Continuum South Beach Bulk Sale for $30 Million by Two Former Morgan Stanley Execs

Continuum South Beach
Continuum South Beach

In 2014, Karen Bechtel and her husband William McKinley Osborne III (former Morgan Stanley executives) purchased 3 total units at Continuum South Beach South Tower for $21 million. Records show that they purchased units 3602, 3603, and 3604 and combined it into one unit totaling 8,229 square feet on the 36th floor.

The full-floor condo was originally listed in March 2021 with an asking price of $36.5 million. The gorgeous combined units feature a total of 6 bedrooms, 5.1 bathrooms with a 2-story main suite. Two kitchens, a theater and 3,704 square feet of balconies make up the rest of the luxury apartment.

According to county records, the buyer was listed at MFTMA Holding LLC. The price per square foot totals $3,646, and is considered Miami Beach’s fourth most-expensive condo deal since 2005.

Continuum South Beach Towers

Continuum developer Ian Bruce Eichner also sold his penthouse in the building for $35 million in April 2021 that was originally listed for $48 million two year ago. Another sale for Continuum included CEO of a financial tech company purchased 2 combined units for $12.1 million.

Bechtel and Osborne were both Managing Directors at Morgan Stanley from 1980 to 1991. Bechtel is currently a senior adviser at Carlyle Group. During the pandemic, they established a non-profit organization called Meals for Heroes Miami that focused on partnering with local restaurants to provide food for health care workers and first responders. In April, the couple bought a mansion in Tahiti Beach for $28.9 million.

Continuum was built in two phases by developer by Bruce Eichner in 2002. Residents of Continuum South Beach enjoy arguably the best resort-style amenities.

Continuum South Beach Aerial

BUILDING AMENITIES

  • Stunning landmark architecture
  • 1,000 ft of direct beach front access
  • 24-hour welcome desk with concierge  
  • 24-hour guest valet 
  • Elegant resident club room
  • Luxury Health spa with sauna, steam room
  • Two lagoon-style pools
  • State-of-the-Art gym
  • Business Center 
  • Lush and manicured landscape
  • 3 Tennis Courts
  • Outdoor restaurant
  • Multi-story health club & spa

RESIDENCE AMENITIES

  • Ten foot high ceilings
  • Private balconies with glass railings
  • Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
  • Imported marble countertops, backsplash, and whirlpool decks
  • Imported marble flooring in wet areas and shower
  • Designer fixtures
  • Whirlpool tubs
  • European bathroom vanity cabinets
  • Seamless glass shower doors
  • Custom European designed cabinetry
  • Granite Countertops
  • Under counter lighting
  • Faber “Inca Smart” integrated hood vent
  • Sub-zero built-in refrigerator-freezer
  • Miele touch-control cook top
  • Miele integrated dishwasher
  • Miele microwave oven
  • Single-lever faucet with pull out spray

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

Waldorf Astoria Hosts its Official Sales Gallery Grand Opening

Waldorf Astoria Miami Rendering
Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami

The long awaited sales gallery launch for Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami has officially arrived and we couldn’t be more excited! Last night Waldorf Astoria hosted their official sales gallery grand opening located at 400 Biscayne Blvd across the street from Waldorf Astoria’s official pre-construction tower site.

PMG developers Ryan Shear and Kevin Maloney were in attendance as well as Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences architects Carlos Ott and Charles Sieger (of Sieger-Suarez Architects). Mayor Suarez stated, “we are so proud of this iconic project that is going to help redefine who we are as a city.”

PMG Developers, Miami Mayor and Miami-Dade Mayor

Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami will rise 100 stories at 1,049 feet tall making it the “highest skyscraper south of Manhattan.” It will also be the first Waldorf Astoria development in South Florida. Featuring 360 condos, 205 hotel rooms and suites, this incredible tower will truly be one of a kind. Tower amenities include a Peacock Alley lounge, signature restaurant, resort-style pool with cabanas, spa and fitness center.

Designed by Carlos Ott and architecture by Sieger Suarez, the design will feature 9 glass cubes offset from the next. This design will truly be the first of its kind in South Florida.

Waldorf Astoria Miami Rendering

PMG developers, led by Ryan Shear, Kevin Maloney, and Dan Kaplan are the brains of the project and have stated that they have been working on the development project since 2014 and originally announced the launch in 2018.

