Summit Brickell Development Secures FAA Approval, Moves Forward with Updated Plans

The highly anticipated mixed-use development, Summit Brickell is set to redefine the skyline of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. Located at 1015 Southwest 1st Avenue, this ambitious project recently achieved a significant milestone by securing approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). With this approval, the development is poised to rise 765 feet above ground, reaching a total height of 769 feet above sea level at its highest point. Designed by Corwil Architects and developed by Lore Development Group—a joint venture between Brazilian billionaire Daniel Dantas’ Opportunity investment firm and Leste Group—Summit Brickell promises to bring a dynamic blend of residential and commercial spaces to the heart of Miami.

Filed on April 5 and swiftly approved on May 21, Summit Brickell is planned as a 60-story structure with a total floor area ratio (FAR) of 717,740 square feet. The updated plans for the tower to include:

• 500 residential units
• 1,583 square feet of commercial space
• 500 parking spaces

Documents recently filed with Miami-Dade County in April provided updated renderings and plans for Summit Brickell. One of the notable changes is the reduction of the proposed structure from 69 to 60 stories. The updated plans also indicate the elevator bulkhead will now rise to 750 feet, significantly lower than the initially planned 843 feet, falling well within the heights approved by the FAA.

Summit Brickell is currently under review by Miami-Dade County planners as part of its Rapid Transit zoning plan, allowing it to bypass city review. However, a construction permit for the project has not yet been filed with the county.

The project’s material board highlights the variety of architectural features and elements that contribute to the overall design and aesthetic of the structure. Key features include:

• Fine sand stucco/textured finish used throughout the elevations
• Horizontal concrete pours/sculpted to exterior walls
• Impact-resistant guardrail systems
• Sliding glass doors with impact-resistant aluminum frame and glass
• Fixed-lite, clear safety glass and impact-resistant guardrail system on balcony rails

Additionally, the building will feature:

• Impact-resistant glass doors
• Storm-resistant mesh screens
• Parking garage breezeway
• Perforated aluminum garage system panels
• Decorative metal claddings
• Aluminum sunshade systems

Summit Brickell will offer various unit types from the 14th through the 58th floor, including studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 500 to 1,418 square feet. The penthouse units on the 59th floor will range from 1,288 to 2,618 square feet. Residents will enjoy amenities on both the 13th floor and the 60th-floor rooftop. The parking garage is designed to occupy floors 2 through 12, ensuring ample space for residents and visitors.

While it remains unclear when the developer plans to break ground on the project, it is still navigating through the approval process, and no permits have been submitted as of May. Initially, groundbreaking for the project was tentatively scheduled for June 2024, with completion expected by summer 2027. However, given the current status, a groundbreaking towards the end of the year seems more likely, with completion potentially extending into late 2027.

Ponce Park Residences Update in Coral Gables

Under the leadership of Allen and Spencer Morris, the Allen Morris Company has received commission approval for an exciting new project: Ponce Park Residences. This luxury condo development is set to become a significant addition to the heart of Coral Gables. Situated at the prestigious intersection of Ponce De Leon Boulevard and University Drive, Ponce Park Residences is poised to become an iconic building in “The City Beautiful.”

On May 21, the Coral Gables commission unanimously voted 5-0 in favor of Ponce Park Residences. Designed by the esteemed architect John Cunningham, the project pays homage to the Mediterranean influences that define Coral Gables. Cunningham, renowned for his design of the timeless Alhambra Towers—another landmark owned and developed by The Allen Morris Company—brings his expertise to create a structure that blends seamlessly into a new city park. The project also features landscape design by Naturalficial, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Ponce Park Residences will feature approximately 20,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, including two world-renowned restaurants and a top-tier wellness spa. The tower will house 57 ultra-luxury condo units designed by Meyer Davis. Each unit will boast the finest Italian kitchens and countertops, 12-foot deep balconies equipped with summer kitchens, and clear ceiling heights of 11 to 12 feet. The rooftop deck will offer 30,000 square feet of amenities, including multiple pools, a cold plunge, a hot tub, and a fully staffed private rooftop bar with stunning views of South Gables and Biscayne Bay.

