Developers for Lofty Brickell Acquire $170 Million Construction Loan
Newgard Development Group, the Miami-based real estate company led by Harvey Hernandez recently acquired a $170 million construction loan for Lofty Brickell.
Lofty Brickell is a 44-story apartment tower that is a component of a three-building and marina project proposed by the Coconut Grove-based 3650 REIT. The 1.6-acre construction site located at 99 Southwest Seventh Street on the Miami River.
According to the press release, Lofty Brickell will contain a private marina, a members-only social club, and an NFT art collection for unit owners.
Similar to its sister tower, NATIIVO (which sold out less in less than a year) Lofty will feature 380 units of fully finished and furnished interiors that will be available for rent nightly, daily, and/or monthly. Residents will have the option of self-managing their units (VRBO or Airbnb) or using Lofty’s onsite management.
Rising 44 stories, Lofty will feature studio, 1, and 2 bedroom floor plans with 485 to 930 square feet options. Pricing starts at $493k for a studio. There will also be available penthouses but the information hasn’t been released as of now.
Designed by internationally acclaimed, Arquitectonica, interiors will be designed by a New York-based interior design company INC New York. Developer Harvey Hernandez is also responsible for Brickell House and Centro towers. Hernandez purchased Lofty lot for $50 million
Lofty will feature a number of wonderful amenities including a butler service, rooftop pool, car service, and a 5-star restaurant that hasn’t been disclosed. This tower will also include a private marina with available docks for boating.
Building Amenities
Exotic resort pool with pool-side cabanas
Bar and grill on pool deck 24/7
Co-working lounge Private meeting rooms
Event room with exclusive terrace
A fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center with HD TVs and wireless audio Private Peloton studios Yoga lounge and terrace
LOFTY Rooftop Experience
Residence Features
Urban luxury residences with modern open layouts from 485SF—930SF Studio, one and two-bedroom units
All residences are delivered fully finished and furnished specially curated by INC
Panoramic Miami River, and Miami skyline views
Private balconies for every residence
Corner units offer wrap-around balconies
High ceilings ranging from 9’ to 11’
Owner closets in every residence
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and sound attenuating impact-resistant laminated glass throughout
Advanced technology Smart Building wiring for HD TV,
Multiple telephone /data lines and ultra-high-speed internet access
Individually controlled energy-efficient central air conditioning and heating system
Kitchen
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pulls
Top of the line appliance package including stainless steel refrigerator, oven, cook-top, microwave, dishwasher and sink disposal
Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
Contemporary stainless steel under-mounted sink
High-arc gourmet faucet with integral sprayer
Master Bathroom
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pulls
Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
Eighty percent of the tower’s units are under contract and Newgard anticipates starting construction in the fourth quarter of this year. When Newgard paid $50.5 million for the Brickell-area property in September, 3650 REIT also gave the developer a $55 million acquisition loan. The new construction loan was obtained by Lotus Capital Partners under the direction of Faisal Ashraf.
If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Lofty Brickell, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.
830 Brickell Tops off Construction in Miami’s Financial District
As it nears completion later this year, Civic Construction has topped off 830 Brickell, Miami’s first Class A office tower to be constructed in the urban core in more than ten years, at 55 floors (724 feet tall).
In addition, 830 Brickell is the only Class A office tower being constructed in Miami’s Financial District at a time when national and international businesses are relocating and developing there. It was developed by OKO Group and Cain International.
Microsoft, Blackstone, Thoma Bravo, A-CAP, CI Financial Corp., Marsh Insurance, AerCap, and WeWork are just a few of the prestigious tenants that have signed leases on the 640,000 square foot office skyscraper, which is already more than 60% leased. One of the biggest airplane leasing firms in the world, AerCap, obtained a 20,000 square foot lease in February and will be moving its new offices to the entire 50th floor.
An investment company from Canada called CI Financial stated a month earlier that it would quadruple the size of its lease at 830 Brickell, increasing it from the previous 20,000 square feet to around 40,000 square feet for its American headquarters.
To house its Latin American regional team, Microsoft inked a lease for 50,000 square feet in September. Private equity firm Thoma Bravo also negotiated a lease for 50,000 square feet, beginning in the spring of 2021.
In Miami, where the city’s business-friendly atmosphere, quick population expansion, and appealing climate are promoting office investment and development, 830 Brickell is currently the largest office skyscraper under construction. As of June, the active pipeline consisted of nearly 2.4 million square feet of office space spread over 18 sites, according to data from CommercialEdge. The Brickell submarket and central business district saw the most of the construction.
In Miami, where the city’s business-friendly atmosphere, quick population expansion, and appealing climate are promoting office investment and development, 830 Brickell is currently the largest office skyscraper under construction. As of June, the active pipeline consisted of nearly 2.4 million square feet of office space spread over 18 sites, according to data from CommercialEdge. The Brickell submarket and central business district saw the most of the construction.
