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.

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.

J. Michael Arrington-Founder of TechCrunch Buys Waterfront Home for $16 Million

Old Cutler Bay in Miami
Old Cutler Bay in Miami

In April 2021, J. Michael Arrington, Founder of TechCrunch, stated that “there is no better place to be than Miami.” So it is of no surprise that Arrington just closed on a waterfront property in Miami last Friday.

With a cool price of $16 million, this gorgeous home is located in Miami’s gated community of Old Cutler Bay has all the amenities that one could need. The gorgeous six bedroom home is perfectly sited on half of an acre with 140 feet of waterfront. This property is not limited in amenities! From the pool, wooden deck, coral rock fire pit, to the summer kitchen, it is absolutely stunning.

Patio View of Miami Mansion

The home was built in 2015 and designed by Florida architect, Cesar Molina. The 8,300 square foot home is complete with 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, wine cellar, home theater, gym, and custom kitchen.

According to the Miami MLS, this property was originally listed in April with a price of $16.5 million. According to tax records, the sellers purchased the property for $10.4 million in November of 2018. According to the listing agent, properties in this neighborhood typically sell for over $10 million but this has been the highest sale price ever for this neighborhood.

Garden in Miami Mansion

J. Michael Arrington is the founder of the popular tech review website, TechCrunch and a cryptocurrency hedge fund, Arrington XRP Capital. Techcrunch which operates Crunchbase, was founded in 2005 starting off as an online encyclopedia with information on key people, funding rounds, and startups’ information. TechCrunch was later acquired in 2010 by AOL for $25 million.

Shoma Group Buys North Bay Village Land for $15.78 Million for a Proposed Mixed-Use Project- Shoma Bay

Shoma North Bay Village Rendering
Shoma North Bay Village Rendering

Shoma Group, led by CEO Masoud Shojaee has recently purchased a 1.79 acre lot in North Bay Village. The development group purchased the land through two separate deals for a total of $15.78 million.

The lot located at 1850 79th Street Causeway sold for $8.38 million while the lot with a current retail building at 1872 79th Street Causeway sold for $7.4 million. Both properties were purchased with a mortgage through North Bay Finance & Investments.

Shoma Bay Mixed-use Project in North Bay Village

The plans for the ‘Shoma Bay’ development were presented and approved by the North Bay Village in March 2021. The mixed-use development will house a 19-story tower that will include 333 residential units, 36,068 square foot approved Publix grocery store, 6,315 square feet of retail, and a 666 garage spaces. Ten of the spaces will be dedicated to electric charging vehicles, and the garage will be located on top of the Publix.

The amenities will include a pool, bowling alley, complimentary snack station, wework café, clubroom, and more to be determined.

MSA Architects are the lead designers on this project. MSA have also designed the Waverly at Surfside, Porto Bellagio, and the Marriott Miami Beach.

Cryptocurrency Making Headway in Real Estate – Miami’s First Development Will Start Accepting Digital Currency

Arte Surfside Accepts Cryptocurrency
Arte Surfside in Miami Beach

The real estate market is changing and it’s happening fast! We have seen sellers accepting cryptocurrency with offers as a bargaining chip and now we have our first Miami development accepting the digital platform currency for their development.

Arte Surfside Miami Beach is the first to join the cryptocurrency movement! Arte has officially partnered with SolidBlock, a securities trading platform, to provide safe and secure transactions for buying and selling needs.

Arte Surfside Accepts Cryptocurrency

SolidBlock’s is an end-to-end platform that helps real estate developers and fund managers raise funds offering digital securities. This platform assists with ‘tokening’ assets and selling shares in exchange for cryptocurrency. They believe that helping reduce overhead costs by moving quickly as well as structuring the safety for your business needs will achieve the highest level of cryptocurrency trading satisfaction. SolidBlock was founded in 2018 and has just recently expanded to the United States.

According to the Developer for Arte Surfside, Giovanni Fasciano, “Cryptocurrency is not only viable and sustainable new asset, it’s also the future of wealth. As more technology executives move to Miami and bring cryptocurrency along with them, it is crucial that buildings start to devise plans to make blockchain transactions easier and more secure for investors…”

Arte Surfside 8955 Collins Ave

Arte Surfside is setting the bar for real estate transactions in Miami and we are excited to see what is in store. The future of real estate is here. Are you ready?

Top 5 Spots to Celebrate Cinco De May in Miami 2021

Miami Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Cinco De Mayo Miami 2021

Cinco De Mayo is finally here and we have found the best spots in Miami to celebrate! So bring your friends and/or family and lets try them all!