Property Markets Group, Greybrook, and Hilton are also partnering on the project. The hotel portion of the Warldorf will be the first 3 cubes and Hilton will be managing that portion of the tower.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami Model

The residential units will begin at $656,000 and will increase depending on the location in the building as well as the size

STUDIOS

CUBE 4 – above level 40
From 516 sq ft. to 653 sq ft / Starting at $656,000

ONE BEDROOM

CUBE 5 – above level 50
From 873 sq ft. to 950 sq ft / Starting at $997,500

TWO BEDROOMS

CUBE 5 – above level 50
From 1491 sq ft. to 1951 sq ft / Starting at $1,701,000

THREE BEDROOMS

CUBE 5 – above level 50
2659 sq ft. / Starting at $4,111,000

FOUR BEDROOMS

CUBE 6 – above level 60
3,256 sq ft / Starting at $4,987,000

Sales for Waldorf Astoria launched in March 2021 with an estimated ground breaking in Q4 of 2021. The completion date is currently set for 2025. If you or someone you know have interest in purchasing one of the units at Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Want to Buy David Guetta’s Miami Condo? It will Cost you $14 million or 348 in Bitcoin

DJ David Guetta in concert
DJ David Guetta in concert

The internationally famous French DJ, David Guetta has listed his Miami beachfront lower penthouse condo at Setai Hotel and Residences in South Beach. Listed at $14 million, he is also accepting payments in Bitcoin (BTC) or Ether (ETH). At todays prices, $14 million is equal to 348 BTC (6/14/2021).

His luxury 3 bedroom fully furnished residence is located on the 37th floor and boasts 2,528 square feet of living space. The condo features 3 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with 2 master suites.

The wraparound balconies offer unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, Miami Beach, and the Miami skyline. This penthouse has been tastefully designed by Piero Lissoni.

Setai Hotel and Residences features 24 hour security, valet, and concierge services. The five-star hotel features many hotel amenities that are available to residences including a 90-foot poolside bar, boutique and art gallery, private ground transportation, three beachfront pools, and cabanas.

DJ David Guetta also has a rental located at Paraiso Bay in Edgewater Miami. This stunning upper penthouse starts at $22,000 a month with a minimum of a 6 month contract.

Guetta originally purchased the property in 2018 for $9.5 million from Richard LeFrak (New York billionaire).

Guetta is a French DJ, songwriter, and producer who has hit 50 million in record sales and streams over 10 million. For 2011 and 2020, Guetta was voted the #1 DJ in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs. In 2013, he was also title Billboard’s #1 Dance-Pop Collaborator of all Time.

David Guetta's Condo For Sale
Source: Freud Group
David Guetta's Kitchen
Source: Freud Group
David Guetta's Kitchen
Source: Freud Group
David Guetta's Bedroom
Source: Freud Group
View from David Guetta's Condo
Source: Freud Group

Sexy Fish Coming Soon to Brickell

Sexy Fish Brickell Flatiron
Sexy Fish Brickell Flatiron

London hotspot Sexy Fish, will open its first United States restaurant in Brickell in September 2021. Located inside Brickell Flatiron at 1001 S. Miami Avenue, it will be the hottest restaurant this fall!

The Japanese-style restaurant was created by British hospitality entrepreneur Richard Caring, who is responsible for Annabel’s, Ivy Collection, Soho House Group. Chef Bjoern Weissgerber will be running the kitchen at Sexy Fish. He made his first debut at Zuma Miami in 2010 and received his first Michelin star when he was 27 years old.

Sexy Fish Brickell

The menu will feature a wide variety of makis, sahishi, sashimis, and tartares. The bar menu will feature drinks inspired by its London counterpart.

It is unclear what the aesthetic for the Miami location will be but its London location features a golden ceiling, bronze mermaid statue, and exotic fish with coral in large tanks.

Signature Dishes:

  • tuna belly, kombu cured & smoked
  • Yellowtail sashimi & mandarin ponzu
  • crispy duck & watermelon salad, pomegranate & cashew
  • eringi mushroom tempura, summer truffle & aka miso
  • isle of mull scallop, jalapeño sauce & pickled apple
  • wagyu gyoza, foie gras & black truffle
  • caramelized black cod, spicy miso
  • king crab & bone marrow, summer truffle & toast
  • beef tenderloin, 200gr, ginger & black pepper

Late Night Menu:

  • oyster gillardeau & smoked chili sauce
  • salt and pepper squid
  • wagyu tataki, Japanese mustard & summer truffle
  • prawn gyoza, soy & ginger dressing
  • seasonal vegetable tempura (9 kinds)
  • lobster, smoked Marie rose dip
  • green asparagus smoked creamy ponzu
  • Kimichi fried rice
  • lobster Sancho pepper & shiso butter
  • Japanese wagyu A5 sirloin 150g*
  • Japanese wagyu A5 fillet 150g* Sex
Sexy Fish Brickell Flatrion

Market Watch-Condo Sales Surge First Week of June in Miami

Market Update for the First Week of June
Market Update for the First Week of June

Condo sales and volume have surged for the for Miami-Dade county for first week of June. From May 30th to June 5th, 299 condo units sold for $233.2 million. This is up from the previous week in May at 274 units for a total of $183.1 million.

