Plans for a 23 Story Tower Proposed in North Miami Beach
Miami-based Humberto Ramirez Developers are currently under contract on a North Miami Beach office building with plans to a 23-story condo-hotel.
Officially scheduled for December 13, North Miami’s City Planning & Zoning Board will be presented the proposal for the tower located at 2040 N.E. 163rd Street. The 1.09-acre site currently holds a 3 story 26,766 square foot office building with a medical practice and a consulting firm as the current tenants. The property is currently owned by North Miami Beach company, 2040 Investments.
Designed by Bermello Ajamil & Partners, the proposed tower would feature 334 condo units, 30 hotel rooms, and a 410-space parking garage (13 electric car spaces) totaling 272,660 square feet. According to the proposed plans, 144 one-bedroom units, 162 two-bedroom units, and 28 three-bedroom units.
The property would also feature 7,328 square feet of retail space. The parking garage would rise 7 stories tall and the hotel rooms would line the front of the garage.
Amenities for this tower would feature a pool deck above the parking garage, game room, and fitness center.
North Miami Beach has adopted revised zoning for its eastern portion in recent years in order to stimulate construction and increased density. The city hopes to attract additional people as well as business development to the region
The Hottest Art Basel Events Remaining
Art Basel Miami is here and we’ve seen some of the hottest exhibitions, art, and parties that have taken place in Miami. These included the Dior Medallion Chair Exhibition, the Chanel No. 5 Centenary Celebration, the Confidante x Museum of Graffiti Skatepark, and so much more! Art Basel isn’t just about a week-long of art exhibits, it’s about expression, creativity, and of course, fun! We have compiled the hottest events for the rest of the week!
Exhibitions:
Empowering the Creators of Culture- Nft now x Christie’s Present “The Gateway”
Immerse yourself in a journey of discovery at nft now x Christie’s Art Basel 2021 gallery, The Gateway, a celebration of the NFT community and its achievements. Just as creators have been reclaiming the financial systems, we’ve taken over a 23,000 square foot darkened floor at a Miami bank building, transforming it into a maze of rooms that encourages attendees to use their senses to explore the space that now features carefully curated pieces from trailblazing artists. When: Friday, December 3-Opened to the public but registration is required.
Playboy & BIGBUNNY Present A Night of the Surreal
Playboy, the legendary lifestyle brand, will present an extraordinary evening at Casa Tua to unveil their surrealist perspective on Miami Art Week in honor of BIG BUNNY. The event will include newly commissioned pieces by Nina McNeely, Maurice Harris, Miranda Makaroff, Filip Custic, and Maria Forqué, as well as a selection of surrealist work from Playboy’s library, as well as DJ sets by Mona Matsuoka, Mia Moretti, and Boys Noize. When: Friday, December 3
Pop Up Shows
Pimp Your Bag with Olivia Steele and Vee Collective
Olivia Steele, a modern visual artist, will be personalizing Vee Collective bags from 1 to 7 p.m. at Showfields Miami. Vee Collective bags are made from 100 percent recyclable materials and have simple aesthetics that are ideal for travel, sports, shopping, or leisure. Olivia Steele will provide free customization to guests who purchase a Vee Collective bag. When: Friday, December 3
Marea Pop-up at Osteria Morini
Altamarea Group’s Marea will be in Miami for two days exclusively during Art Basel. This dinner series, held on the patio of the Kimpton Hotel, which also houses Altamarea Group’s younger sibling restaurant, Osteria Morini, will offer some of Marea’s characteristic dishes, including the famed octopus fusilli. From Friday, December 3rd through Saturday, December 4th, guests can enjoy a four-course tasting menu with carefully chosen wine-pairing for $375 per person at the Marea pop-up. When: Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th, Reservations can be made here.
Parties
E11EVEN Miami’s Line-up
The party will continue over the weekend, with a performance by Migos on Friday, December 3rd, and a special act to be revealed on Saturday night. Carnage + Bia will close up the long weekend with a live concert on Sunday, December 5th. 11miami.com
A-Trak & Friends
Chromeo, Dillon Francis, Boys Noise, Roger Sanchez, Kito, and Jubilee are among the cast members. Friday, 9 p.m., at Oasis Wynwood, 2335 N. Miami Ave., Miami. RSVP at tixr.com for free admission.
