Miami’s Transformation: One Bayfront Plaza’s New Supertall Tower
Miami’s Building Department has issued a total demolition permit for the One Bayfront Plaza site at 100 South Biscayne Boulevard, marking a significant first step towards developing a new supertall tower in downtown Miami. Approved on March 27 and issued on June 25, this permit sets the stage for a major transformation in the heart of the city.
Currently, the site hosts a 19-story office building that occupies an entire city block, a significant presence in Miami’s downtown area. The demolition process, expected to take nine months to a year, will clear the way for a transformative project that will redefine the city’s skyline. Interior demolition has already begun, with B2 Group LLC handling the work under a permit valued at $2.4 million.
The property owner, Florida East Coast Realty (FECR), has ambitious plans for the site. They envision a landmark tower reaching 1,049 feet in height, featuring over three million square feet of mixed-use space. This includes class AAA office space, a luxury convention hotel, high-end residences, an upscale retail mall, and a parking garage, all offering 360-degree panoramic views over Biscayne Bay. Once completed, this tower will become Miami’s tallest building and the city’s second supertall, following the soon-to-rise Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences.
The new tower’s design is still under wraps, with previous concepts from renowned architects like Kohn Pedersen Fox and ODP Architecture & Design. While specific details are scarce, FECR has shared a low-resolution rendering of the proposed building, though the architect’s identity remains undisclosed.
Older renderings of supertall towers on the site:
One Bayfront Plaza, designed by ODP Architecture & Design.
One Bayfront Plaza, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and ODP Architecture & Design.
In recent years, the One Bayfront Plaza site has gained notoriety for its extensive graffiti. The abandoned building has served as a canvas for graffiti artists, particularly during major events like Art Basel. In December 2023, graffiti artists from around the world “bombed” the building, covering it with colorful tags and murals. This creative takeover highlighted the building’s vacancy and prominence as a visible site in downtown Miami, attracting both admiration and condemnation from the public.
The new tower is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area, attracting businesses, tourists, and new residents. Its diverse range of uses aims to create a vibrant and dynamic environment, enhancing the appeal of downtown Miami as a premier destination for work, living, and leisure.
As the demolition process begins and the groundwork is laid for this new supertall tower, Miami is poised for a transformative development that will reshape its skyline and redefine its downtown area.
Introducing Villa17- A Paradigm of Luxury Living in Miami Beach
Miami Beach, renowned for its vibrant energy and luxurious lifestyle, is about to witness the dawn of a new era in upscale living with the launch of Villa17. Developed by Regency Development Group in collaboration with the visionary architect Kobi Karp, Villa17 emerges as an exclusive enclave of opulent townhomes at the coveted corner of 17th and Jefferson Avenue.
With just 10 meticulously crafted residences, Villa17 sets a new standard for sophistication and urban living in Miami Beach. Each townhome, designed by the esteemed firm Yodezeen, boasts 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and an array of upscale features, starting at $3,500,000. The interiors are a testament to exquisite taste, with customizable options that reflect the discerning preferences of today’s luxury buyers.
What sets Villa17 apart is not just its prime location but also its commitment to unparalleled luxury. Residents will revel in the exclusivity of their own private elevator, granting access to a secluded rooftop retreat. The attention to detail is evident throughout, with Poliform kitchens and closets, Antonio Lupi bathrooms, and state-of-the-art Miele appliances adorning each home. Security and convenience are paramount, with private 2-car garages ensuring peace of mind amidst the bustling cityscape.
Spanning 2,500 to 3,000 square feet, the floor plans of Villa17 boast expansive 10-foot ceilings, framing panoramic views of Lincoln Road or the meticulously landscaped garden terrace. The customizable sky decks offer residents the opportunity to tailor their rooftop oasis to their exact specifications, further elevating the luxury living experience.
Villa17 represents a harmonious fusion of convenience and sophistication, redefining luxury living in Miami Beach. With its exquisite design, prime location, and customizable features, Villa17 stands poised to captivate those who seek the ultimate in urban elegance amidst the vibrant energy of Miami Beach.
Art Basel 2023 is Officially Underway in Miami Beach
Miami Art Week commenced on Tuesday with a series of VIP openings, attracting a sophisticated crowd of collectors and art aficionados. Following a successful season of art auctions in November, the excitement was palpable as attendees navigated the array of prestigious events across the city. Highlights included UNTITLED, Design Miami/, NADA, and the renowned Art Miami and CONTEXT fairs.
The pre-event buzz was justified by impressive advance ticket sales for both Art Basel Miami Beach and Art Miami, signaling a strong market. Nick Korniloff, the director of Art Miami, CONTEXT, and Aqua Art, reported a remarkable surge in demand, with sales doubling from the previous year.
