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.
Edge House Residences Secures $10M Bridge Loan as Private Financing Surges in Miami’s Condo Market
The financing landscape for Miami’s luxury condo developments is evolving, and Edge House illustrates how projects are moving forward under the new playbook. With traditional banks tightening lending standards, private lenders like Vaster and Winston Capital are stepping in — most recently closing a $10 million bridge refinance loan for Edge House, pushing their joint transactions past $100 million.
A New Chapter for Edge House in Edgewater
Located at 1837 NE 4th Avenue, Edge House is a planned 57-story luxury tower that broke ground in March 2025. Designed by Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, with interiors by Adriana Hoyos Design Studio, the project will deliver 592 fully furnished residences across 870,000 square feet of space. Each home is short-term rental–friendly and integrated with a built-in booking system, catering to the rising demand for flexible ownership models in Miami’s condo market.
Residences will be priced from the mid-$500,000s to approximately $1.9 million, offering investors and end-users alike access to a rare opportunity in the built-out Edgewater district. At sell-out, Edge House is projected to achieve between $400 million and $500 million in value, with completion slated for late 2028.
Why Private Financing Matters
The $10 million bridge loan, arranged for Meridian Real Estate Group LLC (led by Grupo T&C), will fund pre-development and entitlement work, including design, permitting, and site planning. This early-stage capital ensures project momentum while maximizing zoning potential in one of Miami’s most competitive neighborhoods.
The deal underscores the growing role of private lenders like Vaster and Winston Capital in advancing Miami’s next condo cycle. By backing one of Edgewater’s last high-density waterfront sites, they are positioning themselves as key players in shaping the city’s skyline.
Resort-Style Living with Investor Flexibility
Edge House is one of the few new luxury condo towers in Miami designed with short-term rentals in mind. Fully furnished residences, paired with world-class amenities—including two pools, a spa, a sky lounge, co-working spaces, a fitness center, and landscaped gardens—deliver the resort-style living buyers expect.
With Douglas Elliman handling sales and Thornton Construction as general contractor, the development team has brought together some of Miami’s most respected firms to execute the vision.
Prime Location in Edgewater
Situated across from Margaret Pace Park and steps from Biscayne Bay, Edge House offers residents unmatched walkability and access to Miami’s cultural and economic hubs. The project is minutes from Wynwood, the Design District, Midtown, and Downtown Miami, making it a premier address for buyers seeking both convenience and lifestyle.
The Bigger Picture: Private Lending Fuels Miami Growth
Together, Winston Capital and Vaster have now closed more than $100 million in private lending deals, signaling a broader trend in Miami condo financing. As developers pursue ambitious towers in land-constrained districts like Edgewater, private capital is proving essential to keep projects on track.
For Edge House, this financing milestone not only ensures steady progress but also highlights the project’s role as a flagship for Miami’s evolving real estate market.
Whole Foods Set to Open in Edgewater this Month
After years of anticipation and heavy traffic treks to Brickell, residents of Edgewater, Midtown, and the Miami Design District can finally rejoice—Whole Foods Market is opening in Edgewater on Thursday, June 26. Located at 2910 Biscayne Blvd at the base of the brand-new Nema Miami development, this 53,400-square-foot store is more than just a grocery stop—it’s a celebration of Florida flavor and local pride.
Designed to reflect Miami’s tropical vibrancy, the store features bold colors, lush plant life, and native bird motifs, all woven into an immersive shopping experience. But what truly sets this Whole Foods apart is its deep commitment to local sourcing. Across every department, over 130 Florida-based vendors are represented, offering more than 500 locally crafted products—from Keys Fisheries spiny lobster tails and EcoRipe lychee to Zak the Baker pastries and 5150 Chocolate Co. bars.
