Uber and Miami-based Brightline have teamed together to give customers more transportation choices throughout South Florida.
The collaboration aims to satisfy client demand and improve Brightline+, a door-to-door service that already offers electric golf carts, airport and event shuttles, and door-to-door transportation.
According to the passenger rail firm, Uber will increase the number of vehicles available to passengers on the Brightline+ network. In the United States, this is the first time Uber has connected to a faster intercity rail service.
The Brightline app or website now allows users to add shared or private Uber rides when purchasing rail tickets. By guaranteeing a driver is waiting curbside to take passengers to their next location, the new in-app booking function aims to eliminate wait periods.
While Smart users can pay to add additional journeys to and from the station without distance limits, Brightline Premium passengers will receive complimentary rides within a 5-mile radius.
The fixed-route and electric vehicle shuttles of Brightline+ will still offer walkup rides. Destinations in Miami Beach, Miami International Airport, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport can all be reached via fixed-route shuttles.
In order to make it simpler for users to reach the stations and destination points, Brightline+ was introduced in 2021. Currently, Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach all have Brightline stations. This year, it intends to start offering service to Orlando.
New Development Proposed at Brickell Key
Swire Properties submitted a request to the Federal Aviation Administration in late December in order to bring the supertall development to Brickell Key, a posh residential island outside of Miami’s financial sector.
According to the designs, there will be two towers: one rising 700 feet and the other rising 1,049 feet, making it a supertall skyscraper. At the southernmost point of the enclave, at Brickell Key Park, both would be situated.
The vacant land at the southern end of Brickell Key, which the firm claimed was being kept for development or sale, is owned entirely by Swire Properties, according to the company’s 2021 annual report.
Although Swire’s precise plans for the property are yet unknown, the park is zoned for residential use. Additional to the development’s height, no other information regarding it is included in the application.
The 2.4-acre park was purchased by the Miami-based developer in 1997. There is currently no developer listed on the FAA filing.
Miami’s First Distillery Opens February 2023
Tropical Distillers, a liqueur manufacturer, has opened Miami’s first distillery. A fully automated distillery with an on-site cannery, a 30-seat bar, and tasting room, and a gift shop with items only available at the distillery are all included in the area.
The facility creates JF Haden’s Craft Liqueurs line, which includes flavors including mango, lemon, and coffee. Also being developed are several additional goods.
Buzzy Sklar, the CEO and founding brand partner of Tropical Distillers, together with Mike and Maurkice Pouncey, two former NFL players, and real estate agent Kim Rodstein are partners in the distillery.
According to Sklar, “doesn’t fit any mold; we are one-of-a-kind in Miami, offering locals and visitors alike a unique beverage destination that is not only entertaining and aesthetically pleasing, but also informative.”
Visitors will be able to sample cocktails including the Cafecito Martini, Floridian Martini, and a variety of frozen drinks on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm until midnight.
A 1,500-square-foot outside deck at Tropical Distillers offers more seats and access to nearby food trucks. The neighborhood of Allapattah’s 8,000-square-foot location was scheduled to debut in December 2021 but was held back.
From Thursday through Sunday, at 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm, there are guided tours available for $25. The event includes pick-ups from places in Miami and tastings of five different concoctions.
Financing Obtained for 3 Tower Development Near Miami River
Truist Bank, based in North Carolina, has given the Related Group, a $164 million construction loan for the first of three skyscrapers planned for a premium 3.9-acre development site along Brickell Avenue, south of the Miami River.
The 47-story building, also known as One Brickell Tower II, is expected to rise at 77 Southeast 5th Street to a height of about 478 feet and contain 506 units. The entire mixed-use development, which includes the anticipated 75-story Baccarat Residences Miami and an 82-story hotel and residential tower, is designed by Arquitectonica. The tower’s general contractor is John Moriarty & Associates, and work is anticipated to start next month.
The most recent rendering for One Brickell Tower II shows the structure from a ground-view angle as seen from Brickell Avenue with Icon Brickell visible in the background. The sign that reads “The One” atop a planted wall signals that this is the first time we have seen branding for this stage of the project.
A double-height lobby with a covered entry and exposed concrete support columns can be found at the tower’s base. These columns rise into what could be described as an undulating wall of balconies.
The balconies are enclosed by continuous horizontal bars of glass, and the exterior walls are covered in smooth stucco that has a grayish appearance. The site, which will feature a drop-off facility along Brickell Avenue, is surrounded by extensive landscaping. The three towers will be connected by a multistory pedestal. That connecting podium will accommodate an outdoor amenity level on its roof and include parking spots.
Plumbing, excavation, and site work permits were given last year. Due to unpaid permit fees, vertical construction permits are still pending. In 2020, FAA building permits were issued.
Fortune International Group Announces Casa Tau Branded Residential Tower-ORA
Fortune International Group, led by visionary founder Edgardo Defortuna, has announced a collaboration with hospitality brand Casa Tua to curate and program its newest high-rise, mixed-use development located at 1210 Brickell Avenue in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.
