Plans for 3 Tower Project at College Station Garage Location Moves Forward
In 2021, an unsolicited plan for a 3 tower project at the College Station Garage in Downtown Miami was submitted to the Miami Parking Authority (MPA). The proposal that has been submitted to the MPA during that time is now moving forward as of June 2022.
The brains behind the project include a partnership between Miami-based builders Related Group (Related) and ROVR Development (ROVR), as well as Terra Group (Terra) and Apollo Global Management (Apollo).
As of January 19, 2022, the MPA has ranked the proposal from Related and ROVR as the top bid ahead of Terra and Apollo. Both partnerships are planning to create substantial mixed-use projects. The replacement of a 1,439-space garage, which was erected in 1973 and is 7 floors tall, will be subject to a 99-year land lease and development agreement, according to the MPA.
According to the developer, 15% of the residential units would be set aside as worker housing for people earning up to 140 percent of the area median income, and 20% of the apartments would be reserved as affordable housing for seniors earning up to 50% of the area median income. Units would range in size from 360 to 1,310 square feet, with an average unit size of 722 square feet. There would be 138 studios, 636 one-bedroom units, 354 two-bedroom units, and 72 three-bedroom units.
In addition to an urgent care facility and a nonprofit art center, the public area might function as a fire station. The lease is anticipated to be finalized by Related and ROVR in 2023, with construction taking place over a 60-month period. The developers would need to find other parking solutions for adjoining residential towers that have previously used the College Station Garage, assuming that this proposal is truly the winning bid. The MPA would retain control of the parking component.
Project Details
1,200 rental units
1,357 Miami Parking Authority parking spaces over 8 levels
Ground floor retail w/potential fire station, urgent care, and art center
The developers stated earlier this year that they anticipate starting construction in early 2023.
PMG and Partners Rebrand Society Residences as The Elser Hotel and Residences
In a bold move, PMG and their partners have recently changed the name of their new construction project Society Residences Miami to The Elser Hotel and Residences. According to their press release, “the new brand provides a more cohesive DNA and identity for both the residences and the hotel which reflects Downtown Miami’s transformative legacy.”
The Elser Hotel and Residences are located in the same lively area and have the same sparkling views of Biscayne Bay that Elser Pier did in the early 1900s. Elser Pier’s prime location in Miami’s thriving downtown area contributed to its status as the city’s top convention and entertainment hub. Tourists and locals alike were drawn to the pier’s variety of venues and waterfront views. The legacy and extraordinary success of Elser Pier altered the future outlook for the corridor and created the foundation for the bustling bayfront metropolis we know today.
The Elser Residences Miami is a development of carefully designed studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos. Elser, located in Miami’s most alluring area, Downtown Miami, will provide a vibrant and rich community fuelled by culture, glitz, and wellness. Find a wealth of amenities for living, working, and playing. Units will be available this summer for move-in.
Facts and Features
49-story tower located in Downtown Miami
Developed by PMG and Greybrook Partners
Designed by internationally renowned architecture firm Sieger Suarez Architects
Approved for short-term rentals
On-site hospitality management
Views of the Miami skyline, unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean
Over 19,000 square foot double-height amenity deck overlooking Downtown Miami
and Biscayne Bay
132-Foot Resort Style Pool with private lounge areas
Two-Level Modern Gym & Fitness Studio
Co-working Lab
Valet Parking
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Latest Smart Building Technology
Only The Elser Hotel & Residences Miami would have a short-term rental program that was expertly run by a five-star operator among the current inventory in Miami. The structure would be open to unlimited day rentals. Delivery is anticipated to occur in August 2022.
Villa Valencia Condos in Coral Gables has Officially Completed Construction and Sells Out at 95%
Four years in the process, the Villa Valencia luxury condo development by Rishi Kapoor’s Location Ventures has officially completed construction.
With $100 million in closings so far, Villa Valencia, a 13-story, 39-unit project at 501 to 525 Valencia Avenue in Coral Gables, is 95% sold out. There are only three units available, one of which is under contract, a $14.9 million penthouse, and two others with an average price of $4 million each.
