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.

Waterfront Mansion in Coconut Grove Breaks Record at $65 Million

A new record is in the books for Miami-Dade home sales. A waterfront spec mansion just sold for $65 million. Located in Coconut Grove, this home is the highest price sold residential home in Miami-Dade County history.

According to tax records, the property was traded for $50 million but multiple sources stated the home actually sold for $65 million which included the cost of completing construction on the home.

The home is located at 3488 Saint Gaudens Road and was sold by a company that is managed by Isaac Perez. According to the Real Deal and Tampa Bay Times, Isaac Perez is a longtime Key Biscayne resident who is an heir to a Venezuelan oil fortune.

The buyer is unknown but does have a Delaware LLC. Perez’s sister is also listed as the manager of the company.

The estate features 3 parcels totaling 4.3 acres with a pool deck, jacuzzi, boat dock, and outdoor entertaining space with a waterfall.

The lots were originally a part of a larger property that Perez purchased for $18 million in 2013. The 4th lot that a new mansion was built on was separated and sold a year ago for $6.2 million.

The transaction was financed with a $20 million loan from the Maxim Credit Group. This record sale passed the $50 million 2019 sale of the estate at 3 Indian Creek Island Road.

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.

End of June Condo Sales Reach $259 Million

Another week of real estate sales shows a significant increase in volume and the total number of condos sold for Miami-Dade. According to the MLS, for the week of June 27th, through July 3rd, 357 condos sold for a combined $259 million. The previous week shows only 237 condos sold for a combined value of $159 million.

The average sales price for condos is $725,000. Last week’s price fell to $671,000. We are seeing a steady climb in condo price averages as well as an uptick in new construction sales.

The most expensive sale last week was non-other than a penthouse at The Mansions of Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach that sold for $27 million. This 9,103 square foot condo features four bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and 2 kitchens, also fully furnished by Fendi/Bentley. This developer-owned (The Trump Group) condo sold for $3,000 price per square foot. This sale is considered the third-highest condo sale in Miami-Dade history.

The second most expensive condo sale was at Continuum of South Beach. This unit sold for $8.6 million at a $2,459 price per square foot. This property was on the market for 108 days. This condo features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, with 3,500 square feet of living space. The property also features an Italian kitchen, marble floors throughout, and gorgeous ocean views.

One of the more notable single-family residential sales includes an Indian Creek Island Mansion purchased by a developer, Todd Michael Glaser for $24 million. This property located at 37 Indian Creek features 7,236 square feet of living space situated on 1.2 acres. Glaser plans to demolish this estate to build a larger home with 2 pools and double the square footage with hopes to list the new construction home at $50 million.

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.

Doubling in Value – Venetian Island Waterfront Mansion Sells for $30 Million

The Venetian Islands in Miami are man-made islands connected by the Venetian Causeway from downtown Miami to Miami Beach. These islands offer some of the most lavish and unobtrusive island living in Miami. Totaling 6, each island offers its on appealing qualities.

In the winter months, you will see socialites, notables, and celebrities flocking to these gorgeous islands for a private and luxurious getaway. These islands offer a mixture of Mediterranean and Italian inspired architecture and landscaping. With swaying palms, stone exteriors, you will feel like you are on a secluded resort island.

More recently, a waterfront mansion with one of the largest lots on the Islands sold for $30 million. Doubling its value, this property was originally purchased for $13.5 million in 2014. The new purchase price equaled $3,870 per square foot and was sold off-market.

Located at 943 N. Venetian Drive, this lot faces north on Biscayne Bay, making it one of the most desirable locations. The property features 7,752 square feet of living space on 1.08 acres with private gate entrance.

The estate was built in 1937 with additions in 1994 and 2004. Guests are greeted with a circle drive leading to a Mediterranean stucco finish mansion with 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 7 statues, a pool, balcony, and boat dock.

Sellers for the home include Marjorie E. Stone and Ricardo Rodriguez, but the buyers are currently unknown with a registered name of Delaware LLC.

Continuum South Beach Bulk Sale for $30 Million by Two Former Morgan Stanley Execs

In 2014, Karen Bechtel and her husband William McKinley Osborne III (former Morgan Stanley executives) purchased 3 total units at Continuum South Beach South Tower for $21 million. Records show that they purchased units 3602, 3603, and 3604 and combined it into one unit totaling 8,229 square feet on the 36th floor.

The full-floor condo was originally listed in March 2021 with an asking price of $36.5 million. The gorgeous combined units feature a total of 6 bedrooms, 5.1 bathrooms with a 2-story main suite. Two kitchens, a theater and 3,704 square feet of balconies make up the rest of the luxury apartment.

According to county records, the buyer was listed at MFTMA Holding LLC. The price per square foot totals $3,646, and is considered Miami Beach’s fourth most-expensive condo deal since 2005.

Continuum developer Ian Bruce Eichner also sold his penthouse in the building for $35 million in April 2021 that was originally listed for $48 million two year ago. Another sale for Continuum included CEO of a financial tech company purchased 2 combined units for $12.1 million.

Bechtel and Osborne were both Managing Directors at Morgan Stanley from 1980 to 1991. Bechtel is currently a senior adviser at Carlyle Group. During the pandemic, they established a non-profit organization called Meals for Heroes Miami that focused on partnering with local restaurants to provide food for health care workers and first responders. In April, the couple bought a mansion in Tahiti Beach for $28.9 million.

Continuum was built in two phases by developer by Bruce Eichner in 2002. Residents of Continuum South Beach enjoy arguably the best resort-style amenities.

BUILDING AMENITIES

• Stunning landmark architecture
• 1,000 ft of direct beach front access
• 24-hour welcome desk with concierge  
• 24-hour guest valet 
• Elegant resident club room
• Luxury Health spa with sauna, steam room
• Two lagoon-style pools
• State-of-the-Art gym
• Business Center 
• Lush and manicured landscape
• 3 Tennis Courts
• Outdoor restaurant
• Multi-story health club & spa

RESIDENCE AMENITIES

• Ten foot high ceilings
• Private balconies with glass railings
• Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
• Imported marble countertops, backsplash, and whirlpool decks
• Imported marble flooring in wet areas and shower
• Designer fixtures
• Whirlpool tubs
• European bathroom vanity cabinets
• Seamless glass shower doors
• Custom European designed cabinetry
• Granite Countertops
• Under counter lighting
• Faber “Inca Smart” integrated hood vent
• Sub-zero built-in refrigerator-freezer
• Miele touch-control cook top
• Miele integrated dishwasher
• Miele microwave oven
• Single-lever faucet with pull out spray

If you or someone you know have interest in purchasing one of the units at Continuum South Beach, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.