$12.3 Million Setai Sale Leads Miami Condo Weekly Sales

Sales for Miami-Dade once again surged this past week with the most expensive condo sale closing at Setai Miami Beach. According to the MLS, residential sales totaled $2.7 billion for all of July 2021, reaching 67 percent higher than the previous year.

Condo sales totaled a staggering $148 million compared to last week’s $131 million. The previous week’s volume rose from 208 to a total of 226. The average condo sales price also rose from $632,000 to $640,500.

The most expensive condo sale that occurred was a luxury condo at Setai, which sold for $12.3 million. After 39 days on the market, the unit sold for close to $3,391 per square foot. Our very own, Lucas Lechuga brought in the buyer for this property.

The second-highest and fewest days on the market condo sale occurred at One Thousand Museum for $5.6 million at $1,212 per square foot. This property was on the market for 1 day.

July Sales

Residential sales rose 58% in July with 3,632 closings, which consist of mostly condominium transactions. Single-family sales increased by 15% to 1,373 and condo sales increased by 104% to 2,259 sales.

The luxury market also experienced a leap in sales rising 110% for single-family homes compared to July 2020. For luxury condo sales, an increase of 323% compared to last July.

Avalon Merrick Park Tower Under Construction in Miami

Avalon Merrick Park is a new construction apartment tower located at 3811 Shipping Avenue in Miami. The 20-story tower will be located near the Douglas Road Metrorail Station.

When it was originally proposed by the developer, Mast Capital, it was named Shipping Avenue Apartments. After AvalonBay Communities purchased the properties for $12.9 million, AvalonBay entered into a joint venture on the project after Mast Capital took it through the approval process. Mast will remain a partner and is the co-developer for this project.

The shell contractor is L&R Structural and the architect will include Arquitectonica.

Avalon Merrick Park will feature 254 residential units with a studio to 3 bedroom floor plan options. The tower will also include 10,000 + square feet of amenities with the main floor housing 825 square feet of retail space. An 8-story attached garage will feature 319 parking spaces.

Building Amenities

• State-of-the-art fitness center with professional-grade cardio and strength equipment
• Rooftop, resort-style pool and sundeck with BBQ area and seating
• Pet-friendly living with WAG Pet Spa
• Coworking space including workspace pods and reservable conference rooms
• WiFi access available in common areas
• Package lockers for 24/7 package acceptance
• Smoke-free living
• Controlled access garage parking
• Bike storage
• Easily accessible to retail and dining, including the Shops at Merrick Park
• One mile to Coral Gables and convenient to Downtown Miami, Brickell, and Coconut Grove

Residence Amenities

• Studio, one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans
• Modern kitchens with quartz countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, LED lighting, and hard surface flooring
• Washer/Dryer in all homes
• Walk-in closets
• Air conditioning

Avalon Merrick Park is centrally located near retail, shopping, and dining. Located 1 mile from Coral Gables and 5 miles from downtown Miami. Leasing begins in 2023 with construction completion in early 2024.

Rockstar Energy Drink Founder Purchased Two Waterfront Properties for $35 Million

Founder of Rockstar Energy Drink, Russel Weiner recently purchased 2 waterfront properties in Miami Beach. Located on Pine Tree Drive, the properties were purchased for a combined $35.1 million.

The homes sold include 5011 and 5111 Pine Tree Drive. According to property records, the homes sold for $17 million and $18.1 million. The two properties were sold to a Las Vegas entity that is managed by Russel Weiner’s trust.

Weiner has made significant headway in the South Florida real estate market. In October 2020, Weiner purchased and flipped to homes in North Palm Beach for $48 million from the Swedish model, Elin Nordegren. He also purchased a mansion in 2016 for $20 million. He still owns this home.

According to Forbes, Weiner sold Rockstar Energy to Pepsi for $3.9 billion in 2020. It is estimated that Weiner is worth $4.1 billion.