According to Kapoor, founder and CEO of Location Ventures, the project’s sales averaged $1,100 per square foot, setting a record for that neighborhood.
According to Kapoor, the majority of the buyers are locals from Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, and Coral Gables. In addition, 20% were from New York, 5% from California, and 4% from Illinois, with 2% from Latin America.
The plot was purchased by the developer for $16 million in 2018, and sales of Villa Valencia began the following year.
Kapoor recognized that labor shortages and delays on the project were made worse by the pandemic, but he claimed that setting building cost locks before the pandemic helped him keep costs under control.
Residences
Private foyer with elevator entry
10-foot ceilings in living spaces
10-foot exterior sliding doors
8-foot European wood interior doors with concealed hinges
Exquisite porcelain floors
Custom finished closets
Most residences have outdoor terraces with summer kitchens
Master bedroom suite with spacious bathroom and separate vanity area
Two assigned parking spaces per residence
EV-ready parking spaces available
Amenities
Entertainment space with billiards and golf simulator
Cucina featuring kitchen and full bar for entertaining that opens to the pool deck
Library with outdoor terrace overlooking the park
Grand building entrance with lobby lounge
Covered garden and valet waiting area
Tea room with kitchen and bar for entertaining
Executive room with video conferencing
10,000 SF onsite park and garden with shade trees
Dog park and dog run
High-Speed WIFI in all Common Areas
Bike Racks
Pool Deck featuring two summer kitchens, spacious sunbed relaxation areas
78-foot resort-style pool with lap lane and waterfall
State-of-the-art fitness facility with yoga, Pilates and weight training area
Spa and wellness center with treatment room, hammam / steam room, his-and-her sauna, and hydrotherapy plunge pools
The Coral Gables City Commission approved Location Ventures’ proposals earlier this week for a second, bigger condo development at 1505 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. The site will be sold by a Florida East Coast Realty subsidiary to Location Ventures, which has plans to construct a 16-story, 87-unit condo structure.
Developers for Lofty Brickell Acquire $170 Million Construction Loan
Newgard Development Group, the Miami-based real estate company led by Harvey Hernandez, recently acquired a $170 million construction loan for Lofty Brickell.
Lofty Brickell is a 44-story apartment tower that is a component of a three-building and marina project proposed by the Coconut Grove-based 3650 REIT. The 1.6-acre construction site located at 99 Southwest Seventh Street on the Miami River.
According to the press release, Lofty Brickell will contain a private marina, a members-only social club, and an NFT art collection for unit owners.
Similar to its sister tower, Gale Miami (which sold out less in less than a year) Lofty will feature 380 units of fully finished and furnished interiors that will be available for rent nightly, daily, and/or monthly. Residents will have the option of self-managing their units (VRBO or Airbnb) or using Lofty’s onsite management.
Rising 44 stories, Lofty will feature studio, 1, and 2 bedroom floor plans with 485 to 930 square feet options. Pricing starts at $493k for a studio. There will also be available penthouses but the information hasn’t been released as of now.
Designed by internationally acclaimed Arquitectonica, interiors will be designed by a New York-based interior design company, Inc. New York. Developer Harvey Hernandez is also responsible for Brickell House and Centro towers. Hernandez purchased the Lofty lot for $50 million
Lofty will feature a number of wonderful amenities including a butler service, rooftop pool, car service, and a 5-star restaurant that hasn’t been disclosed. This tower will also include a private marina with available docks for boating.
Building Amenities
Exotic resort pool with pool-side cabanas
Bar and grill on pool deck 24/7
Co-working lounge Private meeting rooms
Event room with exclusive terrace
A fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center with HD TVs and wireless audio Private Peloton studios Yoga lounge and terrace
LOFTY Rooftop Experience
Residence Features
Urban luxury residences with modern open layouts from 485SF—930SF Studio, one and two-bedroom units
All residences are delivered fully finished and furnished specially curated by INC
Panoramic Miami River, and Miami skyline views
Private balconies for every residence
Corner units offer wrap-around balconies
High ceilings ranging from 9’ to 11’
Owner closets in every residence
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and sound attenuating impact-resistant laminated glass throughout
Advanced technology Smart Building wiring for HD TV,
Multiple telephone /data lines and ultra-high-speed internet access
Individually controlled energy-efficient central air conditioning and heating system
Kitchen
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer 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
Eighty percent of the tower’s units are under contract and Newgard anticipates starting construction in the fourth quarter of this year. When Newgard paid $50.5 million for the Brickell-area property in September, 3650 REIT also gave the developer a $55 million acquisition loan. The new construction loan was obtained by Lotus Capital Partners under the direction of Faisal Ashraf.