Residents will enjoy a boutique urban lifestyle with access to over 100 shops and restaurants located at the $1 billion mixed-use development, The Plaza Coral Gables, directly across the street. Additionally, the Miracle Mile corridor, known for its vibrant shopping and dining options, is just a short walk away.

The Allen Morris Company is committed to enhancing the community. They will contribute $2 million in public improvements and take on the responsibility for the redesign of Ponce Circle Park, the city’s central park. The total investment in park improvements will exceed $9 million, ensuring a beautiful and functional space for all residents to enjoy.

Sales for Ponce Park Residences are set to launch in the summer of 2024.

Swire Properties Unveils $100 Million Duplex Penthouse at The Residences at Mandarin Oriental

The latest addition to Miami’s upscale real estate scene is Mandarin Oriental, which, in collaboration with Swire Properties, has launched sales for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. This development features 228 luxury branded residences within an 800-foot tower on Brickell Key, just moments away from Miami’s bustling center.

These residences are just a part of the brand’s grand vision to transform this secluded island sanctuary into an unmatched residential and hospitality destination. The South Tower will house The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, while the North Tower is set to become the new North American flagship Mandarin Oriental hotel, connected by a beautifully landscaped podium.

Among the first properties available is the development’s $100 million duplex penthouse. The penthouse offers 23,000 square feet of living space, including 7,000 square feet of private outdoor space.

With 30-foot-high ceilings, interiors by designer Tristan Auer, and unparalleled views of the city skyline from nearly 800 feet above, this residence epitomizes elevated living. The property features multiple outdoor dining and entertainment areas and a sky cabana that can serve as an additional bedroom. The infinity pool, one of Miami’s highest, adds to the allure for those who love heights.

Luxury Residences for Sale

The South Tower offers a range of luxurious residences:

• Two-bedrooms starting at $4.9 million
• Three-bedrooms starting at $5.8 million
• Four-bedrooms starting at $10.5 million
• Five-bedrooms starting at $17.5 million

The North Tower: A New Flagship Hotel

The North Tower will house the new Mandarin Oriental hotel, featuring:

• 121 rooms
• A signature Spa at Mandarin Oriental
• Multiple intimate fine-dining and al fresco restaurants

This tower will also offer an additional 66 private residences and 28 hotel residences, with sales set to launch later this year.

The Future of Branded Residences in Miami

The branded residence trend continues to gain momentum in Miami, blending luxury living with prestigious brands. With properties like The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, the city is setting new standards for high-end urban living, offering residents unparalleled luxury and world-class amenities.

Urban Development Review Board Approves Major Mixed-Use Project in Overtown, Miami

The Urban Development Review Board (UDRB) has given the green light to a significant mixed-use development at 650 Northwest 8th Street and 678 Northwest 7th Street in Overtown, Miami. This ambitious project is a joint venture between 0101 Miami Properties, LLC, headed by Jorge and Jose Mas, and 8th Street Connections Holdings, LLC, a Terra affiliate. The development will cover over 1.8 million square feet, offering 1,215 residential units, 16,347 square feet of commercial space, and 1,831 parking spaces.

The project, designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by V Starr, will feature three 12-story apartment buildings and a nine-story parking garage with street-facing residential units, along with a three-story apartment building. This design aims to optimize urban living while blending seamlessly with the existing neighborhood. The UDRB unanimously voted 4-0 to recommend the project’s approval as presented during their May 15 meeting.

Located on approximately 8.381 acres, the site is bordered by NW 7th Avenue and NW 6th Avenue, with NW 8th Street and NW 6th Street forming the other boundaries. The area is primarily surrounded by multifamily residential buildings and industrial sites, offering a diverse urban landscape for the new development. This plot was originally assembled by 0101 Miami Properties LLC in 2016 with the intention of developing an MLS stadium for Inter Miami CF.