In a prepared statement, Vlad Doronin, chairman and chief executive officer of OKO Group, stated that 830 Brickell is meeting the needs of prestigious users from all over the world who are drawn to the tower’s new quality of construction, technology, and design-led services.
The $300 million construction loan from MSD Capital, secured in 2019, was used to fund the project, which was created by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Once the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, building plans were modified to include the most recent health standards for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as contactless entrance and exit technologies. Construction started that year.
The property, which will be near the intersection of Brickell Plaza and SE 9th Street, will feature sweeping views of both the city and Biscayne Bay. Iosa Ghini Associati, an Italian architecture and design firm, is creating the interiors of the tower.
Building Amenities:
Rooftop bar/lounge
Fine dinning restaurant
Health and wellness center
Conferencing facilities
Outdoor terrace
Cafes
Street level retail
The Metrorail and Metromover, the Brightline, walking and cycling trails, and bay access points are just a few of the close transportation alternatives. Design District, Wynwood, Edgewater, and Miami Beach are just a few of the best residential and lifestyle neighborhoods in Miami that are close by.
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.
Renderings Revealed for Miami Freedom Park
With all of the news surrounding the FIFA World Cup and Miami bid, another great announcement was made for the Miami Freedom Park with new renderings and development plans showcasing the major project.
According to the developers, the newest renderings were revised after the first meeting with the Miami Review Board and this newest proposal includes not only exterior renderings but site sections, area enhancements, and updated design visions.
The revised proposal shows the plan will include a 600,000 sq. ft. retail and soccer village, 25,000 seat stadium, 750 hotel rooms, 400,000 sq. ft. office, and 5,100 parking spaces.
Some of the enhancements noted in the revised proposal include new pedestrian access points, crosswalk connections, and pedestrian path improvements.
The hearing to discuss the project was scheduled to be reviewed last week with Miami’s Urban Development Review Board. One of the conclusions for the review included the vote to move the Miami Commissioners offices into the new administrative buildings at Miami Freedom Park.
Arquitectonica is listed as the architect for the project. Although the project is located at the end of one of the Miami International Airport runways, it will be in compliance with the Federal Aviation Association height restrictions.
One of the biggest concerns for the Miami Freedom Park is that building the 1+ million square feet of commercial space will affect the surrounding neighborhoods and will clog area streets.
Edgewater Tower Proposed by Aimco is Denied Approval
After a city of Miami board refused to recommend approval of Aimco’s plans for a luxury rental tower in Edgewater, the developer is determined to revaluate the development plans and come up with a solution to get these plans moving forward.
After identifying a number of “serious concerns” with the design, members of the Miami Urban Development Review Board voted on Wednesday to reject plans for the proposed mixed-use development across from Aimco’s Hamilton on the Bay tower. Despite the board’s rejection, Aimco can still seek approval for the project.
The board was initially split on whether or not to recommend acceptance of the proposals with conditions, with three members voting in favor and three voting against. As a result, the developer can either withdraw its application and start the process all over again, or the board can vote to decline the recommendation, allowing the developer to submit amended plans to the planning director for final approval.
Aimco’s attorney, Tony Recio, a partner at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, said the developer is examining the board’s ideas and looks forward to “addressing their criticisms with the planning director” as the project moves further. Recio submitted the concept to the board of directors on Wednesday.
Though they praised the project’s overall design, board members expressed concerns about circulation on the ground level, including how residents and restaurant customers would access parking, apartments, and the restaurant, as well as loading and trash collection, landscaping, and an oversized mail room.
At 555, 560, 600, 610, 620, 630, and 640 Northeast 34th Street, Aimco, a publicly traded multifamily real estate investment company located in Denver, has proposed a 60-story, 241-unit tower. On more than an acre of land, the construction would include a new parking structure and 4,700 square feet of commercial space for a restaurant on the bottom level facing the water.
Aimco has made a significant investment in Edgewater. It paid over $90 million for the Hamilton on the Bay rental complex, which is currently undergoing substantial renovations, nearly two years ago. A nearby vacant lot and a modest rental building were included in the purchase.
Following the cancellation of its tenants’ leases at the Hamilton last year, Aimco purchased premises across the street, where the new project would be built.
YotelPad Has Officially Opened to Guests
As of yesterday, YotelPad has officially opened to guests for the first time since construction has been completed. Sales for the tower began in late 2020 and the development sold out within 15 months after breaking ground.
Developed in a joint venture between Aria Development Group and AQARAT, YotelPad Miami is located at 227 NE Second Street in downtown Miami. The tower include 231 residential units while the hotel features 222 hotel rooms.
Condo units that range from 417 SF studios to 708 SF two-bedrooms. These units are located on floors 15 through 30. There are also 222 hotel units branded by the Yotel Britsh chain that occupy the lower levels of the tower.
Although the units have sold out even without a parking garage, prices for the condo units ranged from $450,000 to $500,000 and the developers have confirmed that more than half of the buyers were from China, Mexico, and Columbia.
