality component.
Design, Development & Team
The project brings together two of the most respected teams in luxury real estate:
Developer: CMC Group (Ugo Colombo)
Co-Developer: Fort Partners (Nadim Ashi)
Architecture: Revuelta Architecture International
Interiors: Michele Bönan of Florence
Landscape: Lush, Grove-inspired tropical design
Together, they are creating a sculptural, curved tower designed to maximize Biscayne Bay views while blending naturally into Coconut Grove’s signature canopy of banyan and gumbo limbo trees.
Residences & Private Home Features
Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove will feature:
70 ultra-luxury residences across 20 stories
Private elevator foyers for every home
11-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass
Custom-designed Molteni kitchens
Premium Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance packages
Italian marble baths
Deep terraces framing unobstructed bayfront views
A limited collection of penthouse and upper-level residences will offer expansive layouts approaching 10,000 square feet.
World-Class Amenities & Four Seasons Services
As the first standalone Four Seasons residential tower in Florida, the property will deliver an elevated lifestyle built around privacy, personalization, and wellness. Planned amenities include:
Resort-style bayfront pool deck and cabanas
Resident-only restaurant and lounge
Wellness spa with sauna, cold plunge, and therapy offerings
State-of-the-art fitness center with private training spaces
Library, children’s room, and multipurpose event areas
Full suite of Four Seasons services, including valet, concierge, housekeeping options, and personalized in-residence services
The building will be staffed and operated to Four Seasons’ global hospitality standards, bringing five-star luxury to everyday living.
Unbeatable Coconut Grove Location
Positioned along 2699 S Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove, the luxury tower sits directly across from Biscayne Bay and the waterfront parks. Residents will enjoy immediate access to:
CocoWalk and the Grove’s dining and retail
Marinas, yacht clubs, and bayfront green spaces
Top-tier private schools including Ransom Everglades
Coral Gables, Brickell, downtown Miami, and MIA
It’s an exceptional location offering walkability, serenity, and prestige — all within one of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods.
A Strong Year for CMC Group in the Grove
This recent groundbreaking comes as CMC Group approaches the delivery of Vita at Grove Isle, another highly anticipated luxury project expected to welcome residents by year’s end. Combined, these developments reinforce Coconut Grove’s position as one of Miami’s most sought-after enclaves for high-end waterfront living.
Dezer Development Secures $630 Million Construction Loan for Bentley Residences in Sunny Isles Beach
Dezer Development has officially closed a $630 million construction loan from Madison Realty Capital to finance the highly anticipated Bentley Residences in Sunny Isles Beach. The deal, announced on November 5, 2025, represents one of the largest construction loans in South Florida this year and underscores continued confidence in the region’s ultra-luxury condo market. Located at 18401 Collins Avenue, the 63-story tower will be the world’s first Bentley-branded residential building and is already over 50 percent pre-sold.
A Landmark Deal in South Florida’s Luxury Market
The $630 million loan marks a major milestone for the project, ensuring that construction moves forward at full speed. The financing reflects strong lender confidence in both Dezer Development and the luxury-branded residence segment, which has thrived in recent years despite broader market uncertainty.
Design, Amenities, and the “Dezervator”
Designed by Sieger Suarez Architects, Bentley Residences will rise 63 stories and feature 216 oceanfront residences, each combining elegant automotive-inspired design with sophisticated coastal living. Every unit will include private terraces—some with pools—along with Gaggenau kitchens, Italian cabinetry, and spa-style bathrooms. Among its standout amenities will be a cigar lounge, whiskey bar, private restaurant by chef Todd English, wellness spa, and a 20,000-square-foot oceanfront pool deck.
A signature feature of the project will be Dezer’s patented “Dezervator” car elevator system, allowing residents to drive directly into their private sky garages. This amenity, first introduced at the Porsche Design Tower, has become a hallmark of Dezer’s developments, marrying engineering innovation with luxury convenience.
The Vision Behind Bentley Residences
Gil Dezer, president of Dezer Development, continues to redefine luxury living in Sunny Isles Beach through partnerships with global brands like Porsche and Bentley. By integrating automotive design principles into architecture, Dezer aims to offer residents an experience that embodies precision, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. The project reflects Bentley Motors’ design ethos, from its diamond-patterned façade to its meticulously curated interiors that evoke the feel of a handcrafted Bentley vehicle.
