First Glass Installed at Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami
A major milestone has recently been reached at Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami — the first glass panels have officially been installed, marking a visually striking chapter in the rise of Miami’s most iconic residential skyscraper.
Currently under construction at 300 Biscayne Boulevard, this architectural marvel is being developed by PMG (Property Markets Group) in collaboration with Greybrook Realty Partners, and designed by world-renowned architect Carlos Ott in partnership with Seiger Suarez Architects. The project broke ground in late 2022.
What makes the Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami unlike anything else is its bold and imaginative design. The tower is comprised of nine stacked and staggered cubes. As of now, construction has reached the third cube, which is where the dramatic staggering begins — making it one of the most visually captivating structures taking shape on the Miami skyline.
Set to be completed in Q1 2028, the Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami will redefine the city’s skyline and history. Upon completion, it will become Miami’s first supertall skyscraper and the tallest residential tower south of New York, rising to an astonishing 1,049 feet.
Demand for this once-in-a-generation property has been unprecedented — 93% of the building is already sold. Remaining availability includes:
One-Bedroom Residences from $3.1 Million
Two-Bedroom Residences from $3.3 Million
Three-Bedroom Residences from $4.5 Million
Four-Bedroom Residences from $7.5 Million
If you’re interested in owning a piece of this architectural icon, contact Lucas Lechuga at [email protected] for available inventory and private presentations.
Introducing The James Hotel & Residences Downtown Miami
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has officially announced plans to bring an extraordinary new landmark to Downtown Miami—The James Hotel & Residences. This ambitious project, executed in partnership with Mint Developers and AD1 Hospitality, will reshape Miami’s skyline with an awe-inspiring 82-story supertall tower, boasting an estimated development cost of $850 million.
According to a press release from AD1 Hospitality, The James Hotel & Residences will claim the title of the tallest building in Miami, offering unparalleled views of the vibrant cityscape and the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay. This architectural marvel will not only redefine Miami’s skyline but also set new standards in luxury living and hospitality.
The James Hotel & Residences will feature approximately 336 fully furnished and exquisitely decorated residences, reflecting the sophistication and energy synonymous with Miami. Sales for these premier units are slated to begin in Q2 2025, offering future residents a chance to secure their place in one of the city’s most prestigious addresses.
Designed to cater to the most discerning tastes, the development will include a four-story private club, an oasis of exclusivity and luxury. Among the standout amenities are innovative snow and rain rooms, providing unique, immersive wellness experiences rarely found in residential developments.
For culinary enthusiasts and socialites, The James will also be home to the highest elevation luxury bar and restaurant in the Americas, offering breathtaking panoramic views and an unparalleled dining atmosphere.
Groundbreaking for The James Hotel & Residences is scheduled for Q1 2026, with an anticipated grand opening in January 2028.
Daniel Berman of Mint Developers expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with Sonesta on The James Hotel & Residences Downtown Miami, a development that embodies the vibrancy and sophistication of Miami.”
Shaping the Future of Watson Island-Miami Voters to Decide on Watson Harbour Project
Miami residents will now be able to cast their votes on the approval of the Watson Harbour project, a new mixed-use development proposed for the south side of Watson Island. This ambitious project, set to enhance one of South Florida’s prime waterfront areas, includes plans for hotels, retail outlets, offices, residences, dining options, and expansive public spaces, all strategically located on Biscayne Bay between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.
The developers, BH3 Management and Merrimac Ventures, acquired the 10.8-acre site at 888 Macarthur Causeway in 2023. They have developed a privately funded proposal to revitalize the area, featuring:
Two luxury hotels
Retail spaces for shopping and dining
Office buildings and residential units
A 2.2-acre public promenade along Biscayne Bay
Green spaces and a maritime museum
Infrastructure and resiliency upgrades
The project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including several million dollars in additional tax revenue for Miami. It also promises a wide range of community benefits, such as:
Employment opportunities for residents from underserved communities
Retail spaces allocated for nonprofit organizations
Infrastructure improvements on City-owned properties
A $9 million contribution towards affordable housing and public infrastructure
Watson Harbour will include several sustainability measures to protect and enhance the local environment, such as:
A seawall built above base flood elevation standards
Planting of native flora and expansion of the tree canopy
Energy-efficient LED and solar-powered lighting
An on-site stormwater management system designed to prevent pollution of Biscayne Bay
Greg Freedman and Daniel Lebensohn, Co-CEOs of BH3 Management, shared their excitement: “Watson Island is poised to become a vibrant destination for all, boosting Miami’s economy and offering a new gathering spot for the community. We’re honored to bring this vision to life and integrate Watson Harbour into the city’s fabric.”
