Art Basel Miami Beach 2023: A Kaleidoscope of Contemporary Creativity

As Fall begins to draw to a close in Miami, the art world turns its gaze to the annual spectacle that is Art Basel Miami Beach. In 2023, this illustrious event continues to be a beacon for art enthusiasts, collectors, and cultural connoisseurs from around the globe. Art Basel Miami Beach is not just an art fair; it’s a cultural phenomenon that transforms the city into a canvas of modern imagination and a stage for avant-garde expression.

Art Basel, which originated in Basel, Switzerland, has become synonymous with the contemporary art scene. Its expansion to Miami Beach has created a unique fusion of artistic innovation and Miami’s eclectic energy. The fair typically takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, but its presence is felt throughout the city with satellite shows, pop-up galleries, and exclusive events that make the entire week an immersive experience.

What to Expect in 2023

The 2023 edition of Art Basel Miami Beach promises an array of experiences that cater to the diverse tastes of its international audience. Here’s what attendees can anticipate:

1. Global Galleries: With over 250 leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa showcasing significant works from masters of modern and contemporary art, as well as a new generation of emerging stars, the variety is unparalleled. Paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, films, and editioned works of the highest quality are on display, offering a comprehensive look at the art of today and tomorrow.
2. Sectors: The fair is divided into sectors, each offering a different perspective. ‘Galleries’ is the main sector, featuring established galleries’ most important works. ‘Positions’ allows curators, critics, and collectors to discover new talents, with each gallery presenting a major project by a single artist. ‘Nova’ is where new cutting-edge works are presented, created within the last three years. ‘Edition’ features leading publishers of editioned works and prints, and ‘Kabinett’ is a curated exhibition space within the galleries’ booths.
3. Conversations and Salon: Art Basel’s Conversations and Salon series provide a platform for dialogues and discussions on a range of topics, from the role of art in contemporary society to the dynamics of the art market. These sessions are led by prominent members of the art world: artists, curators, critics, and collectors.
4. Film: A sector dedicated to films by and about artists. Screenings take place inside the convention center and in the beautiful outdoor setting of SoundScape Park, where a monumental 7,000-square-foot projection wall brings the works to life.
5. Public Art: ‘Public’ brings sculptures and installations to the picturesque Collins Park, with works by leading and emerging international artists. It’s a chance to see how contemporary art interacts with the urban landscape.
6. Miami’s Local Art Scene: Beyond the convention center, Miami’s dynamic galleries, private collections, and museums join in with special exhibitions and events. The Design District, Wynwood, and the Museum Park are just a few of the areas where the spirit of Art Basel is echoed.

The Impact Beyond Art

Art Basel Miami Beach is more than an art fair; it’s a cultural event that spills into the streets, beaches, and businesses of Miami. Fashion shows, exclusive parties, and celebrity sightings add to the fair’s glamour, while discussions on sustainability, diversity, and cultural policy reflect its depth and relevance.

Art Basel Miami Beach 2023 is set to be a testament to the power of art to connect, challenge, and celebrate the human experience. It’s a place where the art community comes together to honor the past, present, and future of creative expression. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious onlooker, the fair offers something to inspire and engage everyone who steps into its world of wonder.

As the event approaches, the anticipation builds for what is sure to be another unforgettable chapter in the history of Art Basel Miami Beach. Prepare to be dazzled by the art, the people, and the city, all coming together for a celebration of creativity that knows no bounds.

Miami Heat Victor Oladipo Just Sold his Miami Beach Property for $7.8 Million

All-Star NBA player Victor Oladipo, recently sold his Miami Beach property. According to records, Oladipo sold the non-waterfront mansion at 65 South Hibiscus Drive for $9 million, two years after purchasing it for a then-record $7.8 million.

In 2021, Oladipo had just become a member of the Miami Heat and had just purchased the 6,500-square-foot house. According to records, the house was built in 2020 and has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and one half-bathroom. It covers 0.3 acres, which according to Hogan is unusual for Hibiscus Island. According to Hogan, the house contains a pool, two master bedrooms, and a separate guest house.

Oladipo paid a sum that, at the time, set a Miami Beach non-waterfront home record, but that record was quickly broken when the area’s housing market experienced a price increase due to increasing demand. When a Sunset Islands home sold for $12.5 million in 2022, it set the record for the most money ever paid for a non-waterfront residence in Miami Beach.

According to Hogan, the most recent sale sets a Hibiscus Island price record for non-waterfront properties. According to Redfin, Oladipo listed the home in June for $10 million.

