Groundbreaking Officially Scheduled for District 225

District 225 in Downtown Miami
District 225 in Downtown Miami

Developers for one of the newest pre-construction towers in downtown Miami, District 225, have officially scheduled the groundbreaking for the third quarter of this year.

The Related Group along with ROVR Development and BH Group have been working tirelessly on the sales ever since the launch of the tower in 2021. Since then the development has 100% sold out.

District 225 will rise 37 stories tall and be built without a parking garage and will also be one of the first tower with direct listings on Airbnb.

The buyers for the tower included domestic transplants, remote workers, and domestic transplants as well as 50% of the buyers coming from South America.

According to Jon Paul Pérez, President of Related, “We launched District 225 as an experiment of sorts. And while we knew this unique product would resonate with buyers, the demand has surpassed even our most optimistic projections. Related has long been at the forefront of trends, and we are proud to once again be at the cutting-edge of the market.”

What makes this project unique is its home-sharing capabilities as well as its resort-style amenities. Siegler Suarez Architects partnered with Meshberg Group will be responsible for the design.

District 225 will total 343 unit spanning over 288,400 square feet with studios to 2 bedroom floor plans. Studio pricing will begin around $350,000 up to $700,000 for the 2-bedroom floor plans. There will also be 2,297 square feet of commercial space located on the main floor. 

District 225 Amenities

  • Rooftop pool
  • Fitness center
  • Indoor/outdoor basketball court
  • Racquetball court
  • Rock-climbing wall
  • Yoga/spinning studio
  • Coworking spaces
  • Lounge with billiard tables
  • Summer kitchen

Residence Amenities

  • Views of Biscayne Bay and Miami skyline
  • Fully finished and furnished studios, one-, and two-bedroom residences
  • 9.8-foot-high ceilings
  • Smart-home technology experience for seamless personalization with the touch of a button
  • Interiors designed by award-winning interior design firm Meshberg Design
  • Fully built-out closets in all residences curated by Meshberg Design
  • Includes integrated audio, video, window treatment, and lighting systems
  • Equipped with a contemporary lighting package, including recessed lighting, dimmers, and lighting control
  • Built-in, top-of-the-line washer and dryer
  • Flooring selections included with specifications recommended by Meshberg Design
  • Pre-wired for high-speed communications and data connection
  • Kitchens featuring custom Italian cabinetry curated by Meshberg Design
  • Smeg appliance package including an integrated, paneled microwave; dishwasher; built-in convection oven; and refrigerator/freezer
  • Master baths featuring rainfall showerhead and custom Italian vanities
  • Dornbracht and Duravit bathroom fixtures, features, and accessories

The building will be professionally managed by Atlantic & Pacific, which will have staff educated in all elements of Airbnb hosting, including listing, marketing, maintenance, and cleaning.

The Related Group Plans to Build on a Parcel of the North Miami Campus of Johnson & Wales University

Manor Biscayne by the Related Group
Manor Biscayne by the Related Group

On the former North Miami Campus of Johnson & Wales University, the Related Group is now under contract with a part of the land in an attempt to build a condo/apartment tower. The 3.12-acre lot is located at 1650 N.E. 124th Street of a block west of Biscayne Boulevard.

On March 8th, the City Council is scheduled to review the proposal for the tower now called, Manor Biscayne. The affiliate, RD Manor Biscayne LLC purchased the parking lot and a building for $12.25 million in July 2021.

Johnson & Wales University sold 25 acres of the campus to multiple buyers.

Manor Biscayne is set to rise 8 stories spanning over 372,559 square feet. The tower will feature 382 apartments, 9,335 square feet of retail, and 668 parking spaces with 13 electric charging stations.

Tower Amenities:

  • Pool
  • Courtyard
  • 2nd recreational courtyard
  • Fitness center
  • clubhouse

The units themselves would range from 600 to 1,500 square feet with 27 studios, 139 one-bedroom apartments, 173 two-bedroom units, and 44 three-bedroom units. There will also be a small selection of 2-story townhouses available.

RLC Architects are responsible for the design of the project.

The Related Group has many projects in the pipeline including the St. Regis Residences Miami, The Crosby Miami Worldcenter, and Casa Bella.

St. Regis Residences Miami Releases Tower Amenities and Residence Features

St. Regis Residences Miami
St. Regis Residences Miami

In December 2021, developers, The Related Group and Integra Investments announced the newest twin condominium towers, the St. Regis Residences Miami. Since then, little information about the project was released but today the tower amenities and residence features are officially out and they are impressive!