The economic impact of Art Week is substantial, estimated at around $500 million, encompassing various sectors like hospitality, real estate, and transportation. This presents a unique opportunity for investors to explore the diverse economic benefits of the art world.
The early part of the week is reserved for VIPs, offering an exclusive glimpse into the art world’s finest offerings. Art Miami and CONTEXT, in particular, are known for showcasing secondary-market art, presenting a chance for investors to acquire valuable pieces. This year’s highlight includes works by the late Colombian artist Fernand Botero, among other notable names.
Investors should note the trend of celebrities like Pierce Brosnan and Johnny Depp venturing into the art scene, showcasing their works at the fairs. This crossover between art and popular culture can often signify emerging market trends, offering unique investment opportunities.
NADA focuses on emerging artists, a sector that often signals upcoming trends in the art market. High demand and pricing at the fair suggest a strong market for new talents. The presence of artists at the fair provides an invaluable chance for direct engagement, offering insights into their works and potential growth.
Design Miami, celebrating its 19th year, blends art with design, showcasing works from over 40 galleries worldwide. This convergence offers a unique perspective for investors interested in the intersection of art, design, and culture.
From economic impact to exclusive VIP experiences and the potential of emerging artists, the event is a testament to the robustness and diversity of the art market.
Amazon’s Strategic Expansion and Bezos’s Personal Move to Miami: A New Era for Investment and Market Dynamics
Amazon and its founder, Jeff Bezos, are charting new courses in Miami. Bezos, ranking second on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, has already made plans to return to Miami with the purchase of a waterfront mansion on Indian Creek Island. His move is aligning with Amazon’s strategic move to acquire 50,000 square feet of office space in Downtown Miami.
This move reflects Amazon’s broader strategy to consolidate its physical presence, following its push for a return-to-office policy. Despite resistance from employees, Amazon’s firm stance on in-person collaboration underscores its commitment to a traditional work environment, a point of interest for market analysts and investors.
Amazon’s expansion into Miami, joining other major firms like Nvidia, Citadel, and Microsoft, signals a shift towards regions with favorable business conditions and tax advantages. This trend is crucial for analyzing regional market dynamics and potential investment opportunities in real estate and tech sectors.
Bezos’s personal relocation to Miami, where he has invested in high-value properties, aligns with strategic shifts in his post-Amazon ventures, particularly Blue Origin. This move, free from state income and capital gains taxes, offers a financial edge, presenting a case study in strategic personal and corporate fiscal planning.
Cipriani Residences Miami Sells its $16.2 Million Penthouse
Mast Capital, Developer for Cipriani Residences Miami sells a penthouse just weeks after the collection was introduced to the public.
Mast claimed that the asking price for Penthouse 1 was a record-breaking $16.2 million, or $3,333 per square foot.
Four bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, 4,888 square feet of interior space, and 4,333 square feet of outdoor terrace space—a total of 9,221 square feet—will be found in Penthouse 1. A summer kitchen and private pool with an infinity edge will be part of the outside area.
The Canaletto Collection is located on the top 18 stories of Cipriani and has 68 residences and six penthouses with improvements, making it the “highest level of luxury in Brickell,” in the words of the developer.
Penthouses in the Canaletto Collection start at $9.5 million, with pricing starting at $3.65 million.
Residence Features
• Generous living areas with ceiling heights of 10 feet • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and windows with magnificent panoramic views • Terrace access from the living room and primary bedroom of every residence • Gracious walk-in wardrobes in every primary bedroom • An exquisite selection of flooring options included • Direct elevator entry for select residences • Eat-in, open kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry inspired by Cipriani’s renowned style • Top-of-the-line appliances from Wolf Sub-Zero, including cooktop, integrated refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, and dishwasher • Primary bathrooms with grand, stand-alone bathtubs and glass-enclosed showers; vanities with premium Italian cabinetry, imported stone tops, and back-lit mirrors; separate room with water closet • Spacious laundry rooms with full-size washing machines and dryers, with a utility sink in most residences • Individually controlled, high-efficiency central air conditioning and heating systems, with linear diffusers in main areas to ensure seamless integration • Innovative smart technology infrastructure that enables home automation • Intelligent interface system for essential building services such as concierge, valet, and security
Cipriani has disclosed that the residential tower would have sophisticated, resort-style amenities for its inhabitants, as well as traditional design features popular at Cipriani restaurants worldwide.
