With all of the news surrounding the FIFA World Cup and Miami bid, another great announcement was made for the Miami Freedom Park with new renderings and development plans showcasing the major project.
According to the developers, the newest renderings were revised after the first meeting with the Miami Review Board and this newest proposal includes not only exterior renderings but site sections, area enhancements, and updated design visions.
The revised proposal shows the plan will include a 600,000 sq. ft. retail and soccer village, 25,000 seat stadium, 750 hotel rooms, 400,000 sq. ft. office, and 5,100 parking spaces.
Some of the enhancements noted in the revised proposal include new pedestrian access points, crosswalk connections, and pedestrian path improvements.
The hearing to discuss the project was scheduled to be reviewed last week with Miami’s Urban Development Review Board. One of the conclusions for the review included the vote to move the Miami Commissioners offices into the new administrative buildings at Miami Freedom Park.
Arquitectonica is listed as the architect for the project. Although the project is located at the end of one of the Miami International Airport runways, it will be in compliance with the Federal Aviation Association height restrictions.
One of the biggest concerns for the Miami Freedom Park is that building the 1+ million square feet of commercial space will affect the surrounding neighborhoods and will clog area streets.
Miami Selected to Host the World Cup in 2026
The long-awaited list of cities and sites for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, was released on Thursday by FIFA, the world soccer governing body. Miami and Hard Rock Stadium has made the cut and we can’t be more excited!
Along with Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York/New Jersey; Miami was one of 11 U.S. cities to make the list.
The televised announcement was watched on giant screens by a boisterous gathering of fans and elected officials at the famed soccer tavern Fritz & Franz Bierhaus in Coral Gables, which has historically been a hotspot for soccer watch parties in Miami. The notable in attendance included Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor Francis Suarez, and Rolando Aedo, and the Chief Operating Officer of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Tommy Mulroy, a long-time local soccer promoter and former Miami Toros and Fort Lauderdale Strikers player, has been waiting for this moment for years and was ecstatic on Thursday after being a member of the failed Miami bid in 1994. “This is a long time coming. We fit every criteria. It’s a bicycle kick every criteria for us. It’s time and we’re going to do a great job. In 1994 people here didn’t know what a World Cup was. I had to convince people they would sell tickets. Even now, people think it’s another Super Bowl coming, but it’s so much bigger. I anticipate we’ll have five games and each game will bring a whole new group of tourists,” states Mulroy.
Sixty games are anticipated to be held in the United States, with ten games each in Canada and Mexico. Canada’s games will be held in Vancouver and Toronto, while Mexico’s will be held in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City, where two World Cup finals were held at Azteca Stadium.
Each bid committee in the United States has been urged to prepare for up to six games, but they won’t know how many until 2023. Members of the Miami committee will meet with FIFA officials in New York City early next week, but no schedule or other specifics will be finalized until after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which will take place in November and December of this year.
According to Mayor Suarez, “The U.S. hasn’t had a World Cup since 1994, and in those 30 years, Miami has become a dynamic, global city. All the people who live here from all over the world will be rooting for their teams. A lot of hard work was done by a lot of people to make this happen. I feel like I played a game, I am all sweaty.”
FIFA used a complicated point system to evaluate the proposed sites, which included stadium (35%), airport/transport/mobility (13%), estimated revenue from tickets/hospitality packages (10%), estimated revenue from media/marketing rights (10%), predicted organizing costs (10%), proposed international broadcast center (7%), accommodations (6%), team/referee facilities (6%), and proposed FIFA Fan Fest locations (6%). (3 percent).
Hard Rock Stadium is well known for holding international sporting events such as the Miami Open tennis tournament and the Miami Grand Prix Formula One race.
The World Cup schedule will probably come out in 2023 with the actual team selections occurring in 2025. The tournament is set to begin on June 11, 2026, with the final scheduled for July 12. Each location would likely host five to six games, with a knockout round matchup thrown in for good measure.
The tickets will more than likely go on sale in 2024 and the estimated costs for all round is around $300.
Edgewater Tower Proposed by Aimco is Denied Approval
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, 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.
Lofty Brickell Begins Demolition with Tower Construction Beginning 4th Quarter of 2022
Lofty Brickell launched sales in 2021 and officially reached 50% sold in February 2022. Now, site demolition is now underway with the tower construction scheduled for the end of 2022.
Approval for the demolition was received on April 28th. This demolition would be for the entire building site where 20,000 square feet of space would be demolished. The estimated cost of the demolition is $105,400.
TBRC Group is listed as the demolition contractor and there is not a current construction permit pending or filed.
Similar to its sister tower, NATIIVO (which sold out less in less than a year) Lofty will feature 380 units of fully finished and furnished interiors that will be available for rent nightly, daily, and/or monthly. Residents will have the option of self-managing their units (VRBO or Airbnb) or using Lofty’s onsite management.
