501 First Residences- Renderings and Plans Just Released for the 40 Story Tower in Downtown Miami

501 FIRST Residences in Downtown Miami
501 FIRST Residences in Downtown Miami

Miami can now officially welcome the newest pre-construction tower to grace our gorgeous skyline, 501 First Residences in downtown Miami. This new 40-story tower with 448, will be developed by Aria Development Group and designed by Revuelta Architecture International, who also designed Wind and 900 Biscayne. 501 First Residences will be located at 501 Northeast 1st Avenue with views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.

Acoording to the Aria Development group, this particular development will be built to cater to the short-term rental market. The biggest perk is that there will be no rental restrictions. Which means, the resident can utilize any consumer platform (Vrbo, Expedia, Airbnb, etc.) to rent and each unit can be rent for 1 day or more.

The renderings reveal floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive balconies. The sleek structure is curved creating a horizontal and vertical grid like design. The exact height of the development hasn’t been released but we can expect the 40-story high structure to be over 450 feet in height.

street level view of 501 First Residences

The 448 luxury units will be fully finished and furnished with pricing starting at $300,000. Floor plans will range from studios, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedrooms. The square footage for each unit is expected to be from 385 to 835 square feet.

Residence Features:

  • Fully finished and furnished residences thoughtfully curated by award-winning design firm, Shim Projects
  • Floor to ceiling glass windows with custom window treatments
  • All residences feature balconies
  • Biscayne Bay and Miami skyline views
  • Finished flooring on all residential interiors and balconies
  • In-unit washers and dryers
  • Kitchens and bathrooms feature custom Italian cabinetry and counters
  • Speed oven by Smeg
  • Integrated paneled refrigerator and freezer
  • Dishwasher
  • Fully built-out closets
  • Hansgrohe bathroom fixtures, features, and accessories in dark matte finish

Building Amenities:

  • Porte-cochère entrance with 24/7 valet service
  • On-site management office
  • Mid-century, modern-inspired interior finishes and furniture in residential lobby with 25ft ceiling
  • Secure bicycle storage in enclosed and air-conditioned space
  • Centrally-located personal storage for all owners
  • Luxer One Package Room featuring a tech-forward, contactless digital package delivery system
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Ground floor bistro and bar helmed by New York City’s GPG Hospitality
  • State-of-the-art indoor gym with private fitness training rooms
  • Yoga/meditation room
  • 75-foot resort-style lap pool
  • North-facing private rooftop movie theatre experience
  • Grill & Chill on the Sunrise and Sunset Decks
  • Outdoor Game Lawn
  • Hot hydrotherapy bath
  • Private club suite with game tables
  • Entertainment chef’s kitchen
  • Media Room
  • Library
  • Private workspaces
  • Pet Lounge with pet bath station
  • Greenhouse

The site currently features a 2-story buidling that was built in 1924 and was previously the sales center for YotelPad Miami. The entire project will take over 4 lots equaling 22,500 square feet. According to tax records, the developer purchased the lots in 2015 for $8,250,000.

501 First Residences condominium building

According to Miami-Dade Country records, construction permits have not been filed. The ground breaking is expected to be scheduled for spring 2022 with a top-off date in spring 2023.

Here are Dave Portnoy’s Top 6 Pizza Joints in Miami

Best Pizza Shops in Miami
Best Pizza Shops in Miami

The internet is buzzing with Dave Portnoy’s recent move to Miami as well as his quest to find the perfect slice of pie! On his show OneBite, Portnoy travels the country taste testing and reviewing local pizza parlors. More recently, he has visited many pizza parlors in Miami, and we have created an all-in-one list just for you. Here are his top 6!

#6 East Side Pizza

Located at 731 NE 79th Street, Miami, East Side Pizza is a family-owned and operated pizza parlor. They have been in business for a few years in Miami and are considered a “NY Style Pizza Joint.” Portnoy gave this pizza parlor a 6.8/10 on his OneBite scale. They also have pasta, burgers, hot subs, and a dessert menu.

#5 The Big Cheese

Located at 8080 SW 67th Ave in Miami, The Big Cheese has been open for 35 years and is considered “The Official Pizza Place of Miami”. For the past 20 years, they have been sponsoring and serving the University of Miami. The Big Cheese has been named “The Best Inexpensive Italian Restaurant in Miami” in the New Times Readers’ Poll as well as receiving the Kids Crown Awards from “South Florida Parenting Magazine” for the best pizza. Portnoy ranked this pizza place a 6.9/10. Their menu also includes a large selection of pasta and seafood dishes.

