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

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.

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.

Aria Reserve-Tallest Waterfront Twin Towers in the United States are Coming to Miami

I am sure you have heard of the Aria Reserve Towers Miami, and if you haven’t, keep reading. It will truly be the most unique and luxurious towers to grace the Miami coastline. With its modern yet sultry design set directly on Biscayne Bay, it will truly feel like you are living on a resort!

Located at 711 Northeast 23rd Terrace, Miami’s most coveted area in the Edgewater neighborhood, Aria residents will be able to enjoy Miami’s pristine beaches, Miami Beach nightlife, and the Design District’s shopping. This project is being developed by the Melo Group and designed by Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica with interiors designed by MORADA.

Aria Reserve will be the tallest waterfront twin residential towers in the United States rising 62 stories high. Sited on a 5.2-acre development with 547 linear feet of water frontage, it will offer unparalleled amenities. Melo Group also plans to build a public park from Aria connecting to the Miami Baywalk. The development site was previously known as Island Bay.

The Melo Group has recently launched sales for 321 units in the south tower of Aria. With roughly 800 units between the two towers, pricing for Aria Reserve’s first building will start at $750,000. There are 15 penthouses available starting at $12 million. Units will feature 1 to 4 bedroom floor plans with 1,100 square feet to 2,600 square feet of living space. The penthouses will range from 3,500 square feet to 9,000+ square feet, each including a 3-car garage. Sales for the second tower will be launched based on market demand.

Tower Amenities:

• 2-acre recreation deck
• Lap pool and spa
• Gaming center
• Playground
• Tennis courts
• Basketball courts
• Paddle courts
• Miniature golf course
• Wellness center
• Gym
• Meditation Garden

Residence Features

• Unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and Ocean
• Finished residences with two flooring options
• All residences include 2 high-speed elevators
• All residences include an office/media room
• All residences are sunrise-sunset flow-through from East to West
• 3-month seasonal rentals allowed up to 4 times per year

Construction of Aria Reserve south tower should begin in the spring of 2022 with an anticipated completion date of 2024. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Aria Reserve, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Waldorf Astoria Hosts its Official Sales Gallery Grand Opening

The long awaited sales gallery launch for Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami has officially arrived and we couldn’t be more excited! Last night Waldorf Astoria hosted their official sales gallery grand opening located at 400 Biscayne Blvd across the street from Waldorf Astoria’s official pre-construction tower site.

PMG developers Ryan Shear and Kevin Maloney were in attendance as well as Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences architects Carlos Ott and Charles Sieger (of Sieger-Suarez Architects). Mayor Suarez stated, “we are so proud of this iconic project that is going to help redefine who we are as a city.”

Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami will rise 100 stories at 1,049 feet tall making it the “highest skyscraper south of Manhattan.” It will also be the first Waldorf Astoria development in South Florida. Featuring 360 condos, 205 hotel rooms and suites, this incredible tower will truly be one of a kind. Tower amenities include a Peacock Alley lounge, signature restaurant, resort-style pool with cabanas, spa and fitness center.

Designed by Carlos Ott and architecture by Sieger Suarez, the design will feature 9 glass cubes offset from the next. This design will truly be the first of its kind in South Florida.

PMG developers, led by Ryan Shear, Kevin Maloney, and Dan Kaplan are the brains of the project and have stated that they have been working on the development project since 2014 and originally announced the launch in 2018.

Property Markets Group, Greybrook, and Hilton are also partnering on the project. The hotel portion of the Warldorf will be the first 3 cubes and Hilton will be managing that portion of the tower.

The residential units will begin at $656,000 and will increase depending on the location in the building as well as the size

STUDIOS

CUBE 4 – above level 40
From 516 sq ft. to 653 sq ft / Starting at $656,000

ONE BEDROOM

CUBE 5 – above level 50
From 873 sq ft. to 950 sq ft / Starting at $997,500

TWO BEDROOMS

CUBE 5 – above level 50
From 1491 sq ft. to 1951 sq ft / Starting at $1,701,000

THREE BEDROOMS

CUBE 5 – above level 50
2659 sq ft. / Starting at $4,111,000

FOUR BEDROOMS

CUBE 6 – above level 60
3,256 sq ft / Starting at $4,987,000

Sales for Waldorf Astoria launched in March 2021 with an estimated ground breaking in Q4 of 2021. The completion date is currently set for 2025. If you or someone you know have interest in purchasing one of the units at Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

PMG will be the First Developer to Accept Cryptocurrency on Pre-Construction Tower – E11EVEN Hotel & Residences

Following the wake of the Bitcoin 2021 Conference, cryptocurrency has made a name in Miami and continues to grow throughout the country. Adding to the long list of companies accepting cryptocurrency, you can now add PMG Development. PMG will be the first developer to accept cryptocurrency for deposits on pre-construction condos.

In April 2021, E11EVEN Miami nightclub began accepting crypto but now E11EVEN Hotel & Residences is the first major development that PMG is accepting the digital currency.