Food lovers will appreciate the Cuban-style coffee bar serving café con leche and cortaditos, a bakery featuring treats from beloved Miami brands like Bunnie Cakes, and a prepared food section dishing up Sushi Maki rolls, fresh pizzas, and made-to-order sandwiches. The craft beer aisle is equally hyper-local, featuring brews from Tripping Animals, Prison Pals, and Green Bench Brewing among its 240 curated selections.
To celebrate its opening, Whole Foods is rolling out the red carpet for the first 300 customers with limited-edition totes and “Secret Saver” cards offering up to $100 in discounts. Guests can also enjoy complimentary coffee from Wells Coffee and pastries from Zak the Baker in the morning, followed by free Gelatys gelato pops in the afternoon.
Whole Foods is also giving back to the community through its Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program, donating food to The Caring Place and supporting local nonprofits like Urban Oasis Project and Lotus House.
Whether you’re in it for the hyperlocal fare or the morning cortado, the Edgewater Whole Foods promises to be more than a grocery store—it’s a new neighborhood staple.
Braman Motors Advances Ambitious Mixed-Use Campus Redevelopment in Miami’s Edgewater
Braman Motors is pressing ahead with the major redevelopment and expansion of its Edgewater campus under the Braman Miami Campus Special Area Plan (SAP), initially approved in 2022. With design contributions from Arquitectonica and Wolfberg Alvarez, the project received conditional approval from the City of Miami’s Urban Development Review Board on April 23, and is set for further evaluation by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on June 4. A final vote on the SAP amendment is expected in July.
The sprawling master plan spans 21 parcels—including three sites acquired for $13 million in 2022—and will be developed in multiple phases. Once completed, the site will encompass a dynamic blend of automotive facilities, high-rise residential towers, office and retail space, and public infrastructure focused on enhancing walkability and urban connectivity, while preserving Braman’s flagship automotive operations.
The first phase introduces an 11-story, 185-foot-tall automotive facility along NE 20th Street. Designed to serve both operational efficiency and architectural appeal, the structure will feature:
An 8,500-square-foot service lounge
A 14,300-square-foot parts warehouse
A 44,200-square-foot paint shop
A 51-bay body shop
A 243,000-square-foot service center
A garage with 1,869 parking spaces
The building will be wrapped in a sleek façade inspired by automotive elements like car grilles, artfully masking the functional components of the parking podium. This phase also includes a pedestrian-friendly redesign of NE 20th Terrace, complete with widened sidewalks, decorative pavers, public art, lighting, and landscaping. The corridor will function as a shared space for cars and pedestrians and will be programmed for events and vehicle showcases.
Phase two brings a 60-story, 649-foot residential tower featuring 624 residential units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom layouts. The podium will offer:
1,111 parking spaces
27,520 square feet of retail space
57,176 square feet of office use
A rooftop restaurant is proposed on the 13th floor, although specific details remain flexible. This phase strengthens Edgewater’s skyline while aligning with demand for luxury vertical living.
The third phase introduces another 60-story tower, slightly taller at 655 feet. This building will include 550 residential units—primarily two- and three-bedroom layouts—but will forgo on-site parking. Instead, residents will utilize adjacent parking facilities. The tower’s podium will house a 50,669-square-foot showroom. A skybridge will connect the two towers’ 12th and 13th floors, merging resident amenities and encouraging fluid connectivity between the buildings.
The last phase involves redeveloping an existing Shell gas station on the property, built in 2009. Plans feature a redesigned retail structure of 838 square feet and sculptural awnings that echo hubcap forms—blending function with design-forward aesthetics.
Braman’s master plan prioritizes pedestrian mobility and multimodal access. According to the project’s letter of intent, new shared roadways and redesigned streetscapes will encourage walking and biking, with enhanced public spaces to foster community engagement.
When completed, the Braman Miami Campus redevelopment will stand as one of Edgewater’s most transformative private developments in terms of both scale and scope. It reflects Miami’s urban evolution toward higher density, mixed-use vibrancy, and pedestrian-centric design, setting a precedent for future growth in the neighborhood.
