Santander Tower Set to Rise in Brickell – New Utility Agreement Finalized with Miami-Dade County
Santander Bank’s affiliate has taken a significant step forward with plans for its new development on Brickell Avenue. A recently finalized agreement with Miami-Dade County, dated October 11th, grants the bank the necessary utilities to power its ambitious tower project, dubbed Santander Tower. This high-rise is set to become a major addition to the Miami skyline, bringing a mixed-use tower with ample amenities and office spaces to the heart of Brickell.
According to documents, Santander Tower is designed as a high-rise complex that will stand 41 stories tall and reach a height of 765 feet. It will be designed by acclaimed architectural firms Handel Architects and Bernardi & Peschard Arquitectura, merging innovative design with functionality to create a seamless addition to Brickell’s ever-growing skyline.
Here’s what the building is set to include:
Office Space: A substantial 635,000 square feet of premium office space.
Retail: 60,000 square feet dedicated to retail establishments, making the tower a central shopping hub.
Dining: A 50,000-square-foot full-service restaurant area to cater to professionals, residents, and visitors.
Fitness Center/Gym: 20,000 square feet allocated for a state-of-the-art fitness center, providing wellness amenities for office tenants and residents alike.
A demolition permit for the site has already been issued, paving the way for initial preparations. The tower is set to bring 1,496 parking spaces, per an earlier filing with the City of Miami, which should alleviate some of the parking demands in the area.
Santander Tower is expected to offer a blend of work, retail, dining, and wellness spaces, catering to the needs of both local professionals and residents. Brickell Avenue remains one of Miami’s most sought-after locations, and this project will add substantial value to the area’s urban landscape, supporting continued growth and development in Miami’s financial district.
New 600-Unit Apartment Development Planned at Pullman Miami Airport Hotel Site
London + Regional Properties, operating through its subsidiary LR Miami Airport Hotel, LLC, recently submitted an Administrative Site Plan Review (ASPR) application to Miami-Dade County on October 24th, revealing plans for a new residential project at the Pullman Miami Airport Hotel site at 5800 Blue Lagoon Drive. This ambitious proposal includes two eight-story mixed-use buildings on the hotel’s current parking lot, bringing 600 new residential units to the area. The developer initially purchased this 10-acre property, which houses a 15-story hotel with 281 rooms, back in 2019.
The development envisions two distinct buildings, each housing approximately 300 units with sizes varying from 570 to 1,718 square feet, spanning studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. Key features include three parking structures totaling 1,344 spaces, with 1,020 spaces allocated for the apartments and 324 reserved for hotel guests. Additionally, the parking facility closest to the hotel will incorporate 6,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Residents will also have access to two pool and clubhouse areas, measuring 6,200 and 4,900 square feet, respectively.
The east building will contain 319 units across its eight floors, with:
32 studio units averaging 578 sq. ft.
191 one-bedroom units averaging 803 sq. ft.
90 two-bedroom units averaging 1,093 sq. ft.
6 three-bedroom units averaging 1,380 sq. ft.
The total leasable area for this building is projected at 278,600 square feet. The parking plan includes 452 spaces, divided into ADA, van, and standard spots, with a consistent distribution of 30 to 42 units per floor featuring a variety of floor plans.
The west building will offer 281 units across eight floors, comprising:
32 studio units averaging 561 sq. ft.
151 one-bedroom units averaging 768 sq. ft.
98 two-bedroom units averaging 1,108 sq. ft.
The total leasable space here will cover 242,492 square feet, and parking will be available in the form of 420 spaces, including 8 ADA-accessible spaces, with no compact or tandem options.
An essential component of the ASPR application includes a request to adjust the site’s inclusion in the Blue Lagoon Development of Regional Impact (DRI) to align with the project’s goals. The developer is pursuing variances to amend zoning conditions, particularly regarding parking and setback regulations, to better accommodate the new residential structures. Designed as a transit-oriented development under the Miami-Dade County SMART Corridor Subzone guidelines, this project is strategically located within a quarter-mile of the East-West Corridor of the SMART Program.
London + Regional Properties has partnered with an experienced development team to execute this project:
Architect: Bizi Arq, based in Palmetto Bay
Civil Engineer: Hadonne
Landscape Architect: Kimley-Horn
Traffic Consultant: Traf Tech Engineering, Inc.