Tower Amenities
• Exclusive private entrance with lush landscaping and elegant porte-cochère • Dramatic lobby leading to two banks of high-speed, touchless elevators • Signature private dining experiences by Cipriani • In-home dining and 24-hour catering services by Cipriani, exclusive to residents • Private dining rooms available for reservation, catered by Cipriani • Elevated resort deck with two swimming pools, a blissful outdoor spa, poolside cabanas, and a beautifully landscaped sun terrace • Poolside food and beverage services catered by Cipriani • Holistic spa with sauna and treatment rooms • Luxurious residents’ lounge for special events and intimate gatherings • State-of-the-art fitness center • Golf simulator • Pickleball court • Private salon available to be reserved for personal beauty services • Screening room with cutting-edge audiovisual equipment • Serene and spacious residents’ library • Engaging children’s playroom • Elevated four-level wellness center and lounge overlooking the Brickell skyline • Pet-friendly community with a dog park • High-speed internet access across all public areas • Electric vehicle charging stations available • Air-conditioned storage rooms
The target completion date is in 2026. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Cipriani Residences Miami, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at lucas@miamicondoinvestments.com or by phone at (786)247-6332.
Construction Date Announced for Vita at Grove Isle
Construction has officially been announced for Vita Residences at Grove Isle. Developer, Ugo Columbo recently announced that construction is set to begin at the end of April 2023.
Along with the construction announcement, we now have more insight into the 12 two-story rooftop penthouses that are planned. The upscale penthouses will feature over 3,400 square feet apiece and an outside area that is close to 4,000 square feet. Units cost $5 million to $20 million on average.
The length of the project is expected to range from 24 to 28 months once the construction has started with the top-off date in 2025. Vita at Grove Isle has at least 40% of its units reserved, with many of the new occupants hailing from other states.
About Vita at Grove Isle
The development will consist of 65 waterfront residences and will include 12 bi-level penthouses. The luxury residences themselves will feature 3 bedroom floor plans with 2,433 to 6,597 square foot options.
Each contemporary unit will include magnificent ocean views, 13-foot-deep balconies, towering ceilings, Boffi Italian cabinets, and other superb interior accents by Bernardi and Peschard. Air-conditioned private garages will also be available as an option for owners.
The bi-level penthouse collection will have 12 extravagant penthouse homes with private elevators, 3 bedrooms, 11-foot ceilings, expansive entertainment areas, and beautiful roof decks with private pools and outdoor kitchens.
High-end facilities will also be available, including a curated art lobby, a fully-attended waterfront pool, a 40-foot Fjord houseboat, a watersports pavilion with storage, an outdoor kids’ playground, and pet grooming services.
Residence Features
Unique, Resort Architecture by World-Renowned CallisonRTKL™
5-Story, Low-Rise with 65 Condo Residences plus 14 Bi-Level Penthouses
Up to 65 Feet of Linear Water Frontage
Lush Foliage and Dramatic, Tropical Landscaping By EDSA®
Elegant Porte-Cochère Entry with Breezeways Leading Directly to the Bay
Curated Art Lobbies
Expansive Bayfront Pool with Luxury Cabanas and Personal Attendants
Poolside and Residential Food / Beverage Services
Outdoor Children’s Playground
40-foot Fjord House Boat
Water Sports Pavilion featuring Paddle Boards and Kayaks
Cutting-Edge Fitness Center featuring Daily Tailored Exercise and Fitness Programs
Vita Residences’ “Virtual Links” featuring HD Golf Simulator and Bayfront Putting Green
On-Site Pet Services and Grooming
Business Center
Convenient Water Sports Equipment and Gear Storage
Secure Bicycle Storage
Dynamic Concierge Dedicated to Crafting Unique Experiences for Residents
On-Site Management Office
State-Of-The-Art Digital Security with Modern Surveillance Systems
Attended Package Room with Delivery Service
Private Elevators with Digital Security
Private Island, 85-Slip Deep-Water Marina with Dockmaster and Marina Concierge
Yacht Charter Services
24-Hour Valet Service
Membership to The Exclusive Grove Isle Club – Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center With 8 Clay Courts, A Pro Shop, Full Tennis Program, and Private Instruction, as well as Waterfront Resort Pool Deck, Full-Service Tiki Bar, Bay-View Restaurant, Supervised Children’s Activities and Club Bar Lounge
Tower Amenities
Curated art lobby
Business Center
Waterfront Residents’ Lounge
High-tech fitness center
Private waterfront pool and Jacuzzi featuring luxury cabanas, pool attendants, and food/beverage services
Watersports pavilion offering kayaks and paddleboards
40-foot Fjord Boat exclusively for resident-use
Multi-Purpose Bayfront Event Room with spacious outdoor areas
Outdoor kid’s playground
24-hour valet and concierge services
Pet services and grooming
Private storage rooms are available
Convenient watersports equipment and gear storage
Bicycle storage
Residents at Vita Grove Isle will have access to facilities that are only available on the grounds of the condo building, as well as membership in the exclusive Grove Isle Club. In addition to access to the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center, which has 8 clay courts, a professional-grade Tennis Program, and a pro shop, the club has a state-of-the-art fitness center with specialized training programs.
