Casa Bella by B&B Italia One Step Closer to Breaking Ground

Casa Bella Residences Rooftop Pool
Casa Bella Residences Rooftop Pool
Casa Bella Residences by B&B Italia is a new construction luxury condo tower located in the Art & Entertainment District of Downtown Miami, Florida.

One of the newest pre-construction projects that will soon be a part of the Miami skyline is Casa Bella Residences Miami. Progress on the project is moving forward, including permits being submitted and new renderings being released.

On June 23, the developers submitted the demolition permit for the development. The current 3-story structure features 249,978 square feet which would be completely demolished. This building was mostly used for office purposes. The estimated cost for this demolition would be approximately $800,000.

The demolition work is being done by The BG Group.

In coordination with the filing for demolition permits, developers have also started converting reservations into contracts with more than 60% of the units already reserved.

Casa Bella will feature 3 towers and 2 will rise 57 stories while 1 will rise 50. The first tower will feature 300 luxury units although 1,430 residential units have been approved for the site. The towers will have 1,629 parking spaces and will be connected by a podium.

Tower 1 at Casa Bella will feature 1 to 5-bedroom floor plans with only 6 units per floor. Interiors will be designed by Pierro Lissoni with landscape architecture by Enzo Ena. The double-height lobby will also be designed by Lissoni and will feature a mixture of sophistication and modern designs with a permanent collection of museum-quality art located throughout. 

Unit Features

  • 306 luxury condos including an exquisite penthouse collection of 24 penthouses
  • Residences offer 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom layouts with 10’ ceilings
  • Penthouses offer 2, 3 + Den, and 5-bedroom layouts with 11-12-foot ceilings
  • Units range in size from 711 to 5,890 square feet
  • All residences feature 2 private elevators and a foyer, which is unique in Miami
  • Biometric access-controlled elevators
  • Floor-to-ceiling impact-resistant windows
  • Modern European-style kitchens and bathrooms designed by Piero Lissoni featuring Italian cabinetry by ItalKraft
  • Premium black glass appliance packages with integrated 36” Sub-Zero refrigerators/freezers, integrated paneled dishwasher, built-in Wolf convection oven, and speed oven, and oversized stainless-steel radius sink with faucet drawer
  • Master bathrooms, designed by Piero Lissoni, boast frameless glass-enclosed showers, oversized tubs, imported porcelain flooring/wet walls, backlit vanity mirrors, and separate water closets
  • Two penthouses feature private rooftop terraces complete with private summer kitchens and spa tubs
  • Select units offer powder rooms
  • Spacious private terraces with spectacular water and city views
  • Casa Bella offers an extraordinary opportunity to have your residence curated by B&B Italia, Italy’s leading furniture brand

Tower Amenities

  • 2 full floors of private amenities
  • State-of-the-art wellness and fitness center offering on-demand services
  • Yoga room
  • Spinning room
  • Salon with manicure/pedicure stations
  • Adult entertainment lounge
  • Game room
  • Kid’s playroom with smartboard and educational games
  • Residents’ party room
  • Wine room
  • Movie theater
  • Museum-quality curated art collection
  • High-tech business center with conference room
  • Co-workspace
  • Pet spa
  • Expansive pool deck situated on the 11th floor overlooking Biscayne Bay
  • 78’ lap pool
  • Outdoor spa
  • Poolside bar and café
  • Poolside cabanas and lounge areas
  • Towel service
  • Sun-care kiosk
  • Open-air lawn perfect for yoga
  • Lush gardens were designed by acclaimed landscape architect Enzo Enea
  • Pickleball court
  • BBQ with outdoor dining area
  • Ground-level restaurant open to the public
  • 56th-floor Sky Terrace boasts a rooftop pool and observatory (650 feet) with a high-tech telescope
  • 24-hour valet parking
  • 24-hour security
  • 24-hour maintenance staff
  • Multilingual team on site
  • On-demand concierge services are available including housekeeping, grocery shopping, “while you’re away” butler services, dry cleaning, childcare, pet care, courier services, translation service, and more
  • Residents enjoy a 1-year complimentary membership at the Grand Bay Beach Club in Key Biscayne

Construction for the development is estimated for winter 2023 with an anticipated completion date of 2025. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Casa Bella, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Okan Group Officially Breaks Ground on 70 Story Okan Tower

Okan Tower Rendering
Okan Tower Groundbreaking 2022

On Friday, June 17, the community along with Miami notables gathered to witness the groundbreaking for Okan Tower, a new Downtown Miami megaplex with residences centered by a Hilton Hotel. The tulip-inspired design of Okan Tower, the largest Turkish investment in the United States, is a nod to the nation’s national flower.

