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.
Co-founder of Luxury Brand Tory Burch Lists Waterfront Mansion in Miami Beach for $49 Million
Christopher Burch has offered his opulent mansion on Miami Beach’s famed North Bay Road for $49 million. He is the co-founder of the fashion label Tory Burch and the founder and CEO of Burch Creative Capital.
The property located at 5050 N. Bay Road features opulent living spaces, eight bedrooms, and eight full plus two partial bathrooms that perfectly capture South Florida living in the traditional post-modern style.
As you enter the main house, the wood paneling gives off a cozy, warm feeling. Each interior space features exquisite details, from the embroidered drapes and trims to the furniture and artwork. Look for a kitchen with a sizable dining room, a dedicated butler’s pantry with a rotisserie oven, a separate prep kitchen, and a breakfast nook.
The 1,500-square-foot guest house has two entrances and may be set up as four bedrooms, while it is now set up as two separate bedrooms with one living area each.
Beyond the fortifications, you’ll discover immaculately kept grounds next to expansive vistas of Biscayne Bay and 139 feet on the water with a large dock. A rear pool provides a gathering space with a covered grill and pizza oven. The pool next to the house features a hot tub, cold plunge, and steam rooms.
Cher’s Former Miami Beach Mansion Hits the Market
What was once the iconic pop star, Cher’s, former Miami Beach residence, is now on the market at $42.5 million. Located at 46 La Gorce Circle, this waterfront mansion is currently owned by Canadian investor James Eaton and his wife, Cecily. Only three years ago, the couple paid $17 million for the house.
Cher originally bought the estate in 1993 for $1.5 million to use as her private residence, but she only lived there for three years before selling it to Calvin Klein co-founder Barry Schwartz for $4.4 million.
The estate offers 150 feet of Biscayne Bay frontage and sits on three-quarters of an acre. Built in 1953, the home offers six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and an indoor courtyard expanding over 12,000 square feet. The exterior space includes a 50-foot-long pool, a pool house, a hot tub, a cold plunge, and an outdoor shower.
The 77-year-old pop sensation Cher is best known for her work on hit songs like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time,” as well as for her roles in films like “Moonstruck” and as one-half of the well-known combo Sonny & Cher. Although her activity in the entertainment industry has decreased, she just introduced a gelato line.
Cher is in the process of selling some of her other real estate investments. She recently put her Malibu home—which she has owned since before her stint at La Gorce Island—on the market for $85 million last year. She paid $3 million for the site in 1989 and then built the 13,000-square-foot mansion on it, slashing the price this year to $75 million.
Shore Club Private Collection Secures $430 Million Construction Loan
Shore Club Private Collection, which is expected to be one of the fastest-selling luxury complexes in Miami Beach history, has closed on a $430 million construction financing from Witkoff Group, a Miami-based development and investment company, and Monroe Capital, a renowned asset management company.
The loan, which was provided by J.P. Morgan, is thought to be the biggest ever for a South Florida residential building project. Since its late January debut, sales have surpassed $550 million, and two-thirds of the inventory has been sold. As a result, Shore Club is prepared to start building later this year, with a 2026 completion date anticipated.
Shore Club Private Collection will house 49 houses created by the renowned New York-based firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects, building on the rich legacy of Miami Beach’s Art Deco and contemporary design style while also fostering a seamless link to its landmark site. Some of New York City’s most well-known structures were designed by this architect, including 15 Central Park West and 220 Central Park South. The three acres of coastal land where Shore Club will be located will have magnificent botanical gardens created by renowned landscape designer Nathan Browning of Island Planning Corporation.
The development, which features a brand-new structure from the ground up, The Tower, a recently renovated Art Deco structure that was first finished in 1939, The Cromwell House, and The Beach House, a distinctive single-family beach house, is Robert A.M. Stern’s first residential oceanfront project. In order to offer a product that is unique to the Miami market, each component was designed to maximize views and light in conjunction with the curve of each property. The interiors expand on this concept by drawing design cues from yachts as well as the patterns and motion of the waves and sand along Miami’s shoreline. On the architecture, RAMSA worked with Miami-based Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design.
The 20-story Tower offers two- to six-bedroom homes with floor-to-ceiling windows, artistically curving balconies, and sizes ranging from 1,900 to more than 10,000 square feet. The Tower offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and sunsets, along with private and semi-private elevators and private terraces. The eight-story ancient Cromwell House will be renovated into four opulent homes, three of which will be duplexes, along with a penthouse. These four and five-bedroom residences will have a spacious full-floor penthouse as well as two-story great areas with spectacular double-height ceilings. The Beach House, which will measure 6,000 square feet with three outdoor spaces totaling more than 2,180 square feet, will be the sole private residence on Miami Beach’s oceanfront.
Together with Auberge Resorts Collection, we have a shared vision for reinventing the Shore Club Private Collection. Even though they are part of a five-star resort, the homes will offer solitude and seclusion while being maintained by Auberge. A discrete porte cochere entrance, three distinct swimming pools, including a private residential pool, a 75-foot lap pool, a leisure pool, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, a library, a lounge, and other amenities are among the unique services and amenities available to residents.