Throughout his 10-year NBA career, the two-time All-Star has sustained numerous injuries. He was transferred from the Heat to the Thunder in July, however, there is some talk that he might be moved again, according to Hogan. According to the Bleacher Report, Oladipo filed a lawsuit against his longtime manager, James Henderson, in June, accusing him of stealing $1.3 million from Oladipo and investing it in a condo and a nightclub.

Hogan stated that Oladipo wants to keep a “home base” in the Miami area and wants a bigger yard for his daughter even though his basketball future is uncertain. According to Hogan, they have been looking at homes in Pinecrest, a well-known inland hub for NBA players, as well as Weston, Davie, Southwest Ranches, and Pinecrest.

Earlier last month, Jason Richardson, a retired NBA star, paid $6.3 million for a house close to Olympia Heights. Jimmy Butler, a member of the Miami Heat, purchased a South Miami house for $7.4 million in February of last year.

Cher’s Former Miami Beach Mansion Hits the Market

What was once the iconic pop star, Cher’s, former Miami Beach residence, is now on the market at $42.5 million. Located at 46 La Gorce Circle, this waterfront mansion is currently owned by Canadian investor James Eaton and his wife, Cecily. Only three years ago, the couple paid $17 million for the house.

Cher originally bought the estate in 1993 for $1.5 million to use as her private residence, but she only lived there for three years before selling it to Calvin Klein co-founder Barry Schwartz for $4.4 million.

The estate offers 150 feet of Biscayne Bay frontage and sits on three-quarters of an acre. Built in 1953, the home offers six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and an indoor courtyard expanding over 12,000 square feet. The exterior space includes a 50-foot-long pool, a pool house, a hot tub, a cold plunge, and an outdoor shower.

The 77-year-old pop sensation Cher is best known for her work on hit songs like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time,” as well as for her roles in films like “Moonstruck” and as one-half of the well-known combo Sonny & Cher. Although her activity in the entertainment industry has decreased, she just introduced a gelato line.

Cher is in the process of selling some of her other real estate investments. She recently put her Malibu home—which she has owned since before her stint at La Gorce Island—on the market for $85 million last year. She paid $3 million for the site in 1989 and then built the 13,000-square-foot mansion on it, slashing the price this year to $75 million.

Rick Ross is Moving to Star Island in Miami Beach

Rick Ross, the Grammy-nominated rapper and record executive is buying the 12,400-square-foot home located at 37 Star Island Drive, Miami Beach. For $37.5 million, the 0.9-acre property first appeared on the market in May 2023.

On his Instagram story, Ross made a post about the sale with Sean ‘P Diddy Combs who is a Star Island resident. Combs said that the Star Island homeowners group had just given Ross their approval. Combs also gifted Ross a golf cart stating, “You can walk around Star Island, but it’s better to drive.”

Ross, a resident of Miami Gardens whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, established the music publishing company Maybach Music Group in 2009. He was raised in Carol City and went to Miami Carol City Senior High School.

37 Star Lane includes six bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and one-half bathroom with a 40-foot dock, a wide covered patio, a pool, a summer kitchen, and a Japanese Zen garden in addition to 100 feet of Biscayne Bay waterfront. The home was constructed in 1992.

Star Island is located off the MacArthur Causeway, which connects the Miami mainland to Miami Beach, with roughly 30 residences. Several island owners have sold their homes in the last three years as the luxury market grew following the start of the pandemic.

The island itself is man-made located along Biscayne Bay. Star Island is one of the most coveted and exclusive islands in South Florida. Star Island is within close proximity to Hibiscus Island, the Venetian Islands, and Palm Island. Each waterfront lot offers at least 40,000 square feet of unobstructed water views and frontage.

Star Island can be accessed through one bridge with a guardhouse entrance. A large number of celebrities live or have owned on Star Island. Some notables include Gloria Estefan, P. Diddy, Lea Black from the Real Housewives of Miami, and Jennifer Lopez.

10-Story Boutique Hotel in Miami Beach Launches Sales

Constellation Group, The Boschetti Group, and Vietmar; three Miami-based real estate development companies, have formally begun taking reservations for the 10-story boutique condominium Ella Miami Beach, located at 6940 Abbott Avenue in the center of Miami Beach.

The 95 units will include studios to two-bedroom floor plans and will range from 434 to 1,076 square feet in size. Prices will start in the upper $400,000s, which is an appealing entry price for a new-build property in Miami Beach, where new construction pricing generally begins at about $1 million.

Offering the best luxuries of Miami Beach living, Ella Miami Beach is replete with a sophisticated design and indulging amenities, and is situated within walking distance to the beach, popular restaurants, boutique shops, and a myriad of entertainment venues.