ORA is the first branded residence for Casa Tua, the renowned, heartfelt brand and exclusive members’ only club that has gathered friends in their properties in Miami, Aspen, and Paris for over two decades and is set to launch in The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel in Manhattan in 2023. Casa Tua has planned a full suite of amenities for the property, as well as short-term rental residences.
According to Defortuna, “ORA will serve as a unique residential development in a premier location, at the best corner in the Brickell neighborhood. We look forward to working alongside the Casa Tua brand to curate a sophisticated experience that will create a community for its residents and Brickell. ORA will become the city’s most exciting amenity.”
ORA by Casa Tua will feature, among other things, two new restaurant concepts by Casa Tua, a gourmet market by Casa Tua, a rooftop lounge – with resort-style offerings such as a pool, sky lounge, and bar; a show kitchen, private event space, and – curated by Casa Tua; an abundance of nature and lush landscaping infused into the building’s design, including full floors of floating gardens overlooking city views; an entertainment lounge, and fitness and wellness amenities.
Reservations for the short-term rental homes, which range in size from 500 square feet for studios to 2,400 square feet for four-bedroom homes, will open in January 2023. The price will begin at $800,000.
Terra Group Releases Renderings for $1 Billion Development-Upland Park
Upland Park, a $1 billion transit-oriented development planned close to Dolphin Mall, has unveiled renderings. According to the developer, Upland Park is being specifically constructed for connection with the projected east-west transit link.
Upland Park’s urban planner is Plusurbia Design, while the project’s design architect is Arquitectonica with the developer listed as the Terra Group.
According to the developer, the community would have quick access to key employment hubs like the Health District, Downtown, Brickell, and Miami International Airport.
The actual project location is the Dolphin rapid transit station.
Once within the community, people will experience a master-planned neighborhood that is walkable and has resiliency elements as well as built-in traffic solutions.
In order to appeal to “all ages and audiences,” including elders and students, the community will also offer a range of home sizes and price points.
Project Description:
1,700+ residences
140,000 sq. ft. of retail space
427,000 sq. ft. of commercial space
126 room hotel
charter school
After the developer acquired a lease for the property on December 1 and secured a $35 million site work loan, site construction is anticipated to start in early 2023.
Aston Martin Residences Miami Reaches 97% Sold
According to the developers for Aston Martin Residences Miami, the tower is now 97% sold. With this news comes another unveiling with the Aston Martin exclusive 3-story penthouse.
The new penthouse is going for $59 million and a new name ‘Unique.’
Unique features seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a wraparound terrace on each story, a private pool, a gym, a jacuzzi, and a custom-built garage are all included in the 20,000 square foot home.
The final Aston Martin Vulcan race car, one of just 24 versions of the company’s 7.0-liter V12 820bhp, all-carbon fiber supercar, will also be given to the buyer. It is worth $3.2 million. It has its own climate-controlled garage and is only designed for track driving.
An 80-page art book with original works of art by the six internationally renowned artists-in-residence at the property has been published to promote the penthouse plan reveal.
Units range from studio to 4 bedroom floor plans with square footage beginning at 698. River and Panoramic units start at $750,000 and rise to $8+ million depending on the floor plan and unit location. As for the Sky and Penthouse residences, units begin at $14 million reaching well over $50 million.
Development Information
Developer: G&G Business Developments
General Construction: Coastal Construction
Architect and Design Team: Luis Revuelta of Miami and Bodas-Miani-Anger of Argentina
Residence Features
Private service entrance at basement level for all move-ins and personnel
Bulthaup custom cabinetry in kitchens
White marble floors throughout the entire unit and porcelain in all balconies
Quartz countertops in the kitchen. Piatra Grey (Ceasarstone) or similar
Gagganeau appliances in all residences: (sizes depends on units)
Duravit wall-mounted toilets in all units throughout the building and bidets in select units
All bathrooms feature marble floorings and walls (Thassos or similar
Hansgrohe faucets in secondary bathrooms and exclusive Axor model in master and powder bathrooms
Italian Bertolotto doors with AGB hardware in all units
Wood-paneled front doors to residence with programmable smartphone technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth
Floor soundproofing system installed throughout all units including all bathrooms
Walls dividing units with corridors will be 10″ wide with layers of Quiet Rock improving soundproofing
German Schuco hardware on sliding glass doors
ThyssenKrupp “Destination Dispatch” elevator system from main lobbies getting passengers to their destination in the shortest travel time and enabling access only to their own floor for enhanced security
High-speed elevators going up to 1200 feet per minute
High-speed internet and Wi-Fi hotspots in all common areas
Cast iron pipes and risers avoiding Waterflow noises
Amenities
Full-service building with concierge and hospitality-inspired services
Super Yacht Marina facilities
“The Aston Martin Club” membership
Rooftop infinity pool located on 55th floor
Fitness Spa and Fitness Center with Meditation Room and Treatments Suites
Private Steam, Sauna, and Locker Facilities
Pet-friendly building
Building designed with a helipad on the rooftop
24-hour valet and covered garage self-parking
Valet charging stations for electric cars
Valet Butler
Additional bicycle and private storage spaces
10 destination controlled super hi-speed elevators and separate dedicated service elevators
Digital connection to concierge and all building amenities from every residence
State-of-the-art Business Center and Conference Rooms
Art Gallery and Art Lobby on 53rd floor
Private Residence Movie Theatre, Event Space, Kids Playroom, Teen Center, and Game Rooms
Virtual Golf
Beauty Salon with blow-dry station, pedicure chair, manicure table, and wash stations
If you or someone you know have any interest in purchasing at Aston Martin Residences, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.