Nitin Motwani and Dev Motwani, co-Managing Partners at Merrimac Ventures, emphasized the project’s focus on public spaces: “As Downtown Miami grows, the need for additional public spaces is clear. Our waterfront promenade will provide a beautiful new area for the community to enjoy. This project offers a chance to create a valuable asset for Miami, enhancing its resilience and appeal.”
The proposal will be presented to voters during the 2024 General Election on November 5, with Early Voting starting in October. The ballot question will ask voters to approve amendments to the City Charter, including the sale of 3.2 acres of leased property at fair market value, reduction of overall development, and authorization of the project with no cost to the city.
FAA Approves Permits For 57-Story ‘M-Tower’ At 56 SW 1st Street In Downtown Miami
Plans for M-Tower permits has been officially been approved but The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Downtown Miami. The permits allow for the structure to rise 605 feet above ground or 615 feet above mean sea level. This approval, granted on July 2, 2024, is valid until January 1, 2026.
M-Tower is being developed by Lions Group NYC and Fortis Design + Build under the Downtown 1st St LLC banner. The 57-story building will be located at 56 Southwest 1st Street, near Miami’s Government Center. The project, designed by Nichols Architects with landscape architecture by Naturalficial and civil engineering by Kimley-Horn, will include 675 residential units, a public parking garage with 694 spaces, and 10,531 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.
The residential units will be a mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, totaling 507,070 square feet. The ninth floor will feature amenities such as a landscaped outdoor deck with two pools. The project aims to enhance the streetscape with aluminum-framed window wall systems and integrated art murals selected by the Miami Parking Authority for the eight-story parking garage.
Total demolition permits have already been approved and issued for both sites at 56 and 70 Southwest 1st Street. The BG Group LLC is listed as the contractor for the demolition, estimated at a combined $505,000 worth of work. The site previously housed a 56-year-old municipal parking garage, which will be demolished to make way for the new development.
This development is part of a broader revitalization effort in downtown Miami, which includes multiple new residential, commercial, and office projects. The completion of M-Tower will further contribute to the area’s transformation, offering modern living spaces and commercial opportunities in the city’s heart.
Miami’s Transformation: One Bayfront Plaza’s New Supertall Tower
Miami’s Building Department has issued a total demolition permit for the One Bayfront Plaza site at 100 South Biscayne Boulevard, marking a significant first step towards developing a new supertall tower in downtown Miami. Approved on March 27 and issued on June 25, this permit sets the stage for a major transformation in the heart of the city.
Currently, the site hosts a 19-story office building that occupies an entire city block, a significant presence in Miami’s downtown area. The demolition process, expected to take nine months to a year, will clear the way for a transformative project that will redefine the city’s skyline. Interior demolition has already begun, with B2 Group LLC handling the work under a permit valued at $2.4 million.
The property owner, Florida East Coast Realty (FECR), has ambitious plans for the site. They envision a landmark tower reaching 1,049 feet in height, featuring over three million square feet of mixed-use space. This includes class AAA office space, a luxury convention hotel, high-end residences, an upscale retail mall, and a parking garage, all offering 360-degree panoramic views over Biscayne Bay. Once completed, this tower will become Miami’s tallest building and the city’s second supertall, following the soon-to-rise Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences.
The new tower’s design is still under wraps, with previous concepts from renowned architects like Kohn Pedersen Fox and ODP Architecture & Design. While specific details are scarce, FECR has shared a low-resolution rendering of the proposed building, though the architect’s identity remains undisclosed.
Older renderings of supertall towers on the site:
One Bayfront Plaza, designed by ODP Architecture & Design.
One Bayfront Plaza, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and ODP Architecture & Design.
In recent years, the One Bayfront Plaza site has gained notoriety for its extensive graffiti. The abandoned building has served as a canvas for graffiti artists, particularly during major events like Art Basel. In December 2023, graffiti artists from around the world “bombed” the building, covering it with colorful tags and murals. This creative takeover highlighted the building’s vacancy and prominence as a visible site in downtown Miami, attracting both admiration and condemnation from the public.
The new tower is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area, attracting businesses, tourists, and new residents. Its diverse range of uses aims to create a vibrant and dynamic environment, enhancing the appeal of downtown Miami as a premier destination for work, living, and leisure.
As the demolition process begins and the groundwork is laid for this new supertall tower, Miami is poised for a transformative development that will reshape its skyline and redefine its downtown area.
