Chicago-Based Company Files Plans for 39-Story Residential Tower in Brickell

New Brickell Tower Proposed
New Tower Proposed in Brickell

Focus, a Chicago-based company recently submitted plans for a residential tower at the site of the former Starlite Motel in Brickell. According to records, the company paid $28 million for the property in November 2022.

“Miami’s vibrant metropolis, with its walkable urban cores, offers a dynamic and energetic environment that aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Tim Anderson, CEO and Founder of Focus.

The site’s demolition was finished earlier this year, and it was just permitted to be a part of Miami-Dade’s Rapid Transit Zoning District, which permits higher density. A pre-application for the new skyscraper was submitted to Miami-Dade planners on August 4. Gensler is listed as the architect for this new development.

According to the plans, the tower will rise 39 stories tall and will feature 516 residential units. There will also be ground floor retail, indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, and 506 parking spaces.

New Brickell Tower Proposed

New York-Based Shvo Obtains Construction Loan for Miami Beach Hotel to Add Condo Tower to Development

The Raleigh Rosewood Hotel and Residences
The Raleigh Rosewood Hotel and Residences

New York-based Shvo recently secured a $190 million construction loan for The Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach to add a condo development.

Currently, the site includes The Raleigh, the Richmond Hotel, and the South Seas Hotel. The three hotels were put together by the developers for $242.85 million in 2019. At the time, the property was secured by a $146.9 million loan from Acore Capital Management.

The developers might be able to remove equity from the project and move the work along if they take out a loan for a higher sum. According to the developer, the hotel contributed over $1 billion to the project, including over $300 million in stock.

The hotel is closed while work is being done on the premises. The Raleigh will have 60 suites under Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ management when it reopens in 2026. The developer is also constructing a high-end restaurant with a private member’s club and a 17-story condo with 42 flats that bears the Rosewood brand.

The 1940s saw the development of the Raleigh. The curving pool, the Martini Bar, and the Tiger Room are just a few of the hotel’s distinctive characteristics that will be preserved by Shvo.

To design the project, Shvo hired New York-based architect Peter Marino and Miami-based Kobi Karp Architecture.

Former Raleigh project investor Bilgili Group, based in Turkey, has pulled out of the project.

David Guetta Buys Indian Creek Waterfront Mansion for $69 Million

David Guetta Buys Waterfront Indian Creek Spec Home
David Guetta Buys Waterfront Indian Creek Spec Home

David Guetta, a well-known DJ and producer, is under contract to purchase a beachfront spec mansion in Indian Creek that was recently listed for $69 million.

Guetta, who owns a condo at the Setai Miami Beach, reportedly sold his record collection to Warner Music for roughly $100 million two years ago. At the time, he had sold 50 million records and had more than 14 billion streams of music.

The celebrated French DJ is buying the almost 16,000 square foot, 12-bedroom estate at 37 Indian Creek Island Drive. The 1.2-acre property has 118 feet of water frontage. The property is being sold to Guetta by developer Todd Michael Glaser and his associates.

The Indian Creek property was sold to Glaser, Jim Randall, Scott Robins, and Jonathan Fryd two years ago for $23.8 million by longtime “Sábado Gigante” host Don Francisco. They started work on the spec mansion after demolishing the old residence.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s property, which they acquired for $24 million in 2021, is right next door to the residence.

Indian Creek, a gated community, is located north of Miami Beach. Additionally, multibillionaire hedge fund manager Eddie Lampert, musician Julio Iglesias, Hotels.com co-founder Bob Diener, and auto industry titan Norman Braman own homes at this exclusive neighborhood.

In an off-market transaction that established a record for Indian Creek in June, hotelier Tulia Soucy de Gonzalez Gorrondona sold her beachfront mansion at 11 Indian Creek Island Road for $68 million. For his neighboring mansion at 26 Indian Creek Island Road, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady obtained a $35 million construction loan in that month.

Indian Creek Residences & Yacht Club Secure Financing for Construction

Indian Creek Residences and Yacht Club
Indian Creek Residences and Yacht Club

Indian Creek Residences & Yacht Club, a boutique residential development that will have condominium units and a private marina, is being built on Miami’s Bay Harbor Islands by the New York and South Florida-based Landau Properties. Financing has now been secured for the property with official sales projected to start in Fall 2023.

Indian Creek Residences & Yacht Club’s $29 million construction credit was originated by Miami-based private real estate lender BridgeInvest. Its flagship fund, BridgeInvest Specialty Credit Fund IV, focuses on development, bridge, and value-add financing across the United States. BridgeInvest provided the construction funding, which was organized by Raffi Landau of Estreich and Company.

According to the CEO of Landau Properties, Jonathan Landau, “We are pleased to have the confidence of BridgeInvest on this very special project that will offer an unparalleled opportunity on the Bay Harbor Islands. We received strong lender interest for this project, and this financing package affirms our team’s ability to create an incredible residential experience with a combination of an amazing waterfront location, service-oriented lifestyle, and world-class design. BridgeInvest, a highly regarded lending institution in South Florida, proved to be the perfect partner given their established local presence and robust construction abilities…”

Nine opulent condominium residences and six exclusive yacht docks will be part of Indian Creek Residences & Yacht Club. One of the only private yacht clubs in the region is housed in the boutique structure, and guests may enjoy a sought-after view of the prized Indian Creek Island. Kobi Karp is designing the waterfront complex, and Linda Zarifi of Zarifi Design is handling the interiors.