The average price for the units is $780,000, which is up from the last week of May at $668,000. Price per square footage is at an average of $447, with an increase of $31 price per square foot from the previous week.

The week’s most expensive sale is tennis star Carolina Wozniacki and NBA player David Lee for a penthouse at Palazzo Del Sol at Fisher Island. The condo closed for $18.7 million at $2,670 price per square foot. The property was on the market for 472 days and listed by Dora Puig at Luxe Living Realty.

Coming in second is a condo at the Santa Maria Brickell in Miami at $13 million with $1,300 per square foot. This property was on the market for 1 day.

The 3rd most expensive sale was located at One Ocean 402, sold for $3.1 million at $1,516 price per square feet with 57 days on the market.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Sell their Miami Beach Waterfront Mansion for $22 Million

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union

What a crazy week for luxury real estate! Another mansion just sold in Miami Beach by none other than retired Miami Heat basketball player, Dwyane Wade and wife, Gabrielle Union.

Wade and Union first purchased the home located at 5980 North Bay Road in Miami Beach in 2010 for $10.6 million. The couple originally listed the home for $32.5 million in 2019 and lowered the price in December 2020 to $20.6 million. The home has been under contract with the same buyer since January of this year and just closed on June 1, 2021.

Sitting on 13,800 square feet of living, the 6-bedroom, 9 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms is infused with Spanish architecture mixed with contemporary designs throughout. The chef’s kitchen features neutral tones and quartz countertops with Sub-zero and Wolfe appliances. The home also boasts an impressive master suite, wine cellar, and a large theater.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Sell Miami Beach Mansion

The home sits on professionally manicured 1 acre parcel with an expansive pool overlooking Biscayne Bay, boat dock, outdoor kitchen, guest house, outdoor basketball court, and playground.

The buyer for this property has not been disclosed. Wade and Union are currently residing in Los Angeles where they purchased a Hidden Hills Mansion for $18 million in 2020.

Dwyane Wade retired from his 16-year Miami Heat basketball career in 2019. Wade holds the Miami titles for all-time leader in points, games, assists, steals, shots made, and shots taken. He is also a minority owner of the Utah Jazz.

Gabriel Union is an American actress, activist, and voice actor. She has stared in movie roles on Bad Boys II, Bring It On, and She’s All That. Time Magazine included Union in the 100 Most Influential People in the World of 2020 magazine edition.

Lea Black of the Real Housewives of Miami Sells Waterfront Mansion on Star Island for $34 Million

Star Island in Miami
45 Star Island Miami

Another waterfront mansion has just been added to the market and the owner is non-other than Lea Black of the Real Housewives of Miami. Her and her husband, Roy Black are selling their waterfront estate on Star Island for $34 million.

The waterfront mansion is located at 45 Star Island Drive situated at the entrance of Star Island on 1.07 acres with 190 feet of water frontage with an expansive dock. Featuring 9 bedrooms, 9 full bathrooms, and 3 half baths, the home includes 2 stories of 10,636 square feet of living space. The property was built in 1981. Amenities for this massive mansion include a pool and guest cottage.

The Black’s originally purchased the home in 2011 for $7 million, which is also the same year that the Real Housewives of Miami first aired on Bravo.

Leah Black stated in an email to TMZ, “We had planned to renovate and move there ourselves, but later decided that with our son in college, the amount of time we spend traveling and in L.A. that it was not feasible for us to enjoy further. Although we own other homes, this one is very special to us because of the exclusivity it offers and the wonderful people that live there.”

Lea and Roy have listed their home ‘for sale by owner,’ and stated that they have received a few qualified offers. The family also owns home in Coral Gables, Key West, and Los Angeles.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Rent a Waterfront Mansion in Miami Beach

North Bay Road Waterfront Estate
North Bay Road Waterfront Estate

As news continues to spread of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s rekindling, it was recently announced that the couple have rented a Miami Beach mansion at 2700 North Bay Road in the North Bay Road neighborhood. North Bay Road features some of the most exclusive properties in South Florida, and has a reputation of luxury, exclusivity, and celebrity appeal.

Lopez and Affleck’s current residence was originally listed at $130,000 a month and still remains active on Miami’s Multiple Listing Service. With Bayfront views, this estate sits on 0.6 acres with 100 feet of water frontage.

With 11 bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms, and 3 half baths, this stunning 2-story residence features 10,114 square feet of living space. Additionally, the home features a guest house, 3 parking garages, gym, office, master suite with expansive balcony, large pool, jacuzzi, spa, and boat dock.

