You Can Now Buy Two Arte Surfside Condos for 560 Bitcoin
Bitcoin has become one of the ultimate currencies in Miami. Now more than ever, consumers are able to utilize crypto for food purchases, nightclubs, and real estate. Arte Surfside completely revolutionized the real estate market by being one of the first developments in Miami to begin accepting Bitcoin for their luxury condos.
The developers for Arte Surfside currently have two luxury units for sale for a combined price of $31 million or 560 bitcoin. According to the developers, Alex Sapir and Giovanni Fasciano have stated that offers can be made in either bitcoin or ethereum.
According to Sapir, “We were overwhelmed by the amount of calls we received from qualified buyers just after announcing our ability to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions for the condominiums at Arte. Real-world crypto transactions haven’t made their way fully into the mainstream yet, so it’s clear that top holders around the world pay attention when new opportunities to transact open up.”
One of the crypto units at Arte is listed at $18.95 million and features 6,982 square feet of living space. The second unit is listed at $11.9 million and is around 3,500 square feet. These incredible units boast oceanfront views, wraparound terraces, large walk-in closets, and high-tech entry access.
Photo Credit: Dina Goldentayer
Building amenities include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, full-size tennis court, state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio, sauna, catering kitchen, and white-glove butlers.
Arte Surfside Amenities:
A 75-foot indoor swimming pool
An outdoor swimming pool, sundeck, and poolside cabanas
Rooftop tennis court
State-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio
Sauna and steam room
Tranquil meditation pond
Children’s playroom
Residents’ lounge with billiards and catering kitchen
Temperature-controlled parking spaces
Arte Residence Features:
Expansive terraces clad in travertine with ipe decking
Gracious kitchens featuring Poliform cabinetry, Italian marble countertops, and Gaggenau appliances
Sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean
In June, a penthouse in Arte sold for a record-breaking $22.5 million in crypto. The type of cryptocurrency for this sale was not released. With more developers jumping on the crypto train, we can expect in the future that digital currency will eventually play a larger role in the real estate market and potentially affect how we make offers for our buyers and negotiate for our sellers.
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.
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner Make a Move to Miami with a Purchase of an $11 Million Waterfront Mansion
Joe Jonas and his wife Sophie Turner are the newest celebrity couple that has made the move to Miami along with countless others.
Their recent purchase of a waterfront property located at 4400 Island Road in the Bay Point Community, sits directly on a channel leading to Biscayne Bay. The couple paid $11 million for the 6 bedrooms, 8.5 bathroom estate.
This unique property was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect who has designed over 1,000 structures over his 70-year career. This specific estate was designed with harmonic accents while incorporating outdoor aesthetics. The Island Road mansion utilizes indoor gardens, a koi pond, and a grand salon with 30-foot ceilings to create a tranquil ambiance.
Over the years, this home was renovated with no expenses spared in the designs. Walking through, you’ll find Calcutta baths, Ornare closets, a sauna, gym, and steam room. Other features include a climate-controlled wine cellar and gorgeous cherry hardwood floors. The home also features a 10-foot pool, 94 feet of water frontage, and a boat dock.
The home was previously owned by Cuban-American musician Willy Chirino. Chirino is a Miami native and began his artistic career in Miami, releasing his first album in 1974. Since then, he has recorded over 20 albums and was nominated for multiple awards in 2007 at the Latin Grammy Awards. Chirino sold the home in 2014 for $4.2 million.
According to county records, the current sellers are Luis Arguello Jr. and Sylvia Chamorro. Arguello is the chairperson and CEO of DemeTech, a Miami-based maker of surgical sutures, mesh, and bone wax.
Joe Jonas is known as an American singer-songwriter and boy band member of the Jonas Brothers who debuted in 2006. Their band split in 2014. In more recent years, Joe has reunited with the Jonas Brothers and has created songs that we all know and love, including What a Man Gotta Do, Cake by the Ocean, and Sucker. Joe married Sophie Turner in March 2021.
If you’ve watched Game of Thrones, you know that Joe’s wife, Sophie Turner doesn’t need an introduction. From 2011 to 2014, she played the very difficult role of Sansa Stark. Game of Thrones was her first television role at the age of 14. Her career also placed her in other movies including X-Men, Barely Lethal, and The Prince. She has also modeled for Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
The couple listed their Enchino, California mansion in June for $16.8 million. Their home is still on the market.
This Bay Point community has seen a lot of activity in recent months with a former Goldman Sachs exec purchasing a waterfront mansion for $11.3 million and a record sale of $17.4 million in May 2021.
