Brickell House Finally Finds Solution to Its Parking Garage Woes
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.
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.
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!
Is Cryptocurrency Changing the Miami Real Estate Market?
With the Miami real estate market so hot right, it is of no surprise that offers are becoming more and more creative. We are seeing contingencies and appraisals being dropped to create a competitive edge for buyers. These aren’t the only items of change! In the MLS (multiple listing service), we are seeing an option for sellers to decided if they will accept cryptocurrency in their offer.
Cryptocurrency is a digital asset used to purchase goods and services. It has made headway in the past few years and it continues to gain popularity. In Miami we are seeing nightclubs, retail shops, and airlines accepting this form of payment. More retail stores are beginning to accept it like Overstock.com, Microsoft, and Home Depot, to name a few.
According to The Real Deal, South Florida is seeing a large number of Financial Managers and Tech-Savvy Entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and New York using crypto in their real estate offers.
Vice President of Portfolio Development for Idoneus, Tim O’Leary handles a Swiss payment token (native cryptocurrency), which he has seen included in real estate offers more recently. O’Leary stated, “Idoneus has been utilized as a method of payment to acquire properties in Alaska, to Florida, to the Caribbean.”
There are a few different cryptocurrencies currently out and the most popular is Bitcoin. With how mainstream Bitcoin has become, crypto is becoming a common occurrence but there is still much hesitation. Since crypto leaves no paper trail, there is a lot of skepticism.
One of the biggest perks is that it can allow for cheaper and faster transactions, which is huge for the current real estate market.
Continuum South Beach Penthouse Sells for $35 Million After 6 Years on the Market
You may have heard that the Miami real estate market is hot and if you need any convincing, the Continuum South Beach penthouse that has been sitting on the market for 6 years has just sold!
Ian Bruce Eichner, the developer for Continuum South Beach has sold his penthouse in the tower for a cool $35 million. It was originally listed for $48 million in 2014. According to the Wall Street Journal, Eichner had been renting out the penthouse since December 2020 at $200,000 monthly on a short-term lease.
Located at 100 South Pointe Drive, Miami Beach; this one-of-a-kind 4-story penthouse boasts 11,031 square feet with 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, a 6,000 square foot terrace, and a rooftop pool. Some of the more exclusive features of this penthouse is the cabana, guest unit, and 10 parking spaces.
Continuum South Beach is a 2 tower development. Tower one was finished in 2002 and tower 2 was completed in 2003 featuring all of the amenities that luxury towers could ask for. The development amenities include: resort-style pools, lap pool, full service beach club, 13,000 square foot world-class spa and fitness center, restaurant, 3 clay tennis courts, tennis pro shop, 24-hour security, full service concierge and valet parking.
The original asking price for this unit was $39.9 million. Eichner did not disclose who the buyer was for this deal.
With limited inventory and a high-demand for penthouses/condos with luxury amenities in Miami, it is no surprise that this gorgeous penthouse sold!
‘Millionaire’s Tax’ Heads to New York While Bankers, and Big Earners Head Out
High tax rates are common within the city of New York and it has never really steered bankers, fund managers, and big earners away from ‘The Big Apple.’ In fact, the appeal to live in New York has always been the exclusivity of living there if you could afford it. But with a recent New York state budget agreement that plans to raise rates among certain high earners, there are some that are looking to move and settle south.
According to a Reuters article, a high level employee at a large bank who does not want to be identified stated, “I’m already looking for an apartment in Florida.” There has also been talk among others who are earning more than $1 million are considering moving their entire firms out of the city.
The breakdown of the legislation would have the top New York City earners paying an upwards of 15.73% in combined state and city taxes. To put it in perspective, the current tax rate for the state range from 4% to 8.82% and the city ranges are 3.08% to 3.88%
This legislation was named the “millionaire’s tax,” and is expected to increase taxes for earners who make more than $1 million a year. If implemented, this tax would beat California’s (highest in the country) tax rate.
