Edgewater Tower Proposed by Aimco is Denied Approval

AIMCO-Edgewater New Construction
AIMCO-Edgewater New Construction

After a city of Miami board refused to recommend approval of Aimco’s plans for a luxury rental tower in Edgewater, the developer is determined to revaluate the development plans and come up with a solution to get these plans moving forward.

After identifying a number of “serious concerns” with the design, members of the Miami Urban Development Review Board voted on Wednesday to reject plans for the proposed mixed-use development across from Aimco’s Hamilton on the Bay tower. Despite the board’s rejection, Aimco can still seek approval for the project.

The board was initially split on whether or not to recommend acceptance of the proposals with conditions, with three members voting in favor and three voting against. As a result, the developer can either withdraw its application and start the process all over again, or the board can vote to decline the recommendation, allowing the developer to submit amended plans to the planning director for final approval.

Aimco’s attorney, Tony Recio, a partner at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, said the developer is examining the board’s ideas and looks forward to “addressing their criticisms with the planning director” as the project moves further. Recio submitted the concept to the board of directors on Wednesday.

Though they praised the project’s overall design, board members expressed concerns about circulation on the ground level, including how residents and restaurant customers would access parking, apartments, and the restaurant, as well as loading and trash collection, landscaping, and an oversized mail room.

At 555, 560, 600, 610, 620, 630, and 640 Northeast 34th Street, Aimco, a publicly traded multifamily real estate investment company located in Denver, has proposed a 60-story, 241-unit tower. On more than an acre of land, the construction would include a new parking structure and 4,700 square feet of commercial space for a restaurant on the bottom level facing the water.

Aimco has made a significant investment in Edgewater. It paid over $90 million for the Hamilton on the Bay rental complex, which is currently undergoing substantial renovations, nearly two years ago. A nearby vacant lot and a modest rental building were included in the purchase.

Following the cancellation of its tenants’ leases at the Hamilton last year, Aimco purchased premises across the street, where the new project would be built.

New Development Revealed- Surf Row Residences

Surf Row Residences Ground View
Surf Row Residences Ground View

Surf Row Residences, a new ultra-luxury residential property located at 8800 Collins Avenue in Surfside, is being developed by Lineaire Group, Miami-based real estate development, and investment firm.

Featuring a collection of eight private beach homes designed by award-winning firm Rene Gonzalez Architects (RGA), the development offers refined interiors, the utmost privacy, and unparalleled indoor-outdoor living adjacent to the beach. Only a few residences have been released and sales are currently by invitation only.

Through the careful use of skylights, layered glass, and double-height ceilings, each villa emphasizes the indoor-outdoor link. Three- to five-bedroom residences with 3,500-5,600 square feet of internal space are available. Each residence will feature almost 2,000 square feet of private outdoor living space, including a rooftop with a plunge pool, a summer kitchen, and a large gazebo. Each property will also include a private garage and a front yard that is enclosed. Prices start at around $5 million for a single-family home.

“Surf Row Residences provides buyers with an incredible opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind, exclusive villa, that lives like a single-family home given the sprawling layouts and private outdoor space,” said Alejandro Bonet, Partner at Linéaire Group. “Today’s buyers are seeking a blend of suburban space without sacrificing location, and we believe this development offers an exciting sense of both community and privacy that meets those demands.”

The 0.65-acre development property is located between Collins Avenue and Harding Avenue on 88th Street’s northern frontage. The property was purchased from the previous owner for $7.3 million by an associate of Lineaire Group in August 2021.

The plot of land is listed as 8809 Harding Avenue in property records, but the change to a Collins Avenue address is thought much more acceptable for marketing purposes.

Residence Features

  • European kitchen with custom-designed wood cabinetry, imported marble countertops, and professional-grade appliances 
  • Large format coral stone flooring with natural wood inlay designs 
  • Floating staircases made with cantilevered solid wood slabs & glass panel railings 
  • Spa-inspired master bathroom furnished with a luxurious rain shower, oversized freestanding tub, and finished with imported fluted marble walls 
  • Skylights flood the interior with natural light via a central light shaft spanning all levels
  • Rooftop with summer kitchen and plunge pool 
  • Two-car indoor garages, plus one open-air parking space 
  • Latest smart home automation by Savant 
  • Top-of-the-line security system with exterior surveillance cameras
  • Private elevator 
  • Service/laundry room Upgrades
  • Kosher kitchen
  • Elevator lift for additional parking 
  • Interior surveillance package

The project is expected to begin construction in the spring of 2023 and with a completion date in 2024.

Surf Row Residences Rooftop View

New Interior Renderings Revealed for Casa Bella Residences Miami

Casa Bella Penthouse Duplex Balcony
Casa Bella Residences Lobby

Casa Bella Residences Miami is one of the newest pre-construction developments that will soon join the Miami skyline. At first, we only were able to see a small glimpse into the design of the project due to just a few exterior renderings being released.

Now, the developer has revealed interior shots of the project and they are a must-see. The newest interior renderings include the lobby, an upper lounge area, a restaurant, a gym, penthouse interiors, and much more.

Casa Bella Residences Rooftop Pool Deck

Casa Bella will feature 3 towers and 2 will rise 57 stories while 1 will rise 50. The first tower will feature 300 luxury units although 1,430 residential units have been approved for the site. The towers will have 1,629 parking spaces and will be connected by a podium.

Casa Bella Penthouse Duplex Balcony

Tower 1 at Casa Bella will feature 1 to 5-bedroom floor plans with only 6 units per floor. Interiors will be designed by Pierro Lissoni with landscape architecture by Enzo Ena. The double-height lobby will also be designed by Lissoni and will feature a mixture of sophistication and modern designs with a permanent collection of museum-quality art located throughout. 

Unit Features

  • 306 luxury condos including an exquisite penthouse collection of 24 penthouses
  • Residences offer 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom layouts with 10’ ceilings
  • Penthouses offer 2, 3 + Den, and 5-bedroom layouts with 11-12-foot ceilings
  • Units range in size from 711 to 5,890 square feet
  • All residences feature 2 private elevators and a foyer, which is unique in Miami
  • Biometric access-controlled elevators
  • Floor-to-ceiling impact-resistant windows
  • Modern European-style kitchens and bathrooms designed by Piero Lissoni featuring Italian cabinetry by ItalKraft
  • Premium black glass appliance packages with integrated 36” Sub-Zero refrigerators/freezers, integrated paneled dishwasher, built-in Wolf convection oven, and speed oven, and oversized stainless-steel radius sink with faucet drawer
  • Master bathrooms, designed by Piero Lissoni, boast frameless glass-enclosed showers, oversized tubs, imported porcelain flooring/wet walls, backlit vanity mirrors, and separate water closets
  • Two penthouses feature private rooftop terraces complete with private summer kitchens and spa tubs
  • Select units offer powder rooms
  • Spacious private terraces with spectacular water and city views
  • Casa Bella offers an extraordinary opportunity to have your residence curated by B&B Italia, Italy’s leading furniture brand

Tower Amenities

  • 2 full floors of private amenities
  • State-of-the-art wellness and fitness center offering on-demand services
  • Yoga room
  • Spinning room
  • Salon with manicure/pedicure stations
  • Adult entertainment lounge
  • Game room
  • Kid’s playroom with smartboard and educational games
  • Residents’ party room
  • Wine room
  • Movie theater
  • Museum-quality curated art collection
  • High-tech business center with conference room
  • Co-workspace
  • Pet spa
  • Expansive pool deck situated on the 11th floor overlooking Biscayne Bay
  • 78’ lap pool
  • Outdoor spa
  • Poolside bar and café
  • Poolside cabanas and lounge areas
  • Towel service
  • Sun-care kiosk
  • Open-air lawn perfect for yoga
  • Lush gardens were designed by acclaimed landscape architect Enzo Enea
  • Pickleball court
  • BBQ with outdoor dining area
  • Ground-level restaurant open to the public
  • 56th-floor Sky Terrace boasts rooftop pool and observatory (650 feet) with a high-tech telescope
  • 24-hour valet parking
  • 24-hour security
  • 24-hour maintenance staff
  • Multilingual team on site
  • On-demand concierge services are available including housekeeping, grocery shopping, “while you’re away” butler services, dry cleaning, childcare, pet care, courier services, translation service, and more
  • Residents enjoy a 1-year complimentary membership at the Grand Bay Beach Club in Key Biscayne
Casa Bella Residences Penthouse Duplex Living Room

The location of this tower places residences near the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Miami International University of Art and Design. The Omni Station Bus Loop is also 1 block away.

In May, Casa Bella sold 60% of its inventory in just 5 months. Currently, international buyers are representing around 50% of new construction developments while earlier in the year, they were only representing 20%.