This project will be Okan Group’s first development in the United States. Located at 555 North Miami Avenue, the 70-story Okan Tower, which will stand 902 feet tall, would rank among Miami’s highest structures. The tower has 64,000 square feet of “Class A” office space, 236 Short-Term Rental Residences powered by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, 163 Sky Residences with special owners-only facilities, and a 316-key Hilton Miami Bayfront Hotel with a full suite of amenities and entertainment spaces, etc.

The Okan Tower was created by the eminent architecture company Behar Font & Partners, whose stunning façade curves were influenced by the tulip, the Turkish flag flower.

The Okan Group manages a large portfolio of renowned mixed-use projects that have given the company a worldwide reputation in the construction, banking, textile, production, and tourism industries, among others.

Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez, former Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildrim, Turkish Ambassador to the United States Murat Mercan, Turkish Consulate of Miami Feyza Barutcu Altug, former Turkish Consul of Miami Burc Ceylan, Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales, Commissioner Ken Russell, and Fortune International CEO Edgardo Defortuna were among the dignitaries present for the groundbreaking

Amenities:

  • 24-hour reception and concierge
  • 70th-floor rooftop pool and sky deck with private cabanas
  • 12th-floor lap pool with clubroom and lounges
  • State-of-the-art health and fitness center with yoga studio, Peloton bikes, and fitness MIRROR.
  • Sauna, steam, and treatment rooms
  • Children’s sensory and playroom
  • Theater
  • Wine cellar
  • Owner’s lounge

The completion date for Okan Tower is set to be complete in 2026. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Okan Tower, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Okan Tower Rendering

Edgewater Tower Proposed by Aimco is Denied Approval

AIMCO-Edgewater New Construction
AIMCO-Edgewater New Construction

After a city of Miami board refused to recommend approval of Aimco’s plans for a luxury rental tower in Edgewater, the developer is determined to revaluate the development plans and come up with a solution to get these plans moving forward.

After identifying a number of “serious concerns” with the design, members of the Miami Urban Development Review Board voted on Wednesday to reject plans for the proposed mixed-use development across from Aimco’s Hamilton on the Bay tower. Despite the board’s rejection, Aimco can still seek approval for the project.

The board was initially split on whether or not to recommend acceptance of the proposals with conditions, with three members voting in favor and three voting against. As a result, the developer can either withdraw its application and start the process all over again, or the board can vote to decline the recommendation, allowing the developer to submit amended plans to the planning director for final approval.

Aimco’s attorney, Tony Recio, a partner at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, said the developer is examining the board’s ideas and looks forward to “addressing their criticisms with the planning director” as the project moves further. Recio submitted the concept to the board of directors on Wednesday.

Though they praised the project’s overall design, board members expressed concerns about circulation on the ground level, including how residents and restaurant customers would access parking, apartments, and the restaurant, as well as loading and trash collection, landscaping, and an oversized mail room.

At 555, 560, 600, 610, 620, 630, and 640 Northeast 34th Street, Aimco, a publicly traded multifamily real estate investment company located in Denver, has proposed a 60-story, 241-unit tower. On more than an acre of land, the construction would include a new parking structure and 4,700 square feet of commercial space for a restaurant on the bottom level facing the water.

Aimco has made a significant investment in Edgewater. It paid over $90 million for the Hamilton on the Bay rental complex, which is currently undergoing substantial renovations, nearly two years ago. A nearby vacant lot and a modest rental building were included in the purchase.

Following the cancellation of its tenants’ leases at the Hamilton last year, Aimco purchased premises across the street, where the new project would be built.

New Development Revealed- Surf Row Residences

Surf Row Residences Ground View
Surf Row Residences Ground View

Surf Row Residences, a new ultra-luxury residential property located at 8800 Collins Avenue in Surfside, is being developed by Lineaire Group, Miami-based real estate development, and investment firm.

Featuring a collection of eight private beach homes designed by award-winning firm Rene Gonzalez Architects (RGA), the development offers refined interiors, the utmost privacy, and unparalleled indoor-outdoor living adjacent to the beach. Only a few residences have been released and sales are currently by invitation only.

Through the careful use of skylights, layered glass, and double-height ceilings, each villa emphasizes the indoor-outdoor link. Three- to five-bedroom residences with 3,500-5,600 square feet of internal space are available. Each residence will feature almost 2,000 square feet of private outdoor living space, including a rooftop with a plunge pool, a summer kitchen, and a large gazebo. Each property will also include a private garage and a front yard that is enclosed. Prices start at around $5 million for a single-family home.