The project application further requests an exception to continue hotel operations during construction, emphasizing a smooth transition to accommodate both current and new uses.
This proposal, if approved, will transform the existing Pullman Miami Airport Hotel site into a modern mixed-use destination, enhancing residential options and bringing convenient transit and lifestyle amenities to Miami’s Blue Lagoon area.
Related Group and Tricap Top Off on NoMad Residences Wynwood- The First Residential Concept from NoMad Hotels
Leading real estate developer Related Group, in collaboration with Manhattan-based developer Tricap, marked a significant milestone with the “topping off” ceremony for NoMad Residences Wynwood, the debut residential project by the iconic NoMad Hotels and its parent company, Sydell Group. Situated in the heart of Miami’s vibrant Wynwood Arts District, the nine-story luxury condominium tower has already seen over 80% of its residences contracted. With Beauchamp Construction overseeing the build, the project is on track for completion in Q4 2025.
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Arquitectonica and featuring interiors by DesignAgency, NoMad Residences Wynwood offers a curated collection of 329 fully furnished homes, ranging from chic studios to spacious two-bedroom residences. Each unit is designed with the NoMad brand’s signature touch of luxury, including floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and high-end finishes. Adding to the appeal, the building imposes no rental restrictions, allowing homeowners to easily rent out their units with the support of an in-house management team handling all aspects of guest services.
Nick Pérez, President of Related Group’s Condominium Division, expressed the company’s excitement: “The topping off of NoMad Residences Wynwood marks a significant step in delivering a truly unique lifestyle experience that reflects the creative spirit of this neighborhood. As we get closer to welcoming our first residents to the NoMad brand’s debut residential project, we’re excited to see our vision come to life and play a part in shaping Wynwood’s future as a destination for art, culture and sophisticated urban living.”
In addition to luxurious residences, NoMad Residences Wynwood will offer premium culinary experiences to the public, including a rooftop restaurant and the renowned NoMad Bar, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Leo Robitschek. Residents will also have access to Casa Tua Cucina, a Mediterranean-inspired open-kitchen restaurant. Five-star resort-style amenities complement the building’s offerings, featuring a rooftop lounge, a pool with private cabanas, a fitness center, and the NoMad Library and Lounge for curated events and coworking spaces. The building will also showcase museum-quality art from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection.
Situated in one of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods, NoMad Residences Wynwood places residents within walking distance of the area’s renowned art scene, trendy boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. Wynwood boasts over 70 art galleries, luxury shops, and MICHELIN-starred restaurants, making it a cultural hotspot. The iconic Wynwood Walls, adorned with large-scale murals, further enhance the creative energy of the neighborhood.
Edgardo Defortuna of Fortune International Group and Shahab Karmely of Kar Properties Launch Faena Residences Miami
Miami’s skyline is set to welcome a stunning new addition as developers Edgardo Defortuna of Fortune International Group and Shahab Karmely of KAR Properties collaborate with Alan Faena to create the Faena District along the Miami River. This ambitious project includes the development of Faena Residences, a 440-unit luxury condominium development that promises to transform the area.
Located at 90 Southwest Third Street in Miami, the Faena Residences project will replace the previously planned One River Point. The two-tower development, connected by a striking sky bridge, was designed by the late renowned architect Rafael Viñoly. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with sales expected to launch later this year. Units will range in price from $1 million to over $4 million.
Fortune International Group joined KAR Properties as a co-developer in late 2022, bringing new energy to the project. According to Defortuna, the developers aim to be in full swing by Art Basel Miami Beach, one of the world’s premier art events. “We’ll be in full force by the time Art Basel rolls around,” he noted, underscoring the team’s enthusiasm for the development.
The Faena Residences will include an impressive 45,000-square-foot amenity space in the sky bridge, which will be designed and programmed by Faena himself. The space is set to feature a variety of wellness-focused facilities, all aimed at promoting longevity and well-being—a hallmark of Faena’s development ethos.
This project marks the second major South Florida real estate venture for Alan Faena, following the successful completion of the Faena District in Miami Beach, which includes Faena House, Faena Hotel, and Faena Forum. Backed by billionaire Len Blavatnik, the Faena District in Miami Beach has become synonymous with luxury, art, and world-class amenities. The new Faena Residences Miami looks to continue this legacy, offering a private park, wellness facilities, a marina, and public art installations as part of a larger three-block phased development along the river.
