Okan Group Officially Breaks Ground on 70 Story Okan Tower
On Friday, June 17, the community along with Miami notables gathered to witness the groundbreaking for Okan Tower, a new Downtown Miami megaplex with residences centered by a Hilton Hotel. The tulip-inspired design of Okan Tower, the largest Turkish investment in the United States, is a nod to the nation’s national flower.
This project will be Okan Group’s first development in the United States. Located at 555 North Miami Avenue, the 70-story Okan Tower, which will stand 902 feet tall, would rank among Miami’s highest structures. The tower has 64,000 square feet of “Class A” office space, 236 Short-Term Rental Residences powered by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, 163 Sky Residences with special owners-only facilities, and a 316-key Hilton Miami Bayfront Hotel with a full suite of amenities and entertainment spaces, etc.
The Okan Tower was created by the eminent architecture company Behar Font & Partners, whose stunning façade curves were influenced by the tulip, the Turkish flag flower.
The Okan Group manages a large portfolio of renowned mixed-use projects that have given the company a worldwide reputation in the construction, banking, textile, production, and tourism industries, among others.
Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez, former Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildrim, Turkish Ambassador to the United States Murat Mercan, Turkish Consulate of Miami Feyza Barutcu Altug, former Turkish Consul of Miami Burc Ceylan, Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales, Commissioner Ken Russell, and Fortune International CEO Edgardo Defortuna were among the dignitaries present for the groundbreaking
Amenities:
24-hour reception and concierge
70th-floor rooftop pool and sky deck with private cabanas
12th-floor lap pool with clubroom and lounges
State-of-the-art health and fitness center with yoga studio, Peloton bikes, and fitness MIRROR.
Sauna, steam, and treatment rooms
Children’s sensory and playroom
Theater
Wine cellar
Owner’s lounge
The completion date for Okan Tower is set to be complete in 2026. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Okan Tower, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
New Japanese Steakhouse Coming to Brickell by Bad Bunny and David Grutman
Bad Bunny is partnering with David Grutman and his hospitality group, Groot Hospitality, to open a new Japanese steakhouse known as Gekko. Coming this July to Miami’s Brickell, Gekko will be located under the SLS Lux tower at 801 S. Miami Avenue where Katsuya is currently located.
Its menu will feature prime cuts and various Wagyu beef dishes with dashes of Korean BBQ spices. Guests may also expect sophisticated table-side culinary displays, such as flame-seared steak courses, as well as traditional Japanese fare including a full sushi menu and a six-seat omakase bar.
Gekko’s design will be created by The Rockwell Group, and will have “luxurious-yet-contemporary” graphic wall coverings, jewel tones, light and natural wood accents, and seating for 185 guests. On the very colorful and Instagrammable South Miami Avenue area, the location is located on the northwestern ground floor portion of the SLS Lux Brickell tower.
Gekko will join Grutman and Groot Hospitality’s ever-expanding Miami restaurant portfolio, which already includes Papi Steak, Komodo, and Key Club, as well as Swan and Strawberry Moon, his two restaurants with Pharrell Williams.
The Japanese word “Gekko” means “moonlight,” which is appropriate for a city known for its nightlife. It’s also a double entendre reference to Michael Douglas’ famous Wall Street character Gordon Gekko. “On the day we were deciding on a name, Bunny was smitten with ‘Gekko. That night, I watched a Carl Icahn documentary,” Grutman says. “It all came together, and we had it.”
Cavalli Tower Proposed at Champlain Tower South Site
DAMAC Properties recently announced that it has officially received approval to purchase land in the Surfside neighborhood of Miami in a $120 million deal. This land is none other than the site where the Champlain Tower South deadly collapse occurred just last year. DAMAC Properties intends on building a luxury branded tower on the site, Cavalli.
The site itself is located at 8777 Collins Ave Surfside featuring 1.8 acres and was sold to DAMAC through a court process and without any other competing bids on the property.
