Renderings and Site Plan Released for Downtown Miami’s Newest Tower The District

The District in Downtown Miami
The District in Downtown Miami

Renderings, floor plans, and site plans have recently been released for Miami newest 37-story condominium tower called The District. In April, The Related Group and Parcel C LLC’s proposed and received approval for the project.

This tower is in pre-construction and is proposed to include 347 residential condos with 2,297 square feet of retail space. This project will not have any parking but the developer is requesting an off-site parking waiver.

Rising 393 plus feet tall, The District will be located at 233 N Miami Avenue in downtown Miami. The floor plans will be fully finished and furnished ranging from 446 square feet to 874 square feet with studio to 2 bedroom options.

Night View of The District

Building Information

Residence Amenities  

  • Smart home technology
  • Includes integrated audio, video window treatment and lighting systems
  • All residences come equipped with a contemporary lighting package, including recessed lighting, dimmers, and lighting control
  • Fully built-out closets in all residences
  • Built in top-of-the-line in-unit washer and dryer
  • Flooring selections included with specifications recommended by Meshberg Design
  • Pre-wired for high-speed communications and data connection
  • Kitchens feature custom Italian cabinetry curated by Meshberg Design
  • Smeg appliance package includes integrated paneled microwave, dishwasher, built-in convection oven and refrigerator/ freezer

Building Amenities

  • Rooftop Amenity Deck : Expansive resort-style rooftop amenity deck with plunge swim spa, fire pit, summer kitchen, and gorgeous views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. 
  • Basketball & Racquetball Courts :Full-height indoor basketball court and regulation-size racquetball court and Rock climbing wall.
  • Co-working Space :Co-working floor with multiple seating options, high-speed Internet, private meeting rooms, conference room and a full-service kitchen.
  • Fitness Center :State-of-the-art fully equipped fitness center including a private yoga/spinning room with virtual trainer and men’s/women’s sauna/ sauna and locker rooms. 
  • Museum-quality Art :Double-height lobby featuring professionally curated museum-quality art.
  • Monitoring Services :24/7 security services and controlled property access.
  • The District App :Customized password-protected app for home/away smart-home management.
  • Parking :24/7 valet services and self parking.
  • Dining :On-site café servicing the residences and recreation areas.
  • Electric bikes with charging stations are available for residents on the go. 
  • Housekeeping  :On-demand full housekeeping services available at your convenience.
  • Climatized receiving  and storage room
  • Resort Style pool deck with lounge and recreation room

Unit Distribution

Unit TypeFloorsSq.Ft RangeStarting Prices
Studios4th – 33rd458 Sq.Ft – 469 Sq.FtFrom $352,900
1 BD / 1 BA4th – 37th558 Sq.Ft. – 615 Sq.Ft.From $385,900
2 BD / 2 BA4th – 37th786 Sq.Ft. – 884 Sq.Ft.From $573,900

Deposits

  • 10% down with executed contract
  • 10% 60 days after executed contract
  • 10% at groundbreaking (scheduled end 2021)
  • 10% at top off (schedule 3rd quarter of 2022)
  • 60% at closing (scheduled 2nd quarter 2023)

Multiple waivers have been approved on April 9, 2021 but the construction permits have not been filed. Some of paperwork also includes transitioning some units in hotel room. The ground breaking is scheduled for the end of 2021 with estimated completion date of 2023.

501 First Residences- Renderings and Plans Just Released for the 40 Story Tower in Downtown Miami

501 FIRST Residences in Downtown Miami
501 FIRST Residences in Downtown Miami

Miami can now officially welcome the newest pre-construction tower to grace our gorgeous skyline, 501 First Residences in downtown Miami. This new 40-story tower with 448, will be developed by Aria Development Group and designed by Revuelta Architecture International, who also designed Wind and 900 Biscayne. 501 First Residences will be located at 501 Northeast 1st Avenue with views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.

Acoording to the Aria Development group, this particular development will be built to cater to the short-term rental market. The biggest perk is that there will be no rental restrictions. Which means, the resident can utilize any consumer platform (Vrbo, Expedia, Airbnb, etc.) to rent and each unit can be rent for 1 day or more.

The renderings reveal floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive balconies. The sleek structure is curved creating a horizontal and vertical grid like design. The exact height of the development hasn’t been released but we can expect the 40-story high structure to be over 450 feet in height.

street level view of 501 First Residences

The 448 luxury units will be fully finished and furnished with pricing starting at $300,000. Floor plans will range from studios, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedrooms. The square footage for each unit is expected to be from 385 to 835 square feet.

