Residents of IconBrickell and the Viceroy Hotel (W Hotel) are in for a hot and dry summer, as their famed pool deck will be closed for renovations/repair. Our sources have confirmed that the Icon Brickell pool closing is expected to begin around February 2016 and the work is estimated to be completed in 12 to 14 months.
It has been reported that the Icon Brickell pool renovations will include re-tiling of the pool deck for safety reasons (because the tiles used by the developer are too slippery for use on a pool deck). Others have reported that leaks in the pool have caused damage to the spa and gym below; however, the management office has not cited at this time the exact reason for the closing.
IconBrickell opened in 2008 to rave reviews but few sales due to the economic downturn. The amenities in particular won awards and accolades for their grandiose, superb quality and design. Developed by Related Group, Arquitectonica was chosen as the architecture firm and Philippe Starck handled the interior design. IconBrickell was among the first condo developments to rebound from the economic downturn in Miami. Average sale prices for the second quarter of 2015 have been reported at $583 per square foot for the three towers or $796,000 and rentals have averaged $3,150 per month for the same period.
The pool closing at Icon Brickell has been well known among residents and the real estate community for several months. As such, listings at Icon Brickell have already begun to price in the negative impact that the pool closing is expected to have.
HUD Promises Easier FHA Financing for Condos
For years we have seen hopeful condo buyers, armed with pre-approval letters become frustrated with the financing process and give up or learn that their pre-approval letters are only valid in certain condo developments. The reality is that in order to purchase a condo, two approvals must happen.
First, the buyer must prove financially able to commit to the mortgage payment by submitting their credit and income details to the bank for review. Secondly, the condo development they wish to purchase in must also be approved by the financial institution.
FHA loans are very popular among buyers because of their less stringent qualification guidelines and because of the lower down payment requirements. In order for a building to become FHA approved, they must submit an application to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), pay an application fee, and wait for 60-90 days for an answer. The application is long and cumbersome, the fee is high, and few buildings are approved. This has led to a diminishing number of buildings who are even willing to try for the approval.
For example, the current 95 page application has been submitted by 48 buildings in Miami Beach & Downtown Miami. Of those 48, only 2 buildings meet all of the criteria and have been awarded FHA approval.
If you are a buyer today with an FHA pre-approval, you would be able to purchase a condo in Brickell on the River North or Brickell on the River South. This remains to be the case no matter what your credit score is, how secure and high paying your job may be or how responsible you are. Those would be the two buildings you could choose from. You would be able to use the pre-approval letter to purchase a house, but those are the only two condo buildings that allow FHA mortgages currently.
At this year’s NAR conference in San Diego, an announcement was made by the Federal Housing Administration that changes are underway to the approval guidelines, making FHA mortgage more accessible to condo buyers going forward. Among these changes are restrictions on owner occupancy versus investor owners, commercial space percentage, FHA concentration and spot approvals. We commend NAR and HUD for their efforts in making home ownership more accessible and look forward to seeing the specifics of the changes.
In the meantime, if you are a condo buyer who prefers a lower down payment, there are loan programs in some buildings that allow for less than the standard 20% down payment and are happy to answer questions you may have about financing in condos.
Just Listed – Stunning 2 Bed/2 Bath Condo at Paramount Bay w/ Storage Room Included
I’m pleased to announce our newest listing – a stunning 2 bed/2 bath condo at Paramount Bay with 1,128 interior square feet, an 8-foot deep terrace totaling 242 square feet, white porcelain tiled flooring throughout, private elevator, 10-foot high ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, large walk-in closet with built-in cabinets, stone kitchen countertops, and stainless steel appliances by Wolf and Sub-Zero. Most importantly, this residence features sweeping, breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay from the kitchen, master bedroom, and master bathroom, including from within the glass-enclosed shower. Price includes a 150 square foot storage room located directly across the hallway from this unit.
The property is currently tenant-occupied but the tenant is scheduled to vacate by December 15th. Priced to sell quickly. Asking $789,000. Last November, unit 1008 (exact same floor plan but located 9 floors lower on the 10th floor) sold fully furnished for $790,000. In my opinion, those 9 floors make a world of difference and more than make up for the fact that this property is being offered unfurnished.