More Development Secures $76.81 Million Loan for SoWy: A Vibrant, Sustainable Mixed-Use Project in Miami
An international real estate company based in Miami and Nassau, Bahamas, More Development, has secured a significant $76.81 million loan for their latest venture, SoWy. This upcoming mixed-use development is set to transform the Wynwood and Overtown areas, situated north of Downtown Miami. The loan was announced by More Development President Whitney Thier and was provided by JP Morgan Chase.
The SoWy project spans nearly eight acres and includes 26 parcels across six blocks along 2nd Avenue, between NW 20th and 22nd Street. The site offers nearly 2.5 million base buildable square feet, even before considering the provisions of the Live Local Act. Initial plans for SoWy feature flexible and adaptable multi-use indoor and outdoor spaces, all housed within site-specific architectural buildings.
A key aspect of the SoWy development is its integration of residential spaces within a dynamic, creative environment, all while focusing on sustainability. More Development, which maintains an office within the SoWy site, is dedicated to respecting the unique cultural and artistic vibe of Wynwood and Overtown, ensuring seamless integration with the neighborhoods’ atmosphere.
Whitney Thier emphasized this commitment, stating, “More Development values artistry, craftsmanship, and history, and we were drawn to the soul and rich history of the area. With financing in place, we are ready to realize the initial phase of our plans to invigorate the neighborhood with a new vibrant environment where people can live, work, shop, dine, and play in a pedestrian-friendly and art-forward setting. We are eager to be a part of the community and are fully committed to preserving and enhancing the area’s distinctive character and contributing positively to its ongoing evolution. SoWy will build upon Wynwood and Overtown’s unique culture that attracts a diverse mix of residents of all ages and backgrounds.”
Wynwood is renowned for its vibrant street art, trendy galleries, and eclectic mix of shops and eateries. The neighborhood has experienced significant growth in recent years, with visitor numbers rising from 240,000 in 2013 to 15 million annually in 2023, according to the Wynwood Business Improvement District.
Overtown, on the other hand, is recognized for its historical significance and vibrant African-American heritage. Once known as the “Harlem of the South,” Overtown has been a cultural hub for music, arts, and community gatherings. The neighborhood is home to historic landmarks such as the Lyric Theater and hosts numerous cultural events celebrating its legacy.
More Development has a remarkable track record, having developed over seven million square feet of mixed-use property worldwide. The company is well-known for projects such as Baha Mar, a large resort in The Bahamas that includes three luxury hotels, 30 restaurants, bars, lounges, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, 10 swimming pools, a world-class spa, and the largest casino in the Caribbean. More recently, they completed Arev St. Tropez, a bespoke luxury hotel in the French Riviera, and are currently developing Mahogany Hill, a collection of luxury condominium residences in Nassau, The Bahamas.
With the SoWy project, More Development is set to enhance the vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods of Wynwood and Overtown. The project promises to create a new, dynamic environment that respects the unique character of these areas while offering modern, sustainable living spaces. As the development moves forward, it will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing evolution and growth of Miami.
Construction Update for Miami Riverbridge in Downtown Miami
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Miami’s Gencom, under the HRM Owner, LLC, have unveiled an ambitious plan that promises to redefine downtown Miami’s skyline. The proposal for the Miami Riverbridge development has been submitted to the City of Miami’s Urban Development Review Board, marking a significant step towards transforming a prime urban location.
The Miami Riverbridge project, designed by the renowned architectural firm Arquitectonica, is set to occupy the current site of the James L. Knight Center, the Miami Convention Center, the Miami Conference Center, and the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Located at 298, 300, 330, and 400 Southeast 2nd Avenue, this extensive development aims to create a cohesive mixed-use complex that spans approximately 4 acres along the north bank of the Miami River.
The proposed development features three interconnected towers with a shared podium, offering a blend of residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces:
1,342 Residential Units
264 Apartment-Hotel Units
615 Hotel Rooms
Convention and Meeting Spaces
100,000 Square Feet of Commercial Space
1,101 Parking Spaces and Amenities
The towers’ heights are noteworthy, with an 87-story supertall structure reaching 1,044 feet, a 62-story tower rising to 734 feet, and a 52-story tower standing at 636 feet.
A central element of the Miami Riverbridge project is the creation of a new public riverfront space. This includes a 50-foot setback along the Miami River to enhance the existing Riverwalk and improve connections with the Miami River Greenway. This design is aligned with the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan’s Port of Miami River Sub-Element, which aims to promote mixed-use development, activate the waterfront, and contribute to the city’s economic growth.
Given the project’s scale and complexity, Miami Riverbridge will be developed in phases. Importantly, no special approvals or waivers are being requested, as the project complies with Miami 21 zoning requirements. The developers are confident that Miami Riverbridge will significantly enhance downtown Miami, transforming an underutilized property into a vibrant mixed-use complex and regional hub.
