Miami’s First Swiss Luxury Watchmaker Audemars Piguet to Open at Eighteen Sunset in Sunset Harbour
Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour district is poised to redefine luxury with the imminent arrival of AP House. Crafted by the esteemed Swiss luxury watchmaker, Audemars Piguet, this boutique hospitality gem will occupy a sprawling 11,841 square feet within the iconic Eighteen Sunset. This landmark mixed-use development, currently the sole Class A+ office project under construction in Miami Beach, is set to be unveiled later this year, paving the way for AP House’s grand opening in 2024. A mere two office spaces on the fourth and fifth floors await tenants.
AP House is not just a space; it’s an experience. Envisioned as a residential salon, it promises an ambiance perfect for relaxed browsing, social interactions, and elite gatherings for both existing and prospective Audemars Piguet aficionados. This Miami Beach addition will be the 16th in AP House’s global portfolio, joining illustrious counterparts in global hubs like Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, and Zurich, to name a few.
Bradley Colmer, the visionary founder of Deco Capital, remarked, “Miami and Miami Beach’s burgeoning population of affluent individuals and top-tier businesses has amplified the demand for unparalleled brand experiences. Audemars Piguet’s foray, in its most elite avatar, underscores Miami Beach’s metamorphosis into a premier global luxury destination, replete with world-class offerings.”
Guests of AP House will be ushered into an exclusive ground-floor lobby within Eighteen Sunset. A private elevator will transport them to the pinnacle of luxury, where panoramic vistas of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami await, framed by expansive windows and complemented by lavish wrap-around balconies.
Eighteen Sunset is already home to an impressive roster of elite tenants, including Pretium, a distinguished investment management firm, and Uchiko, an avant-garde restaurant by the acclaimed Hai Hospitality group.
Nestled in the heart of Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour, a hotspot for upscale shopping, dining, and lifestyle, Eighteen Sunset is Deco Capital’s flagship mixed-use venture. Spanning five stories and overlooking the serene Biscayne Bay, it boasts 17,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the ground floor, ample parking on the second, and 40,000 square feet of Class A+ office space on the subsequent floors. The cherry on top? An exclusive penthouse with a stunning rooftop deck.
Stephen Rutchik of Colliers International, who represented Eighteen Sunset’s ownership alongside Neil King of CBRE, extolled, “Eighteen Sunset is unparalleled in Miami Beach and the broader Miami region. Its unique blend of tenants, unmatched finishes, and prime location make it a rival to the top office properties in the Financial District. Yet, it retains the charm of a boutique establishment nestled in one of South Florida’s most coveted lifestyle locales.”
Strategic Real Estate Moves: Boucher Brothers Clinch Nikki Beach in a Tense Miami Beach Vote
In the high-stakes world of real estate, where every decision can ripple through the financial markets, the Boucher Brothers have made a significant play. On September 27th, 2023, amidst the towering skyscrapers and the azure backdrop of Miami Beach, the City Commission convened. The agenda? The future of the coveted oceanfront property at 1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida.
The Boucher Brothers, no strangers to the Miami Beach landscape, were vying for the Nikki Beach site. Their ambition was met with intense scrutiny and debate, echoing the boardrooms of Wall Street. The decision was not an easy one. City Manager Alina Hudak had put forth a recommendation, and after what can only be described as a nail-biting session, it was approved in a 4-3 vote.
Lending their support to the Boucher Brothers were Mayor Dan Gelber and Commissioners Ricky Arriola, David Richardson, and Kristen Rosen Gonzalez. On the other side of the aisle, Alex Fernandez, Steven Meiner, and Laura Dominguez voiced their reservations. Their concerns? Primarily procedural, with some pointing to earlier discussions around a no-bid agreement and advocating for a delay in the vote to allow for more public consultation.
For the hedge fund managers reading this, the intricacies of the deal are where things get interesting. The Boucher Brothers’ proposal is a 10-year commitment, promising the city a yearly contribution of 10% of gross operating revenue. In tangible terms, that’s a minimum of $4 million annually, with a 3% increment each year. The property itself is set to undergo a transformation, with a proposed $26 million in renovations. The vision includes a state-of-the-art pool, a wellness center and spa, a dedicated area for children, and a beach concession zone. Culinary enthusiasts will be pleased to hear of a collaboration with Major Food Group, bringing a Sadelle’s restaurant to the location.
