Rilea Group Launches Campaign to Crowdfund Mohawk at Wynwood Project

Rilea Group plans to develop Mohawk at Wynwood
Mohawk at Wynwood

Miami-based developer, Rilea Group has launched a campaign to crowdfund a mixed-use project, called Mohawk at Wynwood, through an investor community known as RealtyMogul. This platform is comprised of 200,000 investors with a $2.8 billion portfolio that backs over 15,000 multi-family units.

The campaign was launched on April 5, 2021 and is expected to end June 4, 2021. The goal for Rilea Group is to raise $10 million through RealtyMogul with an overall price tag of $103.4 million.

Mohawk’s design brings the edginess of local artist’s murals and modern steel framing to create a master piece that targets young entrepreneurs.

Building Features:

  • 12-story building
  • 225 residences
  • 3,500 square feet of office space (for residents only)
  • 22,000 square feet of retail space
  • Designed by Deforma Studios
  • 1, 2, and 3 bedroom unit options

Building Amenities:

  • Rooftop pool
  • Bar
  • Lounge
  • Chef’s dining room
  • Children’s room
  • Game room
  • 2-story gym
  • Yoga room
  • Dog park
  • Outdoor greenway

Rilea group is currently under contract with 29th Street Warehouses LLC for the Mohawk lot located at 56 N.E. 29th Street on a 1.5 acre property.

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.

Florida Hits the Jackpot – Seminole Tribe and Governor DeSantis Signs Gaming and Betting Agreement

Mobile Sport Betting is Coming to Florida
Gambling and Casinos Are Coming to Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis is at it again! Back in March, DeSantis met with lawmakers to discuss possible options to bring betting and gaming to Florida, specifically Miami. Now, his plan seems to be falling into place.

A historic deal took place on Friday when Governor DeSantis signed a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that would bring ‘mobile sports betting’ as well as ‘Vegas-style’ casinos to tribal facilities in Florida. According to Marcellus Osceola Jr. on Friday, Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, stated “The agreement we are about to sign is going to be life changing for our tribe.”

Mobile Sport Betting is Coming to Florida

What the Agreement Will Look Like

  • Ages 21 and older (located within Florida) can use the app to place sports bets (sports teams would not be allowed to bet)
  • Bets would be routed through the Seminole Tribe for the next 30 years
  • The Seminole Tribe would agree to pay $500 million in annual payments to Florida (this amount could increase depending upon the market and profits)
  • The agreement would allow the transfer of slot machine licenses within Miami-Dade and Broward counties
  • An exclusive right to operate craps and roulette at all of the Tribe’s casinos and to build three more casinos on existing tribal property

Challenges Facing the Agreement

This agreement may come up against some legal challenges due to a constitutional amendment that was passed by voters in 2018 that requires a vote for all new games in Florida. Miami business leader, Armando Codina has hired a lawyer to fight the gambling agreement and if the agreement is approved, he stated that he plans to sue the State of Florida. According to the Miami Herald, there are others that plan on joining the fight if approved.

Final Notes

Before approval, this agreement must be ratified by the Florida Legislature as well as approved by the U.S. Department of Interior. Governor DeSantis and Senate leaders are due to meet on May 17th to discuss the issue and is expecting approval for the compact by August 2021. According to the Miami Herald, if this agreement is approved it will be the “most populous state in the nation to offer mobile sports betting!”

Melo Group Proposes Two-Story Tower in Wynwood Named Urban22

Rendering for Urban22
Rendering of the Urban22 Tower

The Melo Group is a well-known development group in the Miami area. After completing 6,000+ residential units in Miami over the years, they currently have 2,000 units under construction.

According to The Real Deal, the group met with Miami’s Urban Development Review Board on April 21st to propose a two-tower multi-use project called Urban22 in the Wynwood neighborhood.

Multiple parcels making up the 1.94 acre site stretch’s from Second Avenue, 22nd Street, to 23rd street. The Melo Group started purchasing these sites in 2011.