“Surf Row Residences provides buyers with an incredible opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind, exclusive villa, that lives like a single-family home given the sprawling layouts and private outdoor space,” said Alejandro Bonet, Partner at Linéaire Group. “Today’s buyers are seeking a blend of suburban space without sacrificing location, and we believe this development offers an exciting sense of both community and privacy that meets those demands.”

The 0.65-acre development property is located between Collins Avenue and Harding Avenue on 88th Street’s northern frontage. The property was purchased from the previous owner for $7.3 million by an associate of Lineaire Group in August 2021.

The plot of land is listed as 8809 Harding Avenue in property records, but the change to a Collins Avenue address is thought much more acceptable for marketing purposes.

Residence Features

  • European kitchen with custom-designed wood cabinetry, imported marble countertops, and professional-grade appliances 
  • Large format coral stone flooring with natural wood inlay designs 
  • Floating staircases made with cantilevered solid wood slabs & glass panel railings 
  • Spa-inspired master bathroom furnished with a luxurious rain shower, oversized freestanding tub, and finished with imported fluted marble walls 
  • Skylights flood the interior with natural light via a central light shaft spanning all levels
  • Rooftop with summer kitchen and plunge pool 
  • Two-car indoor garages, plus one open-air parking space 
  • Latest smart home automation by Savant 
  • Top-of-the-line security system with exterior surveillance cameras
  • Private elevator 
  • Service/laundry room Upgrades
  • Kosher kitchen
  • Elevator lift for additional parking 
  • Interior surveillance package

The project is expected to begin construction in the spring of 2023 and with a completion date in 2024.

Surf Row Residences Rooftop View

540 Unit Tower Planned for Miami’s Art & Entertainment District

1775 Biscayne Boulevard Miami
1775 Biscayne Boulevard Miami

With plans for a 540-unit apartment skyscraper in Miami’s burgeoning Arts & Entertainment District, LCOR is making its South Florida development debut.

According to public documents, Pennsylvania-based, LCOR purchased 1.1 acres of land at 1775 Biscayne Boulevard from a corporation owned by Aventura orthopedic surgeon Barry Silverman and his wife, Judy Silverman. The location lies on the outskirts of Miami’s Edgewater district.

Webster Bank provided LCOR with a $33.4 million loan while Walker & Dunlop’s Keith Kurland and Michael Stepniewski represented them in the financing transaction.

According to the developer’s news release, LCOR has proposed a 40-story skyscraper with studios to two-bedroom apartments all equipped with stainless steel appliances, washers and dryers, and quartz countertops.

Amenities:

  • 600 space garage
  • WiFi throughout the building
  • Gym
  • Rooftop pool deck
  • Outdoor patio
  • Grilling space
  • Tenant lounges
  • Co-working spaces
  • Conference spaces
  • Package retrieval services
  • 14,000 square feet of ground-floor shops

The Silvermans initially planned a 53-story mixed-use skyscraper on the site with 444 residential apartments, 200 hotel keys, 45,600 square feet of commercial space, 64,500 square feet of office space, and a 546-parking garage through their V Downtown subsidiary. A Miami board approved the necessary exemptions for the construction in 2017, but the project was never completed.

LCOR’s first ground-up project in South Florida, according to the statement, but the business has been investing in the region and other Southeast regions for more than a decade.

According to its website, LCOR is a real estate developer, manager, and investor with a $9.5 billion portfolio of finished, under construction, and pre-development projects. The California State Teachers Retirement System, Ares Management, and PGIM are among its partners. LCOR’s CEO is Anthony Barsanti, and its senior vice president is Anthony Tortora.

Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2024 with completion in 2026.

Cavalli Tower Proposed at Champlain Tower South Site

DAMAC Properties Buys Surfside Site
DAMAC Properties Buys Surfside Site

DAMAC Properties recently announced that it has officially received approval to purchase land in the Surfside neighborhood of Miami in a $120 million deal. This land is none other than the site where the Champlain Tower South deadly collapse occurred just last year. DAMAC Properties intends on building a luxury branded tower on the site, Cavalli.

The site itself is located at 8777 Collins Ave Surfside featuring 1.8 acres and was sold to DAMAC through a court process and without any other competing bids on the property.

Prior to DAMAC taking an interest in the site, it was listed for $95.6 million. Sajwani offered the $120 million with the stipulation that he would obtain possession by the spring of 2022. One of the other stipulations was that Sajwani had to pay a $16 million deposit to make the contract valid.

Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties stated, “DAMAC Properties has long been eyeing development opportunities in Miami. We see the city, which is known for being a luxury and fashion centre, as a natural fit for our Company, which has an established reputation for its branded luxury offerings.”

