Related Group Announces Casa Bella Tower with Sales Beginning Soon

The Related Group is on the verge of launching sales for their newest tower in downtown Miami; Casa Bella. This residential tower will be built at 1400 Biscayne Blvd in the Miami Arts and Entertainment District and is on the same site where Auberge Residences was originally planned.

According to the renderings, it appears Related is continuing with the same design and specifications that were planned for Auberge. Those designs include full glass exteriors in a wave-like pattern, as well as the unit floor plans. According to The Real Deal, the Related Group is likely reusing them since they have already been approved and to fast-track construction.

Casa Bella will feature 3 towers and 2 will rise 60 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.

The newest tower 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.

The location of this tower places residences near the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Miami Internation University of Art and Design. The Omni Station Bus Loop is also 1 block away.

With the reopening of borders and the lifting of the pandemic restrictions as of November 8, 2021, we will likely see an increase in international buyers, especially for the new construction towers. Currently, international buyers are representing around 50% of new construction developments when earlier in the year, they were only representing 20%.

Construction for the development is estimated for spring of 2022 with an anticipated completion date of 2024. 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.

South Miami Welcomes NYC Restaurant in Summer 2022

Over the past year, Miami has seen a swarm of NYC eateries heading south including Carbone and COTE. Now we can add the Parisian-style bistro Pastis to the list. Pastis is famous for being the go-to French fare in the Meatpacking district and many celebrities have been known to frequent this famous restaurant.

Stephen Starr, James Beard Award-winning chef, and Keith McNally are the masterminds behind Pastis that have been in business for nearly 15 years. The new location is expected to open in the summer of 2022 at 380 NW 26th Street in the Wynwood neighborhood.

The design of the new location will be similar to NYC’s location. Designed by Paisely Design, the Miami location will feel like a “time-worn Parisian bistro.” Hardwood plans, a curved zinc bar, dark banquettes, subway tile, and vintage mirrors will flow effortlessly through the space. Handwritten daily specials along with the mosaic-tiled floor will bring the space together forming the vibe of the bistro.

According to Starr, “For the last few years, I’ve had my eye on Wynwood. I’ve witnessed the vibrant and artistic neighborhood transform into a booming cultural hub with an incredible dining scene. People want great food, energy, and a great location; Pastis Miami will be a perfect addition to the community.”

Pastis originally opened in 1999 in Manhattan, while quickly becoming the “go-to” spot for a-listers. In 2014, the building that the restaurant was in sold, and in the summer of 2019, they reopened and Starr joined the team.

Their classic menu includes French classics like steak tartare, onion soup, snails with garlic butter, trout amandine, filet au Poivre, and tuna Crudo.

Hors D’oeuvres

• Oysters
• Tuna Crudo
• Shrimp Cocktail  
• Oeufs Mimosa
• Sardines en Conserve
• Artichokes

Entrées

• Trout Amandine
• Grilled Branzino
• Half Roasted Chicken 
• Moules Frites
• Duck à l’Orange
• Grilled Lamb Steak
• Lobster Frites

Dessert

• Profiteroles
• Paris-Brest au Chocolat
• Vanilla Crème Brûlée 
• Baba Au Rhum

U.S. Lifts Restrictions for International Travelers November 8th-Will this Change the Miami Real Estate Market?

Since the pandemic, the Miami condo market has flourished with record-breaking sales, massive tech companies making moves to Miami, and new developments being announced every day. One of the biggest variables that South Florida has always counted on was the international buyers, but due to travel regulations, foreign buyers have dwindled.

In the past 12 months, homes sales for international buyers have dipped to 31% making it the lowest since 2011, with Florida having the most sales to foreign buyers. Although Miami has seen a surge in condo sales this past year, the majority were domestic buyers.

With President Biden’s announcement of lifting travel restrictions for foreign travelers from certain areas in Canada and Countries in South America, this is big news for the real estate market itself. Beginning November 8th, vaccinated travelers can resume travel into the United States. With this, we can expect to have an increase in international buyers.