#4 Collins Pizza

Collins Pizza, named after their Collins Avenue location at 7308 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Collins pizza is only 6 months old but is family-owned and operated. They produce naturally leavened dough for 72 hours that give their pizza a unique taste. They also use non-GMO/organic flours and Wisconsin cheeses. Dave Portnoy ranks this pizza parlor at a 7.2/10. Their menu also includes sandwiches, wings, and small bites.

#3 Pizza Pazza

Pizza Pazza, located at 275 NE 18th Street in Miami, is considered the “Late Night Spot” of Miami. They are open from 7 pm to 4 am and welcome all latecomers. Dave Portnoy referred to Pizza Pazza as having “Miami hours.” The owner has been in the pizza business for 40 years and is originally from Italy. Portnoy ranked this pizza parlor a 7.3/10. Their menu also includes pasta, calzones, and desserts.

#2 Frankie’s Pizza

Frankie’s Pizza, located at 9118 Bird Road in Miami has been in the business for 55 years. Frankie’s is considered ‘Miami’s Oldest Pizza Shop,’ so it is no wonder that Portnoy ranks this pizza place at 7.4/10. Their menu is straightforward with pizza options and garlic knots. Portnoy gives the knots a 9.2!

#1 Eleventh Street Pizza

Eleventh Street Pizza, located at 1035 N Miami Avenue in Miami. With its Sicilian roots, their sourdough pies are considered Neo-New York style. Portnoy really raved about their pizza and landed it at an 8.2/10. Their menu includes some signature pasta dishes and garlic rolls.

This isn’t the end of Portnoy’s Miami pizza adventure and we can only expect more pizza reviews in the coming months. His app is also available to read reviews and watch episodes of OneBite. Portnoy believes that with his large social media following, he is “trying to save small businesses one bite at a time.”

Stay tuned for more pizza and Miami related news!

Lucas: P.S. Dave…you really need to try Ironside Pizza in Little River. In my opinion, it’s the best pizza in Miami.

Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Buys Miami Mansion for $14 Million

Dave Portnoy Buys Bayfront Mansion
Dave Portnoy Buys Bayfront Mansion

If you’re not familiar with Barstool Sports, then you have definitely seen their videos circulating the internet. What started off as a sport’s blog in 2003, Barstool Sports quickly turned into a multi-million dollar digital media company with focuses on videos, podcasts, and blogs.

Founder of Barstool, Dave Portnoy, has recently been using his massive social media platform to travel the United States and taste test pizza on his vlog called ‘One Bite’. These posts are featured on Barstool Sports as well as his blogs. Within the past month, Portnoy has been exclusively in South Florida documenting pizza joints.

It was rumored that during his visits he started renting Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s Miami beach front property for $200,000 a month. Now, it has officially been confirmed that he purchased a bay-front Miami mansion for $14 million.

The property located at 5811 North Bayshore Drive in the Morningside neighborhood was purchased in April under the name StellaBean Holdings, LLC., named after Portnoy’s dog Stella, who passed in 2019.

Featuring 6,100 square feet of living space with nine bedrooms, eight and a half bathrooms sited on 1 acre, including a pool.

Broker-Owner of Luxe Living Realty, Dora Puig, listed the property in November 2020. Property records show that the home previously sold in 2010 for $2.2 million.

Top 5 Spots to Celebrate Cinco De May in Miami 2021

Miami Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Cinco De Mayo Miami 2021

Cinco De Mayo is finally here and we have found the best spots in Miami to celebrate! So bring your friends and/or family and lets try them all!

La Tiendita Taqueria

La Tiendita of Wynwood features authentic Mexican foods inspired by recipes passed down from the La Tiendita ancestors. For Cinco De Mayo, they will have beer specials, margaritas specials, food specials, as well as a live DJ from 12pm-3am. Click here for their full menu.

  • $5 Monopolio Clara
  • $30 Bottle Margaritas with Don Julio
  • $10 Pierde Almas Mezcal Gin
  • $199 Bottle of Don Julio Blanco

Toro Toro

Toro Toro is one of Chef Richard Sandoval’s ‘Pan-Latin’ steakhouses. This Cinco De Mayo, get ready for a tequila tasting with Casamigos hosted food parings. The fun starts at 5pm with a four-course tasting! Click here for more information.

Four-Course Meal Features

  • Pan-Latin inspired Cocktail
  • Casamigos mezcal served with fundido de queso a la tequila and Casamigos blanco paired with cobia tiradito
  • Casamigos reposado paired with smoked al pastor ribs with pineapple and chayote salsa
  • Coffee-rubbed lamb barbacoa, patacones and avocado crema paired with Casamigos anejo
  • Chocolate petits fours

Pisco Y Nazca

Pisco Y Nazca is celebrating this year’s Cinco de mayo with $7 margarita specials all day long paired with their classic menu! Click here for the full menu and Cinco De Mayo celebrations!