On a beachfront affordable housing site at on 1809 Brickell Avenue, the St. Regis Residences will rise 47 and 48 stories tall. The site itself will span over 3.16 acres with over 50,000 square feet of amenities.

Tower Amenities

  • 40,000 square feet of amenity space
  • On-premises ground floor, fine dining restaurant
  • Exclusive beach club access
  • Park-like grounds and lush terraces
  • State of the art media room
  • Business center with coffee bar and conference rooms
  • Children’s entertainment room
  • Teen video game lounge
  • Programmable golf simulator
  • Salon equipped for all beauty services
  • Pet spa, grooming and dog walking services
  • Private, secure climate controlled storage
  • Private marina
  • Fully equipped fitness center
  • Relaxation and juice bar
  • Indoor lap pool and cold plunge pool
  • Pilates and yoga studio
  • Salt spa room
  • Dual saunas and steam rooms
  • State of the art treatment room
  • Bayfront infinity pool and whirlpool with private cabanas
  • Poolside bar and cafe
  • Bayfront garden with seating area
  • St. Regis Butler service and in-room dining
  • St. Regis housekeeping services
  • St. Regis global membership privileges

31st Floor Sky Lounge

  • Double-height bar and lounge with water views
  • Signature St. Regis Cognac Room
  • Traditional St. Regis Tea Room
  • Billiards room
  • Catering Kitchen

Technologies

  • Keyless residential entry
  • Smart home climate and lighting control systems
  • State of the art fiber optic WI-FI service throughout residences and amenities
  • Easy to use St. Regis residents-only app

The luxury units are expected to range from 1,300 to 7,000 square feet with prices starting at $2 million with 354 available units.

The Residences

  • Private elevator and entry foyer to each residence
  • Double door entry in select residences
  • 11 foot ceilings with integrated linear diffusers in living areas
  • Custom European marble flooring throughout
  • European solid wood doorways
  • All homes feature a powder room and laundry room
  • Integrated smart home technology

Kitchens

  • Gourmet kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry designed by Rockwell Group
  • Marble countertops and backsplashes
  • Fully-integrated Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance packages, including:
    • Paneled refrigerator
    • Paneled freezer
    • Full-height wine refrigerator
    • Convection oven
    • Steam oven
    • Microwave
    • Dornbracht fixtures

Primary Suites and Bathrooms

  • Oversized walk-in closets
  • Midnight bar and butler’s pantry
  • Split marble top vanities with Dornbracht fixtures
  • Oversized marble showers and free-standing bathtubs
  • Private water closets with Toto toilets

The same architect who designed 220 Central Park South and 30 Park Place in New York will be the designer for this twin tower 354 unit development, Rober A.M Stern Architects. The interiors will be designed by the Rockwell Group, a New York-based design firm that is also responsible for NEMA and Treehouse Hotel.

Related and Integra expect a $2 billion sellout once the St. Regis Residences have been completed. The sales center is expected to launch in 2022 simultaneously with the sales. The ground breaking is expected to occur in 3rd quarter of 2022.

ROVR Development and Related Plan to Build 48 Story Tower in Downtown Miami- College Station

College Station by ROVR and The Related Group
College Station by ROVR and The Related Group

The Related Group is at it again with another tower proposed in downtown Miami. Along with the Miami Parking Authority, The Related Group, and ROVR Development are proposing to replace a downtown Miami parking garage with a 48-story development.

On Feb. 2, the Miami Off-Street Parking Board, or MPA, will vote on a 99-year lease and development agreement for the College Station Garage at 190 N.E. Third Street which is very close to Miami Dade College.

When the MPA received an unsolicited proposal for the property in July 2021, the process began. It solicited public bids for the property and received bids from College Station Partners LLC, a joint venture with The Related Group and ROVR Development, as well as Terra of Miami. On January 19, an MPA review committee gave College Station Partners’ bid a higher grade for the development.

The College Station project would include 1.88 million square feet of space and include 1,200 residences, 8,214 square feet of retail space, 33,865 square feet of public service space, 30,000 square feet of amenities, and 1,357 parking spots.

The completed facility would contain the same number of public parking spots as the present garage, which will be demolished. The MPA would own these spaces.

The developer stated that 20% of the units would be affordable housing for seniors earning up to 50% of the local median income, while the other 15% would be worker housing for those earning up to 140% of the area median income. Miami’s current median family income is $39,000.

According to the proposal, the public service space might be used for a fire station or an urgent care clinic to support the downtown’s fast-rising population, including a not-for-profit art’s center.