In addition to access to the world-class spa, concierge services, housekeeping, beach club, and culinary experiences, such as in-residence dining, house sommelier services, a signature restaurant, poolside café and bar with dedicated cabana service, double-height café and bar leading to an outdoor lounge, and more, Auberge Resorts Collection’s one-of-a-kind reputation for intimate tailored service will also extend to the residences with a variety of in-home offerings.
The starting price for Shore Club Private Collection is $6 million.
Rick Ross is Moving to Star Island in Miami Beach
Rick Ross, the Grammy-nominated rapper and record executive is buying the 12,400-square-foot home located at 37 Star Island Drive, Miami Beach. For $37.5 million, the 0.9-acre property first appeared on the market in May 2023.
On his Instagram story, Ross made a post about the sale with Sean ‘P Diddy Combs who is a Star Island resident. Combs said that the Star Island homeowners group had just given Ross their approval. Combs also gifted Ross a golf cart stating, “You can walk around Star Island, but it’s better to drive.”
Ross, a resident of Miami Gardens whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, established the music publishing company Maybach Music Group in 2009. He was raised in Carol City and went to Miami Carol City Senior High School.
37 Star Lane includes six bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and one-half bathroom with a 40-foot dock, a wide covered patio, a pool, a summer kitchen, and a Japanese Zen garden in addition to 100 feet of Biscayne Bay waterfront. The home was constructed in 1992.
Star Island is located off the MacArthur Causeway, which connects the Miami mainland to Miami Beach, with roughly 30 residences. Several island owners have sold their homes in the last three years as the luxury market grew following the start of the pandemic.
The island itself is man-made located along Biscayne Bay. Star Island is one of the most coveted and exclusive islands in South Florida. Star Island is within close proximity to Hibiscus Island, the Venetian Islands, and Palm Island. Each waterfront lot offers at least 40,000 square feet of unobstructed water views and frontage.
Star Island can be accessed through one bridge with a guardhouse entrance. A large number of celebrities live or have owned on Star Island. Some notables include Gloria Estefan, P. Diddy, Lea Black from the Real Housewives of Miami, and Jennifer Lopez.
New Residential Project Approved in Miami Beach- 72 Park
72 Park, a condominium tower approved for short-term rentals that will be built in Miami Beach, has been announced by the NYC and Miami-based development company Lefferts. This will be the first new luxury tower on Miami Beach to allow vacation or short-term rentals when it is finished in early 2024.
The project will include 206 units with sizes ranging from 470 to 1,177 square feet and prices beginning in the $700,000s. In late July, 72 Park’s topping-off ceremony is anticipated to take place.
The stunning 22-story project by national architecture firm Built Form is situated at 580 72nd Street in Miami Beach. When finished, the opulent tower will provide residents with breathtaking 360-degree views of everything from Downtown Miami to the Intracoastal Waterway.
The LEED Gold-certified condominium tower features Jr., one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with spacious floor plans, high ceilings, deep balconies, Italian cabinetry, imported stone, and energy-efficient appliances. Urban Robots Associates designed the interiors and landscapes. Floor to ceiling, impact-resistant glass, keyless entry with SALTO and smart access controls, individually controlled central AC and heating systems, and high-end bathroom fixtures, hardware, and accessories will all be included in the fully furnished offerings for each unit. Five high-speed passenger elevators with access control and high-speed, fiber-optic Wi-Fi are examples of advanced smart building features.
Additionally, the building offers 64,000 square feet of amenities to its residents, including a large 35,000-square-foot amenity deck with nearly an acre of lush, tropical landscaping, a 150-foot-long resort-style pool with cabanas, a bar and lounge with indoor and outdoor seating, a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga lounge, a 24/7 coworking lounge with private “pods,” a kids playroom, and a private outdoor barbecue area.
A double-height lobby with wraparound floor to ceiling windows displays 8,500 square feet of excellent ground-level retail space, including the upcoming Roberta’s restaurant and pizzeria by two-Michelin-starred chef Carlo Mirarchi.
72 Park is situated in a park, close to the Miami Beach Tennis Academy, North Shore Park, a vast indoor and outdoor sports and recreation complex with 12 tennis courts, pickleball courts, and two baseball diamonds, the Miami Beach Bandshell outdoor amphitheater, a historic cultural center, Normandy Shores Golf Club, and the new Miami Beach Aquatic Center and Park, which will house an Olympic-size pool, a community library, and a community center. Residents are offered beach service, which includes transportation and free use of recreational tools including Boogie Boards, paddleboards, bikes, and more.
Lefferts’ long-term commitment to reviving this Miami Beach neighborhood and ushering in a new age of investment and growth for one of the most sought-after coastal communities includes four residential complexes, including the project at 72 Park.
10-Story Boutique Hotel in Miami Beach Launches Sales
Constellation Group, The Boschetti Group, and Vietmar; three Miami-based real estate development companies, have formally begun taking reservations for the 10-story boutique condominium Ella Miami Beach, located at 6940 Abbott Avenue in the center of Miami Beach.