Rising 44 stories, Lofty will feature studio, 1, and 2 bedroom floor plans with 485 to 930 square feet options. Pricing starts at $493k for a studio. There will also be available penthouses but the information hasn’t been released as of now.
Designed by internationally acclaimed, Arquitectonica, interiors will be designed by a New York-based interior design company INC New York. Developer Harvey Hernandez is also responsible for Brickell House and Centro towers. Hernandez purchased Lofty lot for $50 million
Lofty will feature a number of wonderful amenities including a butler service, rooftop pool, car service, and a 5-star restaurant that hasn’t been disclosed. This tower will also include a private marina with available docks for boating.
Building Features
The 40-story landmark building designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm, Arquitectonica
Prime Brickell location is steps from Brickell City Center
Short-term rentals permitted as-of-right
Spectacular panoramic Miami River, Brickell, and Miami skyline views
2 Story lobby with floor to ceiling windows 24-hour welcome desk with concierge 24-hour valet parking 24-hour secure access Advanced technology smart-building with high-speed fiber-optic wireless internet access throughout common areas
Exclusive LOFTY app
Cutting-edge green building technology
6 high-speed passenger elevators with access control
On-site hospitality management Curated River-front restaurant with outdoor dining terrace
Building Amenities
Exotic resort pool with pool-side cabanas
Bar and grill on pool deck 24/7
Co-working lounge Private meeting rooms
Event room with exclusive terrace
A fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center with HD TVs and wireless audio Private Peloton studios Yoga lounge and terrace
LOFTY Rooftop Experience
Residence Features
Urban luxury residences with modern open layouts from 485SF—930SF Studio, one and two-bedroom units
All residences are delivered fully finished and furnished specially curated by INC
Panoramic Miami River, and Miami skyline views
Private balconies for every residence
Corner units offer wrap-around balconies
High ceilings ranging from 9’ to 11’
Owner closets in every residence
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and sound attenuating impact-resistant laminated glass throughout
Advanced technology Smart Building wiring for HD TV,
Multiple telephone /data lines and ultra-high-speed internet access
Individually controlled energy-efficient central air conditioning and heating system
Kitchen
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pulls
Top of the line appliance package including stainless steel refrigerator, oven, cook-top, microwave, dishwasher and sink disposal
Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
Contemporary stainless steel under-mounted sink
High-arc gourmet faucet with integral sprayer
Master Bathroom
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pulls
Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
Construction completion date is anticipated for 2024. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Lofty Brickell, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.
Miami Officials Plan to Move Office Headquarters to Miami Freedom Park
Inter Miami CF’s new stadium may gain some new neighbors, including the City of Miami’s headquarters. Officials in Miami are looking at a contract to build the municipal administration offices at Miami Freedom Park, a large mixed-use redevelopment of a golf course near Miami International Airport. The MLS team’s stadium would be the site’s main attraction, but there would also be commercial development.
The plan to construct a new municipal administration headquarters has been in the works for more than five years.
City voters approved a referendum to lease the present municipal administrative headquarters in 2018. The current lease includes a 3.15-acre property along the Miami River at 444 S.W. Second Ave., to Lancelot Miami River LLC, a unit of Miami-based Adler Group. The developer intends to build a mixed-use development there.
The agreement also required Lancelot Miami River to construct a new municipal administrative facility of about 230,000 square feet with at least 610 parking spots. The city would fund the building with a special obligation bond, but Lancelot Miami River would be in charge of construction.
The city originally planned to build its administrative center on the 1.6-acre Lancelot Miami River property at 230 S.W. Third St. However, the agreement has not yet been formalized.
The City Commission then approved the lease and development agreement for Miami Freedom Park in April. A 25,000-seat soccer stadium, 1 million square feet of retail and commercial space, and 750 hotel rooms would be included in the project. The proprietors of Inter Miami would completely fund this project, and the location would require extensive environmental remediation.
This new building would take up around 1/4 of the commercial area at Miami Freedom Park.
The current designs for the municipal administrative building, according to David S. Adler, head of Adler Group, are for Miami Freedom Park. This would free up its 1.6-acre Miami River property to expand its mixed-use development.
In April, David Beckham won approval for a land lease for a Major League Soccer stadium in that same location.
New Japanese Steakhouse Coming to Brickell by Bad Bunny and David Grutman
Bad Bunny is partnering with David Grutman and his hospitality group, Groot Hospitality, to open a new Japanese steakhouse known as Gekko. Coming this July to Miami’s Brickell, Gekko will be located under the SLS Lux tower at 801 S. Miami Avenue where Katsuya is currently located.
Its menu will feature prime cuts and various Wagyu beef dishes with dashes of Korean BBQ spices. Guests may also expect sophisticated table-side culinary displays, such as flame-seared steak courses, as well as traditional Japanese fare including a full sushi menu and a six-seat omakase bar.