Indian Creek Residences and Yacht Club Aerial View

Construction Continues on 7918 West Drive In Miami’s North Bay Village

7918 West Drive in North Bay Village
7918 West Drive in North Bay Village

Construction is underway at 7918 West Drive, a 21-story, 54-residence waterfront condominium development in Miami’s North Bay Village.

The foundation through the third level is now complete, and significant progress has been made on the parking garage. The columns and shear walls as well as the sixth level have also had concrete poured. The parking garage’s south section’s foundation is also finished.

Where east and west converge at 7918 West Drive, there are a number of striking units with Aerial views that display the unique architectural and natural features that characterize each floor plan. The idea stands out from the competition because of its unique fusion of a contemporary, high-tech lifestyle with Japanese culture. The development will provide a Zen Garden, a yoga room, and water features to create an indoor-outdoor atmosphere.

Modern SieMatic cabinetry, Cosentino worktops and surfaces, and high-end Miele equipment can be found in the kitchens. Additionally, Hansgrohe and Kohler plumbing fittings will be included in the homes. Additionally, the cutting-edge technology at 7918 West Drive will incorporate automated software customization for the utmost convenience, security, and privacy.

Priced from $2 million to over $17 million, homes range in size from 1,677 to 7,086 total square feet, including a minimum of two bedrooms, and have at least two views of Biscayne Bay. There are only four units per floor, all of the houses are corner units, and each balcony has an irregularly shaped ceiling that offers places that are both partially sheltered and partially sunny.

7918 West Drive will have 16,224 square feet of common areas, 148 parking spaces, and a 33,600 square foot property on the Intracoastal Waterway.

The project architect is Juan Azulay, founder, and director of MTTR mgmt, and the general contractor is listed as Thornton Residential. A multidisciplinary architectural design business with its headquarters in Tokyo, ONE DESIGNS Co. Ltd., created the lobby of the skyscraper. The company includes architectural designers and top-tier certified architects that provide knowledge of Japanese construction and interior design for people looking for a home that simply redefines attention to detail.

7918 West Drive is distinctively designed and equipped with cutting-edge technology throughout. Due to its outstanding design and painstaking attention to detail, the development has made significant progress since its groundbreaking ceremony in February 2023, confirming its place as a benchmark of architectural excellence in South Florida.

River District 14 Development Now Accepting Reservations

River District 14 Exterior Rendering
River District 14 Exterior Rendering

River District 14 development has officially launched and is now accepting reservations. With its 283 exquisitely designed studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and walk-up condominium homes, River District 14 gives owners a real turnkey experience.

Featuring more than 20,000 square feet of amenities, River District 14 provides residents with a resort-style pool with cabanas, two indoor pickleball courts, a relaxation area, a cutting-edge fitness facility, a fully furnished co-working floor, and much more. There will be furniture kits available for all homes, making them all move-in ready.

Residence Information:                       

  • Studio 520 SQ.FT. (48 sq. m.)                              $471,000 – $525,000
  • 1Bed / 1Bath 560 – 660 SQ.FT. (52 – 59 sq. m.).             $498,000 – $636,000
  • 2Bed / 2Bath 865 – 910 SQ.FT. (65 – 110 sq. m.)             $727,000 – $866,000
  • Walkup Villas / 1bed-2bed 700 – 1130 SQ.FT. (65 – 110 sq. m.)            $612,500 – $994,400

The Miami International Airport, the Port of Miami, and the Brightline Train Station are all nearby important transit hubs. The tower is minutes from the UHealth Towers and Hospitals, one of the most renowned and significant public health districts in the country, and is a short stroll from the excellent dining, shopping, and entertainment options at River Landing.

Owners will have the option to rent out their homes on a daily, weekly, or long-term basis. They can do so independently or through a third-party service like VRBO, Airbnb, etc. Nothing else like it is available. lone long-term rental communities are available in the neighborhood, and the lone hotel in the area has ordinary hotel rooms without kitchens for $250 or more per night and $350 or more per night at other hotels. Early 2024 is the anticipated start date, followed by a mid-2025 completion date.

Miami Freedom Park Construction Update

Miami Freedom Park
Miami Freedom Park

The location where Inter Miami’s stadium is slated to be built has officially received site work permits from Miami’s Building Department.

In the most recent few weeks, two different permissions were issued. The first one was released on July 14th. It is for work that is categorized under excavation/piles/site and soil enhancement and is expected to be worth $30,759,715.

The second permit, which is listed as excavation/piles/site and soil enhancement category and for a different address, was issued on July 25th and is estimated to be worth $5,240,284.

According to records, the property’s tree and demolition permits are still being reviewed and have not yet been given.