La Tiendita Taqueria

La Tiendita of Wynwood features authentic Mexican foods inspired by recipes passed down from the La Tiendita ancestors. For Cinco De Mayo, they will have beer specials, margaritas specials, food specials, as well as a live DJ from 12pm-3am. Click here for their full menu.

  • $5 Monopolio Clara
  • $30 Bottle Margaritas with Don Julio
  • $10 Pierde Almas Mezcal Gin
  • $199 Bottle of Don Julio Blanco

Toro Toro

Toro Toro is one of Chef Richard Sandoval’s ‘Pan-Latin’ steakhouses. This Cinco De Mayo, get ready for a tequila tasting with Casamigos hosted food parings. The fun starts at 5pm with a four-course tasting! Click here for more information.

Four-Course Meal Features

  • Pan-Latin inspired Cocktail
  • Casamigos mezcal served with fundido de queso a la tequila and Casamigos blanco paired with cobia tiradito
  • Casamigos reposado paired with smoked al pastor ribs with pineapple and chayote salsa
  • Coffee-rubbed lamb barbacoa, patacones and avocado crema paired with Casamigos anejo
  • Chocolate petits fours

Pisco Y Nazca

Pisco Y Nazca is celebrating this year’s Cinco de mayo with $7 margarita specials all day long paired with their classic menu! Click here for the full menu and Cinco De Mayo celebrations!

Chica

Chica is Miami will feature a live DJ starting and 5 p.m. going until midnight. Specialty cocktails and classic food menus will make Chica a one stop for all of your Cinco De Mayo needs. Click here for the full menu.

  • Feature Cocktail “Tomas Estes” made with reposado tequila, rasberry liqueur, cranberry juice, agave syrup, and lime $16
  • Baha fish dinner special for two
  • Whole duck carnitas special
  • Tres Leches $15

Boia De & Jaguar Sun

This exclusive collaboration are teaming up for Cinco de Mayo and serving you specialty foods, drinks, and an awesome DJ. This even will take place at 7357 NW Miami Court (Lot 6) and reservations are needed. Click here for more information.

  • Cocktails by Jaguar Sun
  • Food by La Pollita By Boia De
  • Choco Tacos by Frice Cream

Oko Group Obtains $128 Million Loan to Finish Construction on Una Residences

Una Residences Miami
Una Residences Miami

Oko Group and Cain International, developers for Una Residences, have just obtained a loan of $128 million to complete the construction. As of April 2021, $76 million in pre-sales have been recorded with a majority of domestic buyers. The tower is at 72% sold with 2 exclusive penthouse residences left for purchase in the tower.

UNA Residences Construction Overview

The loan was brokered by Walker & Dunlop with representing law firms Weil Gotshal & Manges and King & Spaulding.

According to the CEO of Oko Group, Vlad Doronin stated, “Miami’s increasing global appeal is drawing families to live and businesses to invest in high quality real estate, particularly rare and exclusive offerings such as Una Residences; one of the last opportunities to buy a waterfront property in one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods.”

UNA Residences-View from Biscayne Bay.

This tower will feature 47 stories of 135 units located at 175 S.E. 25th Road on 1.04 acres right up against Biscayne Bay.

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

The ground breaking was in May 2020 and the 47-story tower is expected to be complete in 2023. For a construction update, click here.

Did Derek Jeter Purchase a $16.6 Million Lot in Coral Gables?

Derek Jeter moves to Coral Gables
Derek Jeter buys lot in Coral Gables

Baseball Hall of Famer and Miami Marlins CEO, Derek Jeter may have purchased a waterfront lot in Coral Gables, Florida.

According to a recent article published by the Florida Business Journal, a Detroit P.O. Box that Jeter has used in the past, was listed on the deed that purchased a 1.91 acre vacant lot at 625 Leucadendra Drive for $16.6 million.

The lot features 325 feet of waterfront with a dock and was last purchased at $13.95 million. According to the MLS, the property has the ability to build a 20,000 square foot residential home.

The P.O. Box that was used in the purchase was the same as the one that was listed when Jeter sold his mansion in Tampa in 2020. Jeter sold the 1.2 acre property at 59 Bahama Circle for a cool $29 million; which featured 22,000 square feet of living space, 7 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, 6 car garage, and pool with spa.

Jeter moved to South Florida after purchasing the Marlins in 2017 for $1.2 billion. Jeter currently resides at the Ritz Carlton Residences in Miami Beach.