Photo Credit:Dina Goldentayer
Nicky Jam Purchases a One Thousand Museum Luxury Condo for $6 Million
Photo Credit: Darin Feldman
Nick Rivera Caminero, also known as Nicky Jam is an American singer, actor, songwriter, and rapper. He is best known for hits “Travesura,” “Te Busco,” “El Amante,’ and ‘En la Cama.”
He is especially known for his fast-paced reggaeton compositions mixed with his romantic lyrics. He has collaborated with many well-known artists including Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Plan B, and Anuel AA. Nicky has also won 20 Billboard Latin Music Awards and 1 Latin Grammy Award.
More recently, Nicky has made Miami home, with the purchase of a luxury condo at One Thousand Museum in the Park West subdivision of Miami for $6 million. The unit features 4,600 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and staff quarters. This specific unit stretches over a half-floor
This incredible unit boasts all of the finest finishes including Sub-Zero, Duravit, Apure lighting, Gaggenau, Dornbracht, and Crestron. Nicky will enjoy stunning Biscayne Bay, park, and Miami skyline views from all areas of the unit.
Miami-Dade country records show the property was sold by Green House Domestic Holdings Four LLC., managed by Humberto C. Bethencourt. Bethencourt is listed as the President of R&A Consulting & Investments, Inc. The property was last sold in 2019 for $4.54 million.
One Thousand Museum was designed by the late Pritzker-winning architect Zaha Hadid and developed by Louis Birdman, Gregg Covin, Kevin Venger, and Regalia Group.
One Thousand Museum is the first residential development in South Florida to have its own rooftop helipad, making it possible for residents to travel to nearby islands, private and commercial airports, and private yachts at a moment’s notice.
One Thousand Museum Amenities
Spacious fitness center with state-of-the-art strength and cardio training equipment
Spa with private treatment rooms, steam and sauna rooms, plunge pools, and relaxation lounge
Multimedia theater for private movie screenings, lectures, and presentations
Sun & Swim Terrace with pools, lounge chairs, cabanas, and poolside towel service
Aquatic Center with indoor, infinity-edge pool
Private dining room
Triple-height event space overlooking Biscayne Bay
Private rooftop helipad
Specialized security and valet personnel
Full-service concierge
Bank-quality vault with individual safe deposit box for every residence
One Thousand Museum Residence Features
Custom Italian cabinetry by Poliform
Fine quartz countertops by Silestone
Induction cooktop, oven, steam oven, microwave, dishwasher, and integrated coffee maker by Gaggenau
Refrigerator by Sub-Zero
Faucets and fixtures by Dornbracht, Duravit, and MTI
Interior doors by Lualdi Porte with door handles designed by Zaha Hadid
Custom-designed, Italian-made walk-in closets
Extensive state-of-the-art home automation by Crestron, allowing residents to control a range of in-residence applications including lighting, heating, air conditioning, audio, video, window treatments, and security
These unique and luxurious units range from $4.95 million to $20 million and with the popularity of the luxury condo market, the inventory has become limited. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing one of the One Thousand Museum Residences, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.
Russian Buyer Purchases MarinaBlue Condo with Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency has made headway this past year within the real estate market. To compete with multiple offers or to make offers more appealing, buyers have been utilizing different types of the digital currency.
The digital asset is not only being accepted for real estate transactions but for the purchase of goods and services as well. Miami nightclubs, retail shops, and airlines are starting to accept this form of payment. Other large chain retail stores including Overstock.com, Microsoft, and Home Depot are also on the crypto train.
Within the real estate market, many developers are beginning to accept crypto on their new construction towers. PMG was one of the first developers to begin accepting crypto on their new construction tower, E11EVEN Hotel & Residences. A penthouse at Arte Surfside was also recognized for being one of the largest cryptocurrency transactions ever.
Lucas Lechuga recently closed on a MarinaBlue unit #4803 to a buyer from Russia for $465,000. The buyer purchased the unit using cryptocurrency. The unit itself features 1 bedroom + den, 1.5 bathrooms that offered views of the ocean, downtown Miami, and Biscayne Bay. This unit boasts 10-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and marble flooring throughout.
This unit is considered the second-highest price sale for a 1 bedroom ever at MarinaBlue.
