540 Unit Tower Planned for Miami’s Art & Entertainment District

1775 Biscayne Boulevard Miami
1775 Biscayne Boulevard Miami

With plans for a 540-unit apartment skyscraper in Miami’s burgeoning Arts & Entertainment District, LCOR is making its South Florida development debut.

According to public documents, Pennsylvania-based, LCOR purchased 1.1 acres of land at 1775 Biscayne Boulevard from a corporation owned by Aventura orthopedic surgeon Barry Silverman and his wife, Judy Silverman. The location lies on the outskirts of Miami’s Edgewater district.

Webster Bank provided LCOR with a $33.4 million loan while Walker & Dunlop’s Keith Kurland and Michael Stepniewski represented them in the financing transaction.

According to the developer’s news release, LCOR has proposed a 40-story skyscraper with studios to two-bedroom apartments all equipped with stainless steel appliances, washers and dryers, and quartz countertops.

Amenities:

  • 600 space garage
  • WiFi throughout the building
  • Gym
  • Rooftop pool deck
  • Outdoor patio
  • Grilling space
  • Tenant lounges
  • Co-working spaces
  • Conference spaces
  • Package retrieval services
  • 14,000 square feet of ground-floor shops

The Silvermans initially planned a 53-story mixed-use skyscraper on the site with 444 residential apartments, 200 hotel keys, 45,600 square feet of commercial space, 64,500 square feet of office space, and a 546-parking garage through their V Downtown subsidiary. A Miami board approved the necessary exemptions for the construction in 2017, but the project was never completed.

LCOR’s first ground-up project in South Florida, according to the statement, but the business has been investing in the region and other Southeast regions for more than a decade.

According to its website, LCOR is a real estate developer, manager, and investor with a $9.5 billion portfolio of finished, under construction, and pre-development projects. The California State Teachers Retirement System, Ares Management, and PGIM are among its partners. LCOR’s CEO is Anthony Barsanti, and its senior vice president is Anthony Tortora.

Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2024 with completion in 2026.

District 225- Formerly Named The District-Have Officially Launched Sales

District 225 Condos
District 225 condos in Downtown Miami

District 225 is an innovative pre-construction development that will soon grace the Miami skyline. What makes this project unique is its home-sharing capabilities as well as its resort-style amenities.

District 225 Condos

Located at 225 and 233 N. Miami Avenue in downtown Miami, this 37-story tower will feature 343 fully furnished units that cater to short-term renters. The site is near Miami-Dade College and the Federal courthouse. Just two blocks east is the Government Center transit station. There is currently a 15,000 square foot retail building located on the property but once demolished the construction will begin.

The Related Group, Rovr, and BH group are working together on District 225. Siegler Suarez Architects partnered with Meshberg Group will be responsible for the design.

District 225 Rooftop Pool

Along with 343 units, District 225 will not have a parking garage. To alleviate some consumer hesitancy, residents will have close access to public transportation as well as nearby city garages where residents can rent spaces.

District 225 will total 288,400 square feet with studios to 2 bedroom floor plans. Studio pricing will begin around $350,000 up to $700,000 for the 2 bedroom floor-plans. There will also be 2,297 square feet of commercial space located on the main floor.

District 225 Amenities

  • Rooftop pool
  • Fitness center
  • Indoor/outdoor basketball court
  • Racquetball court
  • Rock-climbing wall
  • Yoga/spinning studio
  • Coworking spaces
  • Lounge with billiard tables
  • Summer kitchen

Residence Amenities

  • Views of Biscayne Bay and Miami skyline
  • Fully finished and furnished studios, one-, and two-bedroom residences
  • 9.8-foot-high ceilings
  • Smart-home technology experience for seamless personalization with the touch of a button
  • Interiors designed by award-winning interior design firm Meshberg Design
  • Fully built-out closets in all residences curated by Meshberg Design
  • Includes integrated audio, video, window treatment, and lighting systems
  • Equipped with a contemporary lighting package, including recessed lighting, dimmers, and lighting control
  • Built-in, top-of-the-line washer and dryer
  • Flooring selections included with specifications recommended by Meshberg Design
  • Pre-wired for high-speed communications and data connection
  • Kitchens featuring custom Italian cabinetry curated by Meshberg Design
  • Smeg appliance package including an integrated, paneled microwave; dishwasher; built-in convection oven; and refrigerator/freezer
  • Master baths featuring rainfall showerhead and custom Italian vanities
  • Dornbracht and Duravit bathroom fixtures, features, and accessories

If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at District 225, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

District 225 Basketball Court
District 225 Shared Office Space

Developer Todd Micheal Glaser buys Indian Creek Waterfront Mansion for $24 Million

Indian Creek Island
Indian Creek Mansion Miami
Photo Credit: Douglas Elliman

Developer, Todd Michael Glaser is a Miami native and a well-known developer who has made a name for himself with projects like 1000 Museum. Most recently, Glaser and his partners purchased an Indian Creek mansion for $23.8 million. The property was originally listed in October 2020 for $20 million and taken off the market in March 2021.