The sellers, David and Leila Centner, are also the owners of the Centner Academy that is located in the Mami Design District. Earlier this year, the Centner’s received approval from the Miami Beach Design Review Board for an addition on 5011 Pine Tree Drive.

This specific property was built in 1920 by one of the city’s founding families and was designed by architect Russell Pancoast. The approval itself was for a two-story home, relocating the current residence, and relocating the boathouse.

The properties total 3.5 acres each with 150+ water frontage on Indian Creek. The property located at 5111 Pine Tree Drive features 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, with over 20,000 square feet of living space. This property features ‘old world’ charm with hand-crafted hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and a Mediterranean design throughout.

The second property located at 5011 Pine Tree Drive is just one property over from 5111. The estate features a 3-story main house, guest house, and 560 square feet of water frontage. This property features a large dock for mega-yachts and multiple vessels. This property previously sold in 2018 for $14.5 million.

Developer Looking to Acquire 80% of Brickell Harbour

In the past couple of years, Brickell Harbour condominium owners have received multiple offer letters to purchase their units. More recently, one of our long-time clients has received a purchase letter for double the value of their unit. This has come at a time where all units seem to be receiving a similar letter with their purchase price unknown but it is evident of the developer wanting to buy out the tower.

The developer of interest is Brickell Bayfront Acquisition Associates, LLC, an affiliate of Fortune International Group. The limited liability company as well as Fortune International Group is located at 1300 Brickell Avenue in Miami. Their portfolio consists of the development, designing, and financing of Miami condominiums. They also offer brokerage services.

According to the letter (below), Brickell Bayfront Acquisition, plan on obtaining at least 80% of the units at Brickell Harbour. The letter also states that the company has spoken to the condominium owners association about purchasing units but it was concluded that it is up to each individual owner to make the decision to sell. Some of the highlights of the purchase agreement include:

• The purchase price being offered is a significant premium above the market value of the unit and considers each unit’s particular size, view, floor, line, and improvements;
• Cash earnest money is promptly deposited with a third party escrow agent to secure the contract;
• There is no finance contingency;
• Closing in 90 days after the expiration of the due diligence period;
• The owner pays NO brokerage commissions (typically 6%);
• The buyer pays off the recent special assessment for structural repairs; and
• The ability to continue to occupy the unit for a period of up to 6 months after the date of closing.

Brickell Harbour is an 18-story condo tower located at 200 SE 15th Road in Brickell’s Financial District. The tower was built in 1974 and received major renovations in 2019. Residences comprise of 1 to 3 bedroom floorplans ranging from 602 to 1,641 square feet of living space. Tall ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, wide balconies, and gorgeous views are just a few of the residential amenities these units have to offer.

It is unclear what Brickell Bayfront Acquisitions plans on doing with the tower once they receive purchase contracts but we will update this article as more information is available.

Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Receives Official Approval for Demolition

The Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami will rise 100 stories at 1,049 feet tall making it the “highest skyscraper south of Manhattan.” In June, the developers launched Waldorf Astoria’s official sales gallery located at 400 Biscayne Bay, right across from the construction site.

Waldorf Astoria has received official approval to begin clearing the site. According to the Miami Building Department, the demolition permit was submitted in early June 2021 and officially approved on August 4, 2021.

Clearing the actual 5,000 square foot site is estimated to cost around $30,000. The developer is working with The BG Group for demolition.

The developers include PMG with Sieger-Suarez Architects are the designers for the project. This tower will be truly one-of-a-kind with a unique design featuring 9 stacked glass cubes offsetting each other as they go vertical. Design interior created by BAMO design firm.

Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences will rise 1,049 feet tall and will feature 360 condos, 205 hotel rooms, and suites.