In late 2022, Fortune and KAR secured a $38 million loan from Bank OZK, a line of credit aimed at supporting the project’s sales and marketing efforts. The developers are optimistic about the future of the Faena District along the Miami River, confident that it will become a defining part of Miami’s growing luxury real estate market.
Karmely’s original vision for the 60-story towers, first revealed in 2014, included ambitious features like a three-story floating glass sky bridge and a 55th-floor members-only “Sky Club” with high-end amenities such as restaurants, a cigar lounge, and a screening room. Though the final plans have evolved, the Faena Residences Miami remains poised to offer a unique and exclusive living experience.
The Faena Residences Miami is just one of several developments that will reshape the Miami River area. A recent analysis by The Real Deal found that more than a dozen projects are in various stages of development along the river, with plans to add over 10,500 condo and apartment units. Notable among these is Related Group’s Baccarat, a 75-story, 355-unit tower set to rise at 99 Southeast Fifth Street on the south side of the river.
With its prime location, striking design, and emphasis on wellness, the Faena Residences Miami is set to become a landmark in the city’s evolving luxury real estate market.
Terra Partners with Jean-Georges Vongerichten for His First Residential Project: Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences
In an exciting new venture, Terra and co-developer Lion Development Group have announced the launch of sales for Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences, located at 3501 NE 1st Avenue in Miami’s vibrant Design District. This project marks the Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s entry into the residential real estate sector, making it his first luxury residential offering. With architecture by Arquitectonica and interiors by renowned design studio Yabu Pushelberg, the 48-story tower will bring a mix of luxury living, world-class culinary experiences, and a bold design aesthetic to the heart of Miami. Sales will be exclusively handled by Douglas Elliman.
The Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences will offer 329 condominium residences along with 27,500 square feet of retail on the ground floor, featuring a blend of Jean-Georges’ popular restaurant concepts. Residents will enjoy unparalleled access to luxury dining with the building’s ground-floor restaurant, abc kitchens—a blend of abcV, abc cocina, and abc kitchen—delivering plant-forward and Latin-infused culinary experiences.
Beyond dining, the building offers an extraordinary array of over 41,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, including wellness spaces, entertainment rooms, and thoughtfully designed gathering areas. From a podcast recording studio to private dining rooms and chef’s kitchens, the building brings together hospitality-driven services with resort-style leisure options. The rooftop features an additional private dining room and bar, perfect for entertaining, while the outdoor pool with private cabanas, landscaped gardens, and an outdoor kitchen provides a luxurious setting for relaxation.
Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the interiors are inspired by Miami’s lush tropical environment and the city’s vibrant cultural scene. The renowned design duo, who have a portfolio that includes Aman Residences in Tokyo and Edition Hotels globally, previously worked with Jean-Georges on The Fulton in New York. For Miami Tropic, their design integrates natural materials, shades of green, and sophisticated textures that balance the vibrancy of the Design District with the tranquility of tropical greenery.
Each residence features floor-to-ceiling windows, providing panoramic views and a seamless connection to the city. Two distinct kitchen designs reflect Miami’s natural beauty—“dawn” and “dusk”—with warm, inviting palettes crafted to enhance the culinary experience, a tribute to Jean-Georges’ own involvement in the design process.
The tower’s modern glass façade is punctuated by lush landscaping, creating a seamless transition between the natural and urban environments. The architecture, designed by Arquitectonica, is sustainably minded, achieving Florida Green Building Design Silver Certification. From bold structural design to eco-conscious details, Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences embodies both luxury and responsibility.
Situated in the heart of the Design District, residents will enjoy walkable access to Miami’s top luxury retail, art galleries, and cultural experiences. The district is home to renowned sculptures and architectural works, such as the Sol LeWitt Sculpture Garden and Fly’s Eye Dome, as well as cultural landmarks like the Institute of Contemporary Art. With Wynwood and Midtown just steps away, residents can immerse themselves in the vibrant lifestyle Miami is known for.
With sales officially launched, Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences promises to be one of the most coveted luxury residential offerings in Miami, delivering an unmatched blend of fine dining, wellness, and artful living in the heart of the city.
