1600 Edgewater: New 33-Story Apartment Tower Moves Forward
The future is unfolding at 1600 NE 2nd Avenue in Miami. Previously home to Battle Racing, the site has been cleared, and construction is advancing on a 33-story tower known as 1600 Edgewater. Despite the name, the site actually sits on the boundary between Edgewater and the Arts & Entertainment District, technically leaning into the A&E District side—Edgewater begins just across the street.
From Demolition to Rising Tower
Replacing the former structure, the tower designed by Kobi Karp Architecture will rise 381 feet, featuring 282 residential units. This mix includes 262 market-rate apartments and 20 affordable units.
Neighborhood Integration & Retail Activation
Although branded “Edgewater,” the project is set to enhance the A&E District’s urban fabric. With 6,615 square feet of commercial space—including a ground-floor retail component and rooftop area—the development aims to invigorate pedestrian life. A structured garage will provide 328 parking spaces.
Progress and What’s Next
Demolition is complete, site clearing is ongoing in preparation for construction. Keep an eye out as this new addition reshapes the skyline, blurring the line between two of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
Two Roads Development Files New Lawsuit Against Remaining Biscayne 21 Unit Owners
Two Roads Files New Petition Following Biscayne 21 Restoration Order
The newly filed petition asks the court to declare the 62-year-old waterfront building, located in Edgewater, effectively beyond repair and to allow termination and partition of the property, despite the recent ruling that preserved unit owners’ titles and required restoration of the condominium.
Developer Owns 183 of 192 Units at an Average of $831 Per Square Foot
According to the filing, TRD Biscayne, LLC currently owns 183 of Biscayne 21’s 192 total units, representing approximately 95.3% ownership of the building.
The filing also reveals that the developer acquired 183 of the building’s 192 units at an average price of approximately $831 per square foot, a detail that adds important context to the dispute as the remaining nine unit owners continue to assert their rights under the condominium’s original declaration and Florida law.
A Shift From Legal Authority to Economic Arguments
In contrast to earlier litigation, which focused on statutory termination authority and amendment language, the new petition largely reframes the dispute as an economic one.
The filing argues that restoring the building is not financially viable and contends that continued efforts to preserve the condominium would result in economic waste. It characterizes the remaining unit owners as obstructing termination rather than seeking re-occupancy.
Notably, the petition does not undo or supersede the recent appellate ruling that invalidated the prior termination and restored ownership rights. Instead, it seeks a different legal pathway to reach the same result: termination of the condominium.
Why Ownership Rights Remain Central to the Dispute
At its core, the renewed litigation highlights a fundamental tension in Miami’s redevelopment landscape: when does economic efficiency outweigh individual ownership rights?
Florida condominium law has long recognized that condominiums are not merely investment vehicles but forms of homeownership. Courts have repeatedly emphasized that termination statutes and equitable relief are not meant to be used to sidestep contractual rights embedded in condominium declarations.
While developers may argue that redevelopment maximizes value, homeowner protections exist precisely to prevent unilateral action that divests owners of their property interests without strict compliance with the law.
What Happens Next
The newly filed petition does not alter the existing court order requiring restoration of Biscayne 21. Any change to that outcome would require further judicial review and findings by the court.
For now, the case serves as a reminder that court rulings and legal process matter, particularly when homes — not just assets — are at stake.
As Miami continues to evolve, the Biscayne 21 dispute underscores why vigilance around homeowner rights remains essential, even amid intense redevelopment pressure.
HQ Residences Miami Unveils New Interior Renderings and BioHack Wellness Partnership
HQ Residences Miami has revealed a new series of interior renderings, offering a first look inside the residential experience behind one of Downtown Miami’s most culture-forward branded condominium projects. The latest visuals highlight a hospitality-driven approach to design—blending elevated interiors, wellness-focused living, and entertainment-centric amenities into a lifestyle-oriented offering in the heart of Edgewater.
The release follows a separate announcement naming HQ Residences Miami as the first residential event partner of BioHack Miami, reinforcing the project’s positioning at the intersection of design, wellness, and experiential living.