Tower Amenities:

• Peacock Alley
• True Waldorf Service and concierge
• Unobstructed views of city and downtown skyline, Miami Beach and Atlantic Ocean
• Waldorf Astoria immersive resort-style pool with outdoor café and private cabanas
• Private Bar/ Wine Tasting Room
• Signature Restaurant
• All-Day Dining Brasserie
• Pre-function and function spaces
• Meeting and boardrooms
• Waldorf Astoria Kids Club
• 24-hour valet parking
• Signature spa
• Leading-edge fitness center with private training studios

Residential Amenities:

• 24-hour doormen and lobby desk attendants
• Private porte cochère with 24-hour valet service and private residential entry
• 24-hour concierge services in addition to dedicated on-site professionals
• Live-in resident manager and 24-hour security
• Front-door package and service delivery via signature Concierge Closet
• Owners Lounge with high ceilings
• Billiard and entertainment room with panoramic bay views
• Designed for private functions and equipped with adjacent catering kitchen
• Private residential pool deck with whirlpools with lounging areas
• Exclusive Waldorf Astoria Miami access and benefits, including preferred spa and restaurant rates and access to à la carte hotel services

Property Markets Group, Greybrook, and Hilton are also partnering on the project. The groundbreaking is still planned for the beginning of 2022.

Anheuser Busch Executive Pays Record Price for Waterfront Home in Bay Harbor Islands

Another record sale is in the books for Miami! Just this past week, an executive for Anheuser-Busch, Fued Sadala, purchased a waterfront home in Bay Harbor Islands for $12 million. This marks another record after the most recent mansion that sold for $65 million as the highest sell in Miami-Dade history.

Located at 9814 West Broadview Drive, the 8 bedroom and 9 bathroom home features 7,098 square feet of living space. The design of this modern home showcases its straight rooflines and large expanses of windows and glass doors. The expansive master suite with a sitting area, steam shower, and double walk-in closets is perfect with its Biscayne Bay views.

The open floor plan flows seamlessly throughout, opening to the large concrete patio and pool. The expansive yard makes for entertaining as well as gaining access to a private boat dock all on 0.3 acres. The property was originally built in 2002 and was last sold for $4 million in 2018.

The waterfront home was originally listed for $12.5 million and sold within 2 months. This sell is the highest sold waterfront home in the two-island town of Bay Harbor Islands.

The previous record was at $11.5 million in Bay Harbor Islands that sold in December 2020 at 9540 West Broadview Drive. Also in 2020, the CEO of Moet Hennessy sold his Bay Harbor Islands waterfront home for $8.1 million.

For more information on Bay Harbor Islands luxury homes or any of its new projects, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

The Next Steps: After the Champlain South Tower Collapse

In the wake of the condo collapse at Champlain Towers South, we are starting to see a shift in homeowner association infrastructure reporting as well as maintenance. Towns and local governments ordered immediate inspections and updated reports on older towers.

Miami/Dade County ordered inspections on towers older than 40 years of age. Miami Beach ordered an additional and immediate building inspection on all of their towers since the collapse.

Aventura, Florida is one of the only cities in Florida to pass an ordinance requiring condo associations to provide the officials with engineering and architectural reports within 24 hours, when requested. These reports will include concerns electrical, structural, or life safety concerns and on an annual basis.

According to the city press release, associations that do not comply with the new guidelines will be fined up to $500 a day and up to 60 days in prison.

This new ordinance was passed on Thursday and was sponsored by the Mayor of Aventura, Enid Weisman. The ordinance will become law once it receives a second approval.

Mayor Weisman stated, “There is nothing more important than ensuring the safety of the residents of Aventura. Requiring that reports indicating potential dangers to our residents are provided to the city will create transparency and help us to ensure the structural and electrical integrity of our residents’ homes.”

A second meeting is scheduled on August 10, 2021, to officially vote on the new ordinance.

We are encouraged by the actions of Aventura Florida and we hope to see the same ordinances and guidelines for all of Florida.

Miami will be the First Test Market for Lyft’s Self-Driving Cars

Lyft has been competing with Uber since it first launched its services in 2012. Now Lyft has the upper hand in the market because for the first time ever, Lyft will be launching a self-driving ‘robotaxi’ services in Miami.

