When completed, Missoni Baia will bring 57 stories of ultra-luxury residences to the shores of East Edgewater.
The groundbreaking is scheduled for 5pm on Thursday, October 12 at the build site, 777 NE 26th Terrace. The first-ever Missoni branded condominium will feature a vibrant and colorful decor, even with a custom tile mosaic of the brand’s signature brightly colored stripes.
The residences range in size from 1-5 bedrooms and prices of the tower residences range from the $700,000’s up to $3.4 million. Penthouses have not yet been released. The development is slated for completion at the end of 2020.
Here is a teaser video that was released by the developer that shows the quality of the finishes and the amenities…
Elysee Lands $16.5 Million Construction Loan
Just months after the successful opening of Biscayne Beach, Two Roads Development has landed a $16.5 million construction loan that will fund the first phase of construction for Elysee, a boutique ultra-luxe tower just blocks away.
Work commenced back in March on the 124-foot-long seawall in order to prepare for the formal groundbreaking, and now with these additional funds granted by California-based Mosaic Real Estate Credit, LLC, the developers will be able to start bringing the 57 story project out of the ground. The first phase of development will include the site work, excavation, installation of pilings, and the pouring of the foundation.
Construction loans are notoriously difficult to obtain, and this is a very good sign for Elysee. Developers must prove to the lenders that they have a strong track record, well-capitalized sponsorship, a preferable location as well as consistent sales activity. Once the loan is obtained and dirt starts moving, the remaining inventory tends to sell faster, as buyers have increased faith that the project will come to fruition. Many buyers are also more willing to jump on board with a new development when they can physically see what they are buying. All in all, this is amazing news for Elysee.
One of the differentiating features of Elysee is the size of the residences. All of the homes are either half-floor or full-floor plans, offering a boutique/private feel. They will include floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors, private elevators and foyers, 10-12 foot ceiling heights, designer finishes and fixtures, premium appliances, top-of-the-line Italian cabinetry, as well as two expansive east/west-facing terraces with 180-degree sunrise and sunset views.
As of today, 45% of the project’s 100 units are in contract. Remaining residences range from $1.7 million to $4 million, at $639 to $800 per square foot. The penthouse collection has been dubbed “Les Grandes Maisons” and range from $2.8 million to $10 million.
Completion is slated for 2019.
Market Stat Monday: Almost $50 Million In Contracts Signed Post-Irma
It has been a few weeks now since the skies have cleared in Greater Downtown Miami after Hurricane Irma’s brush, and despite a little bit of flooding and debris, we were very lucky. Now that cleanup is under way, how have the condo sales fared?
Not too bad, if I must say. Despite having only two functional weeks in September, nearly $50 million in resale contracts were signed on 79 total units.
The least expensive listing to find a buyer was at the Loft II Downtown, where a 770 square foot one bedroom was listed for $175,000. Of the 79 units that went to contract, 50 of them were listed for under $500,000. We will find out the final sales prices once they close.
In the luxury segment, there were a total of 6 properties listed over $1 million that found buyers. Among them was the crown jewel penthouse #1 at Asia on Brickell Key. With nearly 5,000 interior square feet through three levels including a dramatic rooftop terrace with a private pool, the sellers had asked $8.5 million, or $1,715/square foot.
Comparing September of 2017 to September of 2016, you will see that 2016 brought both a higher number of transactions as well as a higher volume of listings sold, but not enough to make it an overall better month considering that September 2017 was short due to people being distracted by the hurricane and Hurricane Matthew didn’t brush South Florida until October of last year. September of 2016 brought just over $60 million of listings sold, with 119 total transactions.
To celebrate the end of a successful yet stressful September, let’s check out some photos of that Asia Penthouse!
Biscayne Beach’s Ultimate “Sandcastle In The Sky” Asks $9.5 Million
While doing their pre-construction sales, the developer of Biscayne Beach used the tagline, ‘Sandcastles in the Sky,’ and now they have released the details of the ultimate one. Penthouse 7 sprawls over 7,500 square feet of interior space with soaring ceilings, tons of natural light and views of practically all of South Florida.
It has 4 bedroom, a den, 5 full bathrooms and 2 powder rooms. In the master bath, there is a private sauna and the rooftop boasts a private pool. The developer is offering it decorator-ready for $9,453,900. Have a look at the photo preview and let us know what you think!
Which Miami Condo Developments Are On Highest Ground?
The threat that climate change presents to Miami is as hot of a topic as it is a polarizing one. With increasingly frequent flooding due to storms and the moon/tide cycles, many of the locals have grown familiar with the low-lying hazards in the neighborhood. A summer storm wouldn’t be complete without the dramatic shot of a newscaster standing outside the Publix in Mary Brickell Village with water up to their knees, gawking at drivers who splash by, many of whom end up with water damage to their pricey rides. The intersection of Brickell and 13th Street is another spot that overflows quickly.