Chica

Chica is Miami will feature a live DJ starting and 5 p.m. going until midnight. Specialty cocktails and classic food menus will make Chica a one stop for all of your Cinco De Mayo needs. Click here for the full menu.

  • Feature Cocktail “Tomas Estes” made with reposado tequila, rasberry liqueur, cranberry juice, agave syrup, and lime $16
  • Baha fish dinner special for two
  • Whole duck carnitas special
  • Tres Leches $15

Boia De & Jaguar Sun

This exclusive collaboration are teaming up for Cinco de Mayo and serving you specialty foods, drinks, and an awesome DJ. This even will take place at 7357 NW Miami Court (Lot 6) and reservations are needed. Click here for more information.

  • Cocktails by Jaguar Sun
  • Food by La Pollita By Boia De
  • Choco Tacos by Frice Cream

MLB Hall of Famer Mike Piazza Sells Miami Beach Mansion for $15 Million

Mike Piazza sells Miami Beach Mansion
Mike Piazza sells Miami Beach Mansion

If you need anymore convincing of how hot the Miami real estate market is, another luxury mansion just sold! It gets better because the seller is Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza.

Piazza is known for his time with the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. He did have brief stints with the Florida MarlinsSan Diego Padres, and Oakland Athletics. Mike Piazza is regarded as one of the best offensive catchers in MLB history.

Piazza listed the Miami Beach mansion in December 2017 at $18.5 million. The property located at 1401 West 27th Street, Miami Beach was recently relisted for $14.7 million with a sold price of $15 million. This 8 bedroom, 9.5 bathroom mansion features 9,438 square feet of custom finishes including Jerusalem stone floors and an Italian-inspired kitchen. A private pool, dock, and boat lift elevates the remarkable 100 feet water frontage lot.

The buyers for this incredible residence is none other than the Major Food Group’s co-founder Jeffrey Zalaznick and wife. The couple has been renting the property since October 2020.

According to tax records, Piazza paid $10 million for the home in 2008. But don’t worry, they are not leaving Miami any time soon. They still own a unit at the Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach that they purchased in 2019 for $5.6 million.

Neighboring Penthouse to David Beckham is Under Contract with a List Price of $19 Million

One Thousand Museum Tower in Park West
One Thousand Museum in Park West

One Thousand Museum designed by Zaha Hadid in Park West Miami has so much to offer its residences and not to mention, it is also the home of David and Victoria Beckham. Who wouldn’t want to live there!

With the current Miami real estate market, luxury condos are not staying on the market very long. So it is of no surprise that the penthouse neighboring David Beckham’s was just listed and under contract within a matter of days with a list price of $19 million.

One Thousand Museum Entrance

This full-floor penthouse is located directly under David Beckham’s penthouse. Although both units feature 9,200+ square feet, the floor plans are different with the same incredible views of Biscayne Bay from the 1,020 square feet terrace.

This unit has everything including 5 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, high ceilings throughout, custom Gatto Cucine Kitchen with Sub-Zero appliances, custom closets, and custom bathrooms. The entire residence has integrated smart technology that controls lighting, heating, air conditioning, audio, video, window treatments, and security.

The building is just as impressive with its double-height aquatic center with infinity pool, sky lounge and not to mention the first residential development in South Florida to have its own helipad and security vault.

One Thousand Museum Tower in Park West

Building Features

  • Double height aquatic center with indoor pool
  • The Sky Lounge provides a dramatic venue for private events for residents
  • Private rooftop helipad. The helipad will make nearby islands, private and commercial airports, and private yachts easily accessible
  • Multiple recreation areas for swimming, sunning, socializing, and fitness
  • 24/7 specialized security and valet personnel, other on-site staff including concierge, professional management, and other specialized personnel
  • Custom scenting by 12.29 in all interior amenity spaces including the lobby, wellness & spa level, aquatic center, and sky lounge (can be available in residences upon request)
  • Bank-quality vault with individual safe deposit box for every residence, offering residents the convenience and security of storing their valuables onsite

David and Victoria Beckham purchased their One Thousand Museum penthouse for $20 million in 2020.

Florida Hits the Jackpot – Seminole Tribe and Governor DeSantis Signs Gaming and Betting Agreement

Mobile Sport Betting is Coming to Florida
Gambling and Casinos Are Coming to Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis is at it again! Back in March, DeSantis met with lawmakers to discuss possible options to bring betting and gaming to Florida, specifically Miami. Now, his plan seems to be falling into place.