The Indian Creek waterfront mansion is located at 37 Indian Creek Road featuring 7,236 square feet of living space set on 1.2 acres. This 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom estate boasts an expansive brick driveway leading to a Mediterranean-style home. The large pool overlooks Biscayne Bay with a 20-foot boat dock.

37 Indian Creek Road on Indian Creek Island
Photo Credit: Douglas Elliman

The seller of the home was Don Francisco, host of ‘Sábado Gigante’ a Spanish language variety show that showcased musicians and comedians. He hosted the show for 53 years ending in 2015 and returned to TV with a new show “Don Francisco Te Invita.” Francisco originally purchased the property in 1993 for $2.6 million and has made several updates throughout the years.

Pool View of Indian Creek Mansion
Photo Credit: Douglas Elliman

Glaser and his partners plan on demolishing the home to build a mansion double the size and double the value. With the help of architect Kobi Karp, this new estate will be one of a kind. It will feature 2 pools and with plans on being listed around $50 million. The anticipated completion for construction is set for December 2021.

Indian Creek Island is a gated island north of Miami Beach. It has its own police force that patrols 24 hours a day. Billionaires are known to call this place home because of the security and exclusiveness it offers.

Notables like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner as well as Hotels.com co-founder Bob Diener own properties on the island. Last year alone, Tom Brady and his wife, Gisele Bundchen purchased a lot for $17 million, where they plan on building a new estate.

There is only one property currently on the market on Indian Creek Island. The property located at 29 Indian Creek Drive is listed for rent at $100,000 monthly and features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms with gorgeous southern exposure of Biscayne Bay. For more information on this property or about Indian Creek Island, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Renderings Released for Baccarat Residences Miami

view from Baccarat Residences Tower 2 in Brickell Miami
Baccarat Residences Miami 75-story tower

Baccarat Residences Miami is the newest pre-construction tower located in Brickell that will soon grace the Miami skyline with its gorgeous glass exterior. The location is ideal placing Baccarat Residences in the heart of downtown at 444 Brickell Avenue.

Rising 75 stories, the collection includes 324 residences that will begin on the 15th level. The top 3 floors will feature 8 penthouses with immaculate ocean and skyline views. In addition, there will also be 28 riverfront flats and duplexes of your choosing.

Units will range from 1,330 square feet to over 7,000 square feet, with each unit featuring integrated purified air and water filters, impact-resistant floor-to-ceiling glass doors, 8-foot deep private terraces, and 10-foot high ceilings. Kitchens will be top-of-the-line with high-end appliances, granite counters, and custom cabinetry.

Interior Designed by Meyer Davis Studio, the building design incorporated a mixture of 18th-century French and 1930s Art Deco. The developer includes the Related Group with the landscape architecture designed by Enzo Enea.

view from Baccarat Residences Tower 2 in Brickell Miami

The elevated waterfront amenities deck will include an infinity pool with killer views of Miami and Biscayne Bay. Enjoy fine dining at the 10,000-square-foot restaurant that will be announced once construction continues. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa, wine cellar, and tasting room.

living-dining room from Baccarat Residences Miami
kitchen at Baccarat Residences Miami

Quick Facts:

DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW

  • Privileged Brickell waterfront position, where the Miami River meets Biscayne Bay
  • Dazzling contemporary 75-story glass tower
  • Collection of 324 tower residences, 8 penthouses, and 28 riverfront flats and duplexes
  • Panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami River, and the Miami city lights and skyline from every residence
  • Artful service and amenities impeccably curated by Baccarat Hotels & Residences and expertly managed by SH Hotels & Resorts
  • Lushly landscaped waterfront promenade and private marina
  • Planned 10,000 square feet signature waterfront restaurant
  • Curated museum-quality art collection