A Hospitality-First Interior Concept
Designed with comfort, functionality, and understated luxury in mind, interiors at HQ Residences Miami reflect a hospitality-first philosophy more commonly found in high-end hotel environments. The residences emphasize open-concept layouts that support both everyday living and entertaining, paired with warm, modern material palettes that feel refined yet livable.
Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize natural light while expansive private terraces create an indoor-outdoor flow, allowing residents to seamlessly extend their living spaces outdoors—an essential element of Miami living.
Kitchens and Baths Designed for Daily Living and Wellness
Kitchens are designed to balance form and function, featuring Italian cabinetry in warm wood tones, natural stone surfaces, and a full suite of integrated designer appliances. The layouts are optimized for both casual use and hosting, reinforcing the project’s lifestyle-driven focus.
Bathrooms draw inspiration from spa environments, aligning with the building’s broader wellness ethos. Walk-in showers, floating-style dual vanities, and rich material selections create a calming, restorative atmosphere designed to support daily routines centered on relaxation and recovery.
Interiors by Award-Winning Design Studios
Interior design for HQ Residences Miami is led by internationally recognized studios DesignAgency and Craft Studio, both known for their hospitality and lifestyle-focused residential work. The design approach reflects a balance between modern elegance and warmth, intentionally avoiding overly rigid or purely aesthetic concepts in favor of livable, experience-driven spaces.
Wellness and Lifestyle Anchored by Hospitality Expertise
HQ Residences Miami’s lifestyle and amenity programming has been curated in collaboration with Black Salmon and sbe, under the leadership of hospitality visionary Sam Nazarian. The project is organized around four core pillars: wellness, entertainment, art, and community.
Wellness amenities are expected to include yoga and open-air training terraces, contrast therapy circuits with hammam, sauna, steam rooms, plunge pools, and bathhouse-style treatments, along with a state-of-the-art fitness center and dedicated recovery spaces.
Adding to its wellness-driven positioning, HQ Residences Miami was recently named the inaugural residential event partner of BioHack Miami. The collaboration introduces curated longevity, recovery, and wellness programming directly into the project’s sales phase, reflecting a growing shift in how luxury buyers evaluate residential environments. As Marie Sophie Baier, Creative Director and Co-Founder of BioHack Miami, puts it: “Longevity isn’t something you activate once in a while. It’s built through daily routines like how you sleep, recover, move, and work. Your home environment either supports those routines or makes them harder. This partnership is about supporting an environment that makes a healthier lifestyle easier to follow and live.”
Through on-site BioHack events, prospective residents will experience hands-on wellness activations that align with the project’s long-term vision for health-forward living. The partnership underscores how architecture, materials, light, community, and wellness infrastructure are increasingly viewed as integral components of modern luxury real estate.
HQ Residences Miami Project Overview
With prices from $850,000, HQ Residences Miami will rise 35 stories and feature 229 condominiums with one- to three-bedroom layouts ranging from approximately 721 to 2,074 square feet. The project is located at 422 NE 29th Street in Edgewater, positioning residents between Downtown Miami and the Design District.
Melo Group’s 1700 Biscayne Project in Edgewater Appears Ready to Begin Construction
Photo Credit: Zyscovich
Signage and Early Site Activity Signal Progress Nearly Four Years After Acquisition
Construction activity appears to be ramping up at 1700 Biscayne Boulevard, where Melo Group is planning one of Edgewater’s largest mixed-use developments. During a recent walk and drive around the site, Melo Group signage was visible along the entire perimeter of the block, and construction crews were on site staging materials, including large bundles of rebar, a typical precursor to foundation work.
While no official groundbreaking has been announced, the visible site preparation suggests that construction may be imminent.
Photo Credit: Google Earth
A Full City Block in the Heart of Edgewater
Melo Group acquired the entire city block in December 2021 for $105 million, assembling one of the most prominent development sites along Biscayne Boulevard.
The property is bounded by:
NE 17th Street to the south
NE 17th Terrace to the north
Biscayne Boulevard to the east
NE 2nd Avenue to the west
For many longtime Miami residents, this block is well known as the former home of the old Burger King and the seasonal Halloween stores that operated here for years — a nostalgic landmark that is now set for a complete transformation.