Paramount Bay condos is located at 2020 North Bayshore Drive in Edgewater – Miami’s hottest, emerging neighborhood. Amenities include: east and west swimming pools; hot tub; BBQ; 24-hour concierge; 24-hour valet parking; 6,000 square foot spa and fitness center with sauna, steam and private treatments rooms; business lounge; and separate teen and children’s playrooms. Paramount Bay is a pet-friendly condo development.
If you or someone you know would like to receive additional information and/or to request a showing, please call or text me at 786-247-6332. I can also be reached via email at [email protected].
The Underline Reveals Plans for New Brickell Park
The green area under the Metrorail line in Brickell has historically been the dividing line between East Brickell and West Brickell, but will soon be a thriving park area reminiscent of Manhattan’s High Line. The co-designers of the famed park have unveiled a master plan for the green area under the rail line stretching from the Miami River all the way to Dadeland.
While the 10 mile master plan in its entirety is ambitious, it is also supported by local businesses, governments and locals alike, all of who have been searching for more park space for some time in our community. The initial $5 million government grant is proposed to build out the Brickell section as a demonstration project so that the success story can be taken back to the state Legislature for additional support. Previous requests for additional funding have been approved by the state Legislature but vetoed by Gov. Rick Scott.
The Brickell section of The Underline will feature a riverfront seating area, picnic areas, outdoor gym, shaded play area and a MUCH needed dog park. An area of naturally formed oolite will be incorporated into a play area with a rock climbing wall. Once completed, each stop of the Metrorail will boast different community friendly features to improve the nearby communities.
On Monday November 9, the Friends Of The Underline support group will host another presentation of the plan in its’ entirety. This will be the last opportunity that the public has to comment on the master plan before it goes to the Miami Dade County Commission for approval. Here is the information of this presentation for those who would like to attend:
It appears that a big change is on the horizon for Park West. This weekend, I was told by three independent sources that a CVS Pharmacy will be opening next year at Marina Blue. The pharmacy chain has signed a lease to occupy a big chunk of the building’s street level retail space which currently consists of four separate commercial units, three of which are tenant-occupied at this time. According to one of my sources, in order to make way for CVS Pharmacy, the three tenants (a nail salon, restaurant, and real estate office) will be vacated by November 1st; the tenants received notices about six months ago when the commercial spaces were placed under contract by a recent buyer for an undisclosed amount. As a result of these dealings, the restaurant tenant, Elia’s Gourmet, which has been a long-time commercial tenant at Marina Blue, will be relocating to a larger space along the north side of 900 Biscayne Bay.
Given that there’s already a CVS Pharmacy just six blocks south of Marina Blue at Vizcayne, the choice of locations is a bit peculiar, but not completely surprising. After all, Marina Blue is located catty-corner from the American Airlines Arena, so the new CVS Pharmacy should see a good amount of foot traffic come its way as a result of Miami Heat basketball games, music concerts, and other events held at the stadium throughout the year.
East side of Marina Blue along Biscayne Boulevard
South side of Marina Blue along Northeast 8th Street
Elysee Condos – Edgewater’s First Ultra-Luxury Condo Development
With new condo developments being announced seemingly on a weekly basis, there are few that excite me these days. Elysee -a recently announced, ultra-luxury tower with just 100 total units – is one that does. Elysee exudes exclusivity and elegance in every way imagined. The 57-story condo development will be located directly on the water in Edgewater at 700 Northeast 23rd Street and include 3, 4, and 5 bedroom floor plans ranging from 2,844 to 3,979 interior square feet. With the exception of the penthouse – which will cover an entire floor and offer full 360-degree views – each of the units below it will span a half floor and offer full 180-degree views (east-south-west or east-north-west). As you can see in the mini scale model above, the floor plans get wider as you go up the building. Every residence at Elysee will have private elevators, 8- or 10-foot deep balconies, and 10- or 11-foot high ceilings with walls of glass all around to showcase the spectacular water and city views.