Let’s Take a Moment for Miami’s First Vermouth Bar-Victoria’s Vinos y Vermuteria
The team behind LoKal, Kush, and Spillover, Matt Kuscher and Kush Hospitality will debut their newest concept, Victoria’s Vinos y Vermuteria, a Spanish vermouth, and natural wine bar located in Coconut Grove. Victoria’s Vinos y Vermuteria will be located at Vicky’s House, a former milkshake stand and beer store for Kush.
The first woman in the industry to design and open a vermouth bar in the United States, Corporate Beverage Director Cristina Suarez, helped launch the establishment. The bar itself has a strong emphasis on Spanish wines and ciders, large-format craft beers, and a variety of unique house-made vermouths.
Suarez has fallen in love with vermouth thanks to her research and education to the point where mezcal is no longer her preferred libation. Suarez states, “We want them to have a special, instructive, and private experience and leave here feeling they have learned something new in a stylish, sexy atmosphere. We’re not expecting them to discover the enthusiasm we might have for vermouths.”
The bar itself is designed to serve as both a “waiting room” for LoKal patrons and a stand-alone attraction, making it ideal for couples out on a date. Along with fantastic pours, it will serve small foods in the tapas manner, charcuterie boards, Chicken Skins, and Sandwich de Mescla, Caviar, Pan con Tomate, and more. Vermouths will be offered in a variety of designs and flavor profiles, with options that are both common and uncommon.
The highlight of Victoria’s menu is vermouth, a bittersweet fortified wine that has been spiked with alcohol and laced with herbs. Kuscher’s signature blend, which is described as “Christmasy and warm on the palate,” as well as a second, lighter variety by Suarez called Titi Marie vermouth are just two of the house-made vermouths served in the new establishment, which was launched in collaboration with Kush’s corporate beverage director Cristina Suarez.
Many natural wines, Spanish ciders (poured in the Asturian manner of extended pouring), large format craft beers, tapas-style small meals, charcuterie boards, “not-so-fancy” tea sandwiches, caviar, and other items are also available.
Victoria’s is officially open today and their hours include Wednesday through Sunday, 5 pm to close.
Michelin Star and Miami Born Chef Officially Opens Brasserie Laurel at Miami Worldcenter
In the recently constructed Miami Worldcenter Caoba apartment tower in Downtown Miami, chef and restaurateur Michael Beltran has officially opened Brasserie Laurel, a French-focused eatery.
Escargot, frog legs, foie gras, deer tartare, beef Wellington, chicory salad, turbot in tomato beurre blanc, and Maine lobster with veal sweetbreads are just a few of the French classics on the menu at Laurel, which was devised by executive chef Ashley Moncada, a former chef de cuisine at Ariete.
Ashley Moncada, the new chef employed by Beltran at the establishment, trained at Ariete during the pandemic that has been going on for the past two years. Her first substantial project is this eatery.
“We see Laurel as Ariete’s younger sister. It’s a new approach to French brasserie food. Think Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, La Tour d’Argent in Paris,” states Chef Beltran.
Tom Lasher-Walker, the restaurant’s beverage director, provides modernized versions of classic cocktails such the Beneath the Sheets, which is created with aged rum and pineapple, and the Corpse Reviver Royal, a late 19th-century concoction made with gin, bubbles, and absinthe. Speaking of absinthe, there is a fountain behind the bar at Laurel where it is readily available. A sizable selection of champagnes and wines in the French and Old World styles completes the menu.
The restaurant’s interior, which is housed inside the flashy Miami Worldcenter, maintains the French concept throughout with its use of deep blue, gold, and dark wood. Two additional Ariete Hospitality eateries, Chug’s Express and El Vecino, will also make their Miami Worldcenter debuts in the upcoming months next to Laurel.
Favorites from Chug’s Diner including croquetas, pastelitos, and coffee will be available at the Chug’s Express “ventanita.” El Vecino, on the other hand, will be an upscale cigar bar that offers a full alcohol menu along with light meals including mussels, a variety of meat and cheese, a greek burger, foie torchon, and a variety of snacks.
The Scapegoat in Miami Beach, the Taurus in Coconut Grove, Ariete, Nave, Chug’s, and most recently, the Gibson Room on Coral Way make up the Ariete Hospitality Group’s fast-expanding restaurant portfolio.
Downtown Miami’s Brasserie Laural can be found at 698 NE 1st Avenue. They are open from 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday.