The 95 units will include studios to two-bedroom floor plans and will range from 434 to 1,076 square feet in size. Prices will start in the upper $400,000s, which is an appealing entry price for a new-build property in Miami Beach, where new construction pricing generally begins at about $1 million.
Offering the best luxuries of Miami Beach living, Ella Miami Beach is replete with a sophisticated design and indulging amenities, and is situated within walking distance to the beach, popular restaurants, boutique shops, and a myriad of entertainment venues.
The award-winning international architectural firm Arquitectonica is creating the Ella Miami Beach, a building with sweeping rooftop views that stretch from the city on one side to the ocean on the other, with inspiration from Miami Beach’s Art Deco era.
Each unit has spacious terraces and is designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living and entertaining, with select residences giving breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Miami skyline. Each property will be delivered with roughly 9-foot-high ceilings throughout, modern ItalKraft kitchens with stone worktops and JennAir equipment, as well as designer closets with European influences. These features highlight the project’s flair and sophistication. Exclusive bespoke Interiors by Steven G packages are available to buy for a totally turn-key living experience.
A suite of amenities, such as a rooftop pool and fitness center with limitless views of Biscayne Bay and Miami, a paddle/pickleball court overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a residents’ lounge, a summer kitchen with an outdoor dining area, and an observation deck and lounge, are among the many distinctive features that enhance the experience of being an owner at Ella Miami Beach. A cold plunge, sauna, and an outdoor yoga and meditation terrace are among its wellness features. Other amenities include coworking space, free beach chairs, bike and beach equipment storage, and more.
Ella Miami Beach’s Sales Gallery is located at 6897 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The new building is anticipated to begin construction in the first quarter of 2024 and be finished in 2026.
If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Ella Miami Beach, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.
Introducing Perigon’s Two Story Luxury Penthouse
New developments are popping up everywhere throughout Miami but one of the most opulent new construction towers in Miami Beach stands out from the crowd with the unveiling of its new penthouse at The Perigon.
Penthouse West is a $37 million residence situated over two levels and is the first penthouse to be unveiled at the new condominium project. Four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and expansive living areas are housed in 5,685 square feet of inside space, while an outside sanctuary is made up of an additional 6,487 square feet. The residence, positioned atop the contemporary 17-story tower, also offers magnificent views of the beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and the developing Miami cityscape.
Designer Tara Bernerd, renowned for her ultra-luxury work on single-family houses, yachts, and condo buildings, created the interiors of the building, including the penthouse. She used organic fabrics that go well with the stone, wood, and glass components as well as high-end finishes throughout the entire building.
The 22-foot ceilings in the double-height great room, one of the home’s many remarkable design features and amenities, steal the show. This space, which leads to a wraparound terrace, serves as the residence’s focal point. Here, Bernerd employed materials including Italian walnut, European white oak, and honed white marble with a subdued color scheme. With its high-end highlights and designer touches for occupants who are decor-conscious, the light-filled penthouse has the air of a five-star resort. Additionally, each room has a private terrace area and an en suite bathroom with a luxurious soaking tub.
Penthouse West is known for its indoor-outdoor lifestyle, and in addition to the various outside terraces, there is also a private, manicured rooftop. The landscapes featured in the facilities of the property and the garden in the penthouse were both designed by Gustafson Porter + Bowman, the same company in charge of the landscaping around the Eiffel Tower. The house also boasts a sundeck, a sunken 30-foot infinity pool, a full outdoor summer kitchen, and outdoor dining.
More than 20,000 square feet of amenity space are available to residents of The Perigon, including a breakfast and sunset lounge, a residents-only private restaurant, and a speakeasy run by chef Shaun Hergatt, a veteran of Michelin-starred establishments. Additionally, there is a cabana-equipped oceanfront pool, a terraced fitness center, a private salon, a screening room, a kids’ play area, and a pool room.
Miami Beach Polo World Cup Returns April 21st
The largest and most well-known Beach Polo competition in the world, the Beach Polo World Cup, will be held in Miami Beach from Friday, April 21st, through Sunday, April 23rd, 2023.
The top players in the world compete in high-goal polo matches every day, and there are also a number of upscale off-site events that combine polo, fashion, and luxury for the ultimate experience.
Almost 12,000 people are anticipated to attend the action-packed event over the course of the weekend at Collins Park on the pristine sands of South Beach, Miami. The sold-out, star-studded event this year will include more than 120 horses and 8 international teams with players from more than 10 different countries. In addition to the event week, there are daily activities, some of which are accessible to the public.
The equestrian spectacular includes a variety of luxurious programming in addition to the high stakes polo events.
Buy a ticket for the Polo Lounge to enjoy some shade. The spacious lounge, which has a view of the polo field, has a complete bar, access to game commentary, music, and food and beverage items for sale. Polo Lounge tickets start at $110.
The World Polo League Beach Polo World Cup provides individual VIP tickets ranging from $500–$650 for those looking to upgrade for the very best VIP experience. From $5,000 to $20,000 is the price range for VIP packages that include a table for 10 people inside the VIP tent overlooking the polo field.
While VIP tickets come with shady lounge areas, a full bar, and food, general admission is free to the public. Visit www.miamipolocup.com to view the whole calendar of events, get additional details, and buy tickets.