Most importantly – at least to me – Elysee will be a white-glove service building (think St. Regis). Not enough can be said about how exclusive and differentiating it is for a building to offer such pampering services to its residents. Along with the full-service concierge, Elysee will feature lavish full-floor amenities on both the 7th and 30th floors. The 7th floor will include a 75-foot resort pool; outdoor summer kitchen & BBQ; men’s and women’s spa with sauna, steam shower, and private massage rooms; fitness center; yoga studio; children’s playroom; and blow dry bar.
As if that weren’t enough, the 30th floor – which residents will be able to rent out for formal events – will feature a great room with grand piano and sweeping, unobstructed views of the city and water; chef’s kitchen; chef’s table with indoor and outdoor seating; grand dining room with seating for 30 people; theater room with 4K projector; full lounge bar; business center; resident wine storage; and game room.
Prices for the half floor units at Elysee start from $1.67M. That amounts to just $587 per square foot! Given the caliber of building that Elysee will be, that has bargain written all over it. There are few condo developments in Miami to get excited about these days, but Elysee is the exception. It will set the bar not only for condo developments throughout Edgewater but throughout all of Miami.
Elysee was soft-launched late last week. However, it won’t officially be released to the public until October once the sales center is built. This is the time to get in at Friends & Family pricing. Contact me for details.
Just Listed – 2 Bedroom Corner Unit at The Plaza on Brickell with Direct Water Views – Asking $825,000
I am pleased to announce my newest listing – unit 3211 at The Plaza on Brickell – a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath corner unit with breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay, Brickell Key, and Key Biscayne. This is an 11 line unit located on the 32nd floor of the Brickell Bay tower, arguably the best line in the entire development. Most importantly, the unit clears the Four Ambassadors across the street by 12 floors, allowing for direct water views. As one would expect, units that clear the Four Ambassadors sell at a big premium to those that do no. Last September, unit 3411 – just two floors directly above unit 3211 – sold for $850,000. That unit was sold furnished with marble flooring throughout. Priced to sell, unit 3211 is being offered for $825,000.
The Plaza on Brickell is centrally located, just blocks from the shops, restaurants, and bars at Mary Brickell Village and the upcoming $1.2B mixed-use development called Brickell City Centre. Amenities at The Plaza on Brickell include: two swimming pools, hot tub, steam room, two fitness centers, 24-hour concierge, 24-hour valet parking, club room, theater, and more.
Icon Bay – A First Look at the Exterior and Bayfront Sculpture Park [VIDEO]
The wait is almost over! Closings are expected to start next month for the highly anticipated Icon Bay. This was the development that set off the mad land grab in Edgewater among Miami real estate developers. Preconstruction condo sales for this luxury waterfront development launched back in August 2012. Finishing touches are currently being made to the exterior of Icon Bay as well as to the bayfront sculpture park.
Earlier today, I took a drive up to Edgewater, parked my car, and then walked the grounds at Icon Bay. I was able to take some photos as well as a quick video tour of the property to give you a good feel for what you should expect from Icon Bay once it arrives next month.
Below are the photos that I took earlier today of Icon Bay and the bayfront sculpture park:
Welcome to excellence! Designed with precision, Marina Blue unit 5602 is an impeccable residence offering some of the very best, awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, Port of Miami, and Downtown Miami skyline. Over $250,000 in upgrades, furniture, lighting, electronics, and artwork. Located on the 56th floor, unit 5602 features hard wood floors; motorized shades; blackout curtains; custom lighting; artwork by acclaimed artists; large, custom-built walk-in closets in both bedrooms; and a state-of-the-art electronics package, which includes a 3D TV, Blu-Ray 3D player, Bose surround sound system, and security camera system with remote viewing capability.
Very unique floor plan. Only 5 of its kind in the entire building. One of just a few units in all of Downtown Miami offering a direct water view and balcony access from BOTH bedrooms. In almost every other case, the view from the second bedroom faces west (away from the water) and/or does not have balcony access. The same can be said for most 3 bedroom units throughout Downtown Miami. Having an amazing water view is one of, if not, the biggest reasons to buy a condo in Miami, so why not buy a condo which would afford you the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views from EVERY room?
If you’re in search for the very best, look no further! Contact Lucas Lechuga for showings. I can be reached on my cell phone at 786-247-6332 or via email at [email protected].