Prior to DAMAC taking an interest in the site, it was listed for $95.6 million. Sajwani offered the $120 million with the stipulation that he would obtain possession by the spring of 2022. One of the other stipulations was that Sajwani had to pay a $16 million deposit to make the contract valid.
Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties stated, “DAMAC Properties has long been eyeing development opportunities in Miami. We see the city, which is known for being a luxury and fashion centre, as a natural fit for our Company, which has an established reputation for its branded luxury offerings.”
While this is Sajwani’s first United States development, he has an extensive portfolio with establishments of his company in global cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Baghdad, and London. Sajwani has heavily invested in luxury fashion, real estate, hospitality, and manufacturing.
According to Sajwani, “Our global expansion into the United States marks a major milestone and demonstrates that DAMAC is a force to be reckoned with. This is an exciting time, and we have a lot in store.”
In November Rosso Development along with Standard International announced their collaboration on a development project in Midtown Miami, The Standard Residences. Now, the Standard has reached 70% sold in only 5 months.
Situated between the Design District and Wynwood, the Standard Residences will rise 12 stores and will feature 228 luxury hotel branded units curated by Urban Robot and Standard International. Arquitectonica is listed as the architect on the project.
The luxury units range from 432 to 965 square feet of living space with studio to two-bedroom floor plan options still available. Prices will range from $469,900 to $949,900
Price Breakdown
Studios starting at $469,900
1-bedroom starting at $699,900
1-Bedroom + Den starting at $809,900
2-bedrooms starting at $949,900
The units will feature cubby kitchens designed by Urban Robot, expansive 6′ deep terraces, and master baths with double showers. Unit owners will be able to rent their units for periods of up to 30 days with exclusive benefits to friends and family.
Amenities:
35,000 square feet of amenities
10,000 square feet of retail space
Expansive lobby with lounge areas and a cafe
Rooftop restaurant
Bar
60-foot resort-style pool
Sweat room and fitness center
Indoor pickleball court
Yoga and stretch studios
Karaoke bar
Pet Spa
Party room
Carols Rosso, owner of Rosso Development has stated that this is his first major development since he left the Related Group. Rosso hinted at additional Standard-branded residential projects in the pipeline.
Standard International, currently operates 16 hotels in the United States and across the world and owns a waterfront hotel on the Venetian Islands in Miami Beach named the Standard Spa.
The sales gallery is still under construction and is expected to be completed in June 2022. Construction on the actual tower has already started and the expected completion date is in 2023.
Two Roads Development Buys $150 Million Edgewater Site for a 3 Tower Project
Two Roads Development recently purchased a $150 million development site in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, with the intent to build a 3-tower luxury condominium complex.
With the purchase of Biscayne 21, a 1960s-era condo with 191 units, Two Roads obtained the 3.5-acre beachfront lot located at 2121 North Bayshore Drive for $150 million.
Arquitectonica’s Bernardo Fort-Brescia will design the tower, which will contain branded apartments and luxury condo units.
Three Roads Development plans to build the 3 towers rising 60 stories tall or about 649 feet tall with up to 750 residential units and apartments.
The sellers which include 176 unit owners, were represented by an Avison Young team led by John Crotty and Michael Fay. More than two years ago, the unit owners came together and hired Avison Young to offer their property in bulk to Two Roads Development.
According to the Avison Young team, the unit owners were able “to negotiate for a multiple of more than three times what the sellers would have sold their individual units for on a one-off basis.”
Two Roads is a West Palm Beach and Miami-based developer that is known for its other towers including Elysee and Biscayne Beach.
First Rendering Revealed of New Supertall Tower by Major Food Group-Major Residences
JDS Development Group has partnered with Major Food Group to build one of the tallest residential towers in Brickell. Today, the developer has released the first official rendering along with some construction updates.
The project (now renamed 888) will be located at 888 Brickell Avenue with 259 branded units. Rising 82 stories or 1,049 feet tall and just over 1 million square feet in, this will be Major Food Groups’ first residential project.