However, the road to this decision was far from smooth. Legal challenges and intense negotiations marked every step. Earlier in the year, the City Commission had considered a non-binding term sheet with Boucher, hinting at a potential no-bid agreement. But in the face of significant criticism, they pivoted, seeking alternative proposals for the land and its adjacent beach area.
For those in the financial world, this move by the Boucher Brothers is more than just a real estate acquisition; it’s a testament to strategic planning, negotiation, and the ability to navigate complex landscapes. As the ink dries on this deal, one can’t help but wonder what ripple effects this will have on the broader investment landscape.
Norman Foster’s Biophlic South Beach Office Building Project Approved by the Planning Board of Miami Beach
The proposed Alton Road office project in South Beach by developer Shvo was approved by the Planning Board of Miami Beach.
The project is being designed by Pritzker Prize winner Lord Norman Foster and the crew at Foster + Partners using a biophilic approach that was influenced by Florida’s climate and vegetation. Foster and Kobi Karp Architects are listed as the architects involved in the design.
‘The Alton’ and will rise 6 stories with 170,000 rentable square feet, 17,000 square feet of ground floor retail, and 4 luxury residential units.
The hearing before the Design Review Board will take place in October. The Alton’s construction is anticipated to start in early 2024, assuming it is permitted.
Shvo is working with Foster and architect Peter Marino on three Class-A office buildings in Miami Beach, including The Alton, that have a combined square footage of about 400,000. Together with Deutsche Finance America, the developer is committing nearly $2 billion to Miami Beach.
Eco-Friendly Mixed-Use Building Proposed in Coral Gables
Along the well-known Miracle Mile district of Coral Gables, Terranova Corp. intends to construct what might be the first mixed-use carbon-neutral structure in South Florida.
The office and retail building will generate all of the energy required to run it on-site, according to the Miami Beach-based developer. Using photovoltaic glass to capture solar energy, battery systems to store it, and energy-efficient AC and elevator systems might be done.
The total square footage of the four-story structure at 93 Miracle Mile would be 36,482. The building would feature 26,167 square feet of area for shops and restaurants and the rest for offices. A rooftop terrace would also be present.
According to Chairman of Terranova, Stephen Bittel, “93 Miracle Mile will be a revolutionary project, not only as a platform to champion Coral Gable’s dignitaries as forward-thinking leaders in sustainable development but also a blueprint for other developers and city planners as we face a climate crisis around the world. The modern proposed structure respects the scale of Miracle Mile, and uses traditional stone materials on the exterior, while also incorporating the best environmental options for the future.”
The developer paid $6.8 million for the 10,164-square-foot site in 2021 through an associate. The 9,097 square foot retail facility that it currently has would be torn down.
The project’s design was created by Miami-based Arqutiectonica and is awaiting local permission. Onyx Solar, based in Spain, was chosen to supply the solar glass. The solar glass will help with insulating the building as well as generating solar energy. The rooftop design will create a trellis that helps support the suspended orchid garden.
As More Companies Migrate to South Florida-Miami Commercial Real Estate Booms
As more companies migrate to south Florida, we are seeing more office spaces renting out, new mixed-use construction and now more than ever, new mixed-use projects. More recently, RAL Tricap Wynwood LLC has proposed a mixed-use twin tower project in the Wynwood Arts District.
Located at Northwest Fifth Avenue and 27th Street, these two 8 story buildings are proposed to have over 250,000 square feet of office and retail space. Dubbed the names, Wyn on 5th North and WYN on 5th South, this twin developments was review by the city in March 2022 and the developers are just waiting on final approvals.
Wyn on 5th North will feature 106,414 square feet of office plus 6,961 square feet of retail and 268 parking space with available bike spaces. Wyn on 5th South will showcase 139,254 square feet of offices, 16,000 square feet of retail, and 377 parking spaces. Each garage will be enclosed and will feature a roof deck.
The project was envisioned to encompass work and play into one creative space. The developer is looking to advertise to local and national companies who wish to be at the beginning stages of the Miami’s financial and tech scene.