Naftali Group Reveals Exclusive JEM Sky Villas at Miami Worldcenter with FENDI Casa Interiors
Naftali Group has introduced two opulent penthouses, the JEM Sky Villas, featuring interiors by the world-renowned Italian luxury brand, FENDI Casa. These penthouses crown the 67-story JEM Private Residences, which rises more than 700 feet into the Miami skyline at 1016 Northeast 2nd Avenue in Miami Worldcenter. The building, designed by Arquitectonica and Rockwell Group, is an architectural masterpiece combining cutting-edge design with elevated living experiences.
The JEM Private Residences will offer residential units beginning from the 43rd floor to maximize the breathtaking panoramic views of Miami and Biscayne Bay. The 50th floor will house an impressive suite of high-end amenities, including a Sky Lounge, outdoor pool, fitness center, boxing arena, yoga patio, and a luxurious spa suite.
Chairman and CEO of Naftali Group, Miki Naftali, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “We are excited about this special collaboration with FENDI Casa on the JEM Sky Villas. We look forward to bringing this limited collection of residences to downtown Miami. The JEM Sky Villas signify the evolving landscape of upscale living in this dynamic city, with each villa showcasing FENDI Casa’s exceptional craftsmanship and meticulously designed furnishings at the crown of JEM Private Residences.”
These exclusive penthouses are designed with expansive floor plans ranging from 5,083 to 5,277 square feet. Each villa boasts four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, a private library, and a stunning wraparound terrace offering unparalleled views of Miami. One of the units will even feature a hot tub on the terrace, adding to the luxurious experience. FENDI Casa’s design approach centers on elegance, with each interior reflecting their commitment to craftsmanship and luxury, incorporating bespoke furniture and premium materials hand-selected for these residences.
Danielle Naftali, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales + Design for Naftali Group, spoke about the design journey: “Collaborating with FENDI Casa to design and curate each space at the JEM Sky Villas has been a remarkable experience of craftsmanship and creativity. Inspired by FENDI’s rich heritage in Rome, we hand-selected and custom-finished each piece to complement the lifestyle that these residences offer. Every detail has been chosen to create a harmonious blend of high-end design and refined living.”
Among the standout features of these penthouses are FENDI Casa’s signature pieces, including the Matrice bookcase and Metropolis coffee table, each reflecting geometric design elements inspired by FENDI’s Roman headquarters.
Alberto da Passano, CEO of FENDI Casa, highlighted the importance of the collaboration: “This partnership represents a significant milestone for FENDI Casa in the realm of interior design. As luxury projects gain prominence globally, we are excited to contribute to this prestigious development and continue our expansion into high-end markets.”
With completion set for Q4 2027, units will be priced from $8 million and marketed exclusively by OneWorld Properties, marking these JEM Sky Villas as one of the most coveted residential addresses in Miami.
Cove Miami in Edgewater: Condo Reservations Converted to Contracts, Construction Set to Begin in 2025
Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood is poised to welcome a new architectural marvel: Cove Miami, a luxurious 40-story condominium tower that has officially converted reservations into contracts. The project, which has attracted significant attention from buyers, is set to begin construction in the first quarter of 2025, according to a recent announcement from its developers. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the development, as plans become a reality and the future of Edgewater’s skyline takes another step forward.
The development of Cove Miami has generated buzz from the outset, and the transition from reservations to contracts only underscores the strong demand for this project. According to a press release, even before formalizing contracts, interest in the 134 planned condominium units was substantial. The reservation process allowed potential buyers to secure their spot in one of the most desirable new developments in the city.
This high level of demand speaks to the growing appeal of Edgewater as one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods for luxury real estate. With its prime waterfront location, proximity to cultural hotspots like the Design District and Wynwood, and easy access to downtown Miami, Edgewater offers a unique blend of urban living and waterfront tranquility that continues to attract high-end buyers.
Cove Miami represents a significant project for its developers, SB Development and Hazelton Capital Group, both national firms based in New York. Although this is their first development in Miami, both companies bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in creating high-end real estate projects across the country. Their move into the Miami market is a testament to the city’s rising status as a luxury real estate hub and their confidence in Edgewater’s potential as a top destination for discerning buyers.
For SB Development and Hazelton Capital Group, the decision to launch their first Miami project in Edgewater was a strategic one. The area’s waterfront setting and its rapidly growing reputation as a vibrant, upscale community made it the perfect location for a luxury development of this scale.
