New 600-Unit Apartment Development Planned at Pullman Miami Airport Hotel Site

Pullman Airport New Development in Miami
Pullman Airport New Development in Miami

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.

Edgardo Defortuna of Fortune International Group and Shahab Karmely of Kar Properties Launch Faena Residences Miami

Faena Residences Miami
Faena Residences on the Miami River

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.

Faena Residences Miami Skyline
Faena Residences Miami Downtown Miami Views

Terra Partners with Jean-Georges Vongerichten for His First Residential Project: Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences

Miami Tropic Residences
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.

Miami Tropic Residences Formal Dining
Miami Tropic Residences Lounge

Meta Development’s New Luxury Venture Set to Transform Brickell

1888 Brickell Avenue Development
1888 Brickell Avenue Development

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

701 Brickell in Miami
701 Brickell in Miami

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

Huehub Miami
Huehub Miami

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.

New Residential Tower Planned for Miami’s Little River: Developers File FAA Permits for 360-Foot-Tall Building

28 Story Tower in Little River
28 Story Tower in Little River

Developers 8038 and 165 Owner LLC, an Infinity Collective and MVW Partners affiliate, have taken a significant step towards bringing a new residential tower to Miami’s Little River neighborhood. On September 17, 2024, they submitted a request to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approval to construct a 360-foot-tall building (or 368 feet above mean sea level). This application marks a major milestone in the project’s development as it awaits FAA review.

The proposed tower will rise at 165 Northeast 80th Terrace and 8038 Northeast 2nd Avenue. The 28-story building, designed by the renowned architectural firm Arquitectonica, will house 454 residential units. Significantly, 40% of these units are earmarked as workforce housing for individuals earning up to 120% of the area’s median income. The workforce units will range from 410-square-foot studios to 667-square-foot one-bedroom apartments, providing affordable living options in the heart of Miami.

Market-rate units will offer a broader range of sizes, from 581-square-foot one-bedroom apartments to spacious 1,162-square-foot two-bedroom apartments. This diverse mix of housing options ensures that the development caters to various income levels and lifestyle needs.

In addition to residential units, the development will feature 19,900 square feet of commercial space and 697 parking spaces. Residents will have access to an eighth-floor amenity deck, complete with a pool, sports court, gym, entertainment room, dining room, and kids’ room. Ground-floor amenities will include retail spaces, coworking areas, and a dog wash station, enhancing the living experience and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

The development team acquired the 2.17-acre site—formerly an AT&T telecommunications facility—for $13.36 million in 2022. By utilizing Florida’s Live Local Act, the developers have been able to bypass traditional zoning restrictions, allowing for increased height and density in exchange for dedicating a portion of the units to workforce housing.

Pending the FAA’s approval, the team aims to commence construction in the second quarter of 2025, bringing much-needed residential options to the evolving Little River neighborhood.

The submission of FAA permits for this new residential tower marks an exciting development for Miami’s Little River area. As the project moves forward, it promises to deliver a blend of affordable and market-rate housing, state-of-the-art amenities, and community-focused features, contributing to the ongoing transformation of this vibrant Miami neighborhood.

New in Little River
New Construction in Little River

Exciting New Retail and Restaurant Concepts Coming to Miami Worldcenter

Miami Worldcenter
Miami Worldcenter

Miami Worldcenter, the $6 billion, 27-acre mixed-use development that’s transforming Downtown Miami, is set to welcome three exciting new tenants by early 2025. The latest additions to the vibrant project include Go Greek Yogurt, HŸP, and SkinSpirit, all of which promise to bring unique experiences to the growing retail and dining scene.

Developed by Miami Worldcenter Associates, under the leadership of Managing Partners Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani in partnership with CIM Group, Miami Worldcenter stands as one of Florida’s largest privately owned urban real estate projects. Spanning 10 city blocks, the development offers a blend of residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, complemented by 300,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment venues.

New Tenants Coming Soon

Go Greek Yogurt: This Beverly Hills-based yogurt bar and café will open its first Florida location at Miami Worldcenter in late 2024. Spanning nearly 1,300 square feet on the Paseo Promenade, Go Greek Yogurt will offer authentic fresh and frozen Greek yogurt with ingredients imported directly from Europe, promising a healthy and flavorful dining option.

HŸP: Known for its curated selection of top-tier streetwear brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Chrome Hearts, HŸP will also debut in late 2024. The 1,300-square-foot sneaker and streetwear retailer will add another layer of fashion-forward appeal to the Paseo Promenade.

SkinSpirit: Arriving in early 2025, SkinSpirit’s 1,700-square-foot medical aesthetics spa will mark the company’s first foray into South Florida. With a national reputation for top-tier services like Botox and dermal fillers, SkinSpirit’s arrival will enhance Miami Worldcenter’s wellness offerings.

Expanding Retail and Dining Scene

These new tenants will join an impressive roster of businesses already open at Miami Worldcenter. Notable venues include Sixty Vines wine-on-tap restaurant, Chef Michael Beltran’s Brasserie Laurel, Chug’s Express, and El Vecino Cigar & Cocktail Bar. Popular retailers like lululemon, Sephora, Ray-Ban, and Free People are also part of the development, alongside entertainment options such as Lucky Strike bowling, the Museum of Ice Cream, and a Lucid Motors showroom.

