New Twin-Tower Project Proposed Near Miami Design District and Edgewater
A transformative new development may soon rise between two of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Miami’s Planning Department has received an application to build twin 20-story residential towers at 3801-3883 Biscayne Boulevard, adjacent to both the Design District and Edgewater. The proposed project aims to blend architectural sophistication with pedestrian-friendly urban design, while introducing a new level of elevated living to the area.
The development, submitted by Biscayne Residences Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Kolter Homes, includes:
164 residential units
Two lodging units
8,874 square feet of retail
374 parking spaces
Importantly, the project complies fully with the Miami 21 zoning code, and no waivers are being requested—a sign of its careful integration into the city’s long-term urban vision.
The twin towers are designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm Arquitectonica, who describe the project as a new “gateway” between the tranquility of Biscayne Bay and the vibrant Miami Design District. The towers are positioned on a full city block and are set to create a pedestrian-friendly enclave featuring:
Large sidewalks
Landscaped streetscapes
Façade treatments that enhance the urban experience
An axial internal street lined with royal palms
Residents and visitors will be welcomed by a grand arrival plaza with sweeping porte-cochere canopies and double-height lobbies featuring floor-to-ceiling glass. Monumental sculptures will anchor the interior corners of the site, establishing a strong presence along Biscayne Boulevard.
Arquitectonica’s vision emphasizes architectural fluidity and openness. Each tower is framed by a curving vertical plane reminiscent of a sail catching the breeze from Biscayne Bay. This defining feature runs continuously from ground to rooftop and not only adds sculptural elegance but also divides expansive wraparound terraces on each floor.
Inside, every residence is described as a “home suspended in the sky”, with:
Three exposures for light and views from every angle
Semiprivate lobbies served by dedicated elevators
Generous floorplans and modern amenities
Above the garage pedestal, lush tropical gardens surround elevated pool terraces, while to the east, a row of three-story townhouses will add variety and scale to the urban village.
The project is scheduled for review by Miami’s Urban Development Review Board on May 21. Kolter Homes acquired the property in 2024 for $33.8 million, signaling strong investment in the area’s continued evolution.
If approved, this development promises to add a striking new silhouette to the Biscayne Bay skyline while further connecting Miami’s most exciting neighborhoods through thoughtful design and community-focused planning.
The Helm: A $500M Game-Changer in Miami’s Design District
Miami’s Design District is set to welcome a monumental new development that will redefine urban living and elevate the neighborhood’s status as a hub for innovation and luxury. Enter The Helm, a $500 million mixed-use tower that promises to bring a blend of residential, commercial, and retail spaces to this vibrant area.
Initially planned as a modest office tower back in 2022, the vision for the site has transformed significantly. Thanks to Florida’s new Live Local Act, The Helm will now rise 36 stories high, offering a combination of luxury residences, affordable housing, office spaces, retail, and dining. This ambitious project is being developed by Helm Equities and designed by renowned architecture firm Cube3.
The Helm’s impressive scale and thoughtful design will include:
162 Branded Residences: Luxurious homes designed for sophisticated urban living.
116 Income-Restricted Live Local Rental Apartments: A nod to the importance of affordable housing within the city.
83,338 Square Feet of Office Space: Providing state-of-the-art work environments for businesses.
48,111 Square Feet of Retail & Dining: Creating a dynamic space for shopping and culinary experiences.
620 Onsite Parking Spaces: Ensuring convenience for residents, workers, and visitors.
The building’s massing will be oriented towards the Brightline tracks and the highly anticipated Northeast Corridor train station, making it a transit-friendly addition to the district.
The Helm represents more than just a building; it’s a symbol of Miami’s growth and adaptability. By incorporating income-restricted rental units, the project aligns with the goals of the Live Local Act, which aims to address housing affordability while fostering community development.
With its proximity to key transit lines, The Helm will also support Miami’s push for a more connected and sustainable urban environment. This blend of accessibility, luxury, and affordability makes The Helm a standout addition to the city’s skyline.
Helm Equities and Cube3 have envisioned a structure that not only meets the needs of today’s residents but also anticipates future urban trends. From its sleek architecture to its versatile mixed-use spaces, The Helm is set to become a landmark in the Design District and a benchmark for future developments in Miami.
Miami Concours Car Show Returns February 17th to the Miami Design District
The Miami Concours, returns to the Miami Design District in 2023 with a highly curated, distinctly modern celebration of automotive history. Displays begin on Friday, February 17th, and conclude on Sunday, February 19th, with three red-carpeted streets featuring distinct Concours activations.
The annual event, now in its sixth year, exhibits the most significant automobiles ever produced in the heart of Miami, at the epicenter of art and design. The acclaimed event, led by Co-Founders John Temerian Jr. of CURATED and Ronnie Vogel, as well as Partner Brett David of Prestige Imports, has carved an inimitable niche at the intersection of automotive excellence, car-culture camaraderie, and luxury lifestyle.
The prestigious event showcases the world’s most sought-after exotic post-war automobiles as well as celebrated, iconic models from the world’s most recognizable luxury motoring brands. The event kicks off on Friday, February 17th, with a special showcase of cars dotted among the neighborhood’s artistic installations as static works of art themselves.
As collectors and enthusiasts witness real-time, official judging; discover an unrivaled, historical display of Lamborghinis on 39th Street – a nod to the Italian manufacturer’s 60th Anniversary; and discover an unforgettable display of Hypercars from Pagani Automobili as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary alongside Czinger Vehicles, as they present the 3D printed 21C.
Miami Concours features superlative examples from Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Pagani, Maserati, Jaguar, Ford, BMW, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, with judging led by Mark Moskowitz MD who is the Board of Directors of Carolina Motorsports Park.
EVENT INFO
FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 11AM – 8PM
CONCOURS PREVIEW – SELECTION OF CARS
ON DISPLAY THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT
SUNDAY, 19TH: 11AM – 5PM
MAIN RED CARPET EVENT
CONCOURS & JUDGING
Groundbreaking Officially Scheduled for The Standard Residences in Midtown Miami
Carlos Rosso, the company’s creator and the owner of Rosso Development, said that the groundbreaking is scheduled for the end of this year.
According to Rosso, condos at The Standard continue to sell at a fast pace. The project has already reached 70% sold as of May 2022.
Situated between the Design District and Wynwood, the Standard Residences will rise to 12 stores and will feature 228 luxury hotel branded units curated by Urban Robot and Standard International. Arquitectonica is listed as the architect on the project.
The luxury units range from 432 to 965 square feet of living space with the studio to two-bedroom floor plan options still available. Prices will range from $469,900 to $949,900
Price Breakdown
Studios starting at $469,900
1-bedroom starting at $699,900
1-Bedroom + Den starting at $809,900
2-bedrooms starting at $949,900
The units will feature cubby kitchens designed by Urban Robot, expansive 6′ deep terraces, and master baths with double showers. Unit owners will be able to rent their units for periods of up to 30 days with exclusive benefits to friends and family.
Amenities:
35,000 square feet of amenities
10,000 square feet of retail space
Expansive lobby with lounge areas and a cafe
Rooftop restaurant
Bar
60-foot resort-style pool
Sweat room and fitness center
Indoor pickleball court
Yoga and stretch studios
Karaoke bar
Pet Spa
Party room
Carols Rosso, owner of Rosso Development has stated that this is his first major development since he left the Related Group. Rosso hinted at additional Standard-branded residential projects in the pipeline.
Standard International, currently operates 16 hotels in the United States and across the world and owns a waterfront hotel on the Venetian Islands in Miami Beach named the Standard Spa.
The sales gallery is still under construction and is expected to be completed in October 2022. Construction on the actual tower has already started and the expected completion date is in 2024.
Developer Plans Luxury Office Building in Miami’s Design District
As companies and tenants flock to Miami, the demand for office space is increasing. Craig Robins, a Miami Developer is looking to build his first Class A office building in Miami’s Design District. Partnering with Miami Design District Associates, Robins recently revealed plans for a 15 story building at 30 Northeast 39th Street, the Ursa.
The building is anticipated to feature 180,000 square feet of office space spanning over 10 floors. There will be retail space on the ground floor and a rooftop deck that will only be available for tenants of the building.
According to Robins, “We are thrilled to be bringing the Ursa to the Miami Design District. integrating state-of-the-art workspaces into the neighborhood has always been a part of our plan. People want to work in centers of creativity, culture, and commerce; and the district really provides the type of environment where innovation can take flight.”
Arquitectonica is responsible for the design of the tower with New York artist, Daniel Arsham, designing the furniture and the public art for the retail spaces.
From the renderings, the Ursa appears to have a lot of outdoor space with lush greenery on the rooftop as well as on varying terraces. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide tenants with views of the Miami Design District. On-site, the building will be fully integrated with the most up-to-date technology as well as 24/7 security and property management services.
The Miami Design District Associates already owns 1+ million square feet of commercial space in the Miami Design District.
Miami-Dade County has already proved the site for utilities for the Ursa and the county records show an application for the demolition permit. The property was purchased in 1995 for $680,00 and is expected to be completed in fall 2024.
Related Group Announces Casa Bella Tower with Sales Beginning Soon
The Related Group is on the verge of launching sales for their newest tower in downtown Miami; Casa Bella. This residential tower will be built at 1400 Biscayne Blvd in the Miami Arts and Entertainment District and is on the same site where Auberge Residences was originally planned.
According to the renderings, it appears Related is continuing with the same design and specifications that were planned for Auberge. Those designs include full glass exteriors in a wave-like pattern, as well as the unit floor plans. According to The Real Deal, the Related Group is likely reusing them since they have already been approved and to fast-track construction.
Casa Bella will feature 3 towers and 2 will rise 60 stories while 1 will rise 50. The first tower will feature 300 luxury units although 1,430 residential units have been approved for the site. The towers will have 1,629 parking spaces and will be connected by a podium.
The newest tower will feature 1 to 5 bedroom floor plans with only 6 units per floor. Interiors will be designed by Pierro Lissoni with landscape architecture by Enzo Ena. The double-height lobby will also be designed by Lissoni and will feature a mixture of sophistication and modern designs with a permanent collection of museum-quality art located throughout.
The location of this tower places residences near the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Miami Internation University of Art and Design. The Omni Station Bus Loop is also 1 block away.
With the reopening of borders and the lifting of the pandemic restrictions as of November 8, 2021, we will likely see an increase in international buyers, especially for the new construction towers. Currently, international buyers are representing around 50% of new construction developments when earlier in the year, they were only representing 20%.
Construction for the development is estimated for spring of 2022 with an anticipated completion date of 2024. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Casa Bella, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
One Bay Residences Closings to Begin This Month
The developer of One Bay Residences, G&L Real Estate Development LLC, announced earlier this week that the development received its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) from Miami-Dade County and that closings will begin this month.
“We are thrilled to unveil the completed One Bay Residences to our buyers and the community. With more than 35 years of development experience, we are ambitious about the continued growth of Miami’s Design District and could not be more pleased with the end result of One Bay Residences,” said Nicolas Guzman, CEO of Empresas, Guzman & Larrain. “It’s been astounding to see the surrounding transformation of the area, and we are excited to be a part of its new elevated lifestyle offerings.”
One Bay Residences is located at 455 NE 39th Street in Miami’s ever-expanding Design District. The development is comprised of 38 condominium homes, available in single and multi-story layouts, with some featuring large rooftop terraces up to 1,636 square feet. Each residence includes a private, attached garage; 20-foot high ceilings; custom cabinetry by IDEA; expansive quartz countertops; stainless steel appliances; and more.
One Bay Residences has 15 units remaining for sale with prices from $399,000. One of the most attractive aspects about this development is the unusually low condo dues. The monthly dues are just 35 cents per square foot.
Congress Unanimously Agrees To Make FHA Financing Easier For Condo Buyers
In a rare moment of solidarity, Congress unanimously agreed to pass the proposed changes to the FHA approval guidelines for condo purchases, opening the way for middle-income buyers to participate in the condo market once more.
Over recent years, the FHA has imposed nearly impossible guidelines for condo purchases that have left a large segment of buyers out of the market, particularly first time homebuyers. The problem has been that in order to secure an FHA loan for a property, the buyers must qualify (relatively easy), AND the building must qualify (almost impossible). The approval process was expensive and the costs were not refunded in the event that the project was rejected. The approvals had to be renewed every couple of years as well. Most condo associations opted to forego the application and just not have FHA as an option for purchasers in the building. With the new guidelines, the projects no longer need to go through the approval process. Buyers can now apply for a spot-approval on individual units and the owner-occupant vs investor ratios have been lowered. Bravo!
This is going to be a big help for actual residents of the Downtown Miami area who are ready to buy a condo, but maybe don’t have the 20%-35% down payment that is currently required to buy a property. You can read more about the new guidelines here.
Almost 40% of Downtown Miami Residents Have Pets – Strategies for Investors and Tenants
The Downtown Miami DDA (Downtown Development Authority) released its updated demographics study today, and they found that 39% of Downtown Miami households include a pet. This is interesting because so many of the developments impose strict pet policies upon their residents. Some only allow certain sizes of pets, some only cats, some only allow pets for unit owners and some say no pets at all.
This is always a touchy subject when we are working with a client who has a pet. There is so much misinformation out there regarding which buildings do and do not welcome pets. If a resident gets caught with an unauthorized pet, they are forced with the difficult choice of paying a lease cancellation fee (which is typically the value of 2 months’ rent), or re-homing their beloved pet. Unfortunately, not all agents verify the pet policies before entering into a contract, which wastes time and gets the client all excited about an apartment that they cannot have. No bueno.
I even once had a client who cheated on me with another agent that had told them they could have a large pet in a pet-restricted building. That is completely irresponsible and self-serving of that agent. Thank goodness, the clients realized what would happen if they went forward with that deal. The agent would have been paid and then they would have either had to break their lease or part with their dog. That is a horrible choice to have to make when most people consider their pets as members of the family.
In order to have an authorized pet in the building, many associations require an additional registration and application. The pet’s weight is verified (many times with a report from the veterinarian), their vaccinations are verified and some buildings even take it a step further. Infinity at Brickell requires a DNA sample to be placed on file and in the event that messes are found in the lobby, the mess is sent in for a DNA match. The resident that pops up after the DNA test is issued a fine. I call it Maury Povich enforcement… but it works. If people know they’re going to get busted breaking the rules, they’ll be less likely to do so. This way, the building can continue to allow large pets for everyone.
Over recent years, a popular workaround to the ‘No Pets’ buildings has become all the rage. There are websites where you can claim that you need a therapy dog. They’ll issue you a certificate for a fee and, viola! Your dog can go with you everywhere and nobody can say anything… except the condo associations have started to get wise of this ruse. The Jade at Brickell verifies these Therapy Dog certificates through an attorney. It takes an extra few days during the application process and you don’t get your application fees back if you get caught with a phony form. I don’t recommend the fake therapy dog stunt.
If you are curious of whether a particular building accepts pets, just have a look at the building page on our website. We have verified all of the buildings’ policies and list them in the FAQ section of the website. Every now and again, a building will change their policy in between when we last called to verify, but we update it frequently. Our agents also keep themselves updated of the pet policies and fees for the buildings in the area. We’re all about efficiency and not wasting your time or energy…
So what about investors?
With the rental market changing, it is important to have apartments that appeal to as many people as possible. Purchasing an investment condo for sale in a pet-restricted building automatically crosses out almost 40% of the prospective tenants that could be interested in moving in. Some of my favorite pet-friendly buildings are MarinaBlue and 900 Biscayne Bay in Park West, Infinity at Brickell in Brickell, the Midtown developments in Midtown and One Miami in Downtown.
For investors who are concerned with having animals in your property without knowing the behavior or cleanliness of the pets, it is completely customary to charge a pet deposit for the unit. In many cases, the building has a separate pet deposit or fee, but I suggest a refundable deposit for the unit itself. The amount can vary depending upon the pet. Puppies would require a bit of a larger deposit since they tend to chew and have accidents. You could also lower the deposits in the event that a tenant was able to submit a diploma from obedience school or behavior training.
Whether you are an investor, or if you are buying/renting a home for yourself, if there is a specific building that you are curious about, don’t hesitate to drop us a line and inquire. We’re happy to help.
Lounge in a Pop-Up ‘Neon Jungle’ During Maison & Objet This Year
Neon Jungle by Rafael de Cardenas. Photos by Kris Tamburello.
Designer Rafael de Cardenas, who was honored yesterday as Maison & Objet Americas fair Designer of the Year, created a pop-up lounge in an empty storefront in the Design District with Creative Director Alexandra Cunningham Cameron that sets the mood of an exotic, futuristic, pixelated jungle while serving complimentary happy hours and gourmet popsicles every night of the fair ending Friday.
“Escape into the prismatic oasis: lounge on a pixelated landscape of RDC/AAL modular furniture or dance in the dappled shadow of neon lights and jungle foliage.” says the press release, with each night bringing in a cool young Miami person or people (Think Jacuzzi Boys, Nektar De Stagni, or Emmett Moore) as host, to entertain you for the evening. Or just recover your sobriety in the soothingly low lighting before ringing up an Uber home.