According to the Miami Chairman of the Board (MIAMI Association of Realtors), Jennifer Wollmann, with international travel resuming in the United States in November, the expectation is that foreign home buying will grow in the coming months.

According to Biz Journals, elections in Peru and Colombia are soon and South Florida may see an influx in buyers from those areas. The Senior Vice President of the Related Group, Eric Fordin has stated that he was surprised at the number of international buyers taking an interest in the District 225 project. According to Fordin, the new construction tower has over 100 buyers that are from Colombia.

Even with the increase in new construction towers, inventory remains at an all-time low for single-family homes and condominiums. Currently, there are only 631 condos in new or under construction remaining unsold.

According to The White House press release, there will be a second phase to requirements for all inbound foreign travelers in January 2022.

The Related Group Plans for Demolition of Site for New Tower-Miami Station

In January 2021, the developer, the Related Group revealed plans for a proposed transit-oriented tower called Miami Station. Now, plans are rolling out to begin demolition and preparation for construction.

The pre-construction site located at 525-533 NW 2nd Ave in the Overtown district of Miami recently filed to begin demolishing the current parking garage that sits on the site. The remains of the parking garage is that of the Logik office tower that stopped mid-construction during the recession in 2008. The concrete shell of the garage has never been utilized.

A separate lot is adjacent to MiamiCentral Station and is also the former site of the Krystal Tower that was never completed. A separate lot next door with the once planned tower, Avery MiamiCentral will eventually be added to the Miami Station site plan.

Once construction begins, the proposed tower will rise 41 stories at 459 feet tall. The proposed plans would include 309 apartments, over 200,000 square feet of office space, over 8,000 square feet of retail, and 510 parking spaces.

Units will feature studio to 3 bedroom floor plans a well as a few penthouse units ranging from 460 to 1428 square feet of living space.

The office space will occupy the first 12 floors with 13-foot slab to slab heights. The residential units will occupy the higher floors with 10-foot slab to slab heights.

Development Information

• Developer: The Related Group
• Demolition Contractor: BG Group
• Architect: ODP
• Structural engineer: B+J Consulting Engineers
• MEP Engineer: Feller Engineering
• Landscape Architect: Dixie Landscape
• Exterior and Finishes: Facade +Envelope

Amenities

• 22nd-floor amenity deck
• rooftop pool
• Landscaped deck
• Dog park
• Several outdoor terraces

The date for the groundbreaking has not been set.

Miami Dade County Breaks More Records for Home Sales in September 2021

Home sale records continue to be crushed month over month for Miami-Dade, marking its best September sales in history and setting the bar for the most condos sold in a year’s time. The previous annual record was 17,142 in 2013, while the current condo sales have equaled 17,942 with only 3 months to go!

According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), homes sales for Miami Dade have risen 20.2% at 3,031 transactions. This is up from the 2,521 transactions that occurred in 2020. Simultaneously, we saw a dip in single-family home sales at 3.6% at 1,241. This may be due to the lack of single-family home inventory. Condo sales have exponentially increased at 45.2% at 1,790 for September.

According to the Miami Chairman of the Board Jennifer Wollmann, with international travel resuming in the United States in November, the expectation is that foreign home buying will grow in the coming months.

Miami is also on track to have its best year ever for single-family home sales. For September, single-family home sales have increased by 35.3% at 3,031 total transactions.

Miami condos sales have increased by 45.2% in September with major increases in pricing for properties over $250,000.

Luxury sales have also been in the records spotlight with a 31.4% increase with 209 sales for September. For properties $1 million and up, sales have increased 96.5% at 167 transactions. Currently, there is a 3.9 month of supply for luxury single-family homes and a 9.4 month supply for luxury condos.

Single-family home pricing falls between $400,000 to $600,000 increasing by 27.4% higher than September 2020. Condo sales also saw a heavy rise at 161.1% with sale prices between $400,000 to $600,000.

