Villa Miami Breaks Ground

The East Edgewater skyline is about to reach new heights with the breaking ground of Villa Miami—a collaboration of Terra, led by David Martin, One Thousand Group with Kevin Venger, Louis Birdman, and Michael Konig, and the culinary masterminds of Major Food Group: Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Miami’s Alex Pirez. Marking the hospitality brand’s debut in residential development, Villa Miami represents a bold new chapter in Miami’s luxury real estate landscape.

This copper-clad, 56-story tower will soar 650 feet above Biscayne Bay, offering only 70 exclusive half- and full-floor residences. The project is a testament to design ingenuity, culinary excellence, and uncompromised service, creating an unparalleled living experience.

David Martin, CEO of Terra, shared, “Villa Miami embodies a commitment to world-class design and culinary innovation, while embracing a low-density model that redefines exclusivity. With just 70 residences, this project grants a sense of privacy that transforms living spaces into true ‘homes in the sky’.”

Slated for delivery in late 2027, the development is entrusted to Moss Construction, known for delivering iconic projects like Five Park Miami Beach. Construction is already underway, with seawall work beginning in September.

Jeff Zalaznick, Co-founder of Major Food Group, commented, “Every element of Villa Miami—from the design and finishes to the curated amenities—is a reflection of our dedication to excellence. This building represents more than luxury; it’s a physical manifestation of our passion for precision and quality.”

ODP Architects leads the architectural design of the tower, strategically located to offer effortless access to cultural, shopping, and dining hubs like the Design District and Wynwood. Residents will enjoy breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami Beach skyline.

The centerpiece of Villa Miami is The Copper Club, a three-floor, resident-only amenity suite that epitomizes luxury. With private dining, lounges, a screening room, wellness facilities, and even a rooftop helipad, the club fosters an unparalleled lifestyle. Completing this curated experience, residents will have priority access to a new Major Food Group waterfront restaurant, adding another layer of exclusivity.

Kevin Venger of One Thousand Group noted, “With Villa Miami, we’re bringing another landmark to Miami’s skyline, redefining luxury in Edgewater and Biscayne Bay.”

Villa Miami’s interiors mark the Miami debut of renowned designer Vicky Charles of Charles & Co., whose work has graced the homes of A-list celebrities worldwide. Inspired by mid-century Italian villas and Miami’s vibrant energy, the design incorporates warm woods, elegant curves, and ambient lighting, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication.

Terra and One Thousand Group bring an unparalleled legacy to the project, having delivered landmarks such as Five Park Miami Beach, Mr. C Residences Coconut Grove, and One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid. Their combined expertise ensures Villa Miami will set a new benchmark for luxury living.

As Villa Miami rises in East Edgewater, it promises to deliver a unique blend of sophistication, exclusivity, and visionary design, reshaping the future of Miami’s luxury real estate market.

Waymo’s Robotaxi Service to Expand into Miami, Setting the Pace for the Future of Autonomous Transportation

Waymo, the autonomous driving company spun off from Google, is making major strides in the race to dominate the robotaxi industry. With a steady expansion into new markets and a track record of success, Waymo is quickly outpacing its competitors, leaving them in the dust. The company recently announced plans to bring its driverless Jaguar vehicles to Miami, marking the latest step in its ambitious roadmap for expansion.

As part of its growth strategy, Waymo plans to begin testing its robotaxi fleet in Miami next year. The vehicles will undergo trials to familiarize themselves with the streets of Florida’s largest city, ensuring they can safely navigate the bustling urban landscape. By 2026, Waymo expects to begin charging for rides, giving Miami residents access to one of the most advanced autonomous driving services available.

This announcement comes just weeks after Waymo opened up its robotaxi service to the public in Los Angeles, covering an 80-square-mile area. The Los Angeles launch is part of Waymo’s expansion beyond its core markets of Phoenix and San Francisco, further solidifying its position as the leader in the robotaxi space.

In addition to the Miami launch, Waymo is also preparing to roll out its fleet in Atlanta and Austin next year. This move comes in collaboration with Uber, allowing the two companies to combine forces and make autonomous ridesharing a reality in multiple cities across the U.S. As part of its efforts to scale, Waymo has partnered with Moove, a fleet management service, to maintain its growing fleet of vehicles in Phoenix and Miami.