While this is Sajwani’s first United States development, he has an extensive portfolio with establishments of his company in global cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Baghdad, and London. Sajwani has heavily invested in luxury fashion, real estate, hospitality, and manufacturing.

According to Sajwani, “Our global expansion into the United States marks a major milestone and demonstrates that DAMAC is a force to be reckoned with. This is an exciting time, and we have a lot in store.”

Surfside has been a hub for ultra-luxury condominium constructions in recent years, including the Four Seasons Private Residences, Fendi Chateau Residences, and Arte Surfside towers.

70% Sold for Standard Residences

The Standard Midtown Residences
The Standard Midtown Residences

In November Rosso Development along with Standard International announced their collaboration on a development project in Midtown Miami, The Standard Residences. Now, the Standard has reached 70% sold in only 5 months.

Situated between the Design District and Wynwood, the Standard Residences will rise 12 stores and will feature 228 luxury hotel branded units curated by Urban Robot and Standard International. Arquitectonica is listed as the architect on the project.

The luxury units range from 432 to 965 square feet of living space with studio to two-bedroom floor plan options still available. Prices will range from $469,900 to $949,900

Price Breakdown

  • Studios starting at $469,900
  • 1-bedroom starting at $699,900
  • 1-Bedroom + Den starting at $809,900
  • 2-bedrooms starting at $949,900

The units will feature cubby kitchens designed by Urban Robot, expansive 6′ deep terraces, and master baths with double showers. Unit owners will be able to rent their units for periods of up to 30 days with exclusive benefits to friends and family.

Amenities:

  • 35,000 square feet of amenities
  • 10,000 square feet of retail space
  • Expansive lobby with lounge areas and a cafe
  • Rooftop restaurant
  • Bar
  • 60-foot resort-style pool
  • Sweat room and fitness center
  • Indoor pickleball court
  • Yoga and stretch studios
  • Karaoke bar
  • Pet Spa
  • Party room

Carols Rosso, owner of Rosso Development has stated that this is his first major development since he left the Related Group. Rosso hinted at additional Standard-branded residential projects in the pipeline.

Standard International, currently operates 16 hotels in the United States and across the world and owns a waterfront hotel on the Venetian Islands in Miami Beach named the Standard Spa.

The sales gallery is still under construction and is expected to be completed in June 2022. Construction on the actual tower has already started and the expected completion date is in 2023.

Two Roads Development Buys $150 Million Edgewater Site for a 3 Tower Project

Two Roads Development Proposes 3 Tower Development in Edgewater
Two Roads Development Proposes 3 Tower Development in Edgewater

Two Roads Development recently purchased a $150 million development site in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, with the intent to build a 3-tower luxury condominium complex.

With the purchase of Biscayne 21, a 1960s-era condo with 191 units, Two Roads obtained the 3.5-acre beachfront lot located at 2121 North Bayshore Drive for $150 million.

Arquitectonica’s Bernardo Fort-Brescia will design the tower, which will contain branded apartments and luxury condo units.

Three Roads Development plans to build the 3 towers rising 60 stories tall or about 649 feet tall with up to 750 residential units and apartments.

The sellers which include 176 unit owners, were represented by an Avison Young team led by John Crotty and Michael Fay. More than two years ago, the unit owners came together and hired Avison Young to offer their property in bulk to Two Roads Development.

According to the Avison Young team, the unit owners were able “to negotiate for a multiple of more than three times what the sellers would have sold their individual units for on a one-off basis.”

Two Roads is a West Palm Beach and Miami-based developer that is known for its other towers including Elysee and Biscayne Beach.

First Rendering Revealed of New Supertall Tower by Major Food Group-Major Residences

Rendering for Major Residences Brickell
Rendering for Major Residences Brickell

JDS Development Group has partnered with Major Food Group to build one of the tallest residential towers in Brickell. Today, the developer has released the first official rendering along with some construction updates.

The project (now renamed 888) will be located at 888 Brickell Avenue with 259 branded units. Rising 82 stories or 1,049 feet tall and just over 1 million square feet in, this will be Major Food Groups’ first residential project.

Studio Sofield is the architect designing the tower, lobby, and units. Ken Fulk Inc. will be responsible for the club, food, and beverage spaces.

With Major Food Group expansion in South Florida with Carbone, ZZ’s, and many more, you can expect to have 2 to 3 Major Food Group restaurants and bars.

Major Food Group has more than 30 restaurants, clubs, and hotels in the United States and overseas. This project is currently being reviewed by Miami-Dade planners for approval.

There are currently 8 supertall towers planned for Miami including: