Ancient Indigenous Burial Site Unearthed Beneath St. Regis Residences Construction in Brickell

A remarkable archaeological discovery is unfolding beneath one of Brickell’s most high-profile construction sites. An ancient indigenous settlement and burial site, previously undocumented and estimated to be around 3,500 years old, has been uncovered at 1809 Brickell Avenue, the future site of the luxurious St. Regis Residences Miami.

Archaeologist Bob Carr of the South Florida Archaeological and Historical Conservancy submitted a preliminary report in October 2024 detailing findings from excavation work conducted on the site. These include ancient fire pits, pottery shards, stone tools, projectile points, and faunal remains. Most notably, human remains were uncovered, including what appears to be the intentional burial of an infant, suggesting the site served as a burial ground or cemetery. The artifacts span a wide timeline, from the Late Archaic period to the Glades II era, dating between 1,000 and 3,500 years ago. Items from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including a pewter cross, were also discovered.

Carr’s report advises that some key areas of the site, including well-preserved middens and green space near Brickell Avenue, should be preserved if possible. An archaeological management plan will be developed once the excavation progresses further.

Related Group and Integra Investments have affirmed their full compliance with local and state preservation laws and confirmed that excavation is ongoing. The developers are working closely with governmental agencies and have facilitated site visits by public officials. Artifacts found thus far are being securely housed by the archaeological team.

Initially, the City of Miami redacted information about human remains from the October 2024 report. However, the city later released the full report, citing no exemption under Florida’s public records laws. The redactions had been made at the request of the state’s archaeology division, according to city officials.

Notably, the City of Miami’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board has yet to formally review the discovery. Board members have stated that they had not been briefed nor received a presentation by city staff, despite their jurisdiction under municipal ordinance to evaluate such findings and advise on preservation.

This isn’t the first major archaeological find connected to Related Group developments. A separate excavation at a Brickell site along the Miami River revealed evidence of a 2,000-year-old Tequesta village. That discovery led to preservation agreements and the designation of a neighboring site as a historically significant location.

The Brickell shoreline has long been regarded as a critical area for indigenous history, with multiple significant discoveries dating back to the 1990s. The uncovering of a potential Late Archaic cemetery at 1809 Brickell further strengthens the case that the area was home to vibrant Native American communities over several millennia.

As archaeological work continues, experts believe the site may yield even more information about Miami’s earliest inhabitants, offering a rare window into a deep and often overlooked chapter of the city’s past.

Berkadia Secures $73M Construction Loan for Nexo Residences in North Miami Beach

In a significant milestone for one of North Miami Beach’s most exciting developments, Berkadia has successfully secured a $73.27 million construction loan on behalf of Fortune International Group and Blue Road for the completion of Nexo Residences, a 16-story short-term rental-friendly condominium.

The financing, arranged by Berkadia’s South Florida team — including Managing Director Scott Wadler, Director Michael Basinski, Vice President Bobby Dockerty, Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg, and Managing Directors Brad Williamson and Matt Robbins — was provided by Bank Hapoalim (BHI). The loan follows Nexo’s recent construction topping off, which had previously been funded by a combination of EB-5 investor capital and presale deposits.

With 90% of units sold and completion on track for 2027, Nexo Residences is quickly emerging as a standout project in a fast-transforming corridor next to SoLé Mia and minutes from Aventura.

“Fortune International and its partner Blue Road are delivering an exceptional building in a rapidly transforming area adjacent to Aventura and next to SoLé Mia,” said Scott Wadler. “A trifecta of experienced Sponsorship, high-quality product, and great location generated significant interest from lenders.”

The tower — designed for modern global buyers — allows for short-term rentals, an increasingly in-demand feature. The fully furnished residences range from studios to three-bedroom units, with prices starting from the $599,000s, and include a limited selection of three- and four-bedroom townhomes.

Notable architecture and design collaborators include Carlos Ott, Frankel Benayoun Architects Inc., and Urban Robot. Residences offer floor-to-ceiling windows, Italian cabinetry, porcelain flooring, custom closets, lockable owner storage, and dedicated parking for each unit.