Project Overview: Four Towers, Nearly 2,500 Apartments
Plans call for a four-tower mixed-use development, with each tower rising approximately 60 stories. Once completed, the project is expected to deliver around 2,500 apartment units, significantly increasing residential density in Edgewater.
The development will also include ground-floor retail and commercial space, further activating this stretch of Biscayne Boulevard and strengthening the connection between Edgewater, the Arts & Entertainment District, and Downtown Miami.
The expanded scale of the project was made possible through the transfer of additional development rights, allowing Melo Group to increase allowable density without acquiring additional land.
Melo Group’s Growing Footprint in Edgewater
The 1700 Biscayne project is just one of several major developments Melo Group has planned for the immediate area. Just one block north, the firm has also proposed Biscayne 18, a twin 46-story tower development at 331 NE 18th Street.
That project is planned to deliver approximately 1,178 residential units on a 1.57-acre full city block, bounded by:
Biscayne Boulevard to the west
NE 18th Street to the south
NE 4th Avenue to the east
NE 19th Street to the north
Together, these projects underscore Melo Group’s role as one of the most active developers shaping Edgewater’s next phase of growth.
What Comes Next
While official construction timelines have not yet been released, the combination of perimeter signage, on-site crews, and staged materials suggests that vertical construction may not be far behind.
As Edgewater continues its evolution into one of Miami’s most densely developed residential corridors, the 1700 Biscayne project is poised to become a major contributor to the neighborhood’s transformation.
Villa Miami Unveils $55 Million Triplex “Villa Triplo” Penthouse
Villa Miami has officially unveiled Villa Triplo, a spectacular three-level penthouse estate perched more than 650 feet above Biscayne Bay—a modern sky manor unlike anything else in Miami’s luxury market. Spanning over 15,000 square feet across levels 53, 54, and 55, this ultra-private residence is the crown jewel of the forthcoming tower rising along the waterfront in Edgewater.
Designed in collaboration with Major Food Group and globally acclaimed interior designer Vicky Charles (Charles & Co), the Villa Triplo Penthouse brings together sculptural architecture, museum-quality materials, and a suite of in-home amenities that rival the world’s most exclusive resorts.
A Triplex Penthouse in a Class of Its Own
According to the official brochure, the term “penthouse doesn’t cut it.” The Villa Triplo estate occupies the entire top three floors of Villa Miami, offering:
5 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | 4 half baths
Four private terraces
Full chef’s kitchens + fully-equipped butler’s pantry
Private gym, sauna, steam room & treatment room
Billiards lounge & rooftop cocktail bar
A dramatic bay-facing private pool with panoramic views
Private elevator access on each level
Access to the rooftop helipad and Copper Club membership
The layout is designed so life unfolds vertically—rest on Level 53, live & entertain on Level 54, and play & rejuvenate on Level 55.
Level 53: The Rest Level — Bedrooms in the Sky
Level 53 offers nearly 6,701 square feet of serene private living space, including a primary suite positioned on a sweeping corner with unobstructed sunrise views. Soft lime-wash plaster walls, parquet oak flooring, and rattan-inlaid storage create a warm, luminous aesthetic throughout.
The primary bathroom, fully wrapped in richly veined viola marble, features:
A sculptural soaking tub
Oversized rain showers framed in fluted glass
Dual vanities
Separate dry and wet areas
Aromatherapy steam shower
Two additional bedroom suites open to the west-facing terrace, balancing the floor with both sunrise and sunset outdoor space. A cozy family rec room, cocktail bar, office, and extensive dressing rooms complete the level.
Level 54: The Living & Entertaining Level
Ascend the sculptural grand staircase—or ride the private elevator—to enter Level 54: a flowing, open-air living environment designed for hosting at the highest level.