Each 15-story tower would total 708,119 square feet with an 8-story podium connecting between the two. The towers will feature a proposed 441 apartments, 7,168 sq. ft. of retail, 5,692 sq. ft. of office space, and 529 parking spaces. The garage will feature a pool deck on top

The apartments would range from 725 to 1,200 sq. ft. with studio to three bedroom options.

  • 4 studios
  • 243, one bedroom
  • 152, two bedrooms
  • 42, three bedrooms

There has been no update on what the Urban Development Review Board has concluded but we will continue to monitor this proposed project.

Brickell House Finally Finds Solution to Its Parking Garage Woes

Brickell House Aerial View
Brickell House Aerial View

All eyes on are on Brickell House condominium tower after years of fighting a parking garage battle! More than 6 years in the making, owners now see a solution to their parking concerns.

The Brickell House Association has contracted ParkPlus High Density Parking Systems to complete the parking replacement project. ParkPlus has 50+ years of history in parking automation and they offer a number of solutions for any need; including robotic parking solutions, self-park stacking, and manually operated stacking.

Brickell House Condos Miami

The parking replacement project is estimated to take up to 77 weeks once permits and approval from the city are in place. ParkPlus is estimating 411 parking places with 80 spaces for electric vehicle charges. With the new system in place, it is estimated that 95 vehicles can be parked per hour.

With the $72 million awarded from the previous parking systems lawsuit, the Association will be able to cover the transition to this parking project making a special assessment not necessary for unit owners. The Brickell House Association has stated that they have taken into account the cost of preventative maintenance for 15 years but may need to revaluate due to technology advances in the future.

Brickell House Balcony View

ParkPlus is bonded and insured, and the Association has additional insurances if the need arises. Initially there will be valet parking only, which will eventually transition into self-parking. Until the transition occurs, there will be personnel ready to assist in the parking and loading areas.

With this new parking replacement project in full swing, prices for Brickell House condos should rebound over the next few years as there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel!

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!

Miami Q1 Residential Condo and Single Family Home Numbers are In, and They Look Good!

Q1 Sales for Miami
Miami-Dade County Q1 Sales Report by Douglas Elliman

According to the quarterly Douglas Elliman’s report for Q1 in Miami-Dade County, residential sales continue to rise. With limited inventory of single-family residences and condominiums, prices and sales have increased drastically.

Single-family sales increased by 162 percent and new signed contracts for condo sales have increased by 338.9 percent.

What’s interesting for both condo and residential sales in Miami, the sales price of $5 million and higher have increased substantially. With condo sales over $5 million at a 492.2 percent increase and residential sales over $10 million at a 339.5 percent increase.

Miami-Dade County Q1 Residential Sales Report

The median condo sale price is at $300,000, with a 14 percent increase compared to this time last year. According to the report, “Condos showed much larger gains due to their earlier slowdown in activity early on in the pandemic.”

For Miami Beach, sales of condos and houses increased by 85% with 1,425 closings in Miami Beach. Nearly 10-month supply for single-family homes and condos remained. Condo sales in Miami Beach have increased by 75 percent to 1,192 sales. The median condo price at $510,000 rose 44 percent compared to this time last year.

Read the full report below:

Modera Biscayne Bay Tower Tops Off – Preleasing Begins May 2021

Modera Biscayne Bay Tower
Modera Biscayne Bay Tower Tops Off

Modera Biscayne Bay recently toped off on the 28-story tower located at 2150 N Bayshore Drive in Edgewater. This luxury mixed-use residential tower features 296 apartments for rent, 11,000 square feet of retail space, and an 8-story parking garage with 425 spaces. This tower was originally occupied by Unity on the Bay Church before demolition.