Studio Sofield is the architect designing the tower, lobby, and units. Ken Fulk Inc. will be responsible for the club, food, and beverage spaces.
With Major Food Group expansion in South Florida with Carbone, ZZ’s, and many more, you can expect to have 2 to 3 Major Food Group restaurants and bars.
Major Food Group has more than 30 restaurants, clubs, and hotels in the United States and overseas. This project is currently being reviewed by Miami-Dade planners for approval.
There are currently 8 supertall towers planned for Miami including:
Construction at one of the newest Brickell towers, Una Residences Miami has gone vertical. Recently, a tower crane was seen being installed to begin the actual construction of the tower.
Since the project began construction in 2022, the developers began with one of the most extensive projects of the construction, the underground parking garage. At 100,000 square feet, the garage is considered one of the most expensive and deepest garages in Miami with the ability to house 236 cars. The garage itself is 3 stores below sea level.
With the parking garage located under the building, the developers were able to increase the height of the lobby and include 20-foot tall glass windows that will overlook the pool deck.
UNA Residences will feature floor-to-ceiling glass surfaces on every floor ‘reflecting the Miami sunshine,’ 10′ 8″ foot ceilings in every residence, and the most spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the Rickenbacker causeway. Prices for these remarkable units range from $942,000 to $6,643,000.
BUILDING FEATURES
135 luxury condominium residences
Iconic 45-story waterfront condominium
2 to 5 bedroom residences ranging from 1,100 to 4,786 sq ft
Unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and the city skyline
High-efficiency and noise-reducing floor-to-ceiling exterior glass
Three levels of underground parking
RESIDENCE FEATURES
Private elevator entries into each residence
Expansive terraces with effortless “lift-and-glide” floor-to-ceiling doors and glass balcony railings
10’8″ ceiling heights, above Miami standard
Chef’s kitchens with Gaggenau ovens, electric induction cooktops, microwaves, dishwashers, and refrigerators/freezers
Master suites with separate his and hers closets and bathrooms
Utility rooms with full-sized washers and dryers
Flow-through residences with east-to-west ocean and city exposures on the top floors
Two penthouses, each with a private pool and 11’7″ to 12’4″ ceilings
AMENITIES
Bayfront pool
Outdoor lap pool
Family pool
Jacuzzi
Catering kitchen
Kids’ splash-pad area
Owners’ lounge
Private dining/party room
Movie theater
Kids’ playroom
Outdoor lounge
Baywalk access
State-of-the-art fitness center, with yoga and personal training areas, plus his and hers dressing rooms
Private marina
Spa with steam room and sauna, as well as indoor and outdoor private massage treatment rooms overlooking the bay
Dedicated beauty suite for private hairstyling, manicure, and pedicure appointments
Beautifully landscaped outdoor terraces
Dog-walk area
Private air-conditioned storage areas
SERVICES
24-hour concierge service
Combination of valet service and self-parking
Package room
UNA Residences Miami is estimated to be completed summer of 2022. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Una Residences, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
First Look: Bentley Residences Scale Model and Sales Center Revealed
Today our team got the privilege of being the first to tour the new Bentley Residences Miami Sales Center and the one word that keeps playing through our heads is stunning. This sales center is so unique and every detail is so intricate that we cannot even begin to describe what we saw and heard…but I am going to try.
For starters, the exterior of the sales center is insane (in a good way). When you approach the building, you immediately notice the rust-colored Bentley statue. The outside of the building appears to be all glass reflecting the statue creating a diamond-like effect. The massive Bentley logo is located right outside the entrance.
Once you enter the gallery of the building, you immediately notice the inlaid lighting on the granite floors wrapping around but upward towards the ceiling creating a unique lighting experience. The lounge features comfortable seating and beautiful hardwood floors, and just around the corner is a sky blue Bentley.
During our tour, the scale model arrived at the sales center and we got to see the assembly of the model.