After the storm we went through last week that flooded the underground parking garages at Brickell City Centre plus all of Mary Brickell Village, forcing shops to close for a day and a half, I started to wonder which buildings in the area are on higher ground? Some may be surprised to learn that the Downtown area is not flat. There are small, but valuable hills that make certain buildings more secure from the floodwaters. I did a little bit of research and found this very interesting topographical map that is fully interactive and mapped the buildings in our area. The vast majority of the buildings sit between 0-3 feet above sea level, but here are the ones on higher ground…
Simpson Park Area
On the south end of the Brickell Financial District but on the north side of South Brickell is Simpson Park. It is situated on a small hill that crests at the intersection of SW 1st Avenue and I95 at 30 feet above sea level. Le Parc at Brickell is the highest condo development in our service area at 20 feet above sea level. Nearby, Infinity at Brickell also takes advantage of this hill at 10 feet above sea level, but it drops off quickly. SLS Brickell measured 3 feet above sea level.
Because of the contour of the elevation, Vue at Brickell and Axis at Brickell were all showing up as 7 feet above sea level, leaving Millecento and the rest of the surrounding buildings at 3 feet.
North Brickell
All of the other buildings in Brickell are between 0-3 feet except for one small incline at 5th Street that puts 500 Brickell’s East Tower on slightly higher ground (7 feet).
Downtown Miami
The wall of towering skyscrapers along Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown has been affectionately dubbed the “Biscayne Wall” in real estate and architecture groups for some time now, but there could be another reason for it. There is a small increase in altitude along Biscayne Boulevard, leaving Bayfront Park at 3 feet above sea level and all of the condo developments from 50 Biscayne to Marquis Residences at 7 feet above sea level. This includes Vizayne North and South, MarinaBlue, 900 Biscayne Bay, One Thousand Museum, and Ten Museum Park.
Edgewater / Arts & Entertainment District / Midtown
As can likely be expected, none of the buildings in Edgewater are higher than 3 feet above sea level… but the grade increases relatively quickly as you go farther west (by Miami standards anyway). The Arts & Entertainment District’s new project, Canvas, is 7 feet above sea level, and industrial loft or live/work space fans will be pleased to hear that Parc Lofts and Filling Station Lofts are both built 10 feet above sea level.
Midtown fans will also be pleased to know that the entire neighborhood, including Midtown 2, Midtown 4, Midblock and the new Hyde at Midtown are all 10 feet above sea level.
Final Thoughts
If you would like to play with the interactive map on your own, you can do so here. Do the findings make you feel better or worse about our situation?
Paraiso District Construction Update: Paraiso Bay Closings Set To Begin September 2017
The Paraiso District is now 97% sold and on the verge of opening its first building. Here is a breakdown of each tower with current photos of their progress…
Paraiso Bay – Although previously announced as “Sold Out”, we have received word that one unit has come available. This one is an 05 line with a direct bay view. It has 1,326 square feet with 2 bedrooms, 3 baths and a den. It is being offered for $934,900.
We had previously heard that the building was set to open this month, but opening day has been pushed to September. Delays at the end of the construction process are pretty common, so we’ll be sure to stay abreast of any changes.
Paraiso Bay Homes – Although not as heavily publicized as the towers, the Bay Homes are probably my favorite phase of the complex. They are located directly across the driveway from the Paraiso Beach Club and directly under the pool deck for Paraiso Bay and GranParaiso (with their own entrance). They are townhouse-style beach homes with an average of 4,000 square feet and 3 or 4 bedrooms. There are currently 3 remaining that are priced between $1.9 million up to $2.4 million.
Paraiso Bayviews – The most affordable tower is also nearly sold out, with an anticipated opening of January 2018 after topping off in April. There are now 5 condo residences available and 7 penthouses. The prices range from $420,000 for a 1 bedroom plus den with a garden view to $650,000 for a 2 bedroom with sunset/skyline views. In the penthouse levels, remaining opportunities range from $630,000 to $1.6 million.
One Paraiso – In our most recent construction update, One Paraiso had just topped off with two opportunities remaining… a 1,680 square foot 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath with bay and ocean views for $1.45 million and a 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath penthouse with 2,850 square feet and bay/ocean views for $2.85 million. Both remain available with opening day projected for February 2018.
GranParaiso – The final tower to be completed is also the one with the most inventory to choose from. GranParaiso has currently reached the 46th floor of 53 total. We should see top off early in the fall and final completion in the Spring of 2018. There are 18 condo residences available, ranging from $960,000 for a 2 bed, 2 bath plus den with bay & ocean views, up to $1.88 million for a 4 bed, 3.5 bath plus den with the same view.
There are also four remaining penthouses from $2 million to $3.1 million.