Residence Features:

  • Fully finished and furnished residences thoughtfully curated by award-winning design firm, Shim Projects
  • Floor to ceiling glass windows with custom window treatments
  • All residences feature balconies
  • Biscayne Bay and Miami skyline views
  • Finished flooring on all residential interiors and balconies
  • In-unit washers and dryers
  • Kitchens and bathrooms feature custom Italian cabinetry and counters
  • Speed oven by Smeg
  • Integrated paneled refrigerator and freezer
  • Dishwasher
  • Fully built-out closets
  • Hansgrohe bathroom fixtures, features, and accessories in dark matte finish

Building Amenities:

  • Porte-cochère entrance with 24/7 valet service
  • On-site management office
  • Mid-century, modern-inspired interior finishes and furniture in residential lobby with 25ft ceiling
  • Secure bicycle storage in enclosed and air-conditioned space
  • Centrally-located personal storage for all owners
  • Luxer One Package Room featuring a tech-forward, contactless digital package delivery system
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Ground floor bistro and bar helmed by New York City’s GPG Hospitality
  • State-of-the-art indoor gym with private fitness training rooms
  • Yoga/meditation room
  • 75-foot resort-style lap pool
  • North-facing private rooftop movie theatre experience
  • Grill & Chill on the Sunrise and Sunset Decks
  • Outdoor Game Lawn
  • Hot hydrotherapy bath
  • Private club suite with game tables
  • Entertainment chef’s kitchen
  • Media Room
  • Library
  • Private workspaces
  • Pet Lounge with pet bath station
  • Greenhouse

The site currently features a 2-story buidling that was built in 1924 and was previously the sales center for YotelPad Miami. The entire project will take over 4 lots equaling 22,500 square feet. According to tax records, the developer purchased the lots in 2015 for $8,250,000.

501 First Residences condominium building

According to Miami-Dade Country records, construction permits have not been filed. The ground breaking is expected to be scheduled for spring 2022 with a top-off date in spring 2023.

Here are Dave Portnoy’s Top 6 Pizza Joints in Miami

Best Pizza Shops in Miami
Best Pizza Shops in Miami

The internet is buzzing with Dave Portnoy’s recent move to Miami as well as his quest to find the perfect slice of pie! On his show OneBite, Portnoy travels the country taste testing and reviewing local pizza parlors. More recently, he has visited many pizza parlors in Miami, and we have created an all-in-one list just for you. Here are his top 6!

#6 East Side Pizza

Located at 731 NE 79th Street, Miami, East Side Pizza is a family-owned and operated pizza parlor. They have been in business for a few years in Miami and are considered a “NY Style Pizza Joint.” Portnoy gave this pizza parlor a 6.8/10 on his OneBite scale. They also have pasta, burgers, hot subs, and a dessert menu.

#5 The Big Cheese

Located at 8080 SW 67th Ave in Miami, The Big Cheese has been open for 35 years and is considered “The Official Pizza Place of Miami”. For the past 20 years, they have been sponsoring and serving the University of Miami. The Big Cheese has been named “The Best Inexpensive Italian Restaurant in Miami” in the New Times Readers’ Poll as well as receiving the Kids Crown Awards from “South Florida Parenting Magazine” for the best pizza. Portnoy ranked this pizza place a 6.9/10. Their menu also includes a large selection of pasta and seafood dishes.

#4 Collins Pizza

Collins Pizza, named after their Collins Avenue location at 7308 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Collins pizza is only 6 months old but is family-owned and operated. They produce naturally leavened dough for 72 hours that give their pizza a unique taste. They also use non-GMO/organic flours and Wisconsin cheeses. Dave Portnoy ranks this pizza parlor at a 7.2/10. Their menu also includes sandwiches, wings, and small bites.

#3 Pizza Pazza

Pizza Pazza, located at 275 NE 18th Street in Miami, is considered the “Late Night Spot” of Miami. They are open from 7 pm to 4 am and welcome all latecomers. Dave Portnoy referred to Pizza Pazza as having “Miami hours.” The owner has been in the pizza business for 40 years and is originally from Italy. Portnoy ranked this pizza parlor a 7.3/10. Their menu also includes pasta, calzones, and desserts.

#2 Frankie’s Pizza

Frankie’s Pizza, located at 9118 Bird Road in Miami has been in the business for 55 years. Frankie’s is considered ‘Miami’s Oldest Pizza Shop,’ so it is no wonder that Portnoy ranks this pizza place at 7.4/10. Their menu is straightforward with pizza options and garlic knots. Portnoy gives the knots a 9.2!