The units would range from 360 to 1,310 square feet in size. There would be 138 studio apartments, 636 one-bedroom apartments, 354 two-bedroom apartments, and 72 three-bedroom apartments.

The lease is expected to be signed in the first quarter of 2023, taking up to 60 months to construct. The application said that the developers would have to establish alternate parking arrangements for tenants of the adjoining Downtown Lofts I and II condos, which would use this garage for parking, during the construction time.

According to the lease’s proposed financial terms, College Station Partners would pay the MPA $500,000 upfront, about $2 million per year during construction to compensate for missed parking revenue and 10% of the project’s net cash flows for rent following completion. According to the developers, this would equate to a $1.27 billion economic gain to the MPA over the life of the 99-year lease, not including the value of the new public parking garage.

Related Group along with W5 Group Break Ground on Wynwood Project-W28

Wynwood's W28
Wynwood's W28

In Miami’s Wynwood art’s district, the Related Group has partnered with W5 Group on a massive mixed-use project. According to a press conference, the Related Group has officially began construction with the ground breaking of the project, W28.

W5 Group has been the lead equity partner in the development, committing 80% of the capital for the project. The location of the development will be at 33, 45, and 51 NW 28th Street in Wynwood. The tower is being designed by Arquitectonica.

W28 will feature 200 fully furnished units that will be designed for co-living. The development will also feature 3,600 square feet of ground floor retail, co-working space, common areas, fitness center, rooftop pool, and outdoor space for activities.

The concept came to the founder of W5 because he believed that millennials needed affordable house with a co-living concept.

“As neighborhoods become more desirable, young people are often priced out. Co-living is an exciting proposition that offers tremendous value, enabling them to experience modern living in highly attractive units – all while meeting like-minded individuals and forming rewarding new bonds in coveted metropolitan areas,” stated found of W5.

The Related Group purchased the 2.1 acre site for $6.5 million in June 2021 for the 3 properties that consisted of a 12-unit apartment building, 4 bedroom house, and an additional vacant lot.

The Related Group has already completed Wynwood 25, a different co-living project that was co-developed along with East End Capital. The Related Group is also planning an additional project located at 2801 NW 3rd Avenue that they paid $32 million for last year.

“According to The Related Group executive vice president Jon Perez. “This collaboration with W5 Group is consistent with our commitment to ensuring that every new project in Wynwood, regardless of size and scale, enhances the neighborhood’s livability without compromising its rich culture.”

The Related Group Plans for Demolition of Site for New Tower-Miami Station

Related Group Plans New Tower
Related Group Plans New Tower

In January 2021, the developer, the Related Group revealed plans for a proposed transit-oriented tower called Miami Station. Now, plans are rolling out to begin demolition and preparation for construction.

The pre-construction site located at 525-533 NW 2nd Ave in the Overtown district of Miami recently filed to begin demolishing the current parking garage that sits on the site. The remains of the parking garage is that of the Logik office tower that stopped mid-construction during the recession in 2008. The concrete shell of the garage has never been utilized.

A separate lot is adjacent to MiamiCentral Station and is also the former site of the Krystal Tower that was never completed. A separate lot next door with the once planned tower, Avery MiamiCentral will eventually be added to the Miami Station site plan.

Once construction begins, the proposed tower will rise 41 stories at 459 feet tall. The proposed plans would include 309 apartments, over 200,000 square feet of office space, over 8,000 square feet of retail, and 510 parking spaces.

Units will feature studio to 3 bedroom floor plans a well as a few penthouse units ranging from 460 to 1428 square feet of living space.

The office space will occupy the first 12 floors with 13-foot slab to slab heights. The residential units will occupy the higher floors with 10-foot slab to slab heights.

Development Information

  • Developer: The Related Group
  • Demolition Contractor: BG Group
  • Architect: ODP
  • Structural engineer: B+J Consulting Engineers
  • MEP Engineer: Feller Engineering
  • Landscape Architect: Dixie Landscape
  • Exterior and Finishes: Facade +Envelope

Amenities

  • 22nd-floor amenity deck
  • rooftop pool
  • Landscaped deck
  • Dog park
  • Several outdoor terraces

The date for the groundbreaking has not been set.

Related Group CEO Lists Coconut Grove Mansion for $33 Million

Coconut Grove Miami
Coconut Grove Waterfront Mansions
Photo Credit: The Jills Zeder Group

Related Group’s CEO Jorge Pérez, also known as the “Condo King,” recently listed his Miami home for $33 million. Located in Coconut Grove at 3323 Devon Court in Huges Cove, a gated community south of downtown Miami. Huges Cove features a total of 10 homes, each with custom architecture overlooking Biscayne Bay.