Construction for the development is estimated for winter 2022 with an anticipated completion date of 2025. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Casa Bella, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Casa Bella Residences 11th Floor Yoga Lawn

Lofty Brickell Begins Demolition with Tower Construction Beginning 4th Quarter of 2022

Lofty Brickell from the Miami River
Lofty Brickell from the Miami River

Lofty Brickell launched sales in 2021 and officially reached 50% sold in February 2022. Now, site demolition is now underway with the tower construction scheduled for the end of 2022.

Approval for the demolition was received on April 28th. This demolition would be for the entire building site where 20,000 square feet of space would be demolished. The estimated cost of the demolition is $105,400.

TBRC Group is listed as the demolition contractor and there is not a current construction permit pending or filed.

Similar to its sister tower, NATIIVO (which sold out less in less than a year) Lofty will feature 380 units of fully finished and furnished interiors that will be available for rent nightly, daily, and/or monthly. Residents will have the option of self-managing their units (VRBO or Airbnb) or using Lofty’s onsite management. 

Rising 44 stories, Lofty will feature studio, 1, and 2 bedroom floor plans with 485 to 930 square feet options. Pricing starts at $493k for a studio. There will also be available penthouses but the information hasn’t been released as of now.

Designed by internationally acclaimed, Arquitectonica, interiors will be designed by a New York-based interior design company INC New York. Developer Harvey Hernandez is also responsible for Brickell House and Centro towers. Hernandez purchased Lofty lot for $50 million

Lofty will feature a number of wonderful amenities including a butler service, rooftop pool, car service, and a 5-star restaurant that hasn’t been disclosed. This tower will also include a private marina with available docks for boating.

Building Features

  • The 40-story landmark building designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm, Arquitectonica
  • Prime Brickell location is steps from Brickell City Center
  • Short-term rentals permitted as-of-right
  • Spectacular panoramic Miami River, Brickell, and Miami skyline views
  • 2 Story lobby with floor to ceiling windows 24-hour welcome desk with concierge 24-hour valet parking 24-hour secure access Advanced technology smart-building with high-speed fiber-optic wireless internet access throughout common areas
  • Exclusive LOFTY app
  • Cutting-edge green building technology
  • 6 high-speed passenger elevators with access control
  • On-site hospitality management Curated River-front restaurant with outdoor dining terrace

Building Amenities

  • Exotic resort pool with pool-side cabanas
  • Bar and grill on pool deck 24/7
  • Co-working lounge Private meeting rooms
  • Event room with exclusive terrace
  • A fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center with HD TVs and wireless audio Private Peloton studios Yoga lounge and terrace
  • LOFTY Rooftop Experience

Residence Features

  • Urban luxury residences with modern open layouts from 485SF—930SF Studio, one and two-bedroom units
  • All residences are delivered fully finished and furnished specially curated by INC
  • Panoramic Miami River, and Miami skyline views
  • Private balconies for every residence
  • Corner units offer wrap-around balconies
  • High ceilings ranging from 9’ to 11’
  • Owner closets in every residence
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and sound attenuating impact-resistant laminated glass throughout
  • Advanced technology Smart Building wiring for HD TV,
  • Multiple telephone /data lines and ultra-high-speed internet access
  • Individually controlled energy-efficient central air conditioning and heating system

Kitchen

  • Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pulls
  • Top of the line appliance package including stainless steel refrigerator, oven, cook-top, microwave, dishwasher and sink disposal
  • Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
  • Contemporary stainless steel under-mounted sink
  • High-arc gourmet faucet with integral sprayer

Master Bathroom

  • Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pulls
  • Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
  • Custom-finished floors and walls in wet areas
  • Frameless glass shower enclosures Spacious, extra-depth soaking tubs
  • Premium European-style fixtures and accessories

Construction completion date is anticipated for 2024. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Lofty Brickell, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.

YotelPad Has Officially Opened to Guests

YotelPad Rendering
YotelPad Miami in Downtown Miami

As of yesterday, YotelPad has officially opened to guests for the first time since construction has been completed. Sales for the tower began in late 2020 and the development sold out within 15 months after breaking ground.

Developed in a joint venture between Aria Development Group and AQARAT, YotelPad Miami is located at 227 NE Second Street in downtown Miami. The tower include 231 residential units while the hotel features 222 hotel rooms.