A model residence is just after the scale model. Once you enter, you immediately notice the 4 car garage that each residence will offer. After you exit your private elevator to your foyer, an expansive window overlooks your private pool. The open floor plan showcases a custom kitchen, attractive sitting area, and automatically retracting balcony doors. The innovative doors lead to an expansive terrace with a summer kitchen and access to your private pool.
More About Bentley Residences
Bentley Residences will be located at 18401 Collins Avenue and will be considered the world’s first Bentley-branded residential building. The tower will rise 60 stories and feature what only the Bentley brand can offer.
Featuring 216 fully finished units, each condo will showcase open indoor-outdoor floorplans, an in-unit garage with a car elevator, a private balcony, a sauna, floor to ceilings windows, and a pool. These units begin at $4.2 million.
Bentley Residences Amenities
State-of-the-art fitness center
Pool with cabanas
Spa
Restaurant
Whiskey bar
Cigar lounge
Cinema
Landscaped gardens
Dezervator car elevator
Construction is set to begin in 2023 with completion in 2026. If you or someone you know have any interest in purchasing at Bentley Residences, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.
Sales for Waldorf Astoria Miami Hotel and Residences Reaches 84% Sold
Developers for the Waldorf Astoria Miami Hotel and Residences have just announced that sales have officially reached 84% prior to breaking ground on the construction site. This is of no surprise considering most the demand for new construction condos in Miami.
Sales were launched in March 2021, and they claim that the market has been so robust that 75 percent of the inventory has been sold in the first nine months.
The 100-story tower assembled to look like staggered glass boxes in downtown Miami is the result of a collaboration between PMG, Greybrook Realty Partners, and Hilton. Rising 1,048 feet tall, Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Residences Miami will be the tallest Miami tower and Miami’s first supertall skyscraper.
This luxury project will include 360 condo residences, 205-key hotel rooms operated by Waldorf Astoria.
Towe Amenities:
Private bar/wine tasting room
Signature restaurant
Meeting and boardrooms
All-day dining brasserie
Waldorf Astoria Kids Club
Peacock Alley
True Waldorf service and concierge
24-hour valet parking
Waldorf Astoria immersive resort-style pool with outdoor cafe and private cabanas
24-hour doormen and lobby desk attendants
Live-in resident manager and 24-hour security
24-hour concierge services as well as access to dedicated on-site professionals
Signature spa
A leading-edge fitness center with private training studios
Owners Lounge with high ceilings, billiard and entertainment room, and adjacent catering kitchen
Private residential pool deck with whirlpools and lounging areas
Frontdoor package and service delivery via signature Concierge Closet
Exclusive Waldorf Astoria Miami access and benefits, including preferred spa and restaurant rates and access to a la carte hotel services
Residence Features:
The latest “smart building” technology with a custom Waldorf Astoria Residences app linking residents to 24-hour concierge services and building amenities
10-foot-high ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows sporting stunning views of the city, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean
All residential interiors designed by award-winning interior design firm BAMO
A contemporary lighting package including recessed lighting, dimmers, and lighting control
Includes integrated audio, video, and lighting systems
Fully built-out closets in all residences curated by BAMO
Flooring selections included with specifications recommended by BAMO
Built-in top-of-the-line in-unit washer and dryer
Valet parking included
Pre-wired for high-speed communications and data connection
Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance package with wine storage and integrated paneled microwave, dishwasher, built-in convection oven, and refrigerator/freezer
Kitchens featuring custom Italian cabinetry curated by BAMO
Dornbracht and Duravit bathroom fixtures and accessories
Master bathrooms with rainfall showers and custom Italian vanities
The building was designed by Carlos Ott and Sieger Suarez Architects. The design will resemble nine large, staggered/stacked glass cubes. The interiors of Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami were designed by BAMO.
According to the developers, the ground-breaking is expected to be this summer. Residences start at $1 million and the tower is expected to be complete in 2025.
