Watson Island Set for Transformative Development with Four Planned Towers
Miami’s iconic Watson Island is on the verge of a remarkable transformation, with plans for four new high-rise towers now under consideration. Developers Terra, ESJ Capital Partners, BH3, and Merrimac Ventures have set their sights on creating a blend of residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces on the island, though the proposals depend on two key items that City of Miami voters will weigh in on during tomorrow’s referendum. If approved, these plans would not only enhance Miami’s skyline but also bring new amenities and a public park to Watson Island.
On the north side of Watson Island, Terra and ESJ Capital Partners have proposed two striking residential towers, each rising 40 stories high. The development would add between 500 and 600 residential units to the island, making it a highly desirable living destination within close proximity to Miami’s bustling downtown.
As part of the agreement, Terra and ESJ Capital Partners would compensate the City of Miami for the use of land and commit to building a public park, adding value not only to the residents but also to Miami locals and visitors who would enjoy the expanded green space and waterfront access.
Meanwhile, the south side of Watson Island would see a more diverse mix of uses under the plans put forth by BH3 and Merrimac Ventures. This development envisions two towers, one approximately 40 stories high and another 30 stories, combining upscale residences, a lifestyle hotel, and entertainment amenities.
The taller tower would house 105 luxury condominiums, priced above $1 million, as well as 150 hotel rooms catering to the discerning traveler. The shorter tower would offer a lifestyle hotel with over 350 rooms, making it a major destination for visitors.
In addition to the residential and hospitality spaces, the south side would feature retail outlets, restaurants, and offices, creating a vibrant, mixed-use community that enriches Miami’s luxury lifestyle offerings.
If the referendum results are favorable, BH3 and Merrimac Ventures plan to begin the permitting process in 2025, with groundbreaking slated for 2026. These timelines reflect the city’s ambition to thoughtfully integrate this project into the fabric of Watson Island while maintaining a balance between development and public access.
As the decision rests with Miami’s voters, the outcome of this referendum could shape Watson Island’s future as a premier destination, blending urban luxury with community-focused green spaces.
Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove Unveils Lavish Spa and Wellness Oasis
Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove has set a new benchmark for wellness and luxury in Miami with the unveiling of its expansive, state-of-the-art in-house spa and wellness club. Known as the “Caesar Experience,” this 10,000-square-foot sanctuary offers residents a curated selection of wellness amenities, including an ice fountain, cold plunge, hydromassage pool, and a complete sauna circuit inspired by ancient Roman bath traditions. This one-of-a-kind spa was conceptualized by a specialist consultant from Italy, ensuring the space incorporates cutting-edge trends and technologies in wellness.
This groundbreaking residential development marks Four Seasons’ first standalone residential project in Florida. Developed by South Florida-based real estate leaders CMC Group, led by Ugo Colombo, and Fort Partners, led by Nadim Ashi, Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove debuted in April with the aim of creating an exclusive sanctuary in one of Miami’s most storied neighborhoods. The 20-story property, comprising 70 private residences, combines the craftsmanship of renowned Florentine designer Michele Bönan with the architectural vision of Miami-based architect Luis Revuelta.
The residences offer a refined collection of two- to four-bedroom homes, ranging up to 3,980 square feet, with four premier penthouses offering floor plans from nearly 6,430 to 9,690 square feet. Each home boasts expansive, unobstructed views over Biscayne Bay, courtesy of the property’s thoughtfully curved façade. Inspired by the rich landscape of Coconut Grove, the building harmonizes with the area’s lush greenery and natural topography, creating a distinct yet seamless addition to the skyline.
Homes at Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove feature close to 11-foot ceilings, enhancing the open floor plans. Each residence comes with custom Italian kitchens designed by Molteni and Michele Bönan Interiors, European appliances, and Italian marble finishes. The bathrooms feature Italian cabinetry and luxury paneling, adding to the high-end experience. Private elevators provide an exclusive arrival experience, while in-home automation systems and advanced lighting controls bring modern convenience to each residence.
Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove promises an exceptional lifestyle with an extensive suite of resident amenities, including a dedicated restaurant, library, fitness center with yoga rooms, spa facilities with cold plunge and hammam, children’s areas, private event rooms, and a spacious pool deck and bar lounge. All areas are serviced by Four Seasons, delivering the brand’s legendary service even without a hotel presence. The development also offers a dedicated Director of Residences, concierge services, housekeeping, butler service, in-residence dining, valet, and wellness programming.
Set in a serene, culturally vibrant neighborhood, the Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove provides residents with access to Miami’s finest local boutiques, restaurants, and some of the top schools in the country, fostering a close-knit, walkable community lifestyle.
This collaboration between CMC Group and Fort Partners aims to raise the bar for luxury living in South Florida’s evolving real estate market. With a legacy of innovative projects, CMC Group has played a pivotal role in shaping Miami’s skyline, while Fort Partners brings an established partnership with Four Seasons, evidenced in prestigious developments such as the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, and Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Fort Lauderdale. Both firms continue to expand their footprint with upcoming Four Seasons projects across Europe and the United States.