If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Lofty Brickell, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.
830 Brickell Tops off Construction in Miami’s Financial District
As it nears completion later this year, Civic Construction has topped off 830 Brickell, Miami’s first Class A office tower to be constructed in the urban core in more than ten years, at 55 floors (724 feet tall).
In addition, 830 Brickell is the only Class A office tower being constructed in Miami’s Financial District at a time when national and international businesses are relocating and developing there. It was developed by OKO Group and Cain International.
Microsoft, Blackstone, Thoma Bravo, A-CAP, CI Financial Corp., Marsh Insurance, AerCap, and WeWork are just a few of the prestigious tenants that have signed leases on the 640,000 square foot office skyscraper, which is already more than 60% leased. One of the biggest airplane leasing firms in the world, AerCap, obtained a 20,000 square foot lease in February and will be moving its new offices to the entire 50th floor.
An investment company from Canada called CI Financial stated a month earlier that it would quadruple the size of its lease at 830 Brickell, increasing it from the previous 20,000 square feet to around 40,000 square feet for its American headquarters.
To house its Latin American regional team, Microsoft inked a lease for 50,000 square feet in September. Private equity firm Thoma Bravo also negotiated a lease for 50,000 square feet, beginning in the spring of 2021.
In Miami, where the city’s business-friendly atmosphere, quick population expansion, and appealing climate are promoting office investment and development, 830 Brickell is currently the largest office skyscraper under construction. As of June, the active pipeline consisted of nearly 2.4 million square feet of office space spread over 18 sites, according to data from CommercialEdge. The Brickell submarket and central business district saw the most of the construction.
In Miami, where the city’s business-friendly atmosphere, quick population expansion, and appealing climate are promoting office investment and development, 830 Brickell is currently the largest office skyscraper under construction. As of June, the active pipeline consisted of nearly 2.4 million square feet of office space spread over 18 sites, according to data from CommercialEdge. The Brickell submarket and central business district saw the most of the construction.
In a prepared statement, Vlad Doronin, chairman and chief executive officer of OKO Group, stated that 830 Brickell is meeting the needs of prestigious users from all over the world who are drawn to the tower’s new quality of construction, technology, and design-led services.
The $300 million construction loan from MSD Capital, secured in 2019, was used to fund the project, which was created by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Once the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, building plans were modified to include the most recent health standards for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as contactless entrance and exit technologies. Construction started that year.
The property, which will be near the intersection of Brickell Plaza and SE 9th Street, will feature sweeping views of both the city and Biscayne Bay. Iosa Ghini Associati, an Italian architecture and design firm, is creating the interiors of the tower.
Building Amenities:
Rooftop bar/lounge
Fine dinning restaurant
Health and wellness center
Conferencing facilities
Outdoor terrace
Cafes
Street level retail
The Metrorail and Metromover, the Brightline, walking and cycling trails, and bay access points are just a few of the close transportation alternatives. Design District, Wynwood, Edgewater, and Miami Beach are just a few of the best residential and lifestyle neighborhoods in Miami that are close by.
Location Ventures Proposes a 16 Story Condo Tower in Coral Gables
Coral Gables’ continued growth is being hinted at by Rishi Kapoor’s, Location Ventures’ proposal for a 16-story condominium. According to documents submitted to Coral Gables, Location Ventures plans to construct an 87 condo tower on a 1.6-acre plot at 1505 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, as well as at 122 and 126 Menores Avenue.
According to the minutes of the June meeting of the Coral Gables Planning & Zoning Board, the developer has a contract with the seller, who is a partner of Tibor Hollo’s Florida East Coast Realty, to purchase the land.