Donavan’s Yard
Sango, Kitty Cash, and the Sound Club also appear. 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-768-9826; 1800lucky.com, 9 p.m. Friday. RSVP at eventbrite.com for free admission.
Essential
Miguel Migs, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Dan. K, and Julie McKnight also star. No. 3 Social, 50 NW 24th St., Miami; 305-748-4540; no3social.com, 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and may be purchased at eventbrite.com.
NADA Afterparty
10 p.m. Friday, at Center for Subtropical Affairs, 7145 NW First Ct., Miami; cstamiami.org.
Lizzo
Saturday, at 9 p.m., at the Miami Beach Edition, 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-257-4500; editionhotels.com. The in-person event is by invitation only; livestream tickets range from $9.99 to $262.99 and are available at live-now.com.
Art, Blues, & Soul Festival
3 p.m. Saturday at African Heritage Cultural Arts, 6161 NW 22nd Ave., Miami; 305-638-6771; ahcacmiami.org. With Chrisette Michelle, Glenn Jones, and Jon B. Tickets range from $35 to $85 and are available at eventbrite.com.
Michael Bibi B2B Loco Dice, Luciano, and Art Department
Saturday, 4 p.m., at Factory Town, 4800 NW 37th Ave., Miami. Tickets range from $15 to $150 and are available at eventbrite.com.
Rock the Bells: Yacht the Basel
Kasha Paige, Just Blaze, DJ Millie, DJ Steve, DJ Nyla Symone, and DJ C-Stylez join the cast. Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m., at the Seafari Mega Yacht, Chopin Plaza, Miami. RSVP at eventbrite.com for free admission.
Basel Is Lucky
Art Department, Cocodrills, Andrea 10seconds, and Nelson Diaz will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday at 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-768-9826; Admission is free before midnight; tickets cost $20 at eventbrite.com.
Miki Beach
Philipp Jung, Seth Schwarz, Dude Skywalker, Nii Tei, Alex Cecil, Iman Rizky, Freak the Disco, and others appear in this film. ATV Records, 1306 N. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-456-5613; atvrecords.com, 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $30 through ra.co.
Smart Brickell Tower 3 Coming Soon
Smart Brickell is one of the newest condo-hotel projects located in the heart of West Brickell. This mixed-use development will comprise three towers total that features 170 condos and 150 hotel rooms spanning over the three towers.
The most unique thing about the Smart Brickell Tower, besides its futuristic design, the smart technology is so advanced that it will set the stage for all pre-construction towers going forward. Some of the smart features include Lifx Wi-Fi enabled LED smart bulbs, Samsung’s digital home appliances, concierge app, and Nest thermostats.
Tower 1 rises 26 stories featuring 50 condos with 1 to 2 bedroom floor plan options. Floor plans will range from 558 to 1117 square feet starting at $318,000. The first 7 floors will feature a boutique-style hotel managed by Habitat Hotels with floors 11-23 will be condos.
Units will be fully furnished and finished. Top-off was completed in May 2021. The exterior is still will be completed with stucco and prime paint has started on the south facade. Interior drywall and framing is 90% complete.
Tower 2 will feature 50 condos as well as 50 hotel rooms with one to two-bedroom floor plans. Units will also be fully furnished and finished and can be rented up to 50 times a year on a short-term basis like Airbnb. Completion for tower 2 is anticipated for 2022.
Construction on Tower 3 will begin soon and will feature 20 condos and 100+ hotel rooms. These units will also be fully finished and furnished.
On the ground level, the development will feature 12,000 square feet of commercial space with retail, a cafe, and a restaurant.