Cipriani Residences Miami Hits Major Milestone with Record-Breaking Concrete Pour in Brickell
Miami-based developer Mast Capital has reached a monumental milestone with its Cipriani Residences Miami project, completing the largest mat foundation concrete pour in Brickell this year. This remarkable feat for the brand’s first-ever ground-up residential project in North America highlights the bold vision Mast Capital brings to one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods.
The continuous pour, led by Moss Construction, took approximately 16 hours, with a staggering 11,500 cubic yards of concrete and 2,500 tons of reinforcing steel poured seamlessly to form the building’s foundation. The achievement marks not only the largest pour on South Miami Avenue but also a testament to the collaboration and precision required for a development of this scale. With completion expected in 2028, sales and marketing efforts for Cipriani Residences are exclusively managed by Fortune Development Sales, with residences starting at $1.7 million.
Camilo Miguel, Jr., Founder and CEO of Mast Capital, expressed his pride in reaching this critical phase, noting, “Reaching this milestone with the completion of the mat foundation pour is a remarkable achievement in our journey to bring Cipriani Residences Miami to life. It represents not just a significant phase in the development, but also the dedication and precision of the entire team. This pour lays the foundation for what will become one of Brickell’s most iconic addresses, further solidifying our commitment to excellence and the timeless Cipriani standard of luxury.”
The towering 80-story Cipriani Residences Miami is designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm Arquitectonica and is poised to become a landmark at 1420 South Miami Avenue. Inside, 1508 London has meticulously crafted interiors to reflect Cipriani’s timeless sophistication and exceptional style, offering 397 sophisticated residences infused with luxury.
An exclusive collection, The Canaletto Collection, will occupy the top 18 floors, featuring 68 ultra-luxury residences and six penthouses. These residences are designed with privacy and elegance in mind, boasting direct elevator access and a limited number of homes per floor. Residents of The Canaletto Collection enjoy priority access to the building’s private speakeasy, along with exclusive services through BHB Concierge.
The Cipriani Residences lifestyle embodies a 50,000-square-foot suite of hotel-inspired amenities designed for relaxation, wellness, and entertainment. Around-the-clock in-residence dining and catering by Cipriani ensures a world-class culinary experience. Additional amenities include a private restaurant, a reservable dining space, and a resort-style elevated deck exclusive to residents and their guests.
Residents will also have access to a comprehensive wellness center, complete with a state-of-the-art fitness center, spinning room, spa facilities, ice plunge, and sauna. For leisure and recreation, there’s a golf simulator, a pickleball court, a screening room, a library, and a salon. The pet-friendly amenities extend to an elevated private dog park, while families will appreciate the children’s playroom. Moreover, luxury à la carte services such as pet grooming, plant care, personal training, and a house limousine for travel within a three-mile radius bring an added level of convenience and exclusivity.
Luis Hidalgo, Senior Vice President of Moss Construction, praised the team’s dedication to realizing Cipriani Residences Miami’s ambitious design: “A concrete pour of this scale demands meticulous coordination across multiple teams, and it’s a testament to the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved. Managing the logistical complexity of over 50 team members and 750 truckloads of concrete over a 20-hour period highlights the expertise and commitment of our team. We’re honored to contribute to such an iconic development in the heart of Brickell.”
With Cipriani Residences Miami, Mast Capital is set to establish an iconic new standard for luxury living in Miami’s vibrant Brickell neighborhood, seamlessly blending Cipriani’s renowned service with the allure of Miami’s skyline.
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.
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.
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.
HueHub: A Massive Mixed-Use Project Planned for Miami-Dade County
27th Ave HollandPark EcoreResidences LLC is setting the stage for a major development in Miami-Dade County. If approved by city officials, the proposed project, named HueHub, will be one of the largest mixed-use developments in the area, with plans to include five high-rise buildings ranging from 26 to 37 stories.
Project Overview
According to details released by the South Florida Business Journal, the ambitious plans for HueHub outline:
3,233 residential units
57,260 square feet of retail space
A one-story amenity center
Two parking garages with a total of 468 spots
The venture will seamlessly integrate both residential and retail components, creating a self-sustaining community. Images shared by Miami Condo Investments provide a glimpse into this future development.
Site Acquisition and Current Status
The developer acquired the 12-acre site for $29.3 million in 2023. The area currently houses an office building, a church, and Covenant Palms, a 140-unit affordable housing development. Prior to groundbreaking, these existing structures are slated for demolition, paving the way for the new construction.
Architectural Vision by Arquitectonica
Arquitectonica, a renowned Miami-based architectural firm, is the mastermind behind HueHub’s design. The firm is also working on another 28-story tower, as recently covered by Florida YIMBY, which will feature 454 residences, with 40 percent (around 181 units) dedicated to workforce housing for individuals earning up to 120 percent of the area median income (AMI).
HueHub and Florida’s Live Local Act
HueHub is among the largest projects being developed under Florida’s Live Local Act. This legislation allows developers to increase unit density and building height while bypassing the need for extensive community feedback. Currently, the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources is in the process of reviewing the project’s details.
If given the green light, HueHub will rise at 8400 NW 25th Avenue in the unincorporated West Little River neighborhood of Miami-Dade County. This location, combined with the project’s scale and vision, promises to significantly transform the landscape of the surrounding area.