According to the attorney, Steve Wernick, “Together, the buildings create a landmark arrival and visual gateway into the Wynwood Arts District from NW 5th Avenue, and significant public realm improvements that will enhance the connectivity and pedestrian experience of Wynwood – extending 24/7 activity to the Fifth Avenue corridor.”
The project itself will be designed Arquitectónica. Although the board recommended approval they still had some commend concerning the design, which were called “two decorated boxes.” They wish to see buildings that resembled more of what the Wynwood Design District is and what the area is all about. Another recommendation included the artwork on the exterior of the building to encompass the vibe of Wynwood.
Can the Metaverse Change the Miami Real Estate Market?
“Metaverse” is a massive buzzword in the realms of technology, business, and finance right now, and like all buzzwords, its definition is hazy, debated, and molded by the objectives of those who use it. Now, the Metaverse is being debated whether it can be a real estate game-changer.
One Miami commercial group is trying to make their listings more attractive by utilizing the Metaverse. Currently, Inhouse Commercial is partnering with the Metaverse Group to create a virtual copy of the two buildings that they have for sale in Miami Beach.
The properties are located at 930 and 960 Alton Road, and whoever purchases the properties, will receive the digital copies of the buildings in the Metaverse. The total asking price for the package is $25 million.
The property is owned by the former Miami Beach Mayor, Phillip Levine. It has been on the market since early 2021. Although the property has received multiple offers, the company stated that they believe they could lure in a big tech company with the Metaverse addition.
Metaverse Group, a significant virtual real estate owner and developer, has so far only created representations of the virtual property. According to Matt Zanardo, the firm’s consulting head, it will wait until Inhouse finds a buyer to completely build it out and choose the metaverse where it will reside.
According to Inhouse’s owner, “Companies and brands in our line of business were entering the metaverse, and we saw there was probably going to be a need for a connection to the real world.”
Recently, a number of organizations and brands have entered the metaverse recent months, and the feasibility of the virtual real estate industry has yet to be shown.
If the company succeeds with this deal, this will be the first-ever commercial/metaverse purchase and will forever change how commercial properties are presented to developers as well as other potential buyers.
Sixty Sixty Condo Hotel Sold to Miami-Based Investment Group for $24 Million
In a previous foreclosure fight among owners and developers, the Sixty Sixty condo-hotel in Miami Beach has been sold for $23.5 million to a buyer who intends to repair as well as add to the waterfront development.
The 82-key condo-hotel is located at 6060 Indian Creek Drive along an inlet off of Biscayne Bay but also features views of the ocean. Integra Investments along with Sagar Desai’s Activate Hospitality sold the property to Bloom Hotels, under the umbrella of Bloom Ventures. The founder and CEO of Bloom is David Harari, who is located in Miami.
The CEO of Integra Victor Ballestas stated, “ripe market conditions created an opportunistic circumstance for the sale,” after stating he had no intention of selling the development.
The Schecher Group originally sold a majority of the units in 2020 to Integra and Activate for $15 million, then later bought the rest of the units in 2021. The company was then accused of a takeover although Schecher stated that the unit owners owed $9.4 million in homeowner association fees.
Bloom Hotels utilized Sheridan Capital to finance the property for a loan of $17.3 million. There have been talks of Bloom increasing the room count and bringing Canopy or Tapestry (Hilton brands) to assists with operations. Some plans include modernizing the property as well as adding a marina to the development.
Moishe Mana Expands Portfolio to 3 Buildings for $25.4 Million in Miami
Miami’s biggest landlord, Moishe Mana, has bought three additional buildings to add to his forever expanding portfolio. As part of his aim to convert the Downtown Miami into an innovation and cultural centre, he plans to create, Mana Common. Moishe Mana has spent much of this year investing in commercial properties as well as residential properties in Miami that he has been making a big time profit on!
Mana paid a total of $25.4 million for the three properties at 100 North Miami Avenue, 173 Northeast First Street, and 124 Northeast Second Avenue. The buildings total 50,197 square feet, and are part of Mana’s portfolio of more than 60 properties in and surrounding Downtown Miami.
