Swire Unveils The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, To Be Built On Brickell Key

 
At last, Swire has lifted the veil on its plans for the southern tip of Brickell Key, which claims the last available waterfront development site on the island. They are not simply planning a tower in order to increase the marketability of the site. Rather, they have another impressive contribution to our skyline.

Behold, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami! With two separate towers, the existing Mandarin Oriental will be demolished in order to make way for an updated and upgraded location with 151 guest rooms, 61 private residences and 28 hotel residences in their own 400-foot tower. This tower is expected to harmoniously complement the residential-only tower with a uniform, elegant design.

The separate residential tower will rise 800 feet on the southeast side of the waterfront site and contain 220 residences, according to The Next Miami.  This exclusive collection of homes will feature two-to-four-bedroom layouts with generous floor plans of up to 4,700 square feet. The crown jewel will encompass two extraordinary duplex penthouses, each sprawling over 6,000 square feet.

We do remember that in December of 2022, Swire petitioned the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) for permission to build up to 1,049 feet and obtain supertall status. While this did not happen, the 800-foot tower is spectacular and comes with the smaller 400-foot hotel and residences in order to keep the more transient occupants separate from the more private year-round residences and adding to the privacy/security of the development.

In a statement, Swire promised that the towers will be “architecturally significant.”

Rendering of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami Pool | Photo Credit: Binyan Studios

“Swire Properties has been headquartered in Miami for over 40 years, and in that time, we are proud to have transformed Brickell Key into one of the most sought-after locations in the city. With One Island Drive, we have taken the last prime waterfront site and created an island sanctuary that will be a destination for connoisseurs of luxurious design, intuitive service, and meticulous craftsmanship. Destined to become Miami’s most coveted condominium address, One Island Drive pairs intricately designed interiors with expansive private outdoor spaces that offer unmatched views of Biscayne Bay and the glittering skyline. With all the glamour and excitement of Miami, including convenient access to the city, One Island Drive offers the ultimate privacy for residents and guests. Surrounded by natural beauty, sparkling waters, and majestic vistas, there is no other location in Miami that provides what we are creating at One Island Drive,” said Henry Bott, President of Swire Properties Inc to Florida YIMBY (acronym for Yes In My Back Yard).

With the new design, taken on by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, this project preserves the exclusivity of the current Mandarin Oriental that is a favorite for celebrities and other highly private travelers alike. One of the differentiating features of the Mandarin Oriental Miami is that due to the location and layout of the pool area, paparazzi intrusions are nearly impossible. Even with long-range cameras, unwanted photos of poolside lounging are rare.

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates is also behind the upcoming One Bayfront Plaza design in Downtown Miami as well as numerous other notable projects from around the globe. The interior design will be taken on by two Parisian designers. Tristan Auer will finish the Residences and Laura Gonzalez is responsible for the Hotel tower. Landscape firm Shma Designs, from Thailand, will take on the exterior and gardens. While we do not yet have interior renderings, all three have lengthy and impressive portfolios and are making their debut into the Miami market. How very exciting to see some new faces and designs in our skyline!

Rendering of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami Entry | Photo Credit: Binyan Studios

Sales will launch in late 2023, with prices starting at $3.5 million.

Considering the fact that One Island Drive is exempt from the Urban Land Review Board’s approval process due to a previous deal that was hashed back in the 90’s, we anticipate the earliest delivery of the residences to be early 2026. This time frame is purely speculative from our experience in the development process and considering that Swire moves to begin construction around the same time that sales are launched.

If you are interested in learning more about The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Miami with more specific details as they are made available, please contact Michael Light, Broker and Executive Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elliman, to discuss pre-qualification requirements. You may reach Michael directly at (786) 566-1700 or via email at michael@miamiluxuryhomes.com.