Floor-to-ceiling Impact-resistant Sliding Glass Doors and Windows
9-foot Ceilings in Most Condos; 10-foot Ceilings starting on the 44th Floor; Lofts with 18-foot Ceilings
Penthouse Units with 20-foot ceilings
Full-size Stackable Washer and Dryers by Frigidaire
European-style Cabinetry and Stainless Steel Sink in Kitchen
Stainless Steel Refrigerator/Freezer, Microwave and Oven/Stove by Whirlpool
Master Bath Features Marble Floors and Double Vanity
Spacious Walk-in Closets
If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing one of the units at MarinaBlue, or any information on the cryptocurrency process, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Receives Official Approval for Demolition
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami will rise 100 stories at 1,049 feet tall making it the “highest skyscraper south of Manhattan.” In June, the developers launched Waldorf Astoria’s official sales gallery located at 400 Biscayne Bay, right across from the construction site.
Waldorf Astoria has received official approval to begin clearing the site. According to the Miami Building Department, the demolition permit was submitted in early June 2021 and officially approved on August 4, 2021.
Clearing the actual 5,000 square foot site is estimated to cost around $30,000. The developer is working with The BG Group for demolition.
The developers include PMG with Sieger-Suarez Architects are the designers for the project. This tower will be truly one-of-a-kind with a unique design featuring 9 stacked glass cubes offsetting each other as they go vertical. Design interior created by BAMO design firm.
Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences will rise 1,049 feet tall and will feature 360 condos, 205 hotel rooms, and suites.
Tower Amenities:
Peacock Alley
True Waldorf Service and concierge
Unobstructed views of city and downtown skyline, Miami Beach and Atlantic Ocean
Waldorf Astoria immersive resort-style pool with outdoor café and private cabanas
Private Bar/ Wine Tasting Room
Signature Restaurant
All-Day Dining Brasserie
Pre-function and function spaces
Meeting and boardrooms
Waldorf Astoria Kids Club
24-hour valet parking
Signature spa
Leading-edge fitness center with private training studios
Residential Amenities:
24-hour doormen and lobby desk attendants
Private porte cochère with 24-hour valet service and private residential entry
24-hour concierge services in addition to dedicated on-site professionals
Live-in resident manager and 24-hour security
Front-door package and service delivery via signature Concierge Closet
Owners Lounge with high ceilings
Billiard and entertainment room with panoramic bay views
Designed for private functions and equipped with adjacent catering kitchen
Private residential pool deck with whirlpools with lounging areas
Exclusive Waldorf Astoria Miami access and benefits, including preferred spa and restaurant rates and access to à la carte hotel services
Property Markets Group, Greybrook, and Hilton are also partnering on the project. The groundbreaking is still planned for the beginning of 2022.
New Tower-Ambienta Coral Way Receives Official Design Approval
On Wednesday, Ambienta Coral Way received official design approval to begin the $20 million condominium project. Ambienta Executive Vice President Carlos Balart met with Miami’s Urban Design Review Board to discuss the design and construction approval.
Ambienta Coral Way will rise 8 stories on the corner of Coral Way and Southwest 31st Road, just steps from local restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. This development will also include two retail spaces including a restaurant.
Ambienta Developers, a Chile-based development company, is responsible for Ambienta and Revuelta Architecture International is behind the design. Revuelta is also responsible for the designs of Brickell Flatrion and Santa Maria. This is Ambienta Developer’s second project, with their first being Ambienta Bay Harbor in Bay Harbor Islands.
The 79 unit tower will feature floorplans ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms with 600 to 1,200 square feet of living space. One and two bathroom options are available. Pricing for Ambienta Coral Way will start at $390,000 and continue to increase based on floor plans and finishes.
Development Amenities:
Gym
Party Room
Pool with cabanas
Outdoor kitchen
Kitchen facilities
Waterfront spa
Sauna
Picnic Area
Club Room
Valet
Deeded Beach Access
This development will replace two existing apartment buildings. Pre-sales are anticipated to begin later this year, with construction beginning in early 2022. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2024. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Ambienta Coral Way, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
District 225- Formerly Named The District-Have Officially Launched Sales
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.
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.
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.
A Developer Penthouse at Mansions at Acqualina Sold for $27 Million
Another luxury condo ranks for the third spot for the highest priced condo sale in Miami-Dade History. Developer, the Trump Group (no relation to President Donald Trump), sold a penthouse at the Mansions of Acqualina for a cool $27 million. This specific unit was originally listed for $38 million in 2019.
The penthouse unit located at 17749 Collins Avenue, PH 47 in Sunny Isles, features 4 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and a 2 car garage. This gorgeous unit boasts 9,103 square feet of living space with killer views of Biscayne Bay, the direct ocean, and the Miami skyline.
Two kitchens in this unit make for easy living with guests as well as family. The private 12′ glass-bottomed cantilevered pool is a private oasis above Miami. All of the units in Acqualina are fully furnished by Fendi, Baccarat, and Bentley.