Inventory has decreased for both single-family homes as well as condominiums. Inventory single-family homes decreased by 42.1% since 2019. Condominiums have decreased from 68.8% since 2019 as well.

Single-family home median prices have increased by 11.5% from $435,000 to $485,000. Condo median prices have increased by 24.5% from $265,000 to $330,000

Miami-Dade cash sales are up by 62.2% and represent 37.3% of Miami’s closed sales in September. According to statistics from the National Association of Realtors, almost 23% of all United States home sales are cash. Cash sales count for 45.9% of Miami condo sales with 24.9% for single-family sales.

New Gin Focused Restaurant Opens in Coconut Grove

Botánico Gin and Cookhouse has officially opened its doors in Coconut Grove’s Cocowalk and it’s exactly what you think it is! Botánico is the first ‘gin-centric’ eatery offering the most extensive and unique gin-focused cocktails in Miami.

The co-owners, Ricardo Ordoñez and chef Gerardo De Negri are the brains behind the menu and unique concoctions. Ordoñez and De Negri have created such a unique dining experience focusing on modern American cuisine that highlights some Ecuadorian ceviche family recipes.

The gin menu includes 15 gin and tonic botanical variations infusing lavender, lemon, grape, crystallized ginger, and/or green apple. Whether you enjoy citrus, herbs, or fruits, flavors can be fully modified to appeal to any gin connoisseur. Not only does it have a well-versed gin menu but it also features a fully stocked bar with an extensive wine menu.

Botánico not only features the best gin drinks in Miami, but they also have an extensive wine program featuring over 2,000 bottles from around the world including; Mexico, Croatia, and Uruguay. The wine is stored in a state-of-the-art glass-enclosed and temperature-controlled cellar.

If the cocktail menu doesn’t appeal to you, then you will definitely be satisfied with the food options. The menu highlights octopus carpaccio, duck confit, short rib, and pulled pork. French-themed burgers, marinated shrimp, and their artisan cheese boards are the stars of the menu.

Botánico’s atmosphere is a relaxed sophistication with marble touches, porcelain tiles, and natural woods strategically placed throughout. The rainforest green marble bar wraps around the space creating the perfect ambiance. Two expansive patios with lush landscaping will create the perfect al fresco dining experience. The building itself located at 3015 Grand Avenue, Suite 123 is a 3,009 square foot space with 150 seating availability.

JSX Announces ‘Hop-On Jet Service’ Flights from Miami to Texas and New York

Miami welcomes JSX, a “hop on jet service” with crowd-free flights on private planes. With JSX’s announcement comes all the special privileges of a private jet without the hefty price tag.

Their East Coast routes will link Miami International Airport to New York and Texas with flights beginning November 18th. Fares from Miami to Westchester County, New York start at $749 one way, and Miami to Dallas start at $499 one way.

The best part of JSX flights is that they offer guests the ability to check-in for flights 20 minutes prior to departure between private terminals at Miami International Airport. Not only do they have a quick check-in, but there are also no crowds and 30-seat jets with business class legroom. JSX also offers two free checked bags, free snacks, and drinks.

According to the CEO of JSX, Alex Wilcox, “Since day one, our Customers have asked JSX to serve the East Coast and I am thrilled to say that our distinctive style of flying has finally arrived. It’s no secret that demand from New York and Dallas to Florida is at an all-time high, and we are delighted to bring our hop-on jet service to these vibrant markets ahead of the busy holiday season.”

JSX created this flight experience for anyone who values their time and wants a world-class experience, from business travelers, first-class fliers, to families looking for quick flights.

JSX is the first and only carrier that links Westchester County to Miami International Airport and the first “uber-like” plane carrier linking Dallas to Miami. Welcome to flying redesigned!

Curated by White Feather Management-Bar La Real Opens in Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami’s hottest new bar just opened and it’s nothing like you would expect. Bar La Real, located 100 NE 1st Avenue in the attic of a historic 1917 building.