Ugo Columbo is the developer for this exquisite tower and will be designed by the CallisonRTKL architecture group.
If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Vita Residences at Isle Grove, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at lucas@miamicondoinvestments.com or by phone at 786-247-6332.
Chug’s Express at Miami Worldcenter Opening Monday, January 16, 2023
Chug’s Express will officially open on Monday, January 16th at Miami Worldcenter! For your morning coffee and some items to-go, stop by Chug’s Express, which is open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Caoba building at 698 NE 1st Ave in Miami, Florida 33132. Favorites from Chug’s Diner including croquetas, pastelitos, and coffee will be available at the Chug’s Express “ventanita.”
Breakfast Sandwiches
Sausage, egg & cheese house-made pork sausage, American cheese, scrambled egg, mayo
Chug’s Express is owned and operated by the Ariete Hospitality Group. Ariete Hospitality Group extends beyond excellence in cuisine, drink, and hospitality. They are dedicated to elevating the bar for dining in Miami and demonstrating to the world that the city is capable of providing top-notch dining experiences with every concept.
The staff is led by Executive Chef and Owner Michael Beltrán, a native of Little Havana who later trained with Miami’s greatest chefs before launching AHG’s flagship restaurant, Ariete. AHG’s Ariete has been recognized with a 2022 MICHELIN guide star for Chef Beltran’s, who has twice been nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South and a 2021 StarChefs Rising Star.
Chef Beltran’s interpretation of a Cuban-American diner, Chug’s Diner, has also been recognized with a 2022 MICHELIN guide Bib Gourmand. This enterprise is personal for Chef Beltran and the staff who have embraced the vision for Miami.
Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat has Purchased a $10.5 Million Mansion in Pinecrest
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro just purchased a $10.5 million mansion in Pinecrest of Miami breaking a record for the highest home sold in the community.
The sale broke the Pinecrest record of $10.3 million set earlier this month by the sale of 6155 Southwest 106th Street.
Herro purchased the eight bedroom, eight and a half bathroom mansion located at Southwest 124th Street using a trust managed by Ronald Brown II, which was disclosed to belong to Herro.
Herro’s trust financed $7.4 million of the property from HSBC Bank.
The 9,500-square-foot home was built last year on a nearly 1-acre lot and was originally bought at $5.3 million for the property. According to the listing, the home has a gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, summer kitchen, cabana, pool, and media room. The original list price was at $11.9 million.
Herro recently agreed to terms with the Heat on a four-year, $120 million contract. After one year of college basketball at the University of Kentucky, the shooting guard was drafted by the franchise in 2019. Last season, he was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, an award given to the league’s best player who came off the bench as a substitute.
Pinecrest and the surrounding neighborhoods have been home to a number of Miami Heat players. A year after signing a four-year, $184 million contract extension with the Heat, all-star small forward Jimmy Butler paid $7.4 million for a home near South Miami in January. Butler sold his Pinecrest home for $7.1 million last year.
Former Miami Real Housewife Cristy Rice, the ex-wife of former Miami Heat player Glen Rice, paid $5.1 million for the home she shared with her ex-husband near Coral Gables and South Miami.
Further east on the ocean, Miami Heat President Pat Riley, dubbed “the Godfather” in the NBA, and his wife, Chris, sold their condo at the Four Seasons Residences at the Surf Club in Surfside for $22.8 million, or a South Florida record $5,775 per square foot.
Top 10 New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Miami 2022
Miami is known for a lot of things and that includes a good time. Whether you’re coming from somewhere cold to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Miami, or you’re a local looking for a memorable night, this top 10 New Year’s Eve events is for you!
The Masquerade at DAER
This is one New Year’s Eve party you should dress up for. For “The Masquerade,” visit DAER at The Guitar Hotel – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. For $100, you’ll get access to all three venues (DAER Dayclub, DAER Nightclub, and Rooftop Live), as well as an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight. Tickets begin at $100, and tables begin at $2,000.
Bayfront Park
Celebrate New Year’s Eve for free at Bayfront Park! Every New Year’s Eve, thousands of people of all ages flock to the park for live performances and fireworks on the bay. Of course, you could ring in 2023 the Miami way: with VIP tables. Reservations required.
Fontainebleau Miami
Marshmallow and Khalid will ring in the new year at the Fontainebleau. Admission is $250 per person and includes a premium open bar. There is also a family experience area, so you won’t have to leave the kids at home. Of course, there are tables on tables and cabanas on cabanas, so start that group text and round up the crew. Ticket and package prices begin at $250.
Dreamland NYE
Dreamland is Miami’s premier LGBTQ+ New Year’s Eve celebration. From December 29 to January 1, you can dance the day and night away to the sounds of Purple Disco Machinen and Sofi Tukker from South Beach to Wynwood. LP Giobbli, Danny Verde, and Matt Denton will perform euphoric, house, and electro-pop sets at the M2 New Year’s Eve party. Dates, locations, and prices vary.
Magic City
Celebrate the New Year with Magic City Hippies at the North Beach Bandshell! Doors open at 7pm, after which Miami’s hometown psyche-funk band, Cannibal Kids, and another band to be announced, will take the stage. Tickets begin at $36.
W Miami
Dance the night away under the stars at New Year’s Eve Electric, which includes a four-hour premium open bar, local DJs, and a variety of VIP packages to ring in the new year in style. From $175.
SLS Brickell
SLS Brickell’s vintage aviation-themed party, but Laidback Luke will be performing all night on the 9th floor pool deck, surrounded by stilt walkers, aerialists, and fire dancers. General admission is $75, but for an additional $75, you will have access to an open bar until 11:30 p.m.
Starlight at Hyde Beach
After enjoying the tasting menus at Bazaar or Katsuya, head to the pool deck for MK’s euphoric DJ set with live performers and more under the stars. General admission tickets start at $175 and include an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Bagatelle
Bagatelle may not have a ball drop, but you can dance until you drop at their New Year’s Eve Disco Club. To ring in the New Year, imagine mirrored balls, neon lights, fringe, and plenty of champagne, all preceded by a French Mediterranean feast.
Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park
Here’s another budget-friendly New Year’s Eve party. The doors to this Aventura hotspot celebration open at 6 p.m., and there will be cocktails, bites from Los Altos Taqueria, La Traila Barbecue, and Spris Artisan Pizza, as well as music from day to night. Admission is free until 10 p.m., then $35.
Arlo Hotel Now Open and it’s Wynwood’s Very First Hotel
Wynwood now has the newest hotel from independent, experience-driven hotel chain Arlo Hotels, which already operates hotels in Miami Beach and other parts of New York City. Arlo Wynwood, a new hotel in Miami’s most unique area, combines art and peace with nonstop entertainment.
The hotel is the first to open in Miami’s premier creative and cultural neighborhood, which is home to the most street art in the entire world. With guest rooms starting at $239 a night, the 9-story hotel, with 217 rooms will be a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike and offer intelligent travelers prime access to the best of the area.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, MaryGold’s, a “Florida brasserie,” was designed by the James Beard-nominated team of Brad Kilgore and Bar Lab and is located to your right as you enter.
The hotel was created by Meyer Davis, a highly esteemed company at the forefront of international, luxury commercial design. It embraces an eclectic industrial look where organic meets modern while drawing on the neighborhood’s bold and well-curated creative nature.
A flawlessly balanced tension between the natural and the artificial is achieved by contrasting warm, earthy materials with crisp, modern finishes and vibrant accents that create subtle richness through a delightfully welcoming palette. In keeping with the Arlo Hotels brand, the establishment’s sizable living room and lounge areas foster amicable interactions and creative connections among visitors, employees, and members of the neighborhood. The spaciousness of the main spaces reflects the friendly vibe that distinguishes Wynwood.
The property’s rooftop pool and bar, which are now only accessible to guests, are its main attractions. Huge red and white striped umbrellas and cabanas line the edge of the pool.
The airport is only roughly 15 minutes away from the hotel, and the Brightline station is even closer. Wynwood is Arlo’s fifth site; the other four are the Nautilus in Miami and three other hotels in New York City.
According to CEO of Quadrum Global of Arlo Hotels, Oleg Pavlov, “Wynwood is one of the most vibrant districts in Miami. We’ve been eager to develop a hotel in the neighborhood, and with an increasing number of tech-forward businesses moving their headquarters to Wynwood, we feel this is a great time. The year-over-year hotel occupancy in the broader downtown market has grown nearly 30%. We’re thrilled to debut Arlo Wynwood as the premier hotel in the neighborhood. The property will embody Wynwood’s renowned artistic flair and offer first-rate restaurants, bars, wellness programming, and entertainment for guests and locals alike.”