A historic deal took place on Friday when Governor DeSantis signed a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that would bring ‘mobile sports betting’ as well as ‘Vegas-style’ casinos to tribal facilities in Florida. According to Marcellus Osceola Jr. on Friday, Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, stated “The agreement we are about to sign is going to be life changing for our tribe.”

Mobile Sport Betting is Coming to Florida

What the Agreement Will Look Like

  • Ages 21 and older (located within Florida) can use the app to place sports bets (sports teams would not be allowed to bet)
  • Bets would be routed through the Seminole Tribe for the next 30 years
  • The Seminole Tribe would agree to pay $500 million in annual payments to Florida (this amount could increase depending upon the market and profits)
  • The agreement would allow the transfer of slot machine licenses within Miami-Dade and Broward counties
  • An exclusive right to operate craps and roulette at all of the Tribe’s casinos and to build three more casinos on existing tribal property

Challenges Facing the Agreement

This agreement may come up against some legal challenges due to a constitutional amendment that was passed by voters in 2018 that requires a vote for all new games in Florida. Miami business leader, Armando Codina has hired a lawyer to fight the gambling agreement and if the agreement is approved, he stated that he plans to sue the State of Florida. According to the Miami Herald, there are others that plan on joining the fight if approved.

Final Notes

Before approval, this agreement must be ratified by the Florida Legislature as well as approved by the U.S. Department of Interior. Governor DeSantis and Senate leaders are due to meet on May 17th to discuss the issue and is expecting approval for the compact by August 2021. According to the Miami Herald, if this agreement is approved it will be the “most populous state in the nation to offer mobile sports betting!”

Is Cryptocurrency Changing the Miami Real Estate Market?

Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin

With the Miami real estate market so hot right, it is of no surprise that offers are becoming more and more creative. We are seeing contingencies and appraisals being dropped to create a competitive edge for buyers. These aren’t the only items of change! In the MLS (multiple listing service), we are seeing an option for sellers to decided if they will accept cryptocurrency in their offer.

Cryptocurrency is a digital asset used to purchase goods and services. It has made headway in the past few years and it continues to gain popularity. In Miami we are seeing nightclubs, retail shops, and airlines accepting this form of payment. More retail stores are beginning to accept it like Overstock.com, Microsoft, and Home Depot, to name a few.

According to The Real Deal, South Florida is seeing a large number of Financial Managers and Tech-Savvy Entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and New York using crypto in their real estate offers.

Vice President of Portfolio Development for Idoneus, Tim O’Leary handles a Swiss payment token (native cryptocurrency), which he has seen included in real estate offers more recently. O’Leary stated, “Idoneus has been utilized as a method of payment to acquire properties in Alaska, to Florida, to the Caribbean.”

Cryptocurrency in Real Estate

There are a few different cryptocurrencies currently out and the most popular is Bitcoin. With how mainstream Bitcoin has become, crypto is becoming a common occurrence but there is still much hesitation. Since crypto leaves no paper trail, there is a lot of skepticism.

One of the biggest perks is that it can allow for cheaper and faster transactions, which is huge for the current real estate market.

Formula One Racing Comes to Miami – Scheduled for 2022

Miami Formula One Racing
Formula Racing Heads to Miami 2022

Formula One racing is heading to Florida! For those who are unfamiliar with Formula One, it is an international auto race for single-seater formula racing cars. It is considered one of the, “Premier forms of racing of the world since the inaugural season in 1950,” according to a spokesperson for Formula One.

The new Miami Grand Prix is scheduled for the the fall season of 2022. The exact day is still to be determined but the President of Formula 1 stated that it will be a 10 year deal for Miami. The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens (home of the Miami Dolphins) will be hosting the event.

Miami Formula One Racing

“The Hard Rock Stadium entertainment campus in Miami Gardens exists to host the biggest global events to benefit the entire greater Miami region and Formula 1 racing is as big as it gets,” stated the Vice-Chairman, President & CEO of Hard Rock Stadium.

According to the press release by Formula 1, the track will be 5.41 km (3.361 miles), 19 corners, 3 straightaways, and 3 DRS zones. The top speed is estimated at 320 km/h (198.83 mph).

This is an exciting and historical time because Miami will be the 11th location in the United States to host the Formula One Gran Prix Race since the Championship began in 1950. Other cities include, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, and Phoenix.

The partnership hopes to provide a boost in tourism for the Miami area and discounted tickets will be available for Miami Gardens residents. Miami will also see a STEM education program provided by Formula 1, along with local business and community support programs.

This is definitely an exciting time to be living in Miami!