Signature Features
Great Room with two-story glass framing Biscayne Bay
Chef’s kitchen with Italian marble, integrated pasta cooker, and oversized island
Butler’s pantry fully equipped as a second kitchen
Formal dining room set against panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows
Walk-in wine cellar with tile-patterned marble, vaulted wood ceilings, and vintage fixtures
Staff quarters + laundry room for seamless service and privacy
The pairing of the Great Room, dining area, and waterfront terrace creates a continuous indoor-outdoor living experience perfect for large gatherings, private dinners, or relaxed evenings at home.
Level 55: The Pool Deck, Wellness Sanctuary & Rooftop Lounge
The penthouse’s top level is an entirely private amenity floor—effectively a personal wellness retreat and entertainment club.
Private Pool Terrace
The bay-facing pool is described as “evoking the feeling of a villa perched on a cliffside”—its waterline visually merging with the bay beyond. Travertine terrazzo flooring, floating greenery, and panoramic glass walls elevate the ambiance to resort level.
Wellness Suite
Just steps from the pool:
Fully equipped waterfront gym
Sauna & steam room inspired by thermal spas in Ischia
Massage / treatment room
Full bathroom & guest suite for overnight visitors
Sunset Lounge & Billiards Room
A richly appointed rooftop lounge features:
Antique-mirrored bar
Burl wood island with marble accents
Parquet flooring
Intimate seating areas for sunset cocktails and elevated entertaining
Direct flow into the billiards room and pool deck
A Modern Manor in the Sky
With three full floors, multiple kitchens, private spa, breathtaking bay views, and unmatched privacy, the Villa Triplo Penthouse stands alone as one of the most significant penthouse offerings in Miami’s luxury market.
Residents also enjoy Copper Club membership, providing curated programming by Major Food Group, access to private dining spaces, private beach club, and the helicopter landing pad—a level of exclusivity rarely seen in residential towers.
Unmatched Location in Edgewater
Nestled along a quiet waterfront street in Edgewater, Villa Miami places its residents minutes from:
With walkability, boating access, parks, and cultural destinations all close by, the penthouse offers both tranquility and connectivity.
A New Benchmark in Miami Penthouse Living
The newly released $55 million Villa Triplo Penthouse at Villa Miami is a once-in-a-generation sky residence combining architectural artistry, bespoke interiors, and a level of in-home amenities that redefine Miami luxury living. For the ultra-high-net-worth buyer seeking a private estate in the clouds—complete with a pool, spa, entertainment level, and helicopter access—there is no offering comparable in the city today.
If you’re interested in receiving the full brochure and detailed floor plans for the Villa Triplo penthouse—or would like to discuss this residence further—please email me at [email protected].
HQ Residences Miami Launches: A New Era of Branded Condo Living in Edgewater
Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood is set to welcome a bold new addition to its skyline with the launch of HQ Residences Miami. The project represents the first-ever residential development by the lifestyle brand behind HQ Hotels & Residences, led by hospitality visionary Sam Nazarian alongside entertainment icon Marc Anthony. Developed in partnership with Black Salmon, The Boschetti Group, and Constellation Group, the 35-story tower at 422 NE 29th Street introduces 229 branded condominium homes to one of Miami’s most dynamic districts.
Location & Unit Mix Tailored for Modern Urban Living
Situated at the crossroads of the Design District, Wynwood, and the burgeoning Midtown corridor, HQ Residences Miami will place residents within minutes of retail, dining, waterfront parks, and Miami International Airport. The residences range from one- to three-bedroom layouts spanning 721 to 2,074 square feet and culminate in eight exclusive penthouses. Pricing starts at approximately $850,000, with higher-floor and penthouse residences offering panoramic bay and skyline views. With this price point, HQ Residences Miami will fill a gap between the mid-tier and ultra-luxury condo towers in Edgewater.
Hospitality-Driven Design & Iconic Architecture
Externally, HQ Residences Miami features a sculptural diagrid façade that creates a distinctive addition to Edgewater’s skyline. Internally, the design marries warm materials, floor-to-ceiling glazing and expansive terraces framing Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Interiors are curated by DesignAgency and Craft while the architecture is handled by the internationally-acclaimed firm Arquitectonica.
Elevated Amenities Built Around Lifestyle Pillars
The amenity offering at HQ Residences Miami spans 15,756 square feet across two floors and is anchored around four core pillars of contemporary living: Wellness, Entertainment, Community and Art.