The award-winning international architectural firm Arquitectonica is creating the Ella Miami Beach, a building with sweeping rooftop views that stretch from the city on one side to the ocean on the other, with inspiration from Miami Beach’s Art Deco era.

Each unit has spacious terraces and is designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living and entertaining, with select residences giving breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Miami skyline. Each property will be delivered with roughly 9-foot-high ceilings throughout, modern ItalKraft kitchens with stone worktops and JennAir equipment, as well as designer closets with European influences. These features highlight the project’s flair and sophistication. Exclusive bespoke Interiors by Steven G packages are available to buy for a totally turn-key living experience.

A suite of amenities, such as a rooftop pool and fitness center with limitless views of Biscayne Bay and Miami, a paddle/pickleball court overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a residents’ lounge, a summer kitchen with an outdoor dining area, and an observation deck and lounge, are among the many distinctive features that enhance the experience of being an owner at Ella Miami Beach. A cold plunge, sauna, and an outdoor yoga and meditation terrace are among its wellness features. Other amenities include coworking space, free beach chairs, bike and beach equipment storage, and more.

Ella Miami Beach’s Sales Gallery is located at 6897 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The new building is anticipated to begin construction in the first quarter of 2024 and be finished in 2026.

If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Ella Miami Beach, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.

Introducing Perigon’s Two Story Luxury Penthouse

New developments are popping up everywhere throughout Miami but one of the most opulent new construction towers in Miami Beach stands out from the crowd with the unveiling of its new penthouse at The Perigon.

Penthouse West is a $37 million residence situated over two levels and is the first penthouse to be unveiled at the new condominium project. Four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and expansive living areas are housed in 5,685 square feet of inside space, while an outside sanctuary is made up of an additional 6,487 square feet. The residence, positioned atop the contemporary 17-story tower, also offers magnificent views of the beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and the developing Miami cityscape.

Designer Tara Bernerd, renowned for her ultra-luxury work on single-family houses, yachts, and condo buildings, created the interiors of the building, including the penthouse. She used organic fabrics that go well with the stone, wood, and glass components as well as high-end finishes throughout the entire building.

The 22-foot ceilings in the double-height great room, one of the home’s many remarkable design features and amenities, steal the show. This space, which leads to a wraparound terrace, serves as the residence’s focal point. Here, Bernerd employed materials including Italian walnut, European white oak, and honed white marble with a subdued color scheme. With its high-end highlights and designer touches for occupants who are decor-conscious, the light-filled penthouse has the air of a five-star resort. Additionally, each room has a private terrace area and an en suite bathroom with a luxurious soaking tub.

Penthouse West is known for its indoor-outdoor lifestyle, and in addition to the various outside terraces, there is also a private, manicured rooftop. The landscapes featured in the facilities of the property and the garden in the penthouse were both designed by Gustafson Porter + Bowman, the same company in charge of the landscaping around the Eiffel Tower. The house also boasts a sundeck, a sunken 30-foot infinity pool, a full outdoor summer kitchen, and outdoor dining.

More than 20,000 square feet of amenity space are available to residents of The Perigon, including a breakfast and sunset lounge, a residents-only private restaurant, and a speakeasy run by chef Shaun Hergatt, a veteran of Michelin-starred establishments. Additionally, there is a cabana-equipped oceanfront pool, a terraced fitness center, a private salon, a screening room, a kids’ play area, and a pool room.

Miami Beach Polo World Cup Returns April 21st

The largest and most well-known Beach Polo competition in the world, the Beach Polo World Cup, will be held in Miami Beach from Friday, April 21st, through Sunday, April 23rd, 2023.

The top players in the world compete in high-goal polo matches every day, and there are also a number of upscale off-site events that combine polo, fashion, and luxury for the ultimate experience.

Almost 12,000 people are anticipated to attend the action-packed event over the course of the weekend at Collins Park on the pristine sands of South Beach, Miami. The sold-out, star-studded event this year will include more than 120 horses and 8 international teams with players from more than 10 different countries. In addition to the event week, there are daily activities, some of which are accessible to the public.

The equestrian spectacular includes a variety of luxurious programming in addition to the high stakes polo events.

Buy a ticket for the Polo Lounge to enjoy some shade. The spacious lounge, which has a view of the polo field, has a complete bar, access to game commentary, music, and food and beverage items for sale. Polo Lounge tickets start at $110.

The World Polo League Beach Polo World Cup provides individual VIP tickets ranging from $500–$650 for those looking to upgrade for the very best VIP experience. From $5,000 to $20,000 is the price range for VIP packages that include a table for 10 people inside the VIP tent overlooking the polo field.