BUILDING AMENITIES

  • Lushly landscaped secluded private entrance leading to the riverfront arrival court and elegant porte-cochere entrance
  • Exquisitely appointed entrance lobby with grand high ceilings leading directly to three banks of double private elevators to each residence
  • Permanent installation of curated museum-quality art collection throughout the building’s public spaces
  • Elevated 12th-level amenities resort deck loaded with a dramatic zero-entry heated saline swimming pool, outdoor spa, pool-side cabanas, summer kitchen area, and beautifully landscaped sun terrace
  • Glamorously designed Grand Salon, set as the ideal location for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations
  • Luxurious Clubroom with bar and billiards, catering kitchen, and multimedia facilities
  • State-of-the-art fully equipped fitness center curated by Altitude
  • Fitness with cardio theater, spinning room, yoga and meditation rooms, all overlooking the pool deck resort area
  • Hammam spa with men’s and women’s steam and sauna facilities, luxurious treatment rooms, and spa shop
  • Private screening room with cutting-edge audiovisual equipment and theater-style seating
  • Game room with multimedia facilities and children’s playroom
  • Business Center with conference facilities and private workspaces
  • Gourmet market
  • Wine Cellar and Tasting Room
  • State-of-the-art Chef’s Kitchen and Private Dining room
  • Pet-friendly community with Pet Spa, Grooming, and Walk Service
  • Hair Salon & Barber Station
  • High-speed internet access in all public areas
  • Electric vehicle charging stations
  • Air-conditioned storage rooms
  • Bicycle storage spaces

BACCARAT GLOBAL MEMBER PRIVILEGES

  • Baccarat Owners Circle Services including private shopping, discounts on Baccarat crystal, discounted engraving and gilding, and priority status for custom production
  • Exclusive tour package to Baccarat France, available only to owners of Baccarat Residences
  • Invitations to Baccarat events worldwide
  • Preferred service and privileges at Maison’s Baccarat (Paris and Moscow), BBar (Tokyo) and Crystal Rooms worldwide
  • Hotel privileges in Baccarat Hotels and SH Hotels & Resorts worldwide

This project will break ground in 2022 with a completion date of 2024. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing one of the units at Baccarat Residences Miami, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

master bedroom Baccarat Residences Brickell Miami
balcony from Baccarat Residences Miami Brickell

Sexy Fish Coming Soon to Brickell

Sexy Fish Brickell Flatiron
Sexy Fish Brickell Flatiron

London hotspot Sexy Fish, will open its first United States restaurant in Brickell in September 2021. Located inside Brickell Flatiron at 1001 S. Miami Avenue, it will be the hottest restaurant this fall!

The Japanese-style restaurant was created by British hospitality entrepreneur Richard Caring, who is responsible for Annabel’s, Ivy Collection, Soho House Group. Chef Bjoern Weissgerber will be running the kitchen at Sexy Fish. He made his first debut at Zuma Miami in 2010 and received his first Michelin star when he was 27 years old.

Sexy Fish Brickell

The menu will feature a wide variety of makis, sahishi, sashimis, and tartares. The bar menu will feature drinks inspired by its London counterpart.

It is unclear what the aesthetic for the Miami location will be but its London location features a golden ceiling, bronze mermaid statue, and exotic fish with coral in large tanks.

Signature Dishes:

  • tuna belly, kombu cured & smoked
  • Yellowtail sashimi & mandarin ponzu
  • crispy duck & watermelon salad, pomegranate & cashew
  • eringi mushroom tempura, summer truffle & aka miso
  • isle of mull scallop, jalapeño sauce & pickled apple
  • wagyu gyoza, foie gras & black truffle
  • caramelized black cod, spicy miso
  • king crab & bone marrow, summer truffle & toast
  • beef tenderloin, 200gr, ginger & black pepper

Late Night Menu:

  • oyster gillardeau & smoked chili sauce
  • salt and pepper squid
  • wagyu tataki, Japanese mustard & summer truffle
  • prawn gyoza, soy & ginger dressing
  • seasonal vegetable tempura (9 kinds)
  • lobster, smoked Marie rose dip
  • green asparagus smoked creamy ponzu
  • Kimichi fried rice
  • lobster Sancho pepper & shiso butter
  • Japanese wagyu A5 sirloin 150g*
  • Japanese wagyu A5 fillet 150g* Sex
Sexy Fish Brickell Flatrion

Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Buys Miami Mansion for $14 Million

Dave Portnoy Buys Bayfront Mansion
Dave Portnoy Buys Bayfront Mansion

If you’re not familiar with Barstool Sports, then you have definitely seen their videos circulating the internet. What started off as a sport’s blog in 2003, Barstool Sports quickly turned into a multi-million dollar digital media company with focuses on videos, podcasts, and blogs.