Condo units that range from 417 SF studios to 708 SF two-bedrooms. These units are located on floors 15 through 30. There are also 222 hotel units branded by the Yotel Britsh chain that occupy the lower levels of the tower. 

Although the units have sold out even without a parking garage, prices for the condo units ranged from $450,000 to $500,000 and the developers have confirmed that more than half of the buyers were from China, Mexico, and Columbia.

The units will also feature high-end appliances including an Electrolux washer and dryer, Grohe and Toto bath fixtures, Smart thermostats, Smart Lock System, and custom furniture packages.

Tower Amenities:

  • Elevated deck with pool, hot tub, and bar
  • Full-service restaurant and bar with outdoor paseo
  • Organic matcha bar
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Private meeting rooms with co-working space
  • Valet parking
  • TransitScreen displays all your mobility options,
    in real-time
  • Private residential lobby with destination dispatch elevators
  • 24-hour security and concierge
  • Secure storage unit for each residence
  • Enclosed bicycle storage
  • Skytop Lounge featuring a game area and chef’s kitchen
  • Digital package concierge

Stantec is the architect behind Yotelpad. Each unit offers carefully cultivated floorplans with integrated living and dining areas.  The fully-finished interiors feature contemporary flooring with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with a European kitchen and baths showcase custom cabinetry with stone finishes as well as Smeg Designer Italian appliances. 

540 Unit Tower Planned for Miami’s Art & Entertainment District

1775 Biscayne Boulevard Miami
1775 Biscayne Boulevard Miami

With plans for a 540-unit apartment skyscraper in Miami’s burgeoning Arts & Entertainment District, LCOR is making its South Florida development debut.

According to public documents, Pennsylvania-based, LCOR purchased 1.1 acres of land at 1775 Biscayne Boulevard from a corporation owned by Aventura orthopedic surgeon Barry Silverman and his wife, Judy Silverman. The location lies on the outskirts of Miami’s Edgewater district.

Webster Bank provided LCOR with a $33.4 million loan while Walker & Dunlop’s Keith Kurland and Michael Stepniewski represented them in the financing transaction.

According to the developer’s news release, LCOR has proposed a 40-story skyscraper with studios to two-bedroom apartments all equipped with stainless steel appliances, washers and dryers, and quartz countertops.

Amenities:

  • 600 space garage
  • WiFi throughout the building
  • Gym
  • Rooftop pool deck
  • Outdoor patio
  • Grilling space
  • Tenant lounges
  • Co-working spaces
  • Conference spaces
  • Package retrieval services
  • 14,000 square feet of ground-floor shops

The Silvermans initially planned a 53-story mixed-use skyscraper on the site with 444 residential apartments, 200 hotel keys, 45,600 square feet of commercial space, 64,500 square feet of office space, and a 546-parking garage through their V Downtown subsidiary. A Miami board approved the necessary exemptions for the construction in 2017, but the project was never completed.

LCOR’s first ground-up project in South Florida, according to the statement, but the business has been investing in the region and other Southeast regions for more than a decade.

According to its website, LCOR is a real estate developer, manager, and investor with a $9.5 billion portfolio of finished, under construction, and pre-development projects. The California State Teachers Retirement System, Ares Management, and PGIM are among its partners. LCOR’s CEO is Anthony Barsanti, and its senior vice president is Anthony Tortora.

Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2024 with completion in 2026.

Cavalli Tower Proposed at Champlain Tower South Site

DAMAC Properties Buys Surfside Site
DAMAC Properties Buys Surfside Site

DAMAC Properties recently announced that it has officially received approval to purchase land in the Surfside neighborhood of Miami in a $120 million deal. This land is none other than the site where the Champlain Tower South deadly collapse occurred just last year. DAMAC Properties intends on building a luxury branded tower on the site, Cavalli.

The site itself is located at 8777 Collins Ave Surfside featuring 1.8 acres and was sold to DAMAC through a court process and without any other competing bids on the property.

Prior to DAMAC taking an interest in the site, it was listed for $95.6 million. Sajwani offered the $120 million with the stipulation that he would obtain possession by the spring of 2022. One of the other stipulations was that Sajwani had to pay a $16 million deposit to make the contract valid.

Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties stated, “DAMAC Properties has long been eyeing development opportunities in Miami. We see the city, which is known for being a luxury and fashion centre, as a natural fit for our Company, which has an established reputation for its branded luxury offerings.”