At its meeting on Tuesday, the municipal commission is anticipated to vote on the request. In the event that the proposal is authorized, commissioners will vote on it a second time at the next meeting.
According to documents, Coral Gables-based Location Ventures intends for seven of the units to be live-work condos on the lower levels of the structure and the other 80 would be located on the upper levels. A 319-car garage, 10,500 square feet of retail space, 20,144 square feet of open space, and a public dog park would also be included in the project.
According to property records, the site is mostly empty save from a two-story, eight-unit apartment structure. According to the minutes of the planning & zoning board meeting, the historic structure, built in 1925, will be maintained and integrated into the project, maybe as retail space.
The finished 13-story, 39-unit Villa Valencia condominium at 515 Valencia Avenue is one of the company’s developments in Coral Gables. In 2018, Location Ventures had invested $16 million in the property.
The business spent $20 million buying a pair of commercial structures in Miami Beach at 1260 and 1234 Washington Avenue last year. Under Location Ventures’ Urban co-living brand, the 1260 Washington Avenue property will be refurbished, while the 1234 Washington Avenue building will be rehabilitated.
Casa Bella by B&B Italia One Step Closer to Breaking Ground
Casa Bella Residences by B&B Italia is a new construction luxury condo tower located in the Art & Entertainment District of Downtown Miami, Florida.
One of the newest pre-construction projects that will soon be a part of the Miami skyline is Casa Bella Residences Miami. Progress on the project is moving forward, including permits being submitted and new renderings being released.
On June 23, the developers submitted the demolition permit for the development. The current 3-story structure features 249,978 square feet which would be completely demolished. This building was mostly used for office purposes. The estimated cost for this demolition would be approximately $800,000.
The demolition work is being done by The BG Group.
In coordination with the filing for demolition permits, developers have also started converting reservations into contracts with more than 60% of the units already reserved.
Casa Bella will feature 3 towers and 2 will rise 57 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.
Tower 1 at Casa Bella 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.
Unit Features
306 luxury condos including an exquisite penthouse collection of 24 penthouses
Residences offer 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom layouts with 10’ ceilings
Penthouses offer 2, 3 + Den, and 5-bedroom layouts with 11-12-foot ceilings
Units range in size from 711 to 5,890 square feet
All residences feature 2 private elevators and a foyer, which is unique in Miami
Biometric access-controlled elevators
Floor-to-ceiling impact-resistant windows
Modern European-style kitchens and bathrooms designed by Piero Lissoni featuring Italian cabinetry by ItalKraft
Premium black glass appliance packages with integrated 36” Sub-Zero refrigerators/freezers, integrated paneled dishwasher, built-in Wolf convection oven, and speed oven, and oversized stainless-steel radius sink with faucet drawer
Master bathrooms, designed by Piero Lissoni, boast frameless glass-enclosed showers, oversized tubs, imported porcelain flooring/wet walls, backlit vanity mirrors, and separate water closets
Two penthouses feature private rooftop terraces complete with private summer kitchens and spa tubs
Select units offer powder rooms
Spacious private terraces with spectacular water and city views
Casa Bella offers an extraordinary opportunity to have your residence curated by B&B Italia, Italy’s leading furniture brand
Tower Amenities
2 full floors of private amenities
State-of-the-art wellness and fitness center offering on-demand services
Yoga room
Spinning room
Salon with manicure/pedicure stations
Adult entertainment lounge
Game room
Kid’s playroom with smartboard and educational games
Residents’ party room
Wine room
Movie theater
Museum-quality curated art collection
High-tech business center with conference room
Co-workspace
Pet spa
Expansive pool deck situated on the 11th floor overlooking Biscayne Bay
78’ lap pool
Outdoor spa
Poolside bar and café
Poolside cabanas and lounge areas
Towel service
Sun-care kiosk
Open-air lawn perfect for yoga
Lush gardens were designed by acclaimed landscape architect Enzo Enea
Pickleball court
BBQ with outdoor dining area
Ground-level restaurant open to the public
56th-floor Sky Terrace boasts a rooftop pool and observatory (650 feet) with a high-tech telescope
24-hour valet parking
24-hour security
24-hour maintenance staff
Multilingual team on site
On-demand concierge services are available including housekeeping, grocery shopping, “while you’re away” butler services, dry cleaning, childcare, pet care, courier services, translation service, and more
Residents enjoy a 1-year complimentary membership at the Grand Bay Beach Club in Key Biscayne
Construction for the development is estimated for winter 2023 with an anticipated completion date of 2025. 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.
