JDS Development’s 888 Brickell Receives FAA Approval For Supertall Status

 
Just as in the Gatsby era that inspired its design, residents of the new 888 Brickell will be looking down upon their neighbors, except this time they will do so literally. Michael Stern’s JDS Development Group has garnered approval from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to build a 1,049-foot gilded supertall skyscraper in the middle of the Miami Financial District.

This development team is the same team that brought the first supertall to Brooklyn with the 93-story Brooklyn Tower, which topped out in 2021.

What has changed since the project was announced?

When initially announced, JDS had partnered with Major Food Group on the project however Major decided during the summer that it is not the time for them to go into residential development. The tower is now known as 888 and could still offer dining options by Major Food Group once open.

The unit count has also changed. Rather than having 259 units spanning through 90 floors, the floor count has been cut to 81. The height has not changed, which tells us that at least some of the residences have been updated with higher ceilings.

The details of the amenity and retail areas have also changed, although we cannot yet speculate what the changes are at this phase of the planning process. The parking has been upgraded to 273 spaces, up from the initially-planned 250 valet-operated spots.

Rendering of 888 Brickell Valet Porte Cochere

What remains the same?

No changes were mentioned regarding the interior finish-out, but that is to be expected at this point. The interior finishes are immaterial to the request for height approval and Major Food Group had more to do with the name and amenities than anything, so we anticipate seeing Michael Stern’s Gatsby-theme to proceed as announced.

This theme will include the gilded pool, a valet court that is trimmed in gold leaf and monolithic slabs of Italian travertine and canopied by a gold-beaded screen that emits a warm, indulgent glow. New detailed renderings also depict gilded gargoyles to fend off residents from evil spirits and those who wish harm upon them.

Rendering of Major Residences Brickell Miami Gold Silver Pool via JDS

When is this coming to fruition?

At this time, the development has received the FAA approval as well as a pending utility deal with Miami-Dade County. The description of the project in this application describes the project as:

“NEW CONSTRUCTION OF 259 APARTMENT UNITS, 24,725 SF BAR/COCKTAIL LOUNGE, 4,600 SF FAST FOOD REST, 14,490 SF FULL SERV REST, 5,509 SF SPA AND 24,806 SF BANQUET HALL// 54,625 SF FITNESS CENTER ONLY FOR THE STRICT USE OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE BUILDING”

As for the actual construction, we have not heard of who the general contractor will be, just that bids are being accepted. Construction is expected to begin this summer (2023) and our best guess of delivery would be 2026 given the height of the building and level of finish-out.

The apartments are slated to range from one to four bedrooms and Tier 1 (friends and family) prices are set to range from $1.6 million to $11 million. Penthouse prices and details have not yet been released.

If you are interested in a private presentation and specific pricing, please contact Michael Light, Broker and Executive Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman. You may reach Michael directly at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.