Bar La Real will intertwine the historic concepts of the building with the old-school glamour all within a tropical setting, coining the term ‘Tropiglam.’ Just think Little Havana meets South Beach.

The creators, White Feather Management are behind this cool bar and are the same team behind Wynwood’s El Patio and Mayami Latin. The Art Director, Carols Perez Fleta states “At Bar La Real we walk the line between elegant and extravagant in everything that we do.”

White Feather Management is headquartered in Miami with 25 years of experience in curating entertainment and multi-sensory atmospheres. According to their website, White Feather is ‘united by art, sensibility, and creativity.’

Not only will you experience an elegant environment, but unexpected concoctions will have you coming back for seconds. The cocktail menu consists of caviar topped drinks and wasabi sake-infused cocktails. You can also enjoy the classics as well as enjoy a hookah experience.

CEO, Nicolas Hoyos also announced that there will be themed nights weekly, “Our mission has been the same from inception: to make Bar La Real a unique environment that can only be understood through having lived it.”

Official Groundbreaking Date Set for E11EVEN Hotel & Residences

The long-awaited date for E11EVEN Hotel & Residences groundbreaking is finally set and we can’t be more excited. On November 11, 2021, construction will begin on the 65-story tower located in the Park West District in Miami.

One of the developers, PMG, posted on their social media accounts the big news along with the tower being 98% sold. This is of no surprise as E11EVEN is considered one of the fastest-selling condominium projects in the last decade. In February when sales were first announced, the units were at 80% sold.

PMG also announced in early June that they were also accepting cryptocurrency for the units. We are unsure of the total number of units that were purchased with the digital currency.

Construction plans were officially submitted on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. The plans include the demolition permit for site clearing and those are now under review. There is currently no pending or submitted construction permit.

The demolition contractor is listed as John Moriarty & Associated. The developer includes Property Markets Group (PMG) and E11EVEN Partners. Sieger Suarez Architects is responsible for the tower design. Interiors will be curated by AvroKO Hospitality Group.

The residences are fully finished and fully furnished starting at $300,000 and the floor plans consist of studio to 2 bedrooms. There is also a limited Penthouse Collection and 2 Presidential Suites.

Building Features

• E11EVEN® app for concierge services and building amenities
• Common areas featuring museum-quality curated fine art and installations
• Limited Penthouse Collection and two Presidential Suites
• Views of the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean
• Club E11EVEN® Bar & Lounge
• 5-Star gourmet food hall
• Casino-Style Sports Lounge
• Chopra Spa & Studio mind & body experiences featuring a state-of-the-art fitness center, meditation, yoga, and customized treatment services
• 20,000 Square-foot, ultra-modern multi-level E11EVEN® Day Club and pool sits above 11 stories, overseeing the stunning Miami skyline
• E11EVEN’s® rooftop experience is a unique 24/11 poolside venue featuring its own signature dining experience
• E11EVEN® Beach Club
• Complimentary 24-hour valet

Residence Features

• 9’6 – 10’ floor-to-ceiling windows varies by floor with stunning Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay views
• Smart home technology experience. Includes integrated audio, video, and lighting systems
• Contemporary lighting package
• All residences include LED (or water-based) fireplace in every living room
• Fully built-out closets in the master bedrooms
• Washer and dryer
• French balconies in select residences
• Pre-wired for high-speed communications, multiple telephone lines, and cable
• All residences include a signature Home Essentials Package: silverware, glassware, linens, sheets, towels
• 11 Resident Membership Package featuring an exclusive beach club, day pool, and ultra club access
• Kitchens with custom countertops and backsplashes
• Imported and custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry by Italkraft
• Subzero and Wolf appliance package includes microwave, dishwasher, convection oven, and refrigerator
• Waterworks bathroom fixtures, features & accessories
• Frameless glass-enclosed showers

If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing one of the units at E11EVEN Hotel & Residences, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.