According to property records, the two-story, 18,535-square-foot structure at 100 North Miami Avenue was built on 0.2 acres in 1941. According to state corporate filings, the seller Flexini Investments is led by Mario Sapoznik. The two-story, 7,200-square-foot building at 124 Northeast Second Avenue, erected in 1922 on less than 0.1 acre, is two blocks west, according to property records. On 0.3 acres, it lies next to the two-story, 24,462-square-foot structure at 173 Northeast First Street. The two buildings were sold by SG & S, which was led by Ana White.
The majority of his properties are older low- to mid-rise buildings with small businesses including clothes boutiques, pawn shops, and cafes.
Mana intends to repair or redevelop his properties to establish Mana Common, a campus-like space aimed at integrating Latin American and American digital companies. Despite the fact that Mana has started work on several of his properties after years of land acquisition, he has run across some roadblocks recently.
Mana had commissioned engineering inspections prior to beginning repairs, which revealed the buildings had “significant structural issues.” Mana Common’s representative declined to provide an update on the buildings. Some of the buildings that he has started repairs include the Nikola Tesla Innovation Hub, a fashion mall, the Flagler Studios, and another building on East Flagler Street.
Luxury Travel Magazine Names Miami Beach One of the Best Beaches in the U.S.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, dubbed Miami Beach as one of the best beaches in the United States. Miami Beach stands next to three other beaches in Florida including; Grayton Beach State Park, Dunedin, and Sanibel Island.
The magazine stated, “The siren song of Miami’s South Beach is undeniable…beautiful people, flashy cars, Art Deco architecture: It’s all here.” Condé Nast Traveler highlights that Miami Beach is one of the popular and liveliest areas for tourists in Miami.
The magazine also states that the most touristy areas run parallel to Ocean Drive and locals tend to hang around the South of Fifth neighborhood. “But we say those famous white sands are worth bumping elbows with a few fellows,” according to Condé Nast Traveler.
About Miami Beach
It is no debate that Miami Beach does offer some of the most beautiful properties and beaches in the world. Situated on a barrier island, the coastal city is between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay.
The Bass Museum of Art and the New World Symphony are both located in Miami Beach. Other options to visit include a cultural center called the Faena Forum. This cultural center hosts an array of events including; lectures, performances, and large-scale events. Miami Beach is also home to the largest art fair along the east coast.
Miami Beach also has some of the most luxurious condo developments in Miami. Faena House is a 47-unit ultra-luxury condominium tower located at 2901 Collins Avenue. The condos at Faena House are some of the most prized pieces of real estate in South Florida.
Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach located at 4701 N. Merdian Avenue features 15 stand-alone villas comprised of 8 waterfront villas with private boat docks and 7 landside villas surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping. Each of the villas has its own private pool and an air-conditioned two-car garage. Ritz-Carlton Residences features 125 total units.
The lifestyle of Miami Beach is like no other. With its fabulous art and cultural options, luxury condominium buildings, and its vibrant nightlife, there are so many options for every visitor as well as a potential buyer.
Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Buys Miami Mansion for $14 Million
If you’re not familiar with Barstool Sports, then you have definitely seen their videos circulating the internet. What started off as a sport’s blog in 2003, Barstool Sports quickly turned into a multi-million dollar digital media company with focuses on videos, podcasts, and blogs.
Founder of Barstool, Dave Portnoy, has recently been using his massive social media platform to travel the United States and taste test pizza on his vlog called ‘One Bite’. These posts are featured on Barstool Sports as well as his blogs. Within the past month, Portnoy has been exclusively in South Florida documenting pizza joints.
It was rumored that during his visits he started renting Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s Miami beach front property for $200,000 a month. Now, it has officially been confirmed that he purchased a bay-front Miami mansion for $14 million.
The property located at 5811 North Bayshore Drive in the Morningside neighborhood was purchased in April under the name StellaBean Holdings, LLC., named after Portnoy’s dog Stella, who passed in 2019.
Featuring 6,100 square feet of living space with nine bedrooms, eight and a half bathrooms sited on 1 acre, including a pool.
Broker-Owner of Luxe Living Realty, Dora Puig, listed the property in November 2020. Property records show that the home previously sold in 2010 for $2.2 million.