Currently operating around 200 vehicles in Phoenix, Waymo’s robotaxis have proven to be reliable, completing more than 150,000 weekly trips. Despite being a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. and still racking up significant losses, Waymo’s commitment to its mission is clear. The company recently raised $5.6 billion from Alphabet and other major investors, further fueling its expansion.

Waymo’s rapid rise is a testament to the power of long-term vision. What started as a secret Google project in 2009, known as “Chauffeur,” has evolved into the company we know today. In 2016, Waymo was spun off into its own entity, setting the stage for the launch of its autonomous taxi service. Over the years, the company has faced numerous challenges, but its continued success and market share growth show that the dream of a fully autonomous, self-driving taxi service is now becoming a reality.

While Waymo is driving forward, its competitors are facing obstacles. Cruise, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of General Motors, is still recovering from a high-profile accident in San Francisco last year. The accident, in which a Cruise robotaxi dragged a pedestrian who had been struck by another car, led to the suspension of the company’s license to operate in California. This incident has slowed Cruise’s expansion plans, casting doubt on its ability to compete with Waymo in the near future.

Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk continues to promise that Tesla’s “Cybercabs” will hit U.S. roads by 2026. Although Musk has made similar claims in the past, the company has yet to bring its autonomous ride-hailing service to market.

As Waymo moves ahead with its expansion into Miami and other cities, the future of autonomous vehicles looks increasingly bright. The company’s impressive safety record, growing market presence, and significant investment demonstrate that the transition to self-driving taxis is well underway. With rivals struggling to keep up, Waymo is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of the autonomous driving revolution.

ELLE Residences Miami: A Bold Fusion of Fashion, Design, and Lifestyle

Breaking Ground at The Residences at 1428 Brickell- Miami’s New Solar-Powered 70-Story Tower

The Residences at 1428 Brickell officially breaks ground. This 70-story tower, designed to generate its own solar power, is touted as the first of its kind in the world, cementing Miami’s place as a forward-thinking city embracing green building practices.

At the core of the tower’s design is a pioneering 20,000-square-foot “Solar Backbone” that sets it apart. This backbone integrates photovoltaic panels directly into the building’s glass façade, harnessing renewable energy to meet a portion of the building’s electricity needs. This innovative system is projected to produce 175 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually, cutting down around 4,700 tons of CO₂ emissions and saving the equivalent of 3,000 barrels of oil each year.

The tower, upon completion, will become one of the tallest in Miami, standing at an impressive 861 feet. With construction cranes exceeding 1,000 feet, this architectural marvel will soon dominate the Brickell skyline, embodying both height and purpose-driven design.

The residential offering is as exclusive as the structure itself, featuring 195 luxury units that promise breathtaking views and top-tier finishes. Residents will enjoy 80,000 square feet of amenities, all carefully crafted to deliver a high-end lifestyle in a sustainable environment. Pricing for these coveted residences starts at $3 million, with upper-range options reaching $7 million. The tower’s collection of penthouses, promising the pinnacle of opulence, are priced between $8 million and $60 million.

The team behind this project reads like a who’s who in luxury development. Ytech leads the charge as the developer, bringing in renowned firms ACPV Architects and Arquitectonica to execute the architectural vision. General contracting duties are in the capable hands of John Moriarty & Associates, a firm known for its commitment to quality and innovation in high-rise construction.

This tower is more than a striking addition to Brickell’s skyline; it’s a statement on the future of sustainable architecture. With its trailblazing solar capabilities, this development isn’t just setting a new standard in Miami but is marking a milestone on a global scale.

FAA Clears the Way for Aman Miami Beach Residences: A New Icon of Luxury and Heritage in the Faena District

OKO Group and Access Industries have received crucial Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approvals for the Aman Miami Beach Residences, an exclusive residential and hotel project at 3425 Collins Avenue. The FAA has issued two height clearances, ensuring the project aligns with airspace regulations while setting new standards for luxury living in the Miami Beach skyline. The primary clearance authorizes a maximum height of 252 feet above ground level (255 feet above mean sea level) at the building’s highest point. A secondary clearance applies to a segment closer to Miami International Airport’s (MIA) runway, capping its height at 227 feet above ground or 230 feet above sea level. These approvals, effective until April 2026, mark an essential milestone in the project’s progression.