Nexo also raises the bar on lifestyle with standout amenities, including:

• A three-story lobby and café lounge

• Two-story coworking and tech hub

• Resort-style pool with Jacuzzi

• Rooftop observatory deck

• Summer kitchens and outdoor movie theater

• Yoga studio, clubroom, event space, and playground

Located at 13899 Biscayne Boulevard, Nexo Residences is just minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway, Oleta River State Park, Florida International University, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles, and Hollywood Beach. The property’s accessibility is bolstered by its proximity to Miami and Fort Lauderdale International Airports and the Brightline Aventura station.

“The lifestyle offered at Nexo — combining elevated design, robust amenities, and rental flexibility — has driven strong sales momentum with buyers from over 25 countries,” said Edgardo Defortuna, CEO of Fortune International Group. “Securing this financing reaffirms the market’s confidence in both the product and the North Miami Beach submarket.”

With sales and marketing exclusively managed by Fortune Development Sales, Nexo Residences continues to attract a global audience eager for turnkey living and investment-ready opportunities in one of South Florida’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

Three-Phase Affordable Housing and Industrial Development Planned for Miami’s 7200 NW 22nd Avenue

Related Group & Macklowe Properties Unveil Landmark Residential Project for North Bay Village

A bold new chapter in North Bay Village’s transformation is underway as Related Group and Macklowe Properties submit plans for a striking two-tower residential development at 8000 East Drive. Designed by the acclaimed Arquitectonica, the project encompasses four parcels—7946, 8000, 8010, and 8020 East Drive—and calls for the construction of dual 43-story towers rising over 500 feet in height. Set for review by the North Bay Village Planning and Zoning Board on July 2, 2025, the project is being evaluated through the Special Area Plan (SAP) process, offering zoning flexibility in exchange for substantial community enhancements.

Spanning 4.12 acres, the development will introduce 364 luxury apartments in a mix of one- to four-bedroom layouts, with an average unit size of 2,138 square feet. The North Tower will include 201 residences while the East Tower will feature 163. With just three one-bedroom units, the focus is on spacious multi-bedroom homes, including 161 two-bedrooms, 76 three-bedrooms, and 124 four-bedrooms. Residents will also have access to 798 parking spaces, a ratio of 2.19 spaces per unit, reflecting comparable standards seen in similar high-end projects.

The towers’ contemporary design showcases Arquitectonica’s signature architectural language—curved floorplates, continuous balconies, and a refined façade featuring curtainwalls of reflective glass, white stucco accents, wood-grain steel soffits, and frameless railings. Ground-level elements are activated by tropical landscaping, concrete pavers, and integrated seating areas. The base structure, or podium, houses shared parking, amenities, and serves as the architectural foundation for the towers’ soaring heights. Each building will reach 498 feet to the top floor, with rooftop structures extending the height to 523 feet, as supported by FAA filings.

Together, the towers will encompass more than 1.5 million gross square feet. The North Tower accounts for 677,767 square feet, the East Tower spans 504,433 square feet, and the podium and parking structure adds another 356,716 square feet. Residential floorplates average 27,754 square feet, and levels 1–5 are dedicated to a mix of lobby, amenities, and structured parking, with additional amenity decks throughout.

Public benefit is a cornerstone of the proposal. The developers plan to deliver a new 9,000-square-foot waterfront park and over 1,200 linear feet of Island Walk along Biscayne Bay, far surpassing the SAP’s minimum requirement for public open space. Public art installations are also expected throughout the landscaped areas, further enhancing the community experience.

A robust infrastructure investment accompanies the plan, including a $5 million commitment to seawall repairs and full coverage of water and sewer system upgrades. A traffic study determined that the project would result in only a modest increase in vehicle trips during peak hours, adding minimal delays to East Drive. Meanwhile, sun studies showed that shadows cast by the towers would primarily fall over the bay rather than neighboring properties.

Amenities will span over 100,000 square feet and include indoor and outdoor spaces across the towers’ ground floors, podium deck, and fifth-floor terraces. A 42-slip private marina with a dedicated dockmaster facility will complement the project’s waterfront lifestyle.

The economic impact on North Bay Village is projected to be substantial. Developers have already paid $10 million in Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) fees, which funded the new Village Hall. An additional $2 million will be paid as a height-related fee, and the project will generate $6.2 million in combined impact and building permit fees. Altogether, the $18.2 million in municipal contributions will double the city’s net assets. Long-term property tax revenues are expected to reach $110.6 million over 20 years, amounting to an annual revenue increase of 11% for the city.