On Level 34, a dedicated wellness floor designed in collaboration with THE WELL founder Kane Sarhan features contrast-therapy circuits, hammam, sauna, steam and plunge pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an open-air training terrace. On the floor above, entertainment takes centre stage with a podcast studio, chef’s kitchen including TOMA Gourmet by Sofia Vergara and her son Manolo, and Jack’s NYC Coffee arriving in Miami for the first time. At night, “Marc’s” – a speakeasy curated by Marc Anthony – offers vinyl collections and skyline views, while the HQ Social Club connects residents to curated experiences city-wide.
Brand DNA Meets Residential Performance
While HQ Hotels & Residences has previously focused on hospitality, this Miami development marks its first residential tower. Through this branded-residence model, the building infuses hotel-style services and lifestyle programming into a full condominium offering. Nazarian explains that living spaces are designed to foster connectivity, creativity and belonging—core traits of the brand’s DNA.
Bringing Hospitality Home
As HQ Residences Miami begins sales, anticipation continues to build around the brand’s first-ever residential tower. The project represents a pivotal step in the evolution of Edgewater, bringing hospitality-level experiences and curated lifestyle programming into a full-ownership setting. By merging design, wellness, and community under one roof, the development introduces a new benchmark for branded living in Miami.
Whether you’re seeking a home that blends five-star amenities with the privacy of condominium ownership—or a design-forward residence in one of Miami’s fastest-growing neighborhoods—HQ Residences Miami is poised to redefine what it means to live in Edgewater.
Florida Supreme Court Denies Two Roads Development’s Appeal in Biscayne 21 Case
On October 14, 2025, the Supreme Court of Florida formally denied Two Roads Development’s (TRD Biscayne LLC) petition for review in its long-running case against unit owners of Biscayne 21, a waterfront condominium at 2121 N Bayshore Drive in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. The ruling (Case No. SC2025-1169) effectively ends all appeals and leaves intact a major victory for the holdout owners who opposed the developer’s attempted condominium termination and redevelopment plan.
The state’s highest court declined to exercise jurisdiction under Article V, Section 3(b) of the Florida Constitution and Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.030(a)(2)(A)(v), meaning the lower court’s decision stands. Earlier this year, the Third District Court of Appeal had upheld a Miami-Dade circuit judge’s ruling that sided with Biscayne 21’s remaining owners, affirming that the termination plan violated state statutes intended to protect minority owners from forced buyouts.
A Landmark Outcome for Condo Owners
The Florida Supreme Court’s decision signals that Two Roads Development has exhausted its legal avenues, ending nearly two years of litigation surrounding Biscayne 21. For residents who resisted the termination, the ruling clears the path to retain and possibly reoccupy their units.
The outcome is expected to have broad implications for developers and condo owners across Florida, particularly as the state faces a wave of condominium terminations and redevelopment efforts following new post-Surfside safety requirements. The case reinforces that developers must strictly comply with termination statutes and respect the rights of dissenting owners.
Background: From Termination to Supreme Court
Two Roads Development—known for projects such as Elysee Miami and Biscayne Beach—had acquired the majority of units at Biscayne 21 and sought to terminate the condominium in order to redevelop the bayfront site. Several owners, however, refused to sell, arguing that the termination plan was procedurally flawed and unfairly coercive.
Legal analysts and condominium attorneys are already pointing to the Biscayne 21 outcome as a defining moment for condo law in Florida. The decision limits how aggressively developers can pursue terminations and reinforces the need for transparency, equitable terms, and adherence to Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes.
For developers, the ruling introduces new caution in structuring bulk acquisitions; for owners, it provides renewed leverage in negotiations over termination offers. In short, the Biscayne 21 case may reshape the balance of power between developers and homeowners in Florida’s redevelopment boom.
RIVANI Sells Amara at Paraiso Waterfront Restaurant in Edgewater for $19.8M
RIVANI, led by real estate investor Robert Rivani, has completed a record-setting sale of the Amara at Paraiso restaurant space in Edgewater Miami for $19.8 million. The transaction highlights both the strength of Miami’s waterfront real estate market and investor appetite for rare, income-producing restaurant properties.