Aman Miami Beach Residences will seamlessly blend luxury accommodations and private residences within the renowned Faena District, introducing a new residential tower with 23 private units alongside the preserved Versailles Hotel, which will host 56 Aman-branded hotel rooms. Designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the structure epitomizes minimalist elegance with a unique synthesis of angular lines, soft forms, and Japanese-inspired materials that honor Miami Beach’s Art Deco heritage. Kuma’s vision allows for fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a visually stunning building that harmonizes with the landscape.

The project team features Revuelta Architecture International and RJ Heisenbottle Architects, while Suffolk Construction serves as the general contractor. Together, they are embracing Miami Beach’s growing trend of adaptive reuse, rejuvenating historic structures with contemporary architectural techniques. This approach is embodied in the Versailles Hotel’s restoration, a 1940s architectural gem that now offers a blend of historical charm and modern luxury in the Faena District.

While the exact construction timeline remains to be finalized, industry sources, including YIMBY, predict groundbreaking early next year, with completion expected around mid-2027. The Aman Miami Beach Residences promise to bring a refined architectural presence to the area and further elevate Miami Beach as a destination for high-end residential and hospitality experiences, cementing its status in the global luxury real estate market.

Meta Development’s New Luxury Venture Set to Transform Brickell

Meta Development, an international firm, is making waves in the Miami real estate scene with plans to demolish the five-unit Houses of Brickell Condominium and replace it with an exclusive luxury development. This ambitious project will introduce 36 upscale residences, with each ownership opportunity priced around $2.5 million.

The development’s blueprint includes two interconnected five-story buildings. These structures will be linked via a stunning rooftop pool deck and supported by a parking podium. Residences are set to range from three to five bedrooms, although specific square footage details remain undisclosed.

Beyond the beautiful design, residents will enjoy high-end finishings, energy-efficient appliances, and integrated smart home technology. The development aims to appeal to both wealthy homeowners with spacious residences and investors seeking smaller units for short-term rentals. The inclusion of smart home features and sustainable design elements positions the project as a forward-thinking addition to the Brickell skyline.

Brazil-based OSPA Architecture and Urbanism is spearheading the architectural design of the project. Conceptual renderings depict a sleek, rectangular-shaped structure surrounded by lush palm trees and native ferns, encapsulating Miami’s tropical beauty.

Meta Development secured the land for this ambitious project through two strategic acquisitions. The firm purchased a vacant 17,500-square-foot lot at 1870 Brickell Avenue for $10.25 million and has the five condos at the existing Houses of Brickell under contract for a combined $10.5 million.

This new 36-unit development will be located at 1888 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL 33129, within Miami-Dade County. As the project moves forward, anticipation builds for this transformative luxury venture that will further solidify Brickell’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury living.

Exciting New Retail and Restaurant Concepts Coming to Miami Worldcenter

Miami Worldcenter, the $6 billion, 27-acre mixed-use development that’s transforming Downtown Miami, is set to welcome three exciting new tenants by early 2025. The latest additions to the vibrant project include Go Greek Yogurt, HŸP, and SkinSpirit, all of which promise to bring unique experiences to the growing retail and dining scene.

Developed by Miami Worldcenter Associates, under the leadership of Managing Partners Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani in partnership with CIM Group, Miami Worldcenter stands as one of Florida’s largest privately owned urban real estate projects. Spanning 10 city blocks, the development offers a blend of residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, complemented by 300,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment venues.

New Tenants Coming Soon

Go Greek Yogurt: This Beverly Hills-based yogurt bar and café will open its first Florida location at Miami Worldcenter in late 2024. Spanning nearly 1,300 square feet on the Paseo Promenade, Go Greek Yogurt will offer authentic fresh and frozen Greek yogurt with ingredients imported directly from Europe, promising a healthy and flavorful dining option.