E11EVEN Hotel & Residences is a luxury high-rise in the Park West District of Miami, and is considered one of the fastest-selling condominium projects in the last decade. It has gained national and international attention with Candance Park of the WNBA, Sage Steele of ESPN, and Luke Rockhold a MMA fighter have expressing interest in the development.

The residences are fully-finished and fully furnished starting at $300,000 and the floor plans consist of studio to 2 bedrooms. There is also a limited Penthouse Collection and 2 Presidential Suites.

Construction Information

• Co-developed by Property Markets Group (PMG) and E11EVEN Partners
• Sieger Suarez Architects
• Interiors curated by AvroKO Hospitality Group

Building Features

• E11EVEN® app fore concierge services and building amenities
• Common areas featuring museum-quality curated fine art and installations
• Limited Penthouse Collection and two Presidential Suites
• Views of the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay and Atlantic Ocean
• Club E11EVEN® Bar & Lounge
• 5-Star gourmet food hall
• Casino-Style Sports Lounge
• Chopra Spa & Studio mind & body experiences featuring state-of-the-art fitness center, meditation, yoga, and customized treatment services
• 20,000 Square-foot, ultra-modern multi-level E11EVEN® Day Club and pool sits above 11 stories, overseeing the stunning Miami skyline
• E11EVEN’s® rooftop experience is a unique 24/11 poolside venue featuring its own signature dining experience
• E11EVEN® Beach Club
• Complimentary 24-hour valet

Residence Features

• 9’6 – 10’ floor-to-ceiling windows varies by floor with stunning Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay views
• Smart home technology experience. Includes integrated audio, video and lighting systems
• Contemporary lighting package
• All residences include LED (or water-based) fireplace in every living room
• Fully built-out closets in the master bedrooms
• Washer and dryer
• French balconies in select residences
• Pre-wired for high-speed communications, multiple telephone lines, and cable
• All residences include a signature Home Essentials Package: silverware, glassware, linens, sheets, towels
• 11 Resident Membership Package featuring exclusive beach club, day pool and ultra club access
• Kitchens with custom countertops and backsplashes
• Imported and custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry by Italkraft
• Subzero and Wolf appliance package includes microwave, dishwasher, convection oven and refrigerator
• Waterworks bathroom fixtures, features & accessories
• Frameless glass-enclosed showers

This project will break ground later this year. If you or someone you know have interest in purchasing one of the units at E11EVEN Hotel & Residences, or any information on the cryptocurrency process, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

In Only 2 Weeks, Over 80 Percent of the Units at E11EVEN Hotel & Residences Have Been Reserved

With E11EVEN Hotel & Residences, developers Property Markets Group and E11EVEN Partners were looking to make a splash…and a splash they made…a BIG splash! In only two weeks since their whisper (not-so-whisper) campaign began, they’ve been able to get reservations for over 80 percent of the building’s 400 total units. (I guess a good secret is hard to keep!)

And at an average price of $1,000 per square foot, getting over 80 percent reserved in a mere two weeks is no small feat! That puts it up there with the likes of Park West neighbor One Thousand Museum. But unlike One Thousand Museum, E11EVEN Hotel & Residences won’t have that front row vantage along Biscayne Boulevard, so what gives?

Well, for one, the units at E11EVEN Hotel & Residences are considered micro-units. Those always sell at a higher price per square foot than regular-sized condo residences.

Second, the units at E11EVEN Hotel & Residences come fully furnished and finished, including integrated audio, video, and lighting systems; an LED fireplace in every living room; fully built-out closets in the master bedroom; and a signature Home Essentials Package with silverware, glassware, linens, sheets, and towels.

Third, the residences at E11EVEN Hotel & Residences are considered condo-hotel units. These types of units provide owners with a lot of flexibility; owners will be able to use their units when they want or they’ll be able to place them in the building’s condo-hotel program to earn revenue when they’re not.

Fourth, E11EVEN Hotel & Residences is located in Miami’s 24-hour Entertainment District. For those who don’t know, Miami’s Entertainment District is made up of only two city blocks. In other words, E11EVEN Hotel & Residences will be the only hotel in Miami where the party never stops! If you’re looking for that Vegas-strip-style fun, E11EVEN Hotel & Residences will be the only game in town; it will be the place to be and be seen, complete with A-list celebrities at every turn.

Last but not least, the Miami real estate market is on fire. The developers of E11EVEN Hotel & Residences are proving that there’s no better time to launch a project in Miami than right now. After all, it seems every week that a new article gets published by a major news outlet describing just how hot the real estate market in Miami is these days (case in point example 1, example 2, example 3, example 4, and example 5).

The level of interest that E11EVEN Hotel & Residences has garnered has taken even the developers by surprise. As such, due to the faster than expected absorption rate, the developers have decided to move up the timeline of construction. The original plan was to go to contract in April or May and then begin construction towards the end of this year. The new plan, however, in an effort to convert reservations to contract and get this baby built, is to go to contract in just 2-3 weeks and then begin construction by early fall. As they say, get it while it’s hot!