Gekko’s design will be created by The Rockwell Group, and will have “luxurious-yet-contemporary” graphic wall coverings, jewel tones, light and natural wood accents, and seating for 185 guests. On the very colorful and Instagrammable South Miami Avenue area, the location is located on the northwestern ground floor portion of the SLS Lux Brickell tower.
Gekko will join Grutman and Groot Hospitality’s ever-expanding Miami restaurant portfolio, which already includes Papi Steak, Komodo, and Key Club, as well as Swan and Strawberry Moon, his two restaurants with Pharrell Williams.
The Japanese word “Gekko” means “moonlight,” which is appropriate for a city known for its nightlife. It’s also a double entendre reference to Michael Douglas’ famous Wall Street character Gordon Gekko. “On the day we were deciding on a name, Bunny was smitten with ‘Gekko. That night, I watched a Carl Icahn documentary,” Grutman says. “It all came together, and we had it.”
Newest Wynwood Hotspot Features 2 Restaurants and a Nightclub
“Bad friends, Good Drinks & Expensive Taste,” that’s the Moto for Wynwood newest spot Burdo. Opened just north of Cerveceria La Tropical on North Miami Avenue, Burdo has a 2,700-square-foot dining room and a 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace that, like so many other new Miami hot places, morphs from restaurant to late-night party location after dark.
The concept was developed by SinMente Group, a Colombian hospitality company that established a comparable venue in Medellin in 2014. Burdo was brought to Miami by SinMente in collaboration with Buenavista Investment Group. Burdo’s main menu features American fare such as bowls, pizzas, and burgers, as well as sushi rolls.
Green apple and cheese pizza ($20) with blue cheese, mozzarella, bocconcini, green apples in maple syrup, almonds, basil, and spinach; truffle grilled cauliflower ($20); and “Black Wings” ($28) with sesame seeds, chives, and black barbeque sauce are among the highlights.
However, that isn’t the only food available on the premises. Criminal Taqueria at Burdo is located on Burdo’s patio. Tacos aren’t illegal, so don’t be alarmed. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, esquites, and elote bowls are served at the taqueria, which has a few chairs but is mostly meant for grab-and-go purchases. It has its own separate kitchen and serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, esquites, and elote bowls.
The design of Burdo is just as exquisite as the menu! Mixing a modern yet reclaimed design makes for an inviting atmosphere. A white marble surfaced bar adorns the bar and tabletops with outdoor inspired wood chairs. Mixing with green vegetation, wood paneled walls, and black steel touches creates a unique look that will be an excellent side to your food.
Prices range from $4 to $13 per pound. At the taqueria, you can order a margarita or Michelada, or try Burdo’s more extensive cocktail menu, which includes mezcal-based drinks like La Parca and El Chingon, as well as specialty gin cocktails. Bottle service is provided after dark, when the high-tech sound and lighting systems come on.
Burdo is located at 2509 North Miami Avenue in Wynwood and they are opened from Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm to 3am. Don’t forget happy hour is from 5pm to 8pm.
YotelPad Has Officially Opened to Guests
As of yesterday, YotelPad has officially opened to guests for the first time since construction has been completed. Sales for the tower began in late 2020 and the development sold out within 15 months after breaking ground.
Developed in a joint venture between Aria Development Group and AQARAT, YotelPad Miami is located at 227 NE Second Street in downtown Miami. The tower include 231 residential units while the hotel features 222 hotel rooms.
Condo units that range from 417 SF studios to 708 SF two-bedrooms. These units are located on floors 15 through 30. There are also 222 hotel units branded by the Yotel Britsh chain that occupy the lower levels of the tower.
Although the units have sold out even without a parking garage, prices for the condo units ranged from $450,000 to $500,000 and the developers have confirmed that more than half of the buyers were from China, Mexico, and Columbia.
The units will also feature high-end appliances including an Electrolux washer and dryer, Grohe and Toto bath fixtures, Smart thermostats, Smart Lock System, and custom furniture packages.
Tower Amenities:
Elevated deck with pool, hot tub, and bar
Full-service restaurant and bar with outdoor paseo
Organic matcha bar
State-of-the-art fitness center
Private meeting rooms with co-working space
Valet parking
TransitScreen displays all your mobility options, in real-time
Private residential lobby with destination dispatch elevators
24-hour security and concierge
Secure storage unit for each residence
Enclosed bicycle storage
Skytop Lounge featuring a game area and chef’s kitchen
Digital package concierge
Stantec is the architect behind Yotelpad. Each unit offers carefully cultivated floorplans with integrated living and dining areas. The fully-finished interiors feature contemporary flooring with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with a European kitchen and baths showcase custom cabinetry with stone finishes as well as Smeg Designer Italian appliances.