The development’s renderings reveal a warm, neutral palette that blends modern and classic design elements, creating an attractive urban environment. The street-facing facades feature large, arched windows to maximize natural light, and the building’s stepped-back upper stories add to a varied and engaging roofline.

Terra has announced that the project will be executed in three phases, providing a mix of market-rate, workforce, and affordable housing units. Apartment sizes will range from 465-square-foot studios to three-bedroom units up to 1,517 square feet. The construction of the first phase, which will include approximately 537 units, is slated to begin in 2025. This development marks a significant step forward in addressing Miami’s growing housing needs.

The approval of this mixed-use development by the UDRB represents a major milestone for urban development in Overtown, Miami. With its strategic design and diverse housing options, the project promises to enhance the urban fabric and meet the city’s evolving housing demands. As construction begins in 2025, this development will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Miami’s urban landscape.

French Moroccan Supper Club to Open in Miami in Late Summer 2024-Habibi Miami

In a city known for its vibrant culture and eclectic culinary scene, a new player is set to make waves on the Miami River come late summer. Habibi Miami, a sumptuous French Moroccan supper club, is the brainchild of hospitality mogul Roman Jones, who has enlisted Ikam Rebaia to lead the project, with Aris Nanos orchestrating operations. Together, they’re crafting an oasis that promises to transport guests to the enchanting shores of the French Moroccan Riviera, offering tantalizing bites, handcrafted cocktails, and an ambiance straight out of a Wes Anderson fever dream.

Drawing inspiration from the intricate beauty of Moorish architecture, Habibi Miami promises to be a visual spectacle, a veritable immersion into the rich tapestry of Maghrebi culture. Under the guidance of Creative Director Mark Lehmkuhl from Ghosthouse Design Group and Love Lake Studios, the venue will be transformed into a whimsical retro retreat, with hues of pink and teal reminiscent of a bygone Tangier era. Set within a tent-like structure reminiscent of opulent riads, Habibi Miami invites patrons on a sensory journey, evoking the vibrant spirit and timeless traditions of French Morocco.

From the moment guests step onto the 30-foot-long red carpet entrance adorned with Alhambra design elements, they’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere of opulence. Inside, crystal chandeliers, Turkish rugs, velvet booths, and silk draperies set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. With a seating capacity of 200, the restaurant will also boast an outdoor patio for sunset soirées, alongside a bar adorned with hookahs offering bespoke tableside hookah service. And to elevate the evening, nightly performances by belly dancers, contortionists, and percussionists will transform the space into a captivating theater of nightlife.

The menu encompasses a variety of tasty continental and Middle Eastern shareable dishes like Merguez Pigs in a Blanket, Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Charred Wild Mushrooms, and Lemon Roasted Chicken with Herbed Yogurt. Comfort food lovers will rejoice at Wagyu Burger Sliders and Miso-Honey Glazed Sea Bass Skewers, while sushi aficionados will find delight in the selection of rolls. Tableside dessert carts will offer indulgent treats like ice cream with Turkish mastic and Halva cheesecake.

Drawing from North African and Mediterranean influences, the bar team will showcase exotic ingredients and innovative techniques, such as fat washing – the process of toasting seeds to pull out their oils and infusing them in spirits overnight – to craft signature cocktails like the “Ali” Fashioned and the Moroccan Margarita—a perfect complement to the eclectic menu.

Habibi Miami is slated to open its doors in the summer of 2024, and is located at 452 Northwest North River Drive, Miami, FL. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to be whisked away to the French Moroccan Riviera right in the heart of Miami.

NoMad Residences Wynwood: Securing $141.5 Million in Financing and Pioneering a Unique Residential Experience

Related Group and Tricap have successfully secured $141.5 million in financing for the highly anticipated NoMad Residences Wynwood, a significant development in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood Arts District. The project received a $51.5 million mezzanine loan from Related Fund Management and a $90 million senior construction loan from Kennedy Wilson. Construction commenced in October 2023, shortly after the groundbreaking in September.

“Related Group is proud to partner with Related Fund Management and Kennedy Wilson to drive the development of NoMad Residences Wynwood further,” said Nick Pérez, President of Related’s Condominium Division. “This significant capital infusion is a testament to the strong investor confidence in Miami’s residential market and, more notably, our distinct vision for this hospitality-centric and lifestyle-driven development. We’re excited to bring this unique residential experience to Wynwood, which adeptly blends design, culture, and community in a way that only NoMad can.”

Thomas Whitesell, Head of the Debt Investment Group at Kennedy Wilson, echoed these sentiments: “We are pleased to join with Related Fund Management to provide construction financing to Related Group for this exceptional project. Related Group is arguably the premier residential developer in South Florida and their deep experience, particularly in Wynwood, is one of many reasons we were drawn to this investment.”

NoMad Residences Wynwood, designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by DesignAgency, will offer 329 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Each residence will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and modern kitchens equipped with Bosch appliances and Italian-style cabinetry. The units come fully furnished with packages from DesignAgency and are designed with no rental restrictions, allowing owners the flexibility to rent their homes for any period.

The development will include a variety of public food and beverage venues. Highlights include a rooftop restaurant and bar managed by Leo Robitschek, a James Beard Award winner, and Casa Tua Cucina on the ground floor, offering Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Residents will enjoy access to an array of amenities such as a rooftop lounge, pool, fitness facilities, and the NoMad Library and Lounge. The building will also showcase art from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection and feature commissioned works that reflect the Wynwood artistic community.

Sales have been robust, with more than 80% of the residences already sold. Completion of NoMad Residences Wynwood is anticipated for late 2025, promising a dynamic and culturally enriched living experience in one of Miami’s most artistic neighborhoods.

MSC Cruises Unveils World’s Largest Cruise Terminal at PortMiami: A Game-Changer for Tourism and Sustainability

In the ever-evolving landscape of cruise tourism, PortMiami has consistently set benchmarks, but the latest development is setting a new standard. MSC Cruises is nearing the completion of what will be the world’s largest cruise terminal, a state-of-the-art facility with an impressive price tag of $450 million. This ambitious project is not just a testament to MSC Cruises’s commitment to enhancing Miami’s cruise sector but also a beacon of modernity and sustainability.

The new MSC Cruises terminal at PortMiami is poised to be a marvel of modern architecture and operational efficiency. Designed by the renowned firm Arquitectonica, the terminal sprawls over a significant footprint at the bustling port. Its completion is highly anticipated later this year, promising to elevate the passenger experience to unprecedented levels.

Key features of the terminal include:

• Capacity to Welcome Thousands: On a daily basis, the terminal will handle 36,000 guests across its three cruise berths. This capacity is not just impressive; it’s transformative, designed to streamline operations and enhance passenger comfort from arrival to embarkation.
• Ample Parking Facilities: With a parking garage that can accommodate 2,400 cars, visitors will find easy access and secure parking, making their travel experience smoother right from the start.
• Environmental Considerations: In a significant nod to sustainability, the terminal incorporates shore power connectivity. This feature allows docked ships to draw electrical power from the land, significantly reducing the emission of pollutants and underlining MSC’s commitment to environmental stewardship in its operations.

MSC Cruise’s investment in Miami extends beyond the colossal terminal. The company recently announced the construction of a new $100 million headquarters in Overtown, signaling its long-term commitment to the region and its economic health. This facility will not only create jobs but also stimulate local economic activity, fostering community growth and development.

Adding to the excitement, MSC Cruises has revealed plans for a grand naming ceremony for its newest flagship, the MSC Cruises World America, scheduled for April 9, 2025. This event, to be held at the new PortMiami facility, is expected to be a landmark occasion, attracting cruise enthusiasts and dignitaries alike.