The success of Bentley Residences’ pre-sales—priced from approximately $5.8 million to $37.5 million for penthouse residences—demonstrates the strength of demand for branded residences that blend lifestyle, design, and prestige. With more than half of the units already sold, Bentley Residences has quickly become one of the most desirable developments in South Florida’s luxury real estate market.
Construction Timeline and Market Impact
Construction at the Bentley Residences site is already underway, with foundation work nearing completion and vertical construction expected to accelerate following the loan closing. The project is scheduled for completion in 2028, bringing another global luxury brand to the Sunny Isles skyline.
For the broader market, this milestone signals continued confidence from both lenders and buyers in the high-end sector. The transaction also sets a new benchmark for financing in South Florida, reinforcing the region’s position as a hub for branded luxury living. Developers, brokers, and investors alike will be watching closely as Bentley Residences takes shape—its progress will likely influence future financing and branding strategies across Miami’s evolving skyline.
A Defining Project for Sunny Isles Beach
The Bentley Residences joins a roster of elite branded developments transforming Sunny Isles Beach, a submarket already known for projects like Porsche Design Tower and Residences by Armani Casa. Yet Bentley’s debut promises to take the concept even further, combining automotive innovation with world-class amenities and design.
As one of the tallest oceanfront residential towers in the U.S., Bentley Residences will stand as both an architectural icon and a testament to Miami’s luxury real estate evolution. Backed by substantial financing and global brand power, the project reaffirms Sunny Isles Beach’s status as one of the most desirable ultra-luxury destinations in the world.
888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana Unveils Spectacular New Promo Video Redefining Miami Luxury
The recently released 4-minute promo video for 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana delivers a cinematic preview of what’s set to become one of Miami’s most iconic towers. Rising 90 stories and 1,049 feet tall, this ultra-luxury development marks the first-ever Dolce & Gabbana residence and hotel tower in the United States. The video captures the essence of Italian craftsmanship fused with Miami’s vibrant energy—showcasing the building’s Roman travertine façade, black metal cladding, and signature golden crown, all designed to make a bold architectural statement in the heart of Brickell.
Inside, the video reveals what the developers call a “world onto its own,” where every space evokes a distinct mood inspired by Dolce & Gabbana’s design heritage. Each residence will come fully furnished and finished by Dolce & Gabbana, with buyers able to choose from four curated palettes, including Sahara Noir and Travertino Giallo. The film also highlights over 115,000 square feet of amenities—from Miami’s first indoor paddle court and signature dining venues to a wellness center, Rolls-Royce house car, and the much-anticipated Dolce & Gabbana Hotel component. Together, these elements redefine the meaning of luxury living, blurring the line between home, hospitality, and high fashion.
Developed by JDS Development Group, the tower reflects the company’s reputation for engineering excellence and skyline-shaping projects. Beyond its design and amenities, 888 Brickell’s location places residents steps from Miami’s financial hub, fine dining, and culture, positioning it as a symbol of the city’s global rise. The video’s message is clear—this is more than a residence; it’s a lifestyle statement. Watch the full promo below and see how Dolce & Gabbana is reimagining luxury living in Miami.
Construction Update: Casa Bella Residences & Miami’s Signature Bridge
Miami’s skyline continues to evolve, and two notable projects currently under construction are Casa Bella Residences and the massive Signature Bridge. Casa Bella Residences, a luxury condo tower rising in the Arts & Entertainment District, is on track for delivery by June 2026. With its refined design and central location, Casa Bella Residences adds a sophisticated new option to Miami’s evolving residential landscape.
A block south of the tower is the Signature Bridge, a sweeping infrastructure project now projected to cost $866 million. Once complete, it will serve as both a functional highway connector and a bold new architectural landmark for Miami. With an expected completion date of late 2029, the bridge has generated both excitement and criticism—praised for its visual impact, yet scrutinized for delays and escalating costs.
Together, these two projects offer a striking visual of Miami’s ongoing transformation. Drone photos captured from above and below provide a rare look at the current state of both sites, showcasing the scale, ambition, and complexity of what’s taking shape.