The Rooftop Penthouse at 57 Ocean – Asking $38M

The difficult thing about selling pre-construction real estate is that it’s difficult for most buyers to envision what the property will look like once it’s completed. Well, thanks to advancements in computer technology, that may no longer be a concern. Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management, the developer of 57 Ocean in Miami Beach, recently unveiled a 90-second CG rendered video of its crown-jewel penthouse. The video, which took 1,100 hours to make, was produced by award-winning creative agency DBOX at a cost of $180,000. It showcases the five-bedroom penthouse in all of its splendor. The penthouse features 7,800 square feet of living space, a remarkable 7,100 square feet of terrace including a rooftop pool, 360-degree views, a den, and six full bathrooms.

57 Ocean, an ultra-luxury, oceanfront condominium building located in Miami Beach’s “Millionaire’s Row”, is slated to be completed later this year.

Just Sold – Penthouse 12 at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach – Sold for $15M

Lucas Lechuga of the Miami Condo Investments Team at Luxe Living Realty is proud to announce the sale of Penthouse 12 at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach. At $15,000,000 and $2,369 per square foot, the sale is (1) a record-breaking sale for the building, (2) the highest-priced sale for a bayfront condo on Miami Beach since 2013, and (3) the highest-priced sale on a per square foot basis for a bayfront condo on Miami Beach since 2012. With an astounding 8,600 square feet of OUTDOOR space (including a 40-foot-long rooftop pool and whirlpool spa), 13.5-foot-high ceilings, and some of the best views in Miami Beach, Penthouse 12 is truly a one-of-a-kind property.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach Penthouse 12 Residence Features

• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 5.5
• Ceiling Height: 13.5 feet high
• Living Area Sq Ft: 6,332
• Terrace Sq Ft: 8,578
• Rooftop pool deck with 40-foot-long pool and whirlpool spa
• Hot tub
• Private elevator foyer
• Boffi-designed kitchen by Piero Lissoni
• Gaggenau kitchen appliances
• Zucchetti plumbing fixtures
• Boffi-designed bathrooms by Piero Lissoni
• Jetted soaking tub in the master bathroom
• Private, air-conditioned parking garage
• Boat slip

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach Amenities

• Legendary 5-star Ritz-Carlton services
• Half-acre rooftop pool deck
• Private captained day yacht
• House car
• Beach concierge services for beach club access
• Two 24-hour attended lobbies
• 24-hour valet parking service
• Waterfront social room with bar, catering kitchen and
• state-of-the-art entertainment system
• Expansive infinity-edge pool with waterfall
• Spacious private poolside cabanas
• Poolside grille restaurant
• Private BBQ/dining area
• Meditation garden
• Clubroom with bar, virtual golf, and pool table
• Cinema-style screening room
• On-site spa with Steam room, sauna, and treatment suite
• Whirlpool Spa
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Indoor & outdoor yoga studios
• Boardroom/Library
• Art studio
• Kids room
• Sharing room
• Carwash facilities
• Dog walk
• Pet grooming room

The Liaigre-Designed 3-Bedroom Condo at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach – Asking $5.61M

Some properties sell themselves. LPH-20 at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach is one such property. The Liaigre-designed, 3-bedroom condo is an absolute jaw-dropper. From the moment you walk into the residence, you’re welcomed to sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Downtown Miami skyline. The great thing about The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach is that it is surrounded by single-family homes, so the views from it are completely unobstructed from higher floors. Current zoning laws in that neighborhood prohibit structures from being built as high as The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach, but the developer, Lionheart Capital, developed the property from an existing 1,000,000-square-foot hospital that had been grandfathered in. Had the developer demolished the hospital and started anew, the new structure would have been required to abide by current zoning regulations. The end result…a condominium development boasting some of the most amazing, 360-degree views of the bay, city, and ocean.

Lower Penthouse 20 at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach is a sprawling 3-bedroom residence with 3.5 bathrooms, a family room, 3,431 interior square feet, and 420 square feet of terrace space (see LPH-20 floor plan). It features a Piero Lissoni-designed Boffi kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, stone countertops, and a gas cooktop as well as a Piero Lissoni-designed master bathroom with stone floors and walls, a jetted soaking tub, Zucchetti fixtures, an over-sized glass-enclosed shower with a rainfall showerhead, and His and Hers vanities. And those unfamiliar with Liaigre furnishings, they’re nothing short of spectacular. Founder, Christian Liaigre, an iconic French interior and furniture designer who passed away this past September, is renowned for his minimalist design and emblematic use of wood and leather.

As mentioned in a previous post, I truly feel that The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach is Miami Beach’s best-kept secret. The 7.5-acre site houses some of the best amenities and services that can be found in a South Florida residential development. But don’t take my word for it. I urge you to check it out for yourself. If you or anyone you know has an interest in touring LPH-20 and/or other options at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach, contact me (Lucas Lechuga) at [email protected]. I may also be contacted by phone at 786-247-6332.