The units will also feature high-end appliances including an Electrolux washer and dryer, Grohe and Toto bath fixtures, Smart thermostats, Smart Lock System, and custom furniture packages.
Tower Amenities:
Elevated deck with pool, hot tub, and bar
Full-service restaurant and bar with outdoor paseo
Organic matcha bar
State-of-the-art fitness center
Private meeting rooms with co-working space
Valet parking
TransitScreen displays all your mobility options, in real-time
Private residential lobby with destination dispatch elevators
24-hour security and concierge
Secure storage unit for each residence
Enclosed bicycle storage
Skytop Lounge featuring a game area and chef’s kitchen
Digital package concierge
Stantec is the architect behind Yotelpad. Each unit offers carefully cultivated floorplans with integrated living and dining areas. The fully-finished interiors feature contemporary flooring with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with a European kitchen and baths showcase custom cabinetry with stone finishes as well as Smeg Designer Italian appliances.
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:
Tibor Hollo’s Record-Breaking Sale and the Development of Miami’s Brickell
Florida East Coast Realty, owned by Tibor Hollo just sold a Miami Brickell development site for a record price, $363 million, to a company in Delaware under the name Florida LLC. The sale price equated to around $3,340 per square foot or around $145 million per acre.
The 2.5-acre site itself is located at 1201 Brickell Bay Drive and has been in limbo for a major development to come in and utilize the property. It is currently approved for 2 supertall towers rising 1,049 feet tall.
The original plan also included 1,120 residential condo units with underground parking and a walkway connecting the two towers. This project itself was referred to as Villa Magna and was proposed in 2006-07 but was later canceled in 2007.
Florida East Coast Realty, Corigin Real Estate Group, and McCourt Global Properties originally planned the 2 tower development with British architect Foster + Partners.
The buyer LLC (Florida LLC) was created in March 2022 and is managed by Randall Davis, a Houston developer. Although listed as a Delaware company, Randall Davis has a Chicago address.
According to county records, Florida East Coast Realty paid $15.5 million for the property in 2000. The current acquisition outperforms the previous record price for the property, established in 2011 when Genting Group paid $236 million for a 14-acre site that was the longtime home of the Miami Herald in downtown Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District.
Tibor Hollo is an American real estate developer and founder of Florida East Coast Realty. Hollo was born in Budapest, Hungary, and obtained his degree in architecture from Ecole Polytechnique Institute before immigrating to the United States with $18 in his pocket.
Before becoming a big name in real estate, he worked at a curtain factory and shortly after became an estimator for a general contractor. He worked at a curtain factory before landing a job as an estimator for a general contractor. During this work, he noticed that a lot of contractors were turning down jobs in New York so he started his own firm. In 1956, on a business trip, he fell in love with South Florida and then sold his contracting company and moved to Miami. He later founded East Coast Realty in 1972.
According to his biography, Hollo only works on one project at a time and never borrows more than 40% of the cost of the project. Hollo is responsible for the creation of the Vizcaya Tower, Opera Tower, Biscayne Bay Marriott, and the Panorama Tower.
Closings Begin at YotelPad Miami
YotelPad Miami is one of the newest condo-hotel developments in downtown Miami. Sales began in late 2020 and the entire tower sold out just 15 months after breaking ground. Now, closings are beginning for the 31-story tower.
Developed in a joint venture between Aria Development Group and AQARAT, YotelPad Miami is located at 227 NE Second Street in downtown Miami.
The tower features 231 residential condo units that range from 417 SF studios to 708 SF two-bedrooms. These units are located on floors 15 through 30. There are also 222 hotel units branded by the Yotel Britsh chain that occupy the lower levels of the tower.
Prices for the condo units range from 4300,000 to $499,000 and the developers have confirmed that more than half of the buyers are from China, Mexico, and Columbia.
Stantec is the architect behind Yotelpad. Each unit offers carefully cultivated floorplans with integrated living and dining areas. The fully-finished interiors feature contemporary flooring with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with a European kitchen and baths showcase custom cabinetry with stone finishes as well as Smeg Designer Italian appliances.
The units will also feature high-end appliances including an Electrolux washer and dryer, Grohe and Toto bath fixtures, Smart thermostats, Smart Lock System, and custom furniture packages.
Tower Amenities:
Elevated deck with pool, hot tub, and bar
Full-service restaurant and bar with outdoor paseo
Organic matcha bar
State-of-the-art fitness center
Private meeting rooms with co-working space
Valet parking
TransitScreen displays all your mobility options, in real-time
Private residential lobby with destination dispatch elevators
24-hour security and concierge
Secure storage unit for each residence
Enclosed bicycle storage
Skytop Lounge featuring a game area and chef’s kitchen
Digital package concierge
According to the sales team, “YotelPad Miami brought the market what it demanded, and to be successful in sales we really had to embrace the local community.”
The hotel side of YotelPad is scheduled to open on June 1, 2022.