Building Features
25 Story tower designed by the well-known architect, Hernando Carrillo
The building is Leed certified
One assigned parking space per unit in secured parking garage plus valet parking services
Electric car charging stations
24 Hour concierge and security services
The café is on the ground level
Stunning amenity deck located on the 8th floor with landscaped recreational area and expansive terrace
Resort-style pools with lap area and sun deck
In-water lounge chairs near a waterfall
Spa and wellness center
Fully-equipped business center on the 9th floor
Chic and spacious event room on the 10th floor
Sky fitness center located on the 24th floor
Lounge bar located on the 25th floor
Wi-Fi throughout the lobby and amenity deck
Residence Features
Renowned design firm, Arquitectonica Interiors, designed the units that take full advantage of every square foot
Each unit is equipped with smart, Wi-Fi enabled features to compliment the look and feel of the future of living including Nest thermostat, Lifx Wi-Fi enabled LED smart bulbs and Amazon echo/Alexa home and personal assistant
City-view terraces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
Every residence has the ease to always be in control from the comfort of their smartphone with the Concierge App
The kitchen will be fully equipped with Bosch and Samsung appliances and contemporary cabinetry
The penthouse is located on the 23rd floor and has 12-foot ceilings
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces $25 Million Renovations on the Freedom Tower
In a landmark event, Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis stood behind a podium with the words *Patria Y Vida, meaning ‘Homeland and Life,’ while announcing plans to restore the Freedom Tower with a $25 million renovation. During the announcement, Miami natives came out to support the people of Cuba. While crowds were demonstrating, DeSantis announced this new renovation project for the tower that means so much to Cuban Americans.
The Freedom Tower was originally built in 1925 for the headquarters and printing facility for The Miami News newspaper. In the ’60s, the Federal Government used the tower to process and document refugees during the Cuban Revolution. This building assisted with providing medical and dental services to all refugees.
In 1972, the Federal Government sold the building to a private buyer and just a few years later the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Since then, the building was converted into a memorial to honor the Cuban refugees that were once given sanctuary there. There is currently a contemporary art museum as well as offices for some of the Miami Dade College faculty.
Developer, Terra Group purchased the property in 2005, and then announced plans for a 62-story residential tower named Freedom Square. The tower was never built. While Miami-Dade College owns the Freedom Tower, the property behind it where Freedom Square was originally proposed, is now owned by developer, Chateau Group.
The $25 million renovations for the Freedom Tower would include; parking garage shoring, architecture restoration, a new security system, and waterproofing. While lawmakers have yet to approve the request, DeSantis plans to place the renovation expenses in the budget for 2022. Renovations could take anywhere from 2 to 3 years.
*Patria Y Vida is a slogan and song associated with the July 2021 Cuban protests.
Developer Sells Palm Island Mansion for $17 Million
Miami-based developer Pedro Adrian of Adrian Homes has recently sold his Palm Island waterfront mansion for a cool $17 Million. The buyer, listed under a LLC by the name of JLG Family Holdings LLC, purchased the property at $1,459 per square foot. The LLC is managed by Jorge and Aida Garcia of Miami Beach.
Located at 198 Palm Avenue, Miami Beach, this gorgeous estate was originally built in 2016 by Adrian and his wife Adria. Featuring 30,000 square feet of property and 100 feet of water frontage, this land is the perfect backdrop for the modern Mediterranean home.
The lot itself is considered one of the largest lots on Palm Island with one of the best views overlooking the downtown Miami Skyline.
The property features 14,000 square feet of unrivaled living space. A total of 6 bedrooms, 8.5 bathrooms, and a 4 car garage make this home truly spectacular. This mansion is not limited in amenities and the lucky buyers will enjoy a sauna, fitness room, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar.
This estate boasts top-of-the-line appliances and mechanicals. The backyard is complete with a 20×40 heated pool, expansive terrace with a summer kitchen and BBQ installation. The 2 large gazebos overlook the ocean and the spacious dock.
The Adrians own a primary home located at 145 Palm Avenue as well as an adjacent lot that features a tennis court.
Adrian Homes is a residential development company based in Miami. They have a long history with Miami and have been established in the area for the past 42 years. Adrian’s has built over 5,000 single-family homes as well as many retail and commercial centers in the Miami Area.
Miami Dade County Breaks More Records for Home Sales in September 2021
Home sale records continue to be crushed month over month for Miami-Dade, marking its best September sales in history and setting the bar for the most condos sold in a year’s time. The previous annual record was 17,142 in 2013, while the current condo sales have equaled 17,942 with only 3 months to go!
According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), homes sales for Miami Dade have risen 20.2% at 3,031 transactions. This is up from the 2,521 transactions that occurred in 2020. Simultaneously, we saw a dip in single-family home sales at 3.6% at 1,241. This may be due to the lack of single-family home inventory. Condo sales have exponentially increased at 45.2% at 1,790 for September.
According to the Miami Chairman of the Board Jennifer Wollmann, with international travel resuming in the United States in November, the expectation is that foreign home buying will grow in the coming months.
Miami is also on track to have its best year ever for single-family home sales. For September, single-family home sales have increased by 35.3% at 3,031 total transactions.