Larger companies have already started moving staff out of New York. Some of note are Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, Virtu Financial Inc, and Elliot Management. A smaller hedge fund manager stated, “This creates an overwhelming incentive to move.”
Geoffrey Weinstein, a tax attorney for Cole Schotz stated that, “When wealthy people don’t like something, they don’t protest, they just leave.” If this is the case, then the tax will eventually fall on earners making less that $1 million.
With more people working remote due to the pandemic, places like Florida that have lower tax rates, lower real estate taxes, and are fully opened are becoming an ideal location for top earners. And we at Miami Condo Investments welcome them with open arms!
Construction is Underway for Platform 3750 Project in West Grove Neighborhood Miami
Platform 3750, a mixed-use project in the West Grove neighborhood of Miami has just broke ground at 3750 South Dixie Highway on 2.1 acres. This site is within walking distance of the Douglas Road Metrorail Station. The Cornerstone Group is the lead developer for this mixed-use project and is currently leasing from Miami-Dade County after winning a request for the RFP process.
This project is expected to create 300 jobs and is designed to ‘jumpstart economic activity’ in West Grove. It is anticipated to have 191 apartments, 21,000 square feet of retail space already leased to Aldi and Starbucks, 14,000 square feet of office space for the Cornerstone Group, 12,500 square feet of office space for the county’s Community Action & Human Services division, 3,000 square feet for the district office of county Commissioner Raquel Regalado, and 400 parking spaces.
Cornerstone Partner, Lenny Wolfe states, “West Grove has been neglected for a while. There was a very small amount of affordable housing built there and there is tremendous need. And it’s a food desert because there’s a real need for an affordable grocery store.”
This project was designed by Kobi Karp Architecture and the general contractor is Current Builders
The loan for this project includes a $60.5 million loan, $8 million county’s surtax, $3.5 million city government obligation bond, $1.95 million city Home loan, $1.4 million from the county economic development fund, and $5 million in tax credit equity.
Cornerstone Partners announced that they anticipate this project to be completed by the end of 2022.
MiamiRealEstate.TV is the Newest Addition to Miami Condo Investments
We would like to officially announce our newest project, the MiamiRealEstate.TV website. Since 2014, I had a vision of creating a space for all things real estate in Miami. In that same year, I purchased the domain at auction and have been researching ideas/creating a plan since the beginning. During that time, I knew that technology and real estate would collide and I’m so thrilled that this vision has become a reality!
The biggest difference between this project and what others have done is that these videos aren’t just about myself and my listings. I want to showcase the best Realtors in the area, luxury listings, real-estate developers, city-transforming developments, and other industry-leading game changers.
There are currently five videos available featuring Philip Freedman, the Executive Sales Director of The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach, and Adriana Brito giving a tour of the Upper Penthouse at Brickell Flatiron. Dora Puig was also interviewed giving a tour of her listing for $38 million penthouse at Icon South Beach (please see above video).
Our hope with the launch of MiamiRealEstate.TV is to bring expertise to Miami Real Estate viewers.
We are so excited for this new adventure and we look forward to growing with you! Be sure to follow @miamirealestate.tv on Instagram and visit MiamiRealEstate.Tv to stay updated with everything real estate in Miami.
Missoni Baia Construction Passes its Halfway Point
Welcome to Missoni Baia! This remarkable waterfront tower will feature 57 floors with an impressive 200 feet of Biscayne Bay frontage. Curated by New York designer Paris Forino, with 249 custom one-to-five bedroom options. The architect for this tower is Hani Rashid of Asymptotoe Architecture and the developer is OKO Group under Vladislav Doronin.
Construction is underway for this gorgeous tower and it has passed the half-way point. According to CEO of developer Cain International, “This milestone is a testament to the team’s diligence and hard work despite the challenges presented by the current environment. Building Missoni Baia to its midpoint milestone is a remarkable moment for our team as we bring this elegantly designed, landmark project to life.”