Building Information:

Modera Biscayne Bay Tower View from Biscayne Bay

Building Amenities:

  • 27th-floor amenity deck
  • Rooftop pool
  • Barbecue area
  • Club-quality fitness studio
  • Yoga and Pilates studio
  • Clubhouse
  • Internet/business lounge
  • Conference room
  • Coffee Bar
  • Pet Spa
  • Catering kitchen for entertainment
Modera Biscayne Bay Aerial View

Leases Include:

  • Digital package lockers
  • Additional storage areas
  • Bike storage
  • 8 stories of structured parking
Modera Biscayne Bay Preleasing in May 2021

Resident Amenities:

  • 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments (den and penthouse options available)
  • Energy Star® stainless steel appliances
  • Quartz countertops
  • Tile flooring
  • Upgraded fixtures
  • Tile backsplashes
  • In-home washers and dryers
  • Walk-in closets
  • Programmable thermostats
  • Private patios or balconies
  • Select units feature:
    • 15-foot ceilings
    • Breakfast bars
    • Double vanities
    • Linen closets
    • Built-in storage/shelving.

As construction continues with the last phase, Modera Biscayne Bay will begin pre-leasing in May 2021.

Modera Biscayne Bay Garage View

Pharrell Williams and David Grutman Debut the 7-Story Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach

Goodtime Hotel Pool View
Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach

David Grutman and Pharrell Williams will debut their first hotel collaboration on Thursday in Miami Beach.

The 7-story Goodtime Hotel is located at 601 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach and will feature 266 rooms spanning a full block with 100,000 square feet of indoor space. This Deco-style hotel features a pool deck, restaurant, private lounge, and main floor retail.

Goodtime Hotel Pool Deck and Lounge

Grutman and Williams also partnered with New-York based real estate development firm, Imperial Cos. for this project. They have previously collaborated on a Miami Design District restaurant, Swan & Bar Bevy which has been a huge success. Ken Fulk who assisted with the interior design for the Swan Bevy restaurant was also the lead designer for this hotel project.

Grutman stated, “I always wanted to be a hotel [owner] to try to complete my ecosystem in hospitality.”

The hotel restaurant, Strawberry Moon, is a 30,000 square foot Mediterranean restaurant which will also flow into a bar and pool deck, all located on the third floor. The ground-floor retailers have not been released.

The Goodtime Hotel Drone View

According to The South Florida Business Journal, The Goodtime Hotel is expected to be the largest hotel in Miami Beach by rooms.

Property records also show that Imperial Cos. purchased the property for $5.75 million in June 2015.

Since people are wanting to spend more time outdoors due to the pandemic, Miami is now seen as the “go-to” destination. Imperial Cos. owner stated “If there is a net winner coming out of this pandemic, Miami is top of that list.”

City of Miami Approves New 37-Story Tower Called The District

The District in downtown Miami
Rendering for the new 37-tower called The District.

The City of Miami has recently approved The Related Group and Parcel C LLC’s proposal for a 37-story residential tower in downtown Miami, named ‘The District.’ This project will include 343 residential condos, 2,297 square feet of retail space, and will have no parking (the developer is requesting a waiver to allow off-site parking). Siegar Suarez Architects prepared the design and plans.

The District is proposed to be 393 plus feet tall and will be located at 225 and 223 N. Miami Avenue. According to Miami Today, The District will have retail on the ground floor, and the apartments will be located above the retail space. The paperwork that was filed also includes the fact that some units may be transitioned into hotel rooms as well.

Amenities for The District include a gym, racquetball, basketball, lounges, pool deck, rooftop spa, and barbeque area.

Several waivers have been requested and approved for the Miami 21 zoning code:

  • Primary and secondary setbacks
  • Side and rear setbacks above the eighth story
  • Permit off-site parking within 1,000 feet
  • 10% increase in the maximum lot coverage
  • Two residential loading berths substituted for one commercial loading berth
  • Reduction of the required ground-level setback on the property’s frontage

According to the Board member Robert Behar, who shared concerns about pedestrian safety with the limited amount of parking available.

According to The Related Group’s Attorney, Ms. Escarra, has stated, “The Project limits the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians by removing vehicular access to the Property. This will allow pedestrians to enter the Project with no vehicular conflict, as parking will be provided offsite, per the requested Waiver.”

The city’s Urban Development Review Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the project on April 9, 2021. The construction permit has not been filed yet, and the groundbreaking is set to begin sometime this year.