While VIP tickets come with shady lounge areas, a full bar, and food, general admission is free to the public. Visit www.miamipolocup.com to view the whole calendar of events, get additional details, and buy tickets.

Miami Beach’s Star Island is Now Ranked as the Nation’s Highest Priced Neighborhoods

Miami Beach’s exclusive Star Island has taken the top spot among the most expensive areas in the country, surpassing Port Royal in Naples, FL, Beverly Hill’s Gateway, and Trousdale Estates in Beverly Hills. In 2022, the price of the typical home sold on the island was $40.2 million, an increase of $16.7 million and 71% from 2019 when it was $23.5 million.

Ken Griffin, the founder of Citadel and a heavyweight in the hedge fund industry, has spent a total of $170 million over the past few years buying a collection of five houses on the island. Griffin made a big impression when he paid $75 million for a 1993 demolition on 1.8 acres at 8 Star Island Drive. At the time, the sale broke a record for Miami-Dade County single-family home sales, but Griffin is no stranger to shattering records.

Griffin also bought the nearby 10 Star Island for $25 million, 11 and 12 Star Island Drive for about $37 million, and 13 Star Island for $32.5 million in an off-market purchase. Also, he was the owner of 14 Star Island, which he acquired for $24 million in 2020 and reportedly traded for 13 Star Island for $18.5 million with former New York Yankee and real estate mogul Alex Rodriguez.

Griffin is not the only well-known investor who has bought and sold on the Island. Stuart Miller, the executive chairman of Lennar, paid $33 million for the old 4 and 5 Star Island Drive owned by Thomas Kramer, which marked the beginning of a protracted series of deals on the renowned island. With Todd Michael Glaser, Stuart Miller created an extravagant model home at 22 Star Island that was designed by DOMO Design and sold for $49.5 million in an off-market transaction managed by David Solomon and David Miller.

The owner of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, Robert Pera, purchased the 1.9-acre property next door from Miller in 2019 for $25 million. A contentious 28,000 SF seaside home with a basketball complex is being built by Pera. Marc Iacovelli sold the historic Carl Fisher estate at 46 Star Island Drive to Roger and Sloan Barnett for $39 million on the other side of 22 Star Island. On the island, Shay Kostiner recently sold his vacant lot at 44 Star Island for $10 million, while Anthony Hsieh, the founder and CEO of LoanDepot, just paid $30 million to purchase 34 Star Island Rive.

Just over the MacArthur Causeway from Fisher Island’s entrance and Miami Beach’s South of Fifth district, the gated Star Island has long been one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The Army Corps of Engineers constructed the island in 1922 as part of a dredging project, and Carl Fisher turned it into an island for the affluent and well-known. Celebrities and billionaires like Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Philip Frost, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Alex Rodriguez, Stuart Miller, and Vladislav Doronin currently reside on the island.

Approval Pending for Construction on 10 Story Residential Tower in Miami Beach

An application has been submitted for design review approval to build a new 10-story mixed-use building at 6940 Abbott Avenue, the location of a former BellSouth office and parking lot that is no longer in use in the North Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach. The application was filed by 6940 North Beach LLC, a joint venture between entities controlled by Rainer Viete, Jose Boschetti, and Eduardo Otaola.

The 130-foot-tall structure will feature 134,573 square feet of space, including 96 multi-family units, 21 of which would be co-living units, 2,192 square feet of ground floor retail, and 90 parking spaces. It was designed by Arquitectonica with Biscayne Engineering serving as the land surveyor and civil engineer.

Unit floor plans include studio, one, and two bedrooms. The regular size units would be between 550 and 1,250 square feet, while studio units (co-living) will be between 403 and 437 square feet. A cafe, fitness facility, pickle-ball court, and a lap pool will all be on the rooftop.

The traffic engineer is David Plummer & Associates, while the landscape architect is Christopher Cawley Landscape Architecture.  The interior of the building will be thoroughly illuminated by natural light thanks to the use of grey glass windows and a glass railing. Mixing these materials will produce a striking, modern appearance that blends nicely with the nearby North Beach neighborhood. A stunning concrete frame with spherical motifs grouped in a bond-like pattern wraps around all elevations of the residential component of the building, emphasizing its distinctive form.

The development organization has also offered hurricane-proof impact windows, passive cooling systems, resilient planting, a study of the elevation of the property and the elevation of neighboring properties, and a recycling or salvage strategy for partial or complete deconstruction. To integrate the loading and parking driveways, they also ask for a waiver. The granting of this waiver will enable the project to be better designed while still adhering to the TC-C district’s development restrictions and without the requirement for variances. The project’s anticipated construction cost is approximately $14,692,224.