#1 Eleventh Street Pizza

Eleventh Street Pizza, located at 1035 N Miami Avenue in Miami. With its Sicilian roots, their sourdough pies are considered Neo-New York style. Portnoy really raved about their pizza and landed it at an 8.2/10. Their menu includes some signature pasta dishes and garlic rolls.

This isn’t the end of Portnoy’s Miami pizza adventure and we can only expect more pizza reviews in the coming months. His app is also available to read reviews and watch episodes of OneBite. Portnoy believes that with his large social media following, he is “trying to save small businesses one bite at a time.”

Stay tuned for more pizza and Miami related news!

Lucas: P.S. Dave…you really need to try Ironside Pizza in Little River. In my opinion, it’s the best pizza in Miami.

Construction for Aston Martin Residences Reaches 53rd Floor and The Art Gallery is Revealed

Aston Martin Residences Construction
The Art Gallery at Aston Martin Residences

The Aston Martin Residences Miami is creating a residence experience like no other! This pre-construction 66-story tower just unveiled a permanent art gallery located on the 52nd floor of this remarkable tower. Construction for the Aston Martin Residences is currently on the 53rd floor and the tower is 70% sold as of today.

Before the tower completion date, Aston Martin Residences will launch the Art Gallery virtually creating a 3D engaging experience. The gallery will showcase a new artist every 2 months.

For the opening event, Aston Martin Residences partnered with British artist and photographer, Julian Lennon, to showcase his exclusive collections. The virtual art gallery can be viewed from today through July 7th. The Art Gallery will have a physical opening in 2022.

German Coto, CEO of G&G Business Developments stated in an interview, “It’s this love of art together with a desire for the highest quality finishes, light-filled spaces, and of course, the stunning waterside location that has attracted clients to the Aston Martin Residences Miami. Art and design are woven into the soul of Aston Martin Residences…And we’re creating the Art Gallery to offer a secluded and exclusive space for our owners to immerse themselves in an ever-changing canvas of contemporary art.”

Aston Martin Residences Construction

Aston Martin Residences is located at 300 Biscayne Boulevard Way in Downtown Miami. This remarkable tower will offer 391 residences consisting of one to five bedroom floor plans as well as a variety of penthouses. Pricing varies from $970,000 to $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

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 helipad on 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

Aston Martin Residences is scheduled for completion in 2022.

Construction Update -Estates of Acqualina Tops Off Construction

Estates of Acqualina Sunny Isles Beach
Estates of Acqualina Sunny Isles Beach

The Estates of Acqualina is a new ultra-luxury condo development currently under construction in Miami. Located at 17895 Collins Avenue, this two-tower condominium tower will comprise of 245 residences with 154 units in the south tower and 91 units in the north tower.

Estates of Acqualina

The incredible location on 5.6 acres features 502 feet of private beach access. Developer GSF Acquisition, LLC., includes Eddie, Jules and Stephanie Trump (not related to Donald Trump), also developed Acqualina and the Mansions at Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

Estates of Acqualina Sign with Developers Names

This new development will feature three to six-bedroom floor plans ranging in size from 2,917 to 5,573 interior square feet plus terrace. Pricing will range from $4,750,000 to $59,000,000.

Jules and Stephanie Trump Developers of Estates of Acqualina

Today, construction just topped off on the entire development while hosting a ceremony to mark the special occasion. In attendance was Jules Trump and wife, Stephanie. The development is scheduled for completion in 2022.

Formula One Racing Comes to Miami – Scheduled for 2022

Miami Formula One Racing
Formula Racing Heads to Miami 2022

Formula One racing is heading to Florida! For those who are unfamiliar with Formula One, it is an international auto race for single-seater formula racing cars. It is considered one of the, “Premier forms of racing of the world since the inaugural season in 1950,” according to a spokesperson for Formula One.

The new Miami Grand Prix is scheduled for the the fall season of 2022. The exact day is still to be determined but the President of Formula 1 stated that it will be a 10 year deal for Miami. The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens (home of the Miami Dolphins) will be hosting the event.

Miami Formula One Racing

“The Hard Rock Stadium entertainment campus in Miami Gardens exists to host the biggest global events to benefit the entire greater Miami region and Formula 1 racing is as big as it gets,” stated the Vice-Chairman, President & CEO of Hard Rock Stadium.

According to the press release by Formula 1, the track will be 5.41 km (3.361 miles), 19 corners, 3 straightaways, and 3 DRS zones. The top speed is estimated at 320 km/h (198.83 mph).