Founder of Barstool, Dave Portnoy, has recently been using his massive social media platform to travel the United States and taste test pizza on his vlog called ‘One Bite’. These posts are featured on Barstool Sports as well as his blogs. Within the past month, Portnoy has been exclusively in South Florida documenting pizza joints.

It was rumored that during his visits he started renting Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s Miami beach front property for $200,000 a month. Now, it has officially been confirmed that he purchased a bay-front Miami mansion for $14 million.

The property located at 5811 North Bayshore Drive in the Morningside neighborhood was purchased in April under the name StellaBean Holdings, LLC., named after Portnoy’s dog Stella, who passed in 2019.

Featuring 6,100 square feet of living space with nine bedrooms, eight and a half bathrooms sited on 1 acre, including a pool.

Broker-Owner of Luxe Living Realty, Dora Puig, listed the property in November 2020. Property records show that the home previously sold in 2010 for $2.2 million.

City of Miami Approves New 37-Story Tower Called The District

The District in downtown Miami
Rendering for the new 37-tower called The District.

The City of Miami has recently approved The Related Group and Parcel C LLC’s proposal for a 37-story residential tower in downtown Miami, named ‘The District.’ This project will include 343 residential condos, 2,297 square feet of retail space, and will have no parking (the developer is requesting a waiver to allow off-site parking). Siegar Suarez Architects prepared the design and plans.

The District is proposed to be 393 plus feet tall and will be located at 225 and 223 N. Miami Avenue. According to Miami Today, The District will have retail on the ground floor, and the apartments will be located above the retail space. The paperwork that was filed also includes the fact that some units may be transitioned into hotel rooms as well.

Amenities for The District include a gym, racquetball, basketball, lounges, pool deck, rooftop spa, and barbeque area.

Several waivers have been requested and approved for the Miami 21 zoning code:

  • Primary and secondary setbacks
  • Side and rear setbacks above the eighth story
  • Permit off-site parking within 1,000 feet
  • 10% increase in the maximum lot coverage
  • Two residential loading berths substituted for one commercial loading berth
  • Reduction of the required ground-level setback on the property’s frontage

According to the Board member Robert Behar, who shared concerns about pedestrian safety with the limited amount of parking available.

According to The Related Group’s Attorney, Ms. Escarra, has stated, “The Project limits the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians by removing vehicular access to the Property. This will allow pedestrians to enter the Project with no vehicular conflict, as parking will be provided offsite, per the requested Waiver.”

The city’s Urban Development Review Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the project on April 9, 2021. The construction permit has not been filed yet, and the groundbreaking is set to begin sometime this year.

Dramatic Four Story Marquis Penthouse With Rooftop Pool Seeks $13.9 Million

Marquis Miami penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

If you’re interested in trophy properties that are high in the sky, prepare yourself. The dramatic upper penthouse at Marquis Residences came back to the market yesterday with a $5 million price cut and every inch is awe-worthy.

Spanning over 8,000 square feet through the 64th-67th floors, the custom-designed property boasts 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and 3 half baths. As you exit the private elevator, you are greeted by a waterfall in the foyer. Once inside, illuminated stairs flow through the four levels of splendor, up to the 67th floor private rooftop pool.

Only three other available Downtown Miami area condos dare to approach the level of grandeur seen in this Marquis penthouse. Just two buildings south of Marquis, Zaha Hadid’s One Thousand Museum has listed a 10,000 square foot residence for $20.7 million that is currently under construction and should be delivered in 2019. Down in Brickell, three combined penthouse units covering 8,800 square feet at the Four Seasons Residences are listed for $25 million and just next door is Carlos Ott’s Echo Brickell. It isn’t currently marketed on the MLS, but the nearly completed development will feature a duplex penthouse custom designed by Carlos Ott himself is seeking $42 million and is expected to be delivered by early next year.

Marquis PH6401 was purchased in 2010 by an American businessman for $4.2 million. The owner worked his way up from the ground level at his father’s defense logistics company that he had started with just 3 people over 30 years ago. After taking over the CEO seat in 2003, he continued to grow the company until it was ultimately sold to Honeywell for $230 million, according to a profile in the Alexandria Times. Judging from the listing photos below, it seems he has just as much design sense as he has business sense, because this place is truly amazing.

What do you think?

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Marquis Residences Penthouse

Epic Hotel & Residences Is Wrapping Up Its Repair Project; Prepares To Reopen Residents’ Pool

Epic miami condos

Epic miami condos

At long last! The building repainting and balcony repair work at Epic Residences is drawing to a close and the resident’s pool is preparing to reopen. In two emails to residents this week, the building’s management office announced that the work is coming to a close and gave an update on the reopening of the pool.