Tax records for this unit show a Delaware entity listed as Kodiak Trust Company in Eagle Ridge. Records also show that Oren Shmueli, Senior VP of the Trump Group was on the Deed of Transfer.
The Mansions of Acqualina offer much more than your average amenities. Look forward to a ‘virtual’ golf outing, Hamman Spa, private cabanas, and much more!
The Mansions at Acqualina Amenities
Fitness Center with State-of-the-Art Equipment
Poolside Private Cabanas
Hammam Spa
Children’s Center
Virtual Golf
Outdoor Dining and Spa
Sunset Reflecting Pool and Fire Pit
Lavish Grand Room for Private Functions
Concierge, Security, and 24-Hour Valet
Dog Park
The Mansions at Acqualina Residence Features:
Private Jacuzzi on Terrace
2-Story Floorplans
Multiple Balconies with Ocean and Intracoastal Views
Outdoor Summer Kitchen
Balconies with Ocean and Intracoastal Views
Floor-to-Ceiling, Bronze-Tinted, Impact-Resistant Windows and Sliding Glass Doors
Intelligent Climate Controls with Digital Thermostats
Vent-Less Fireplace in the Family Room
Intrusion Alarm Monitoring Service
Imported Stone Countertops and Backsplashes
Free Standing Custom Tub with Dornbracht Plumbing Fixtures
The Trump Group is also developing a two-tower condo project next door called the Estates at Acqualina.
If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at the Mansions of Acqualina, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
Champlain Towers South Building Collapse- A Timeline of Events
Credit: MiamiCondoInvestments.com/1 OAK Studios
October 2018: Structural Engineering Report
In October 2018, a structural engineering report with Morabito Consultants notes in a nine-page report numerous problems and major structural damage at Champlain Towers. The report included that the structural concrete slab is flat instead of sloped, which causes water to pool (with the hope that the water evaporates) instead of draining off. The parking garage also showed significant cracking in concrete beams. The report states that failure to repair the damages could “cause the extent of the concrete deterioration to expand exponentially.”
November 2018: Champlain Towers Condo Association Board Meeting
After the initial engineering report was released, a Surfside official during a November 15, 2018 board meeting stated that the condo tower was in good condition. According to the minutes of this board meeting, “Structural engineer report was reviewed by Mr. Ross Prieto. It appears the building is in very good shape.” *Ross Prieto was an official for the town of Surfside but is no longer employed for the town.
Credit: MiamiCondoInvestments.com/1 OAK Studios
April 2021: A Letter to Residents
The President of the Condo Association board of directors sent out a letter to the residents of Champlain Towers South. The letter stated that the building had worsened since the original inspection in 2018, and that “the concrete deterioration is accelerating. Observable damage such as in the garage has gotten significantly worse since the initial inspection. When you can visually see the concrete spalling, that means that the rebar holding it together is rusting and deteriorating beneath the surface.” An estimate of $15 million special assessment was proposed to pay for the structural repairs.
June 24, 2021: The Collapse
Around 1:19 am, the condo tower starts to shake and partially collapses destroying around 55 units. Rescue crews immediately raced to the site to search for survivors. The same day, Florida Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Miami-Dade County.
June 25, 2021: Emergency Declaration for Florida
President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Flordia that allowed FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to send federal resources to aid in the search and rescue efforts.
June 26, 2021: Residential Audits
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Cava announced an audit on all properties that are 5+ stories high and at least 40 years old.
June 27, 2021: Search and Rescue
The search continues for those missing in the condo collapse. Miami Fire Search and Rescue are working around the clock to locate those missing. The process has been strategic because they have to assure the safety of the teams as well as limit any additional damage to the building that could cause further harm to survivors.
July 1, 2021: A Community in Mourning
As of today, the Surfside and Miami communities have been coming together with daily vigils to pray and mourn for those lost in the devastating condo collapse. Outside of the destruction, a fence with missing residents’ pictures hangs solemnly. Local restaurants have come together and are feeding the rescue and volunteer teams. Hotels are also housing residents of Champlain Towers. According to authorities, 18 people have died with 140 still missing. President Biden also visited the site to discuss the rescue efforts and to offer condolences to the community.
Future: A Change in Procedure
We do not know the exact cause of the condo collapse but we do know that an investigation into the destruction will take months to complete. With this collapse, we are already seeing a much-needed change in procedure, including the Mayor’s condominium audit memorandum now in place. It is also important that associations, engineers, and officials take the warnings more seriously in the future. And we’re hopeful that with new rules and regulations in place, a devastating event like this can be prevented in the future.