City staff have recommended approval of the development, contingent on minor design and planning adjustments. If approved by the Planning and Zoning Board and subsequently by the Village Commission, the development team will be required to secure a master building permit within two years, with the option for two one-year extensions.

As North Bay Village undergoes a remarkable transformation, 8000 East Drive is poised to become a landmark residential address—offering elevated coastal living while delivering meaningful civic and economic value to the community.

Simon Property Group Acquires Brickell City Centre in $512M Power Move

Miami’s Brickell district just witnessed one of its biggest real estate shakeups of the year. Swire Properties, the Hong Kong-based developer that brought Brickell City Centre to life, has officially sold its remaining 75% stake in the retail and parking components of the complex to Simon Property Group for a whopping $512 million.

If you’ve spent any time in Brickell, you’ve likely walked through the sleek, open-air corridors of Brickell City Centre—home to more than 90 luxury and lifestyle retailers, a showstopping Saks Fifth Avenue, and a carefully curated mix of food and drink concepts. Now, the mall’s future is squarely in the hands of one of the biggest names in U.S. retail: Simon.

This acquisition gives Simon 100% control over the 500,000-square-foot shopping center and its underground parking facility, adding yet another trophy asset to their Miami portfolio, which already includes Dadeland Mall, Sawgrass Mills, and Miami International Mall. It’s a strong signal that Simon believes Brickell is still on the rise—and they’re doubling down on experiential, high-foot-traffic properties in urban cores.

For Swire, this sale wraps up a years-long repositioning effort. Over the past few years, they’ve sold off Brickell City Centre’s office towers, the EAST Miami hotel, and nearby development parcels. But it’s not a goodbye—Swire is now focusing on the nearby Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a luxury condo-hotel project that will rise on the last developable site on Brickell Key.

So what’s next for Brickell City Centre? With Simon at the helm, we can expect new retail activations, events, and perhaps some exciting shifts in the tenant mix to keep up with evolving trends in fashion, dining, and entertainment. This is also part of a broader trend: retail real estate is evolving, and owners like Simon are adapting by creating immersive, lifestyle-driven destinations—not just places to shop.

In many ways, this deal reflects Miami’s maturation as a global city. Institutional investors are all-in on neighborhoods like Brickell, and the demand for luxury experiences—whether in condos, hotels, or retail—isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Aria Reserve’s First Tower Now Complete, Setting the Stage for Miami’s Iconic Waterfront Twin Towers

The Melo Group has officially completed the first of two soaring towers at Aria Reserve, marking a significant milestone for what is set to become the tallest waterfront residential twin-tower development in the United States. Located in Miami’s coveted Edgewater neighborhood, the newly finished 62-story South Tower is now ready for occupancy, just two years after breaking ground in May 2022.

The swift delivery underscores the development team’s ambition and efficiency. “We’re moving rapidly toward the completion of the North Tower,” said Martin Melo, Co-Principal at The Melo Group, noting the first tower was delivered in record time. The foundation pour for the South Tower was completed in February 2023, and now construction focus has shifted to the second 62-story tower, which is quickly rising on site.

Once completed, Aria Reserve will be home to approximately 743 luxury condominiums, offering residents panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, world-class amenities, and a prime location minutes from Downtown Miami and the Design District. Adding to the project’s lifestyle appeal is The Flatiron, a two-story waterfront restaurant that will welcome both residents and the public.

In parallel with the progress on the North Tower, Melo Group recently submitted plans to Miami’s Urban Development Review Board for a third building known as Aria Reserve Skyclub. This new 49-story tower will further expand the project’s footprint and enhance its architectural presence along the city’s bayfront skyline.

As Miami continues to redefine modern waterfront living, Aria Reserve is setting a new standard—combining record-setting scale with luxury, location, and visionary design.

Edge House Miami Pioneers Biosecure Living with Wellness Technology in Edgewater

A new wave of wellness-focused living is coming to Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Edge House Miami, a 57-story condominium development by Grupo T&C, has announced it will be the first biosecure high-rise in the area—ushering in a future where health, technology, and flexible living converge.

