Casa Bella by B&B Italia One Step Closer to Breaking Ground
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.
Hedge Fund Manager Ken Griffin is Moving Citadel Securities from Chicago to Miami
Another large corporation recently declared it would relocate its headquarters to Miami. Hedge fund manager and billionaire Ken Griffin said in a letter to his staff on Thursday that Citadel, his investment firm, will be moving to Miami after more than 30 years in Chicago.
“I am excited to share with you that Citadel is moving its global headquarters to Miami. Miami is a vibrant, growing metropolis that embodies the American Dream. I am excited to have recently moved to Miami with my family and look forward to rapidly expanding Citadel in a city so rich in diversity and abounding with energy,” states Griffin’s letter to his staff.
Griffin acknowledged previous assistance from influential business and political figures and referred to Chicago as Citadel’s “amazing home” in the memo. However, he has claimed in other places that an increase in crime has made it more difficult for Citadel to recruit top talent, leading the company to increase its headcounts in other locations while decreasing it in Chicago.
Griffin stated in April, “If people aren’t safe here, they’re not going to live here. I’ve had multiple colleagues mugged at gunpoint. I’ve had a colleague stabbed on the way to work. Countless issues of burglary. I mean, that’s a really difficult backdrop with which to draw talent to your city from.”
The new office building will be built “on Brickell Bay” and will be designed in collaboration with Chicago developer Sterling Bay. 1201 Brickell Bay Drive is one potential location. The site, the sole unoccupied property on the bay in Brickell, just sold for a record-breaking $363 million to an anonymous LLC with a Chicago address.
Griffin, the wealthiest person in the state, is also the most prominent philanthropist in Chicago, according to a Forbes estimate of his net worth at more than $25 billion.
He has given about $500 million to regional organizations and intends to contribute even more, but he is also well known for his large political contributions, including $50 million to Richard Irvin, a Republican candidate for governor.
The transfer of Citadel is anticipated to take several years. More than a thousand people work for the firms in Chicago, and while some are anticipated to stay, it is unclear how many.
Okan Group Officially Breaks Ground on 70 Story Okan Tower
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.
Renderings Revealed for Miami Freedom Park
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, Gale Miami (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.