Miami condos sales have increased by 45.2% in September with major increases in pricing for properties over $250,000.
Luxury sales have also been in the records spotlight with a 31.4% increase with 209 sales for September. For properties $1 million and up, sales have increased 96.5% at 167 transactions. Currently, there is a 3.9 month of supply for luxury single-family homes and a 9.4 month supply for luxury condos.
Single-family home pricing falls between $400,000 to $600,000 increasing by 27.4% higher than September 2020. Condo sales also saw a heavy rise at 161.1% with sale prices between $400,000 to $600,000.
Inventory has decreased for both single-family homes as well as condominiums. Inventory single-family homes decreased by 42.1% since 2019. Condominiums have decreased from 68.8% since 2019 as well.
Single-family home median prices have increased by 11.5% from $435,000 to $485,000. Condo median prices have increased by 24.5% from $265,000 to $330,000
Miami-Dade cash sales are up by 62.2% and represent 37.3% of Miami’s closed sales in September. According to statistics from the National Association of Realtors, almost 23% of all United States home sales are cash. Cash sales count for 45.9% of Miami condo sales with 24.9% for single-family sales.
ARod Backed-Grand Station Apartment Tower is Complete and 80% Leased
Construction on Miami’s Grand Station Apartment tower has been completed. Alex Rodriguez and his partner Ricardo Vadio, owners of Rovr Development are the investors behind the $70 million construction project that was built on top of the existing Courthouse Center Garage.
Not only has ARod backed the construction of the project but his company Monument Real Estate Services is also the property Manager of Grand Station Apartments.
In early March 2020, partners for Grand Station obtained a $53 million loan from Saperian Capital to assist with the construction. Since Grand Station received their temporary certificate of occupancy in August, they have reached over 80% leased for the tower.
The tower located at 240 North Miami Avenue rises 30 stories and feature 300 units right in the heart of downtown. The development is a part of a public/private partnership with the Miami Parking Authority, which has assisted in adding an additional 350 spaces for the building totaling 1,200.
The tower features studio to 2 bedroom apartments with a monthly rent that ranges from $1,800 to $2,500. All units boast Italian kitchen cabinets, quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, and an in-unit washer and dryer.
The luxury tower amenities include an indoor pool, rooftop terrace with pool, outdoor kitchen, hot tubs, fitness center, and club room.
Zyscovich Architects and Anillo, Toledo, Lopez LLC are responsible for the design of Grand Station.
Rovr along with the Related Group and Airbnb are the masterminds behind the new development, The District located at 225 North Miami Avenue.
New Restaurant Opens at the Esmé Miami Beach
Photo Credit: Ruben Cabrera
At the boutique Esmé Miami Beach hotel, a new bistro-style restaurant has opened. Replacing the former Latin Cafe 2000, located at 2501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami Beach, Mimi’s will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and will incorporate some of the most bizarre combinations yet tasty egg creations you will probably ever eat.
The former chef of Pao at the Faena House in Miami Beach, Benjamin Murray will be taking over as head chef at Mimi’s. According to Murray, “Miami has become a thriving foodie destination…and with Mimi’s relaxed-casual American classics will be the new spot.”
Mimi’s space was designed by CDK Design’s Cindy Kam, which includes an indoor and outdoor floorplan. The scene is set with a cafe bistro style mixed with industrial decor.
The egg creations include Osstera Caviar, which is considered the most prized and extensive caviar in the world. All of the food items will don some version of the Caviar. Benjamin Murray and Michael Kaplan, owners of Mimi’s, came up with the concept after their opening of Benh Mi, which is another restaurant that connects to the lobby of Esmé Miami Beach.
Breakfast and lunch will be self-service only and dinner, as well as happy hour, is full service. Fresh coffees and pastries are serviced daily at the bakery and a full breakfast menu is served until 8 am. The menu includes signature dishes like egg sandwiches, cured salmon on an everything bagel, burgers, and Binchotan-grilled steak and egg combos.
Signature Breakfast Menu
FRIED CHICKEN & WAFFLES
Crispy hand-breaded chicken and two malted waffles with maple syrup.
STEAK & EGGS
28-day aged 10 oz. USDA Choice New York Strip. Housemade herb butter available upon request. Served with roasted potatoes and two eggs.
FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST TACOS
Hickory-smoked bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, cheddar cheese, jalapeño, tomato, onion and cilantro in flour tortillas. Served with salsa.
BREAKFAST BURRITO
Flour tortilla stuffed with braised beef, melted jack and cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs, avocado, tomato, jalapeño, green onion and cilantro. Topped with spicy chipotle sauce and served with roasted potatoes.
EGGS & BACON CROISSANT SANDWICH
Bacon, two fried eggs, sliced tomatoes, melted cheddar and mayonnaise on a flaky croissant. Served with sliced tomatoes.
BROWN SUGAR OATMEAL
Rolled oats sprinkled with brown sugar and cranberries, served with milk.
Signature Entrees
ROASTED HALF CHICKEN
Slow-roasted with housemade herb butter. Served with choice of two sides. (600 Cal)
TUSCAN STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN
Grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables and artichoke hearts served in a savory sauce.
SLOW-ROASTED TURKEY
Slow-roasted turkey with gravy, cornbread stuffing and orange-apple cranberry relish. Served with choice of two sides.
CHICKEN POT PIE
Freshly baked with roasted chicken, peas, carrots, onions and potatoes folded into a creamy herb sauce. Topped with a flaky crust.
FRENCH POT ROAST
Slowly braised and simmered with carrots, mushrooms and onions. Served on a bed of mashed potatoes.
MIMI’S MEATLOAF
Our own traditional recipe topped with a red wine shallot sauce. Served with choice of two sides.
RIBEYE STEAK
28-day aged, 10 oz. USDA Choice ribeye steak. House-made herb butter available upon request, your choice blackened or grilled. Served with choice of two sides.
POT ROAST DINNER
Slowly braised and simmered in red wine shallot gravy. Served with choice of two sides.
NEW YORK STRIP STEAK
10 oz. USDA Choice New York Strip dry-aged 28 days, blackened or grilled. Housemade herb butter available upon request. Served with choice of two sides.
SWEET GLAZED SALMON
Grilled and topped with a sweet honey glaze. Served with sautéed vegetables and long grain rice. Blackened or grilled. Served with choice of two sides.
BEER BATTERED FISH & CHIPS
Hand-battered cod fillets with french fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce.
JAMBALAYA
Shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage, bell peppers and onions in a French Basque tomato sauce. Served over penne pasta or long grain rice, your choice.
Miami Real Estate Breaks Another Record for August 2021
The Miami-Dade real estate market keeps smashing records over and over! For August 2021, a new record was set for the most homes sold in a quarter for Q2 in 2021. In April alone, we saw the best sales month in the history of Miami Dade county. Now, another record was set with the best August sales month in history!
There are multiple reasons for these records breaking, which include companies and executives moving their businesses to Florida in the masses, lower taxes than other states, record-low mortgage rates, and reduced covid restrictions.
Total homes sales surged 30.6% for August 2021 with an increase to 3,299 from 2,527 properties in 2020. There was a slight decrease in sales for single-family homes at 3.5% sliding from 1,357 to 1,309 from August of last year. However, we did see a 70.1% increase in condo sales from 1,170 to 1,990 compared to last year.
All price ranges have also increased for August 2021, especially in the $300,000 and higher range. The median sales price for single-family homes is up 20.3%, placing the average price at $500,500. Condo median prices are also up from the previous year from $265,000 to $335,000.
Insufficient inventory has also impacted sales. We have seen less inventory specifically for single-family homes which has decreased by 27.4% for August 2021 and 41.9% for condominiums.
Single-family luxury homes have also increased by 68.8% with 258 sales than 2020. Luxury condo sales increased by 217.1% with 222 sales.
Total volume for Miami-Dade real estate reached $2.5 billion in August 2021, with single-family homes increasing from 37.4% at $1.4 billion. Condo volume also increased from $490.8 million to $1.1 billion, at 129.2%.
Cash sales have also played a huge role in transactions. Buyers are paying cash at asking or over asking prices for listings. Cash sales represented 38.9% of all closed transactions for August. Cash sales accounted for 47.6% of condo sales and 25.8% of single-family sales.
Miami is on track to have its best year in sales for condos and single-family transactions ever. Within 8 months, total sales have already surpassed 2020’s numbers at 26,931 from 26,345 (2020). The highest year for sales in Miami was in 2013 at 30,041 total transactions.