The contractor for Miami Freedom Park is listed as Downrite Engineering. Jorge Mas, the managing owner of Inter Miami, stated in June that the start of construction was anticipated “any day now,” and that it would take a few weeks.

Last year, the Miami City Commission approved a 99-year lease agreement with Inter Miami CF. On September 13, the Miami City Commission authorized zoning that would allow for the development of a 25,000-seat soccer stadium, a 750-room hotel, a 58-acre park, and a 1 million square foot commercial complex with retail, offices, and entertainment on 130 acres of land at Melreese Country Club.

The new stadium’s opening is planned for the summer or early fall of 2025, according to Mas.

Miami Freedom Park Aerial View

Pre-Construction Sales for The Avenue Hotel & Residences Coral Gables Reach 65% Sold

The Avenue Residences and Hotel
The Avenue Residences and Hotel

The Avenue Hotel & Residences Coral Gables, a boutique tower with a neo-classical design on San Lorenzo Avenue in Coral Gables, has reached 65% sold during pre-construction.

The Avenue Coral Gables Hotel & Residences is being constructed at 351 San Lorenzo Avenue by Roger Development Group, a family-run, fully integrated real estate development and management firm with its headquarters in Coral Gables.

This development will rise eight stories and will feature a collection of 48 residences with one to two-bedroom layouts outfitted with modern Italian kitchens and bathrooms. Designed by Bermello Ajamil & Partners with fully-furnished interiors by renowned interior designer Adriana Hoyos Design Studio, best known for world-class tropical luxury-inspired interiors. Starting at 598 to 1,200 square feet, the homes are spacious. 3,861 square feet of upscale retail space on the ground floor round out the building.

Amenities:

  • Front desk reception
  • Hotel services
  • Valet parking
  • Newspaper and package delivery
  • Outdoor hammock garden
  • Resort-style pool deck on level 9
  • Summer kitchen
  • Family dining area

Prices range from $730,000 to over $1.3 million, and construction is expected to be finished in early 2025, with construction set to begin in the fall of 2023.

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

Cipriani Residences Miami Sells its $16.2 Million Penthouse

Cipriani Residences Miami
Cipriani Residences Miami

Mast Capital, Developer for Cipriani Residences Miami sells a penthouse just weeks after the collection was introduced to the public.

Mast claimed that the asking price for Penthouse 1 was a record-breaking $16.2 million, or $3,333 per square foot.

Four bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, 4,888 square feet of interior space, and 4,333 square feet of outdoor terrace space—a total of 9,221 square feet—will be found in Penthouse 1. A summer kitchen and private pool with an infinity edge will be part of the outside area.

The Canaletto Collection is located on the top 18 stories of Cipriani and has 68 residences and six penthouses with improvements, making it the “highest level of luxury in Brickell,” in the words of the developer.

Penthouses in the Canaletto Collection start at $9.5 million, with pricing starting at $3.65 million.

Residence Features

• Generous living areas with ceiling heights of 10 feet
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and windows with magnificent panoramic views
• Terrace access from the living room and primary bedroom of every residence
• Gracious walk-in wardrobes in every primary bedroom
• An exquisite selection of flooring options included
• Direct elevator entry for select residences
• Eat-in, open kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry inspired by Cipriani’s renowned style
• Top-of-the-line appliances from Wolf Sub-Zero, including
cooktop, integrated refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, and dishwasher
• Primary bathrooms with grand, stand-alone bathtubs and glass-enclosed showers; vanities with premium Italian cabinetry, imported stone tops, and back-lit mirrors; separate room with water closet
• Spacious laundry rooms with full-size washing machines and dryers, with a utility sink in most residences
• Individually controlled, high-efficiency central air conditioning and heating systems, with linear diffusers in main areas to ensure seamless integration
• Innovative smart technology infrastructure that enables home automation
• Intelligent interface system for essential building services such as concierge, valet, and security

Cipriani has disclosed that the residential tower would have sophisticated, resort-style amenities for its inhabitants, as well as traditional design features popular at Cipriani restaurants worldwide.

Tower Amenities

• Exclusive private entrance with lush landscaping and elegant porte-cochère
• Dramatic lobby leading to two banks of high-speed, touchless elevators
• Signature private dining experiences by Cipriani
• In-home dining and 24-hour catering services by Cipriani, exclusive to residents
• Private dining rooms available for reservation, catered by Cipriani
• Elevated resort deck with two swimming pools, a blissful outdoor spa, poolside cabanas, and a beautifully landscaped sun terrace
• Poolside food and beverage services catered by Cipriani
• Holistic spa with sauna and treatment rooms
• Luxurious residents’ lounge for special events and intimate gatherings
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Golf simulator
• Pickleball court
• Private salon available to be reserved for personal beauty services
• Screening room with cutting-edge audiovisual equipment
• Serene and spacious residents’ library
• Engaging children’s playroom
• Elevated four-level wellness center and lounge overlooking the Brickell skyline
• Pet-friendly community with a dog park
• High-speed internet access across all public areas
• Electric vehicle charging stations available
• Air-conditioned storage rooms

The target completion date is in 2026. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Cipriani Residences Miami, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.