Throwback: Brickell Condos Construction Update (October 2014)
Step back in time to 2014 — an era when Miami’s Brickell neighborhood was buzzing with cranes, concrete, and the promise of a new skyline. In this throwback video, filmed on October 22, 2014, I drove through Brickell with a GoPro camera mounted to my car’s hood, capturing the incredible transformation that was just beginning to take shape.
What makes this video special is the rare perspective — seeing Brickell before the dust settled. You’ll notice empty lots that are now luxury high-rises, cranes that have long since disappeared, and streets that were just starting to buzz with new life.
Watch the full Brickell Condos Construction Update video above to see just how far the neighborhood has come. For anyone who remembers the excitement of Miami’s condo boom in the mid-2010s, this video is a nostalgic glimpse back at the moment it all began.
Ciprés and Rilea Group Land $90 Million Construction Loan from Banco Inbursa for The Rider Residences in Wynwood
A new wave of energy is coming to Miami’s Wynwood-Midtown corridor, where Rilea Group and Ciprés have secured a $90 million construction loan from Mexico’s Banco Inbursa to fund development of The Rider Residences, a 12-story, 146-unit luxury condominium slated for completion in 2027.
The financing, arranged by Javier Herrera of Franklin Street, signals strong international confidence in Miami’s boutique luxury condo market — particularly for projects that fuse design, culture, and technology.
A Boutique Vision Rooted in Art and Urban Culture
Following a February 2025 groundbreaking, vertical construction is set to begin later this year at 94 NE 29th Street, a site located steps from Whole Foods and across from Amazon’s upcoming Miami headquarters. Designed by Deforma Studio with interiors by RADYCA, The Rider draws inspiration from 1970s music, fashion, and film, pairing SoHo-style industrial architecture with Miami’s contemporary art-driven aesthetic.
“The Rider represents a new benchmark for design-driven living in Miami, blending architecture, art, and culture in a way that feels both distinctive and timeless,” said Diego Ojeda, Founder of Ciprés and President of Rilea Group. “Partnering with Banco Inbursa, one of the most respected names in international development finance, underscores the strength of this vision. Their confidence in The Rider reflects the project’s unique appeal, and our collaboration has been instrumental in bringing it to life.”
Residences at The Rider will be delivered fully furnished, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units (386 to 1,612 square feet) with pricing from the $500,000s to over $2.5 million. Buyers are responding to The Rider’s bold, art-driven lifestyle, with strong pre-sales activity fueled by demand from European, South American, and New York buyers. The project’s distinctive design, prime location, and flexible ownership model have helped generate significant early momentum in Miami’s competitive luxury condo market.
Design Details: Where Retro Meets Refined
Inside, RADYCA — known for its superyacht and high-end residential work — layers bold textures, mid-century furnishings, and a $1 million fine-art photography collection from Morrison Hotel Gallery and Iconic Images Gallery. Residences feature Bertazzoni appliances, Italkraft cabinetry, Cosentino Dekton countertops, and Porcelanosa bath fixtures, complemented by smart home technology and impact-resistant windows.
The building’s amenities are designed as an urban resort: a rooftop pool with skyline views, restaurant and speakeasy accessible via private elevator, pet spa, wellness center with cold plunges, infrared saunas, IV therapy, and a traditional Hammam/Turkish bath. Other highlights include private office suites, a hi-fi vinyl listening room, and a fleet of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Vespas, and e-bikes available to residents.
Forward-Thinking Development Backed by Global Capital
The Rider marks one of the few Miami condo developments to accept cryptocurrency transactions, part of a growing push toward tech-integrated living. Its location — at the intersection of Wynwood, Midtown, Edgewater, and the Design District — places it at the epicenter of Miami’s creative and economic renaissance.
Banco Inbursa, part of Grupo Financiero Inbursa and majority-owned by billionaire Carlos Slim, has expanded its Miami footprint since 2008, financing several high-profile developments. The bank cited The Rider’s “distinctive design and visionary team” as key factors in its decision to back the project.
A Legacy of Miami Innovation
Rilea Group, founded in 1981, has developed over 10 million square feet of real estate in South Florida, including 1450 Brickell, The Bond on Brickell, and One Broadway. The Rider marks the first residential project under its Ciprés brand — a concept founded by Ojeda to blend European elegance with Miami’s contemporary creative energy.
Construction is being led by Beauchamp Construction, one of the region’s most experienced general contractors.