For specific unit numbers and prices (if not listed in this post), just send us a message. We’re always happy to help. As for the Paraiso Beach Club and Amenity Complex, they are both coming along nicely and scheduled to open just in time for the first residents’ move-in.
One Paraiso Has Topped Off; Paraiso District Construction & Sales Update
The third tower in the 10 acre Paraiso District has topped off. One Paraiso reached its final height of 53 floors this week leaving only GranParaiso in the vertical construction phase. Here is the latest on the project:
One Paraiso – The building has topped off and interior finish out is underway. Only two residences remain, a 3 bedroom and a penthouse. Closings are set to begin later in the year.
BayHomes – Interior finish-out and landscaping are underway and sidewalks are being poured. Closings will begin this summer and prices start at $1.9 million.
Paraiso Bay – This was the first tower to top-off. Interior finish-out is underway and closings are set to begin this summer. There are no purchase opportunities at this time.
Paraiso Bayviews – The most affordable tower in the district topped off in April and is set for opening at the end of the year. Remaining apartments start at $599,000.
GranParaiso – If you want A-Rod to be your neighbor, you should buy here. They have reached the 41st level of vertical construction and are set to open in the Spring 2018. Prices start at $968,000.
Aria on the Bay Construction Tour
Today we were invited to take a construction tour of Aria on the Bay in the Omni District of Edgewater. I had been curious to see how the building would turn out ever since the day I first saw the renderings, and I was very impressed!
In touring with the developers, Martin and Carlos Melo, their passion and pride in their craft was evident. They seemed to genuinely enjoy giving the tour and were excited to go through the project with us, often pausing to tell the stories behind previous buildings they have built. Aria on the Bay is the first luxury condominium they have built in Miami, but they have built almost 20 buildings in total, typically rental developments that they hold and run. They explained that they build for what the market calls for, whether it be an affordable yet well-appointed apartment building attached to a metromover stop, or a glitzy waterfront development with private elevators, which is what we saw today. Here’s a preview of the residences, which will begin closings early in 2018:
The East view from the 51st floor
The East view from the 51st floor
The Northeast view from the 51st floor
The North view from the 51st floor
The South view from the 51st floor
The views checked out beautifully, and I was also impressed to see that even the residences on the West side of the building (facing Biscayne Boulevard, rather than the Biscayne Bay) also had partial bay views. Bravo!
The interiors of the units were still very much under construction, but some already had the kitchens and bathrooms installed enough to where we could see the quality of the finishes.
This is the vanity in one of the master bathrooms. You can see the cabinets are a textured wooden design from Italkraft and the vanity top is quartz. In the background, you can see the standalone tub. It was still covered to protect the fixture, so I didn’t take a direct photo of it. In the photo below, you can see the rendering of a similar master bathroom.
Here is the soaking tub in one of the guest bedrooms. It hasn’t been shined up yet, but you can see that it is nicer than the soaking tubs in the master bedrooms of some of the competing developments.
This is another guest bath in the same apartment.
Sadly, none of my kitchen photos came out very well, but the finishes are similar to the bathrooms with the same textured wooden paneling from Italkraft on the cabinets and the appliances. Here is the sample kitchen, which has been built out in the sales center.
The amenity deck was also very much still under construction, but I had to make note of how similar the pool deck came out when you compare it to the rendering. They elevated the jacuzzi so that when people sit in it, they can see over the glass and into the bay.
Another aspect of Aria that I was impressed with was their range of floor plans. Buyers have the option to pay a little more and live in the more exclusive East side of the building, that has private elevators and direct bay views. They also have the option to pay a little less and live on the West side of the building with semi-private elevators and partial bay views. Apartments with private elevators have two private elevator bays as well as a shared service elevator. Those with semi-private elevators have four elevator bays for eight apartments on each floor, so residents should feel comfortable that there are plenty of bays to eliminate wait times.
The project is currently 80% sold out and has a nice selection of availability in both sections of the building. For apartments with semi-private elevators, units are available from $433,000 – $597,000 and for apartments with private elevators and direct bay views, prices range from $794,000 – $1,769,900. Penthouses are priced upon request. Buyers of the penthouses will be able to say that the Miami Marlins’ outfielder, Giancarlo Stanton, who just signed the richest contract in MLB history ($325 million over 13 years) is their next door neighbor.
Video Tour of 3 Bedroom Condo at Biscayne Beach
As the new darling on the block, Biscayne Beach has garnered much interest from buyers, renters, and Realtors alike. Many are eager to see its finishes, views, and floor plans. Last week, a client of mine closed on a spacious, 3 bedroom unit at Biscayne Beach. Located on the southeast corner of the 30th floor, it boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and city skyline from its 10-foot high floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Judge for yourself, but I consider it one of the best views in Miami.
The unit will hit the market next week with an asking price of $1.75M. It will include two side-by-side parking spaces located on the 1st floor.