Originally built in 1925 by MV Group USA, the home was renovated in 2015 with a more modern and minimalist design. The home was originally listed for sale in December 2020 for $18.9 million and sold to a Jewelry designer, Paul Morelli in April 2021 for $17.5 million. The home was then listed for rent for $130,000 monthly and the status is still showing as ‘active’ in the MLS. According to the New York Post, Lopez is the one who rented the mansion.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Miami Beach Rental

Jennifer Lopez has previously owned in the neighborhood at 5800 North Bay Road but sold the property to Phil Collins for $33 million in 2015. Lopez and recent ex-fiancé, Alex Rodriguez purchased a home together on Star Island in Miami in late 2020 and it is unclear what they plan to do with the home since their separation.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck

Lopez and Affleck were previously engaged in 2002 but separated in 2003. Alex Rodriguez is still living in Miami at his other home located in Coral Gables, Florida.

Legacy Hotel & Residences Sells out at 100% at Pre-Construction

Legacy Hotel & Residences at Miami WorldCenter
Legacy Hotel & Residences at Miami WorldCenter

Legacy Miami Worldcenter also known as Legacy Hotel & Residences is one of the newest pre-construction residential towers located in Park West Miami. This luxury tower will rise 668 feet tall with 50 stories. This tower has officially sold out before the groundbreaking. According to the South Florida Construction Journal, this is the first development in downtown Miami to sell out prior to construction.

Centrally located at 942 NE 1st Avenue in the heart of the Miami Worldcenter ‘mega-development.’ This mixed-use project will feature 287 residences, 262, luxury hotel rooms, restaurants, business center, medical office, retail, and a rooftop atrium with multiple amenities. It will also be considered the second tallest tower at Miami Worldcenter.

Legacy Hotel & Residences Rooftop Amenities

The residences will consist of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans ranging from 368 to 964 interior square feet. Developed by Royal Palm Companies with Kobi Karp as the architect and ID & Design International designing the interior space. This tower will feature state-of-the-art living without any rental restrictions. This allows homeowners to rent their units on a short-term basis through AriBnB, VRBO, or through Legacy’s rental program. The residences at Legacy Hotel & Residences will come fully furnished.

The sold units include a total of 310 with a combined value of $160 million. The average prices ranged between $350,000 to $2+ million. There are 8 penthouses remaining are subject to use for the hotel portion of the project.

RPC is currently closing on their construction loan and expects to announce that milestone soon. Construction permits are pending and site pre-work is estimated to begin the end of May and/or beginning of June 2021. Legacy Hotel & Residences is expected to be completed in 2024.

Miami Real Estate Sales Surge in April 2021 – Best Sales Month in History

Miami Real Estate Sale Surge
Miami Real Estate Sale Surge

Home and Condo Sales surge in April making it the best sales month in Miami-Dade County real estate history. There have been a record number of companies relocating as well as individuals moving to South Florida creating such a high demand. Throw in the record-low mortgage rates and you definitely have your ‘surge.’

According to the Miami Multiple Listing Service (MLS), home sales have increased by 151.3% from 2020. Last year offered 1,576 homes sold to this year alone doubling to 3,960. Single-family home transactions increased by 83.1%. Condo sales are no different, with a substantial increase of 234.2% from 711 sales in 2020 to 2,376.

According to the MIAMI Realtors Chairman of the Board Jennifer Wollmann, “Miami recorded its best April sales month in history and the sales could have been even larger had there been more inventory.” “As is the situation in many major cities, inventory is low for single-family homes. The Miami condo market, however, is in a balanced market with 7.1 months of supply and buyers are taking advantage of the sector’s healthy inventory and today’s record low mortgage rates,” Wollmann also stated.

The luxury market has seen a substantial increase, with Miami luxury single-family home sales increasing 541.1% year over year with 359 total sales for April 2021.

Single-family home pricing between $400,000 to $600,000 increased by 118.9% to 521 transactions in April 2021. Cash sales for single-family homes have increased by 27.4%

The Miami Luxury condo market has also seen a spike in sales with an increase of 540.8% with 314 sales. Condo pricing sales between $400,000 and $600,000 had an increase of 371.6% to 349 sales than the years prior. Median prices for condos have increased 22.6% year over year as well. Condo cash sales accounted for 46.5% of transactions.

Distressed sales in my were at 1.5% which is low compared to prior years. Back in 2009, distressed sales accounted for 70% of all Miami sales.

With the high-demand, Miami real estate buyers have gotten creative and competitive with their offers. Multiple bids, buyers offering over asking price, and/or offering cryptocurrency in with their offer can really give buyers an edge in this market. Other factors have included mortgage contingencies, waving home inspections, and mortgage lenders waiving appraisals have also created a competitive edge.