In a groundbreaking partnership with wellness technology company Clear, Edge House will incorporate advanced systems designed to elevate everyday well-being. ClearCentral, a state-of-the-art water sterilization system, will treat all incoming water throughout the building, ensuring it’s free of contaminants. Complementing this, ClearAir will continuously purify corridor air and filter odors, creating a cleaner, safer indoor environment.

Construction on Edge House began in March. Upon completion, the tower will feature 608 condominium units with short-term rental approval—making it a compelling option for both end-users and investors. Select residences will offer lockout floorplans, enabling owners to rent out private suites independently, enhancing income potential and flexibility.

As demand for health-conscious, tech-enabled living continues to rise, Edge House Miami stands out as a bold example of how residential development can adapt to the evolving priorities of modern urban life.

Continuum Company Introduces Expansive Waterfront Vision for North Bay Village

Continuum Company has unveiled a sweeping new plan for North Bay Village with the introduction of the Continuum Waterfront District—a transformative, mixed-use development designed to redefine the area’s bayfront identity. Spanning over three acres along Biscayne Bay, the two-phase master-planned district was unanimously approved by the Commission and marks a major step toward realizing North Bay Village’s potential as a premier waterfront destination.

At the heart of the project is Continuum Club & Residences, now under construction and nearly 50% sold. This first phase includes over 60,000 square feet of amenities, from a resort-style waterfront pool and wellness center to a private marina and exclusive memberships for yacht clubs, beach clubs, and the elite dining platform, Dorsia. A historic deck will also be restored at the water’s edge, offering a blend of Miami heritage and elevated lifestyle.

The broader Continuum Waterfront District will include:

• Two Continuum Club residential towers

• A Continuum-branded boutique hotel with rooftop pool and lifestyle programming

• Renovated marina and new bayfront boardwalk

• Upscale restaurants, bars, and curated retail storefronts

• Outdoor wellness and green spaces designed for connectivity and walkability

“The Continuum Waterfront District is designed to bring new life to North Bay Village and elevate the experience of waterfront living,” said Ian Bruce Eichner, Chairman and CEO of Continuum Company. “We’re grateful for the support of the Commission and are proud to collaborate on a shared vision that aligns with the NBV100 Master Plan.”

Allie Eichner, President of Continuum Florida, emphasized the development’s long-term impact: “This is more than just a real estate project—it’s a rare opportunity to create a connected, livable community that embraces Miami’s bayfront lifestyle and natural beauty.”

Building on the success of Continuum South Beach, the new district reflects Continuum’s continued commitment to thoughtful design, neighborhood revitalization, and creating destination-worthy environments that combine luxury living with civic-minded planning.

South Tower of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami 50% Sold as Sales Exceed $1 Billion

The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami has officially crossed the $1 billion sales mark, a major benchmark for the high-profile waterfront development by Swire Properties. With the South Tower now 50% sold since launching just last year, the project continues to attract global buyers seeking unmatched luxury on Miami’s exclusive Brickell Key.

Designed by world-renowned architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the two-tower development is the final residential offering on Brickell Key. The South Tower includes 228 private homes with interiors by Paris-based designer Tristan Auer. The North Tower will house the new Mandarin Oriental, Miami hotel — set to become the brand’s North American flagship — along with 66 additional residences and 28 hotel-branded units, expected to launch later this year.

A key highlight of the project is its 100,000 square feet of curated amenities, set within a lush, multi-level resort-style podium crafted by acclaimed landscape architecture firm Shma. Residents will enjoy the signature hospitality Mandarin Oriental is known for, elevated by a prime location and visionary design. Delivery is anticipated in 2030.

Project Snapshot:

• $1B+ in total sales achieved

• South Tower 50% sold

• Interiors by Tristan Auer

• Future Mandarin Oriental hotel + residences in the North Tower

• Over 100,000 sq ft of resort-inspired amenities

• Landscape design by Shma

• Brickell Key’s final development opportunity

• Pricing from $4.9M

• Completion expected in 2030

This one-of-a-kind development brings together artful architecture, global hospitality, and a once-in-a-lifetime location — offering a limited chance to own a home within one of Miami’s most distinguished addresses.