The UDRB review for this proposal is scheduled for today. If approved, Miami Riverbridge will set a new standard for urban development in Miami, combining luxury living, commercial opportunities, and public amenities in a landmark waterfront location.
Welcome to Gale Miami Hotel & Residences: A New Chapter in Downtown Miami’s Hospitality
Downtown Miami is set to elevate its hospitality scene with the grand opening of the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences on June 1st. This eagerly awaited development promises to enrich Miami’s dynamic urban landscape by offering a blend of luxury accommodations and top-tier amenities.
The Gale Hospitality Group, celebrated for its iconic Gale South Beach, brings this new property to life with a commitment to celebrating Miami’s rich history and bright future. The Gale Miami Hotel & Residences honors the city’s past, with nods to landmarks like The Freedom Tower. Throughout the property, guests will find photography from the Miami History Museum, paying homage to the original Gale location and inviting exploration of Miami’s captivating history.
The hotel boasts a range of accommodation options, from studios to one- and two-bedroom units, catering to both short-term visitors and long-term residents. Many units are outfitted with full kitchens and washer-dryers, ensuring all the comforts of home are at your fingertips.
Keith Menin of Gale Hospitality Group shared his excitement for the new property, stating, “With Gale Miami Hotel & Residences, we aim to redefine the benchmark for hospitality within Miami’s urban landscape. We are excited to offer an unmatched guest experience that combines the energetic ambiance of Downtown Miami with carefully curated amenities and services.”
Spanning three floors and covering 70,000 square feet, Gale Miami offers breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Guests can indulge in the Gale Wellness program, which includes a co-ed hammam, steam room, sauna, fitness facility, yoga lounge, and spa services. High-speed internet access, a 24-hour attended lobby, valet parking, and several dining options further enhance the guest experience. Notably, Gale Miami is one of the few downtown hotels to offer exclusive beach club access to its guests.
Dining at Gale Miami is a notable experience, featuring 9,000 square feet of restaurant space on the ground floor, including an outdoor garden, an Italian concept, and a street-front restaurant. The 9th floor offers an American steakhouse and lounge, alongside a Mediterranean-style restaurant with a retractable roof and outdoor terrace.
For event planners, the Gale Miami Conference Center on the 8th floor provides over 20,000 square feet of space, including conference rooms, breakout rooms, and a grand ballroom. Additionally, three floors of exhibition space make it one of Downtown Miami’s largest conference venues.
Situated just steps from the Kaseya Center, Port of Miami, and the Brightline station, Gale Miami Hotel & Residences is set to become a cornerstone of the city’s hospitality and residential sectors.
Introducing Wynwood Station: Miami’s Newest Luxury Mixed-Use Development
Miami’s skyline is ever-evolving, and the latest addition to its vertical landscape is the much-anticipated Wynwood Station. Situated just 2.4 miles from downtown Miami, this eight-story mixed-use development is poised to redefine modern urban living in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Wynwood Station promises an unparalleled living experience with its 210 luxury units, ranging from cozy studios to spacious two-bedroom residences. Each unit is meticulously designed, boasting premium finishes such as quartz countertops, frameless glass showers, and state-of-the-art stainless-steel appliances.
But luxury extends beyond the confines of individual units. Residents will have access to an array of amenities designed to enhance their lifestyle. From a convenient pet spa to a cutting-edge golf simulator, Wynwood Station leaves no stone unturned in providing residents with the ultimate in comfort and leisure. Additionally, a residents-only lounge, indoor and outdoor fitness centers, and more ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The journey to bring Wynwood Station to life began in 2021 when FRC Realty, a subsidiary of the esteemed Fifield Companies based in Chicago, proposed the concept for this mid-rise tower.
After securing a $66.9 million construction loan in 2023 and acquiring the 1.41-acre build site for $19.5 million in 2022, the developers wasted no time in bringing their vision to fruition. Prior to groundbreaking, KAST Construction demolished existing structures on the site, paving the way for vertical construction to commence.
Wynwood Station isn’t just about residential living—it’s also set to become a hub of commercial activity. With over 11,000 square feet of commercial space incorporated into the development, residents will have easy access to a variety of retail and dining options right at their doorstep. Additionally, six levels of enclosed parking ensure convenient parking for both residents and visitors.
As construction progresses, anticipation is building for the completion of Wynwood Station in 2025. Located at 45 NE 27th St. in Miami-Dade County, this development is poised to become a landmark in the city’s ever-evolving skyline.