The Venetian-style mansion is sited on 0.92 acres with over 8,000 square feet of living space. With 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, this unique home was built in 1996 as the family home of Pérez. The Venetian style is evident throughout with its beige travertine floors, light, and airy feel throughout, as well as classic touches of Italian artistry.

Related Group Sells Coconut Grove Mansion
Photo Credit: The Jills Zeder Group
Waterfront Mansion with Firepit
Photo Credit: The Jills Zeder Group

The property is truly a dream with resort amenities, including an infinity pool, spa, and gardens all on 482 feet of water frontage. The property also features exclusive water rights, a boat dock, and incredible views of Biscayne Bay.

According to tax records, Pérez originally purchased the home for $1.45 million in 1994. More recently, Pérez has sold his Apogee Beach penthouse for $6 million as well as the Related Group sold their Miami headquarters for $24 million.

3323 Devon Ct, Miami, FL 33133 in Coconut Grove
Photo Credit: The Jills Zeder Group

The Related Group is a development company that started in Miami in 1979. Over the years, they have built iconic towers that have enhanced the Miami skyline. Related has built and managed over 100,000 condo towers. Their current projects include; They are currently working on 1400 Biscayne, District 225, and Baccarat Residences Miami.

If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing any of the Related Group units, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Master Bedroom in Coconut Grove Mansion
Photo Credit: The Jills Zeder Group

Check Out the LED Displays in the Motorcourt of SLS Brickell

SLS Brickell LED DIsplay
When we went on our hard hat tour of SLS Brickell last month, our contact from the hotel mentioned an artistic LED display was going to be installed on the ceiling of the motorcourt. It seemed intriguing enough at the time, but I was anxious to go inside the building and didn’t pay much mind to the concept. Yesterday I noticed that the display is now live and it stopped me in my tracks!

On the ceiling there are circular LED displays scattered throughout and they each run a loop of a different scene. Sometimes the scenes are orchestrated together, sometimes they are completely different and sometimes they are all the same. I’m not sure whether this is a test run or if it will always vary, but the entire display is certainly attention-grabbing.

Some of the scenes are pretty and calming, some are inspirational and thought-provoking and some are downright creepy. How very Phillipe Starck. Here is a sample of one of the scenes. It features dancers dressed up like white goats and spelling out different phrases with their bodies. I found these costumes really creepy, but it still held my attention. What do you think?

The LED installation on the ceiling of the motorcourt at SLS Brickell is running! What do you think?

A video posted by Miami Condo Investments (@miamicondoinvestments) on

IconBrickell Pool To Close For 12 to 14 Months

Icon Brickell Pool Closing

Residents of IconBrickell and the Viceroy Hotel (W Hotel) are in for a hot and dry summer, as their famed pool deck will be closed for renovations/repair. Our sources have confirmed that the Icon Brickell pool closing is expected to begin around February 2016 and the work is estimated to be completed in 12 to 14 months.

It has been reported that the Icon Brickell pool renovations will include re-tiling of the pool deck for safety reasons (because the tiles used by the developer are too slippery for use on a pool deck). Others have reported that leaks in the pool have caused damage to the spa and gym below; however, the management office has not cited at this time the exact reason for the closing.

IconBrickell opened in 2008 to rave reviews but few sales due to the economic downturn. The amenities in particular won awards and accolades for their grandiose, superb quality and design. Developed by Related Group, Arquitectonica was chosen as the architecture firm and Philippe Starck handled the interior design. IconBrickell was among the first condo developments to rebound from the economic downturn in Miami. Average sale prices for the second quarter of 2015 have been reported at $583 per square foot for the three towers or $796,000 and rentals have averaged $3,150 per month for the same period.

The pool closing at Icon Brickell has been well known among residents and the real estate community for several months. As such, listings at Icon Brickell have already begun to price in the negative impact that the pool closing is expected to have.

Another Miami Condo Lawsuit

50 Biscayne

CBS4’s correspondent, David Sutta, reported tonight about yet another lawsuit involving a Miami condo developer. The lawsuit was filed against the Related Group of Florida by contract holders who decided to walk away from their 20 percent deposit at 50 Biscayne. Apparently, the contract agreement stipulates that contract holders are entitled to 25 percent of their deposit money if they decide not to close. The lawsuit was filed because this money was never returned.

From the details that I’ve heard about the lawsuit, the plaintiff has a strong case against the developer. It seems to be a simple oversight in not including certain language that may have otherwise protected the developer. We shall see if condo litigation specialist, Beck & Lee, will be successful in getting their clients their money back.