This is an exciting and historical time because Miami will be the 11th location in the United States to host the Formula One Gran Prix Race since the Championship began in 1950. Other cities include, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, and Phoenix.

The partnership hopes to provide a boost in tourism for the Miami area and discounted tickets will be available for Miami Gardens residents. Miami will also see a STEM education program provided by Formula 1, along with local business and community support programs.

This is definitely an exciting time to be living in Miami!

UNA Residences Miami Construction Update

UNA Residences-View from Biscayne Bay.

UNA Residences Miami is a 47-story residential condo tower located in the Brickell neighborhood at 175 SE 25th Road. With its waterfront location and sleek yacht design, it is truly a masterpiece. Designers Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (designers of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia) are partnering with Enzo Enea to create a luxury atmosphere inside and out. Developers include the OKO Group and Cain International.

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.

UNA Residences Construction Overview

Construction is currently underway. Rebar is being brought in to construct the foundation and cranes are onsite beginning the dig-out of the 100,000 square feet car garage, which will be 50 feet deep and three stories below sea level. According to a construction update from the Florida Construction news, 800 holes will be drilled into the ground then filled with concrete creating interlocking pillars that will eventually construct a cement block for the garage. That block will then be hollowed out to create the deep garage.

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 cook tops, 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 hair styling, 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 Construction Overview

UNA Residences Miami is estimated to be completed summer of 2022. We will continue to update this article once construction has progressed.

Construction is Underway for Platform 3750 Project in West Grove Neighborhood Miami

Rendering of Platform 3750 by Kobi Karp Architecture

Platform 3750, a mixed-use project in the West Grove neighborhood of Miami has just broke ground at 3750 South Dixie Highway on 2.1 acres. This site is within walking distance of the Douglas Road Metrorail Station. The Cornerstone Group is the lead developer for this mixed-use project and is currently leasing from Miami-Dade County after winning a request for the RFP process.

This project is expected to create 300 jobs and is designed to ‘jumpstart economic activity’ in West Grove. It is anticipated to have 191 apartments, 21,000 square feet of retail space already leased to Aldi and Starbucks, 14,000 square feet of office space for the Cornerstone Group, 12,500 square feet of office space for the county’s Community Action & Human Services division, 3,000 square feet for the district office of county Commissioner Raquel Regalado, and 400 parking spaces.

Cornerstone Partner, Lenny Wolfe states, “West Grove has been neglected for a while. There was a very small amount of affordable housing built there and there is tremendous need. And it’s a food desert because there’s a real need for an affordable grocery store.”

This project was designed by Kobi Karp Architecture and the general contractor is Current Builders

The loan for this project includes a $60.5 million loan, $8 million county’s surtax, $3.5 million city government obligation bond, $1.95 million city Home loan, $1.4 million from the county economic development fund, and $5 million in tax credit equity.

Cornerstone Partners announced that they anticipate this project to be completed by the end of 2022.

The Future is Here – Miami Sees Its First Delivery Robots

Miami's First Food Delivery Service is Here

Cartken, a robotics startup, has recently partnered with REEF Technology to introduce self-driving delivery robots to Downtown Miami. REEF Technology currently offers fulfillment solutions, neighborhood kitchen deliveries, and parking solutions.

Founders of Cartken include ex-Google engineers, and have been developing this type of delivery service since 2019. This will be Carken’s first major introduction of self-driving robots in Miami.

While only operating within a 3/4 mile radius of downtown Miami, Cartken has been testing their electric-powered robots fulfilling orders from delivery-only kitchens. These robots are operating on the REEF’s network, are insulated, and can maintain heat for hot meals. Cartken already has designated logistics hubs and can be dispatched to restaurants while the food is being prepared.

Food Delivery Robots Come to Miami

Matt Lindenberger, REEF’s Chief Technology Officer stated, “We want to show how future-forward Miami can be. This is a great chance to show off the capabilities of the tech.”

There are currently only two restaurants utilizing Cartken in Miami with a large potential for expansion in other neighborhoods.

The robots are powered by rules-based programming and can actually stop and ask for help if necessary. Lindenberger stated, “The robot is seeing the environment, planning around obstacles like pedestrians or lampposts. If there’s an unknown situation, someone can help the robot out safely because it can stop on a dime.”

According to TechCrunch, the robots can only make it to street-level, where the customer has to come outside to pick up their food. Apartment complexes and units would be more difficult for the robot to navigate.

We will be following this story closely and will update as we learn more and as more restaurants begin using Cartken!