Lyft has partnered with Argo AI, an AV startup that is backed by Volkswagen and Ford to bring artificial intelligence into ride-sharing. Launching in Miami later this year and Austin, Texas next year.

According to the press release today surrounding the partnership and ride-sharing initiative. Ford has promised to bring full-scale autonomous vehicles for the public that could make more reliable predictions than other self-driving cars on the market. For this self-driving car, Ford has built a vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, but there are currently no renderings or photos available.

During the transition, Ford along with Argo will be inviting members of the general public to ride in autonomous vehicles for consumer testing. The first fleet of cars to start in Miami will feature less than 100 cars. According to Argo, they expect to have more than 1,000 vehicles across several markets in the U.S in the next 5 years.

The technology itself has been tested in Miami for several years prior to this announcement. According to the press release, these vehicles will be available on the Lyft platform in Miami by the end of the year. The vehicles will include 2 ‘safety drivers’ in the front and passenger seats.

Argo is also is preparing to launch an autonomous delivery service with Volkswagon in Germany by 2025.

Related Group Revives 1400 Biscayne Project – Previously Known as Auberge Residences

As the old sales gallery lights come on for what once was the Auberge Residences, rumors began circulating about the development that never started. Will they begin the project? What’s happening at the sales center? It has been officially confirmed that Auberge Residences, now called 1400 Biscayne is making a come back.

We are unsure why the project was first canceled but we are excited for what’s to come of this development. Located at 1400 Biscayne Bay Road in the heart of downtown Miami, 1400 Biscayne will be centrally located just steps from Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and just minutes from the Design District.

The original plans for this project featured a three-tower complex with an eleven-story retail/restaurant podium, 1,629 parking spaces, and resort-style amenities. The new plans for this project include a 60 story ‘uniquely angled’ façade tower with ocean views from every residence.

The double-height lobby designed by Italian designer Piero Lissoni will feature a mixture of sophistication and modern designs with a permanent collection of museum-quality art located throughout. The developer for this project is The Related Group with landscape architecture by Enzo Enea.

Sales for 1400 Biscayne will begin in early August 2021. Construction for the development is estimated for spring of 2022 with an anticipated completion date of 2024. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at 1400 Biscayne, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Developer Todd Micheal Glaser buys Indian Creek Waterfront Mansion for $24 Million

Developer, Todd Michael Glaser is a Miami native and a well-known developer who has made a name for himself with projects like 1000 Museum. Most recently, Glaser and his partners purchased an Indian Creek mansion for $23.8 million. The property was originally listed in October 2020 for $20 million and taken off the market in March 2021.

The Indian Creek waterfront mansion is located at 37 Indian Creek Road featuring 7,236 square feet of living space set on 1.2 acres. This 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom estate boasts an expansive brick driveway leading to a Mediterranean-style home. The large pool overlooks Biscayne Bay with a 20-foot boat dock.

The seller of the home was Don Francisco, host of ‘Sábado Gigante’ a Spanish language variety show that showcased musicians and comedians. He hosted the show for 53 years ending in 2015 and returned to TV with a new show “Don Francisco Te Invita.” Francisco originally purchased the property in 1993 for $2.6 million and has made several updates throughout the years.

Glaser and his partners plan on demolishing the home to build a mansion double the size and double the value. With the help of architect Kobi Karp, this new estate will be one of a kind. It will feature 2 pools and with plans on being listed around $50 million. The anticipated completion for construction is set for December 2021.

Indian Creek Island is a gated island north of Miami Beach. It has its own police force that patrols 24 hours a day. Billionaires are known to call this place home because of the security and exclusiveness it offers.

Notables like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner as well as Hotels.com co-founder Bob Diener own properties on the island. Last year alone, Tom Brady and his wife, Gisele Bundchen purchased a lot for $17 million, where they plan on building a new estate.

There is only one property currently on the market on Indian Creek Island. The property located at 29 Indian Creek Drive is listed for rent at $100,000 monthly and features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms with gorgeous southern exposure of Biscayne Bay. For more information on this property or about Indian Creek Island, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.