HŸP: Known for its curated selection of top-tier streetwear brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Chrome Hearts, HŸP will also debut in late 2024. The 1,300-square-foot sneaker and streetwear retailer will add another layer of fashion-forward appeal to the Paseo Promenade.

SkinSpirit: Arriving in early 2025, SkinSpirit’s 1,700-square-foot medical aesthetics spa will mark the company’s first foray into South Florida. With a national reputation for top-tier services like Botox and dermal fillers, SkinSpirit’s arrival will enhance Miami Worldcenter’s wellness offerings.

Expanding Retail and Dining Scene

These new tenants will join an impressive roster of businesses already open at Miami Worldcenter. Notable venues include Sixty Vines wine-on-tap restaurant, Chef Michael Beltran’s Brasserie Laurel, Chug’s Express, and El Vecino Cigar & Cocktail Bar. Popular retailers like lululemon, Sephora, Ray-Ban, and Free People are also part of the development, alongside entertainment options such as Lucky Strike bowling, the Museum of Ice Cream, and a Lucid Motors showroom.

Additionally, more high-profile names are set to open soon, including Juvia, Villa One Tequila Gardens, Chicago’s Maple & Ash, and Serafina, along with Club Studio and The Spot Barbershop.

A Destination for the Future

Miami Worldcenter is not just a place to shop and dine; it’s a cultural and residential hub that enhances Miami’s urban experience. The project includes completed developments such as the 351-room citizenM hotel, the luxury Paramount Miami Worldcenter condominium, and market-rate apartments Flow and Bezel Miami. Under construction are major projects like Miami World Tower 1 and The Crosby, while future residential towers by leading developers are also planned.

In addition to its retail and residential elements, Miami Worldcenter will feature World Square, a 20,000-square-foot outdoor public plaza, and a $5 million public art initiative that will transform the space into a permanent outdoor museum with works curated by Jeffrey Deitch and PRIMARY.

Its strategic location places it within walking distance of cultural landmarks like the Pérez Art Museum, Adrienne Arsht Center, and the Brightline MiamiCentral station, making Miami Worldcenter one of Florida’s most well-connected and transit-oriented developments.

River District 14 Secures $77.8 Million Construction Financing

River District 14, a luxury development in the heart of Miami, has secured a significant financial milestone. Forman Capital has granted a $77,805,708 construction loan to an affiliate of Alta Development, marking a key step forward for the highly anticipated project.

The development will feature two 16-story towers with a total of 283 fully furnished condo units. Designed with flexibility in mind, these units will allow for short-term rentals, catering to a growing demand among investors and residents alike.

With more than 50% of the units already sold, River District 14 is proving to be a hot commodity in today’s thriving real estate market. Forman Capital’s Chief Investment Officer and Principal, Scott Mehlman, expressed optimism about the development’s potential. “The new construction condominium market continues to sizzle, and residences built for short-term rentals have proven to really resonate with buyers,” he said. “Based on initial sales at River District 14, I think this will be a major success.”

Construction is expected to begin before the end of the year, setting the stage for another standout addition to the city’s skyline.

Bentley Residences Miami Tower Construction Cranes Set to Rise in 2025

Exciting new developments are coming to the Bentley Residences Miami site in Sunny Isles Beach, with plans for two massive construction cranes to take the project skyward. According to a new filing with the FAA, these cranes will play a crucial role in shaping what will become the tallest oceanfront building in the United States.

The first crane, dubbed Tower Crane #1, is set to soar 850 feet above the ground, reaching an impressive 857 feet above sea level. This crane will help propel construction to the highest heights of Bentley Residences. Tower Crane #2 won’t be far behind, reaching 742 feet above ground, or 749 feet above sea level.

The work schedule for these towering structures is expected to begin on January 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development.

Bentley Residences Miami is set to stand 62 stories tall, topping off at 749 feet. This will solidify its status as the tallest oceanfront building in the U.S., reshaping the skyline of Sunny Isles and redefining luxury living in the region.

Earlier this year, Dezer Development, the mastermind behind this iconic project, held a groundbreaking ceremony, setting the stage for a construction timeline that will stretch to the end of 2027, when the building is slated for completion.