Okan Group Officially Breaks Ground on 70 Story Okan Tower
On Friday, June 17, the community along with Miami notables gathered to witness the groundbreaking for Okan Tower, a new Downtown Miami megaplex with residences centered by a Hilton Hotel. The tulip-inspired design of Okan Tower, the largest Turkish investment in the United States, is a nod to the nation’s national flower.
This project will be Okan Group’s first development in the United States. Located at 555 North Miami Avenue, the 70-story Okan Tower, which will stand 902 feet tall, would rank among Miami’s highest structures. The tower has 64,000 square feet of “Class A” office space, 236 Short-Term Rental Residences powered by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, 163 Sky Residences with special owners-only facilities, and a 316-key Hilton Miami Bayfront Hotel with a full suite of amenities and entertainment spaces, etc.
The Okan Tower was created by the eminent architecture company Behar Font & Partners, whose stunning façade curves were influenced by the tulip, the Turkish flag flower.
The Okan Group manages a large portfolio of renowned mixed-use projects that have given the company a worldwide reputation in the construction, banking, textile, production, and tourism industries, among others.
Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez, former Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildrim, Turkish Ambassador to the United States Murat Mercan, Turkish Consulate of Miami Feyza Barutcu Altug, former Turkish Consul of Miami Burc Ceylan, Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales, Commissioner Ken Russell, and Fortune International CEO Edgardo Defortuna were among the dignitaries present for the groundbreaking
Amenities:
24-hour reception and concierge
70th-floor rooftop pool and sky deck with private cabanas
12th-floor lap pool with clubroom and lounges
State-of-the-art health and fitness center with yoga studio, Peloton bikes, and fitness MIRROR.
Sauna, steam, and treatment rooms
Children’s sensory and playroom
Theater
Wine cellar
Owner’s lounge
The completion date for Okan Tower is set to be complete in 2026. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Okan Tower, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
Edgewater Tower Proposed by Aimco is Denied Approval
After a city of Miami board refused to recommend approval of Aimco’s plans for a luxury rental tower in Edgewater, the developer is determined to revaluate the development plans and come up with a solution to get these plans moving forward.
After identifying a number of “serious concerns” with the design, members of the Miami Urban Development Review Board voted on Wednesday to reject plans for the proposed mixed-use development across from Aimco’s Hamilton on the Bay tower. Despite the board’s rejection, Aimco can still seek approval for the project.
The board was initially split on whether or not to recommend acceptance of the proposals with conditions, with three members voting in favor and three voting against. As a result, the developer can either withdraw its application and start the process all over again, or the board can vote to decline the recommendation, allowing the developer to submit amended plans to the planning director for final approval.
Aimco’s attorney, Tony Recio, a partner at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, said the developer is examining the board’s ideas and looks forward to “addressing their criticisms with the planning director” as the project moves further. Recio submitted the concept to the board of directors on Wednesday.
Though they praised the project’s overall design, board members expressed concerns about circulation on the ground level, including how residents and restaurant customers would access parking, apartments, and the restaurant, as well as loading and trash collection, landscaping, and an oversized mail room.
At 555, 560, 600, 610, 620, 630, and 640 Northeast 34th Street, Aimco, a publicly traded multifamily real estate investment company located in Denver, has proposed a 60-story, 241-unit tower. On more than an acre of land, the construction would include a new parking structure and 4,700 square feet of commercial space for a restaurant on the bottom level facing the water.
Aimco has made a significant investment in Edgewater. It paid over $90 million for the Hamilton on the Bay rental complex, which is currently undergoing substantial renovations, nearly two years ago. A nearby vacant lot and a modest rental building were included in the purchase.
Following the cancellation of its tenants’ leases at the Hamilton last year, Aimco purchased premises across the street, where the new project would be built.