According to a press release from Missoni Baia, all windows have been added to the north and south tower up to the 36th floor, including partial balconies. Civic Construction, the general contractor has stated that top-off is estimated this time next year.
Building Information:
Prices start at $600,000 to $9 million
One-to-five bedroom layouts
776 to 3,788 square feet
Direct Bay or City views with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami or South Beach
Residences feature 10 foot ceilings
Terraces with impact resistant glass windows are 8 to 10 feet deep
Marble-encased bathrooms with European styles lacquered cabinets
Custom kitchens with top-of-the-line cabinetry and high end appliances
The residents will have access to all the amenities a luxury resort has to office; five separate pools with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and an infinity pool with views of Biscayne Bay. Poolside lounges, cabanas, elevated tennis courts, and luxury spa are also available. Residents will also receive membership access to the Grand Bay Club beachfront of Miami’s Key Biscayne.
Missoni Baia is still on track for completion for the end of 2022! Subscribe for more updates on Missoni Baia construction!
Is Kim Kardashian Moving to Miami?
American media personality and socialite, Kim Kardashian may be making the move to Miami along with other celebrities who are leaving the west coast. With announcements of her recent filing for divorce from rapper Kayne West; Life & Style Magazine have revealed that Kim K. is “checking out Miami real estate – and Miami men.”
Her claim to fame came when she first debuted on television as the personal stylist and friend to Paris Hilton. Over the years, she has created brands KKW Beauty, KKW Fragrance, and SKIMS; as well as starring in a hit reality tv show ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ that just ended its’ final season. Sources have said that Kim K. wants to restart her life and has referenced Miami being her target.
Florida is known for its less strict COVID guidelines, no state income tax, and lower cost of living; it should be of no surprise that a large number of celebrities are leaving the west coast and moving to South Florida.
Other celebrities that have made their way to Miami include; Ivanka and Jared Kushner purchasing their $32.2 million estate in Miami Beach’s Indian Creek, Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen purchased a $17 million home also in Indian Creek, and Rob Gronkowski purchasing a $1.7 million condo in the Marquis Residences.
Kim and her sister Kourtney Kardashian previously lived in Miami from 2009-2013 when they filmed their spin-off series; ‘Kourtney and Kim Take Miami.’ Whether she purchases a condo in downtown or in the famous Indian Creek where many celebs flock too, we will definitely be on the look out for Kim Kardashian’s next moves!
Heineken Opens Cervecería La Tropical Brewery in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District
Photo Credit: Cerveceria La Tropical
The new Miami brewery Cervecería La Tropical, named after the historic Cuban brewery, Cervecería, was first opened in 1888 in Havana but was seized by the Cuban government in the 1960’s. Located at 42 N.E. 25th Street in the Wynwood Arts District, this brewery will feature an on-site brewing operation with tour, taproom, restaurant, and outdoor botanical garden.
This state of the art brewery has an annual brewing capacity of 32,000 hectoliters per year and can house up to 800 craft beers. According to Brewbound, the brewery will be led by Brew Master Matt Weintraub, who is a graduate and award winner of the Florida International University Brewing Program.
According to the South Florida Business Journal, Cervecería occupies 28,000 square feet, which includes a Latin and Caribbean cuisine restaurant from Chef Cindy Hutson, owner of Zest Miami. It can seat 800 guests and a 10,000 square foot botanical garden, with additional outdoor seating.
Their menu will include 20 handcrafted beers ranging from lagers, IPAs, sours, barrel-aged, and ales infused with local ingredients. They will feature their La Original Ambar Lager, which is inspired by the original recipe from 1888.
“More than a century after La Tropical was originally founded, I am proud and excited to be creating a new cerveza, food and cultural destination that unites La Tropical’s Cuban soul with Miami’s diverse and unique culture that has made the city the gateway of the Americas” states owner, Manny Portuondo.
Their grand opening is tonight, February 19th, 2021 at Cerveceria La Tropical, 42 NE 25th St. Wynwood, Miami, FL 33137 from 9:00pm to 11:00pm with live band Xperimento!