Size: 12,316 square feet with indoor seating for ~150 and outdoor waterfront deck for ~70
Tenant: Amara at Paraiso, operated by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz of The Genuine Hospitality Group
The space features floor-to-ceiling windows and direct Biscayne Bay views, making it one of the most iconic dining destinations in Miami.
Acquisition & Profit
RIVANI originally acquired the property in 2021 from The Related Group for $12.1 million. In just four years, the asset appreciated nearly 63%, culminating in the recent $19.8 million sale.
Buyer Information
The buyer is a 1031 exchange investor from Chicago, marking their first South Florida acquisition. While the individual or entity’s name has not been disclosed, brokers noted that the deal attracted global interest, including prospective buyers from California and the Middle East.
Why This Transaction Matters
This landmark transaction underscores:
RIVANI’s Strategic Vision – The firm continues to reposition and expand into hospitality, office, and lifestyle assets across South Florida.
Miami’s Global Appeal – Edgewater waterfront properties are attracting buyers from across the U.S. and abroad.
Rarity of Product – Restaurant condos with premier tenants and direct water frontage remain some of the most coveted—and least available—assets in Miami.
About Amara at Paraiso
Opened in 2018, Amara at Paraiso blends Latin flavors with modern waterfront dining. Chef Michael Schwartz has cemented it as one of Miami’s signature restaurants, drawing locals and visitors alike to Edgewater’s bayfront.
Miami Police Department Creates East District, Adding 300 Officers to Brickell, Downtown & Edgewater
Miami is entering a new era of public safety. In late August 2025, Miami Police Chief Manny Morales announced the formation of a new East District, consolidating Brickell, Downtown, and Edgewater into one unified zone handling approximately 120,000 service calls annually.
To strengthen response capabilities and visibility, the department plans to hire 300 new officers over the next three years, assigning many to this new district. Chief Morales expects the East District to be fully operational by the end of 2025.
The Downtown Development Authority is supporting the effort with enhanced surveillance infrastructure, funding for overtime, and even a drone to bolster public safety efforts.
What This Means for Brickell, Downtown & Edgewater
1. Enhanced Safety & Visibility
More boots on the ground: Expect greater street presence, with officers patrolling on foot, scooters, and bikes.
Deterrence through presence: Police visibility encourages more people to get out and enjoy their neighborhoods.
2. Faster, Smarter Response
With dedicated staffing and new technology, response to violent incidents — such as the recent stabbing at Icon Brickell Tower 3 or April’s shooting near Brickell City Centre — should improve.
3. Greater Community Investment
The Downtown Development Authority’s involvement signals investment in long-term city safety infrastructure — not just policing, but tools like cameras and drones.
Potential Trade-offs & Concerns
1. Budget Pressure & Resource Allocation
Approving funding for 300 new officers (~100 per year through 2028) will likely require creative budgeting — potentially from federal grants or reallocating city funds.
Without community input, some residents may worry this investment sacrifices other pressing needs like affordable housing or parks.
2. Community Trust & Oversight
Miami’s police department has a documented history of oversight challenges, including reform efforts stemming from a 2016 consent decree with the DOJ over excessive force.
Expanding staffing without reinforcing accountability, transparency, and community policing might undermine trust.
3. Equity & Neighborhood Disparities
Brickell is dense, affluent, and highly visible. By contrast, Edgewater, while growing fast and appealing with historic and luxury developments, has fewer resources and less political clout.
Ensuring equitable distribution of officers and services — especially to under-resourced communities — will be key.
Final Thoughts
Miami’s launch of the East District marks a bold statement: the city is scaling its public safety infrastructure to match rapid urban growth. For residents and businesses in Brickell, Downtown, and Edgewater, this could mean fewer crime fears, safer streets, and enhanced neighborhood confidence.
But the success of this initiative won’t hinge on headcount alone. It will depend on equitable deployment, transparent oversight, and robust community engagement to reinforce trust — especially in neighborhoods like Edgewater that are rapidly evolving but historically underserved.