Ahead of the 2025 construction start, significant pre-development work has already been completed. The developers have overseen the demolition of previous structures on the site and completed the construction of a new seawall. This ensures that the project is on solid footing as it moves forward, and the site is fully prepared for the next stages of development.
The seawall construction is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects the developers’ commitment to creating a secure and sustainable waterfront property. Miami’s waterfront developments require meticulous attention to detail when it comes to resilience against rising sea levels and storm surges, and the team behind Cove Miami is ensuring that these concerns are addressed from the outset.
Cove Miami is more than just a new residential tower; it’s a part of Edgewater’s transformation into a prime destination for luxury living. With the influx of high-end developments, Edgewater is becoming a premier choice for those seeking a blend of waterfront living, urban convenience, and Miami’s distinctive lifestyle. Cove Miami, with its elegant design, upscale amenities, and coveted location, is set to become one of the standout additions to the neighborhood.
As construction gets underway in early 2025, prospective buyers and real estate enthusiasts alike will be closely watching the progress of this project. The conversion of reservations into contracts is a clear sign that the market is eager for what Cove Miami has to offer, and its completion will undoubtedly add another jewel to Edgewater’s increasingly luxurious skyline.
As the project moves into its next phase, buyers and investors are anticipating further updates on Cove Miami’s features, amenities, and design details. The developers are expected to reveal more specifics in the coming months, but based on its waterfront location and luxury branding, residents can expect high-end finishes, cutting-edge amenities, and a lifestyle that fully embraces Miami’s indoor-outdoor living ethos.
In the meantime, the team behind Cove Miami is working diligently to finalize all aspects of the development as they prepare to break ground in 2025.
Meta Development’s New Luxury Venture Set to Transform Brickell
Meta Development, an international firm, is making waves in the Miami real estate scene with plans to demolish the five-unit Houses of Brickell Condominium and replace it with an exclusive luxury development. This ambitious project will introduce 36 upscale residences, with each ownership opportunity priced around $2.5 million.
The development’s blueprint includes two interconnected five-story buildings. These structures will be linked via a stunning rooftop pool deck and supported by a parking podium. Residences are set to range from three to five bedrooms, although specific square footage details remain undisclosed.
Beyond the beautiful design, residents will enjoy high-end finishings, energy-efficient appliances, and integrated smart home technology. The development aims to appeal to both wealthy homeowners with spacious residences and investors seeking smaller units for short-term rentals. The inclusion of smart home features and sustainable design elements positions the project as a forward-thinking addition to the Brickell skyline.
Brazil-based OSPA Architecture and Urbanism is spearheading the architectural design of the project. Conceptual renderings depict a sleek, rectangular-shaped structure surrounded by lush palm trees and native ferns, encapsulating Miami’s tropical beauty.
Meta Development secured the land for this ambitious project through two strategic acquisitions. The firm purchased a vacant 17,500-square-foot lot at 1870 Brickell Avenue for $10.25 million and has the five condos at the existing Houses of Brickell under contract for a combined $10.5 million.
This new 36-unit development will be located at 1888 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL 33129, within Miami-Dade County. As the project moves forward, anticipation builds for this transformative luxury venture that will further solidify Brickell’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury living.
701 Brickell Office Tower Sold for Record-Breaking $443M
The prestigious 701 Brickell office tower has been sold for a staggering $443 million, setting a new record as the highest price ever paid for an office building in the Brickell area. This sale also represents the second-largest office building transaction in Florida’s history, trailing only the $540 million sale of the Southeast Financial Center in 2016.
This 32-story, 685,279-square-foot building, completed in 1986, has long been a landmark in the Brickell business district. Property records show that it last sold in 2002 for $172 million, making this latest deal a remarkable return on investment. The sale comes shortly after the completion of a $30 million capital renovation plan that modernized the property, enhancing its appeal to high-profile buyers.
The buyers, Morning Calm Management and an undisclosed partner, now hold a key piece of Brickell’s real estate landscape. Interestingly, a Bloomberg report from last month had indicated that Elliott Investment Management and its partners were in contract to purchase the property, adding an intriguing layer to the final transaction.
This sale is not just a reflection of the high demand for office space in Miami’s thriving financial district but also highlights Brickell’s growing stature as one of the most desirable office markets in the U.S. With its prime location, state-of-the-art amenities, and recent renovation, 701 Brickell is poised to remain a flagship property in the area for years to come.