New Twin-Tower Project Proposed Near Miami Design District and Edgewater
A transformative new development may soon rise between two of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Miami’s Planning Department has received an application to build twin 20-story residential towers at 3801-3883 Biscayne Boulevard, adjacent to both the Design District and Edgewater. The proposed project aims to blend architectural sophistication with pedestrian-friendly urban design, while introducing a new level of elevated living to the area.
The development, submitted by Biscayne Residences Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Kolter Homes, includes:
164 residential units
Two lodging units
8,874 square feet of retail
374 parking spaces
Importantly, the project complies fully with the Miami 21 zoning code, and no waivers are being requested—a sign of its careful integration into the city’s long-term urban vision.
The twin towers are designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm Arquitectonica, who describe the project as a new “gateway” between the tranquility of Biscayne Bay and the vibrant Miami Design District. The towers are positioned on a full city block and are set to create a pedestrian-friendly enclave featuring:
Large sidewalks
Landscaped streetscapes
Façade treatments that enhance the urban experience
An axial internal street lined with royal palms
Residents and visitors will be welcomed by a grand arrival plaza with sweeping porte-cochere canopies and double-height lobbies featuring floor-to-ceiling glass. Monumental sculptures will anchor the interior corners of the site, establishing a strong presence along Biscayne Boulevard.
Arquitectonica’s vision emphasizes architectural fluidity and openness. Each tower is framed by a curving vertical plane reminiscent of a sail catching the breeze from Biscayne Bay. This defining feature runs continuously from ground to rooftop and not only adds sculptural elegance but also divides expansive wraparound terraces on each floor.
Inside, every residence is described as a “home suspended in the sky”, with:
Three exposures for light and views from every angle
Semiprivate lobbies served by dedicated elevators
Generous floorplans and modern amenities
Above the garage pedestal, lush tropical gardens surround elevated pool terraces, while to the east, a row of three-story townhouses will add variety and scale to the urban village.
The project is scheduled for review by Miami’s Urban Development Review Board on May 21. Kolter Homes acquired the property in 2024 for $33.8 million, signaling strong investment in the area’s continued evolution.
If approved, this development promises to add a striking new silhouette to the Biscayne Bay skyline while further connecting Miami’s most exciting neighborhoods through thoughtful design and community-focused planning.
Plans Unveiled for 33-Story 1600 Edgewater Tower in Miami
Exciting new plans have been revealed for a 33-story residential tower in Edgewater, Miami. The project, named 1600 Edgewater, has been officially submitted to Miami’s Urban Development Review Board (UDRB) for approval, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing skyline transformation.
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, the tower is set to become a defining addition to Edgewater’s evolving landscape.
Planned for the former Miami Cash Register site, 1600 Edgewater is poised to rise 381 feet and will feature a mix of residential, commercial, and parking spaces, including:
282 residential units (262 market-rate, 20 affordable housing)
6,615 square feet of commercial space (5,539 SF at the ground level, 1,077 SF on the rooftop)
328 parking spaces housed in an 8-story garage
The project is being developed by 1600 NE 2nd Avenue, LLC, an entity reportedly linked to Sabet Group. The development has already taken major steps forward, having entered construction permitting, submitted for FAA height approval, and completed a utilities agreement.
The Urban Development Review Board (UDRB) hearing for 1600 Edgewater is set for March 19, where city officials will review the project’s plans and impact on the community. Given Edgewater’s rapid growth and increasing demand for high-quality residences, this tower is expected to contribute to the neighborhood’s ongoing transformation.
Elle Residences Miami Unveils New Interior Renderings
Elle Residences Miami has just released stunning new interior renderings of its upcoming residential units, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle planned for its future residents. This cutting-edge interior design is being led by The One Atelier, renowned for its high-end, contemporary aesthetics. Their collaboration with Elle promises to deliver an elegant fusion of modernity and sophistication, setting a new benchmark for urban living.