While this is Sajwani’s first United States development, he has an extensive portfolio with establishments of his company in global cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Baghdad, and London. Sajwani has heavily invested in luxury fashion, real estate, hospitality, and manufacturing.

According to Sajwani, “Our global expansion into the United States marks a major milestone and demonstrates that DAMAC is a force to be reckoned with. This is an exciting time, and we have a lot in store.”

Surfside has been a hub for ultra-luxury condominium constructions in recent years, including the Four Seasons Private Residences, Fendi Chateau Residences, and Arte Surfside towers.

Renderings and Sales Launched for Major Residences Miami

Major Residences Miami Ground View
Major Residences Miami Ground View
Major Residences Miami Rooftop Aerial

Major news for the infamous hospitality group, Major Food Group! Major Residences (renamed 888 Residences), the 1,049-foot-tall skyscraper, is setting a new benchmark from the minute tourists approach the site. Major ushers in lifestyle-driven hospitality and great home architecture for Miami as a combined vision of four industry heavyweights, MFG, JDS, Studio Sofield, and Ken Fulk.

Major Residences Miami Pool Deck

According to the group, “This is the tallest, the most brilliantly designed, the best-in-class hospitality experience, with the best club, in the best city in the world.”

Major Residences Miami Terrace

Major Residences will be located at 888 Brickell Avenue in Miami and will have 259 unique luxury apartments ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms designed by Studio Sofield and set to open in early 2026, with sales for the project commencing July 2022. Each of the Major units will be designed as a hybrid plan, with a “lockout” function that allows for smooth conversions between a private residence, suite, and/or guest room.

Amenities:

  • Access to the exclusive Major Club
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Leisure
    • Wellness
    • Fitness
    • Pool deck
    • Terrazzo-clad sun deck
    • Private cabanas
    • Poolside service w/ a Major Food Group restaurant
  • 115,000 square feet of facilities

The Food & Beverage program will contain trademark Major Food Group brands and wholly new ideas developed by longstanding partner Ken Fulk, unique to Major Residences Miami.

Major Residences Miami Kitchen Rendering

The tower, designed by William Sofield, has a beautiful façade of ivory travertine and high-gloss steel columns, giving it a defined, graphic look and distinguishing it from the surrounding structures.

Major Residences Miami Lobby Entrance

The Porte-cochere, in a significant architectural gesture of skill and quality, greets with Gatsby-level enthusiasm via gold leaf trims, massive slabs of travertine, and white-glove service, setting the tone for the building’s mood.

Major Residences Miami is estimated to be completed summer of 2026. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Major Residences Miami, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Major Residences Miami Tower View

70% Sold for Standard Residences

The Standard Midtown Residences
The Standard Midtown Residences

In November Rosso Development along with Standard International announced their collaboration on a development project in Midtown Miami, The Standard Residences. Now, the Standard has reached 70% sold in only 5 months.

Situated between the Design District and Wynwood, the Standard Residences will rise 12 stores and will feature 228 luxury hotel branded units curated by Urban Robot and Standard International. Arquitectonica is listed as the architect on the project.

The luxury units range from 432 to 965 square feet of living space with studio to two-bedroom floor plan options still available. Prices will range from $469,900 to $949,900

Price Breakdown

  • Studios starting at $469,900
  • 1-bedroom starting at $699,900
  • 1-Bedroom + Den starting at $809,900
  • 2-bedrooms starting at $949,900

The units will feature cubby kitchens designed by Urban Robot, expansive 6′ deep terraces, and master baths with double showers. Unit owners will be able to rent their units for periods of up to 30 days with exclusive benefits to friends and family.

Amenities:

  • 35,000 square feet of amenities
  • 10,000 square feet of retail space
  • Expansive lobby with lounge areas and a cafe
  • Rooftop restaurant
  • Bar
  • 60-foot resort-style pool
  • Sweat room and fitness center
  • Indoor pickleball court
  • Yoga and stretch studios
  • Karaoke bar
  • Pet Spa
  • Party room

Carols Rosso, owner of Rosso Development has stated that this is his first major development since he left the Related Group. Rosso hinted at additional Standard-branded residential projects in the pipeline.

Standard International, currently operates 16 hotels in the United States and across the world and owns a waterfront hotel on the Venetian Islands in Miami Beach named the Standard Spa.

The sales gallery is still under construction and is expected to be completed in June 2022. Construction on the actual tower has already started and the expected completion date is in 2023.