Additionally, more high-profile names are set to open soon, including Juvia, Villa One Tequila Gardens, Chicago’s Maple & Ash, and Serafina, along with Club Studio and The Spot Barbershop.

A Destination for the Future

Miami Worldcenter is not just a place to shop and dine; it’s a cultural and residential hub that enhances Miami’s urban experience. The project includes completed developments such as the 351-room citizenM hotel, the luxury Paramount Miami Worldcenter condominium, and market-rate apartments Flow and Bezel Miami. Under construction are major projects like Miami World Tower 1 and The Crosby, while future residential towers by leading developers are also planned.

In addition to its retail and residential elements, Miami Worldcenter will feature World Square, a 20,000-square-foot outdoor public plaza, and a $5 million public art initiative that will transform the space into a permanent outdoor museum with works curated by Jeffrey Deitch and PRIMARY.

Its strategic location places it within walking distance of cultural landmarks like the Pérez Art Museum, Adrienne Arsht Center, and the Brightline MiamiCentral station, making Miami Worldcenter one of Florida’s most well-connected and transit-oriented developments.

Construction Begins on Rivage Bal Harbour: A New Pinnacle of Luxury Living

Rivage Bal Harbour
Rivage Bal Harbour

Excitement is building in South Florida as construction officially kicks off on Rivage Bal Harbour, an ultra-luxury condominium project set to redefine opulent living in one of the region’s most exclusive communities. This ambitious development is a collaborative effort between industry giants Related Group, Rockpoint, and Two Roads Development, with architectural mastery from the esteemed firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and exquisite interiors designed by Rottet Studio.

Nestled between the serene Intracoastal Waterway and 200 feet of pristine oceanfront, Rivage Bal Harbour will house 56 lavish residences, cleverly dubbed “sky villas.” Ranging from a generous 3,300 to nearly 13,000 square feet, these homes are thoughtfully designed to harmonize modern luxury with the natural beauty of South Florida. Each residence will feature the convenience of in-unit elevator access and private parking garages, ensuring a seamless living experience.

Residents will also enjoy expansive terraces that provide breathtaking views of the ocean and Biscayne Bay—the perfect backdrop for relaxation or entertaining guests.

The design of Rivage Bal Harbour boasts open-concept floor plans that epitomize spaciousness and light. Gourmet kitchens are equipped with top-of-the-line Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, while bathrooms and closets showcase high-end Italian finishes, providing an atmosphere of sophistication at every turn.

The development promises to cater to the desires of luxury buyers, capitalizing on Bal Harbour’s reputation for exclusivity and its prime location near the renowned Bal Harbour Shops.

Rivage Bal Harbour is set to offer an unparalleled suite of amenities, with over 25,000 square feet dedicated to wellness and recreation. Future residents can indulge in a state-of-the-art fitness pavilion, a hammam spa complete with hot and cold plunge pools, and private treatment rooms for ultimate relaxation. For those who enjoy sports, outdoor pickle and paddle ball courts will be available, while leisurely pursuits include private dining services and a chic cocktail lounge.

Families will appreciate the inclusion of a kids’ playroom and a high-tech VR game simulator, making Rivage a community where all ages can thrive. Residents can also expect the luxury of resort-style services, including a 24/7 residential butler and concierge.

Managed by Coastal Construction Group, Rivage is on track for completion in 2027. The development team is confident that this project will fill a significant gap in the supply-constrained Miami market, catering to the increasing demand for high-end properties.

Since its inception in 1929, Bal Harbour has attracted affluent residents and visitors, blending cultural richness with a sense of privacy and exclusivity. With Rivage Bal Harbour, this legacy is poised to flourish even further, offering a living experience that is as luxurious as it is unique.

Abbhi Capital’s Miami Worldcenter Site: Fence Permit Under Review and Plans for Two Towers Revealed

Miami Worldcenter New Construction
Miami Worldcenter New Construction

A significant step in the development of the Abbhi Capital site at Miami Worldcenter is now in motion. A permit to install a fence around the construction site is currently under review by Miami’s Building Department. The permit, which was applied for on August 24th, lists an estimated construction cost of $11,500.

This comes as further development plans for the site move forward. In September 2023, detailed plans were submitted to Miami’s Urban Development Review Board (UDRB) outlining an ambitious two-tower project. According to the submission, the site will feature two towering structures: a 59-story north tower rising 643 feet above ground (655 feet above sea level) and a 33-story south tower reaching 453 feet above ground (465 feet above sea level).

The proposed development includes:

  • 558 residential units in the north tower
  • 368,362 square feet of office space in the south tower
  • A 7,109 square foot ground-floor restaurant
  • 1,319 vehicle parking spaces housed within an 11-story podium, partially lined with residential units

This project marks another milestone in the rapid growth of Miami Worldcenter, one of the largest urban developments in the U.S., and further underscores Miami’s transformation into a premier hub for luxury living and commercial space.

Keep an eye on this space as Abbhi Capital’s vision for Miami Worldcenter continues to unfold, with significant contributions to the skyline and urban landscape of downtown Miami.