The 25-story development, set to rise at the northern end of Edgewater, will boast 180 residences, all delivered move-in ready. The project is generating excitement among prospective buyers, with units ranging from 450 to 845 square feet, offering one or two bedrooms. Pricing starts from the $525,000s, making it an appealing option for those seeking a luxurious yet relatively accessible entry into Miami’s thriving real estate market.
With a sleek design and prime location, Elle Residences is poised to become one of Edgewater’s most sought-after residential addresses, offering both style and comfort in one of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods.
Villa Edgewater Miami: A New Architectural Marvel in Edgewater
Miami’s skyline is set to receive an extraordinary addition with the upcoming Villa Miami condo tower in Edgewater. On August 2nd, the Miami Building Department officially issued a site work permit for this highly anticipated project, signaling the beginning of what promises to be a landmark development. On the same day, a revision to the permit was also filed, ensuring that every detail aligns with the grand vision of the developers.
Moss & Associates, a well-known contractor in the industry, has been entrusted with bringing this ambitious project to life. Alongside the site work permit, applications for a master construction permit and a seawall permit are already in the pipeline, reflecting the comprehensive planning and meticulous approach behind Villa Miami.
The planned 56-story tower will rise to an impressive 650 feet, offering breathtaking views and a range of luxurious amenities. The developers have described it as an “architectural marvel,” and with good reason. Villa Miami will feature 72 exclusive condominiums, each designed to the highest standards of luxury and sophistication.
One of the standout features of the building will be its rooftop helipad, providing an unparalleled convenience for its residents. In addition, a restaurant by the renowned Major Food Group will further enhance the tower’s appeal, making it not just a residence but a destination.
The design of Villa Miami will set it apart from other developments in the area. The building’s distinctive exoskeletal design will be clad in a striking copper color, creating a visually stunning contrast against the Miami skyline. This bold architectural choice reflects the innovative spirit of the developers, who are pushing the boundaries of design and construction.
Villa Miami is being developed through a collaboration between Major Food Group, David Martin’s Terra, and One Thousand Group. This partnership brings together a wealth of experience and expertise, ensuring that the project will be executed with precision and creativity.
As construction on Villa Miami begins, the anticipation is palpable. This new addition to Edgewater is more than just a building; it’s a statement of architectural excellence and luxury living. With its unique design, top-tier amenities, and visionary development team, Villa Miami is set to redefine the standard for luxury condos in Miami. Stay tuned as this remarkable project takes shape, promising to become one of the city’s most iconic structures.
New Edgewater Tower Receives FAA Approval for 637-Foot Height
Edgewater, one of Miami’s most rapidly developing neighborhoods, is set to welcome a striking new addition to its skyline. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially given the green light for the height of a new tower planned for the area. According to a determination letter dated August 19th, the FAA has approved the tower to rise to an impressive 637 feet above ground level, or 641 feet above sea level.
The letter was sent to Meridian TC Real Estate Group LLC, the company responsible for overseeing the project. The approved height paves the way for the construction of Edge House Miami, a luxury condominium building that will also allow for short-term rentals—a feature that is increasingly popular in the Miami real estate market.
Edge House Miami is set to be a 57-story architectural marvel, with a design crafted by the renowned architect Kobi Karp. Known for his innovative and contemporary designs, is expected to bring a modern aesthetic to Edge House Miami, further enhancing Edgewater’s reputation as a hub for luxury living.
The developer behind this ambitious project is Peru’s Grupo T&C, a company with a growing portfolio of high-end developments. Their decision to invest in Edgewater reflects the area’s burgeoning appeal, particularly among those seeking upscale residential options with flexible rental opportunities.
As Edge House Miami begins to take shape, it promises to be a significant landmark in Edgewater, contributing to the neighborhood’s evolving identity as one of Miami’s premier residential districts. The project’s approval by the FAA marks a crucial step forward, setting the stage for what will undoubtedly be one of Edgewater’s most anticipated developments.