As MSC Cruise’s new terminal moves closer to completion, it heralds a new era not just for PortMiami but for the entire cruise industry. This facility is set to become a central hub for international travelers and a model for future cruise terminal developments worldwide. With its blend of capacity, innovation, and sustainability, MSC Cruises new PortMiami terminal is not just a gateway to the seas but a doorway to the future of cruising.

Wynwood Welcomes Major Retail Expansion with Prominent Developers

In a significant move for the Wynwood Art District’s commercial landscape, a trio of influential development firms—Lion Development Group led by Michael Simkins, LNDMRK Development led by Alex Karakhanian, and Tricera Capital led by Ben Mandell—has jointly acquired 32,000 square feet of prime ground-floor retail space at the Society Wynwood complex. The deal, valued at $22.5 million, marks a pivotal development in one of Miami’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Prior to the closing, Tricera and LNDMRK had already signed four major leases, securing tenants for approximately 50% of the available space. This proactive leasing strategy brought in a diverse mix of businesses, including Starbucks, Nacho Daddy, Chama De Fogo Brazilian Steakhouse, and I Scream Gelato. These brands are not just filling space; they are set to enhance the local flavor and economic vitality of Wynwood.

The property, developed by Property Markets Group (PMG) and Greybrook, is situated at 2431 NW Second Ave., right in the heart of the Wynwood Art District. This location is pivotal, standing directly across from the iconic Wynwood Walls. “Wynwood’s growth over the last decade has been tremendous, and our team is excited to continue to play a role in elevating the community,” said Ben Mandell, CEO of Tricera Capital.

Alex Karakhanian of LNDMRK Development also shared his enthusiasm for the project: “We are excited to partner with Tricera and Lion on this transformative acquisition. The retail is situated in the core of the district, and continues to attract premium tenants that want to be part of this vibrant community.”

The retail portion of Society Wynwood, along with its nearly 300 modern residential units and private parking garage, positions the building as a premier destination within the district. This integration of living, leisure, and work space reflects the ongoing transformation of Wynwood into a dynamic urban neighborhood where culture and commerce meet.

With successful leasing already underway and more announcements expected soon, the new ownership is poised to continue its momentum. The addition of high-profile tenants like Starbucks, which will occupy approximately 2,600 square feet, and the unique dining experiences offered by Nacho Daddy, Chama De Fogo, and I Scream Gelato, Society Wynwood is set to become a key player in the area’s ongoing development.

Miami’s Skyline to Soar with the New Midtown 1 Tower

After years of anticipation, the Midtown 1 tower, a groundbreaking project set to redefine the skyline of Midtown Miami, is advancing towards realization. The project has now been sent for review by Miami’s Urban Development Review Board, with the initial renderings of this architectural marvel released to the public for the first time.

Standing at an impressive height of 596 feet, Midtown 1 is slated to become the tallest tower in Midtown Miami. The tower will rise up to 48 stories, towering over the district and offering breathtaking views of the cityscape. This high-rise is designed to accommodate:

• 400 residential units: A mix of luxury apartments designed for comfort and style, promising an upscale living experience.
• 27,658 square feet of retail space: Intended to host a variety of shops and boutiques, this area is expected to transform into a bustling hub for shopping and leisure.
• 498 parking spaces spread across five levels: Ample parking ensures convenience for residents and visitors alike.

The architectural genius behind Midtown 1 comes from Arquitectonica, a renowned firm celebrated for their innovative and forward-thinking designs. The project is being developed by Midtown 1 Investments, a collaborative venture led by Terra and Lion Development Group. This partnership brings together extensive experience and a shared vision for transformative urban development.

The Miami Urban Development Review Board is scheduled to conduct a hearing on the proposal on May 15. This session is crucial as it will determine the next steps in the approval process, moving closer to bringing this ambitious project to life.

Midtown 1 represents not just a building, but a beacon of modern living and urban development. As Midtown Miami continues to grow and evolve, Midtown 1 stands poised to become a landmark that encapsulates the vibrancy and dynamism of the city.