Email 1 on July 18:

C&S Paint has finished working on your balconies. Please inspect them, prior to placing your furniture back on the balcony.  Please look for any discoloration, excess stucco, cement, or paint that is on or around your balcony. If you find anything, please take a photo and respond back to this email. Your report will be forwarded to C&S Paint. They will correct the issue.

Email 2 on July 18:

C&S Paint will soon be partially done with the Condo Pool deck. They will be cleaning and prepping two pools for use. At this time the Hotel has closed their pool deck except for the weekends. They will open the pool deck starting Saturday morning and close Sunday evening. Our pool deck will open in two weeks depending on weather. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused and thank you for your patience.

Let’s hope the weather stays nice so that the residents can once again enjoy their pool by the end of summer!

Market Stat Monday: Centro in Downtown Miami

Centro Downtown Miami condos video

Centro Downtown Miami condos video

Welcome back to a new week! We’re going to continue our Market Stat Monday series in Downtown Miami’s Centro building. This building made a splash when it was announced because it was the first new tower in the neighborhood to be constructed without parking. It is located in the Central Business District at 151 SE 1st Street, very close to MDC and Bayside Park, so the area is quite walkable.

Another interesting quality of Centro is that all 352 units are loft-style. They’re not duplex loft style (two story layouts), but they are New York style lofts in that there are no walls between the living areas and the bedrooms. This can be a positive or a drawback, depending upon your style of living. It is urban, chic and cool, but the lack of privacy could make things difficult for people living in a roommate situation.

Since there is really nothing different about the penthouses at Centro other than the fact that they’re on the highest floor, I am going to factor them into the statistics search today. Furnished units are factored out. Also, since I’m in the mood for good news, I’m going to look first at the rental market.

Centro Rentals

Because of it’s proximity to MDC and the price, this building was really hot for a few months on the rental market. People could move into a brand-new condo for as low as $1,450/month! Those days have come and gone because there’s just not that much inventory right now. There is only one 1 bedroom layout available to rent as of today, and it is $1,920/month.

Overall, there are 10 active unfurnished listings on the market today. As I said above, the one bedroom is listed for $1,920/month with a partial bay view from the 36th floor. Two bedrooms are listed between $2,000-$2,650/month depending upon the view and size. Most all units in Centro have a city view, a few have a partial bay view.

This has been a very active year for Centro. It opened last summer, in 2017 we have seen 88 total unfurnished rentals. The prices ranged from $1,450/month up to $2,800/month and averaged $2.56 per square foot of living space.

The units that found tenants were marketed for an average of 66 days and accepted 96% of their asking price. Something else that sticks out to me in this report is that the lowest-priced rental stayed on the market for just 3 days. There was also a unit that closed for almost 10% above asking price! This demonstrates something that we tell our clients every day. There is a lot of competition for units that are at the entry point of the market (least expensive in the neighborhood). The rentals happen quickly and for very close to asking price, so if you love an apartment then it is best to make a move for it.

With just 10 units currently available and 88 rented so far this year, that works out to less than 1 month of available inventory! Amazing!

Centro Rental Statistics June 2017

Centro Sales

Now it’s time to swallow our bitter pill. There are currently 55 people trying to sell their apartments in Centro, and 2017 has brought a paltry 5 closed sales. That gives us 66 months’ of inventory. Oof.

The active listings are asking $489/square foot on average, and those who did find buyers sold for $479/square foot, accepting 94% of their asking price. The building is one of the few in the area that is Fannie Mae approved, making financing easier, so what’s the problem?

It appears there are just WAY less buyers in the marketplace. Now more than ever, it is imperative that sellers who sincerely want to sell choose an agent that has access to buyers and a way to make the listing shine in a pack of similarly-priced and similarly-finished apartments. You need an agent who will make sure the property is available to be shown when the buyers request, meets them there to roll out the red carpet and give a tour of the building, answering their objections on the spot and increasing the likelihood that your apartment is the one they choose. I apologize for the lecture, but listing agents need to work harder than ever to make closings happen these days. Here’s a look at the scary stats.

Centro Sales Statistics June 2017

I was amazed to see that even with Fannie Mae approval, there were so few transactions in the building. Only one sold at full-ask, and that seller threw in seller financing to make the deal work. They garnered $540/square foot, the highest price for a resale in the building ever.

To be clear, I’m not dogging Centro. It is very well positioned in the market, offering the lifestyle and finishes that residents of the Central Business District want. Hopefully the demand will pick up and these sale listings will start moving again. Until then, just keep them filled with tenants!